Manitoba Bear Hunt

After hunting black bear in the U.S. and Eastern Canada for many years. I decided to try a hunt in Manitoba, Canada.

I flew into Winnipeg where I met my guide. After a two and half hour trip, most of it on dirt roads we reached camp. It was a nice cabin on the shore of a big lake. After unpacking my gear we took a boat ride and I had my first shore lunch.

My first day in Manitoba ended with an evening meal, then off to a good night of sleep.

My first night on stand produced one bear. It was just an average size black bear. My goal was to harvest an adult color phase black bear or a Pope & Young black bear.

(Day Two)

Manitoba Bear Hunt

I had two bear visit my bait site. The first bear was very inquisitive and climbed right up the tree to my cameraman.

I thought for sure I was going to have to shoot this bear to protect my cameraman. But when he realized what was up the tree, he quickly retreated down the tree.

The second was a male that enjoyed marking every tree he could in any way. After a little dinner from the bait barrel he headed off, stomping his front paws all the way out of sight.

Both bears where in the 200 pound range and not Pope & Young.

(Day Three)

Manitoba Bear Hunt

We headed to our 3rd location. I was the only hunter in camp.

So we had the liberty to hunt wherever the guide thought I might find a bear I wanted. This time we took an hour boat ride to a very secluded spot.

The first two nights we traveled by ATV. We were set up only 10 yards off the river's edge. Three bears showed up this night.

Two were about 150 pounds and the other was a nice 250 pound female. None were what I was looking for.

(Day Four)

Manitoba Bear Hunt

We went for another boat ride even further down the river. We had a small bear show his agility by walking on a blown down tree to reach the inlet we were set up by.

Later a real big bear circled our bait site, but never came in close enough for a shot.

When it got dark my guide, who also was my cameraman, walked back deeper into the woods to fine two new trees to set up tree stands. He was sure this bear would not show his face at the bait in daylight hours.

The plan was to get a shot opportunity when he came into protect the bait or wait until darkness came, to feed.

(Day Five)

Manitoba Bear Hunt

My guide brought along a small Coleman stove and heated a block of honey in a pan while we were on stand. He was sure this would at least bring the bear in early enough for us to get a shot, as he approached the bait.

A half hour before dark I saw a tree swaying back and forth like crazy and there was no wind. I brought this to my guide's attention.

We both knew that a bear was the culprit who was pushing the tree back and forth. Within minutes I saw the bear approaching our stands. When he was about to reach the opening in front of my stand, I got ready for a shot. It was obvious this was a huge bear and Pope & Young quality.

His head entered the opening and he stopped. Then he looked straight up at me, turned and walked away. Don't ever under estimate a bear's nose! That bear new exactly where we were.

Even though this was the first time we were in these stands. When darkness set in I made a little noise. So if the bear was still close by he would leave. Wrong move! The bear charged to the base of my tree huffing and chomping his teeth.

Needless to say I stayed in my tree for a long time after that. Before climbing down I made sure I made enough noise, so any bear could hear me and leave. Or charge my tree again! Yes, you bet I was nervous.

(Black Bear Bow Hunting)

(Day Six)

Manitoba Bear Hunt

The winds picked up real bad and there was no way to travel the river. So we hunted bait closer to camp. The bears were a no show. This was to be my last night to hunt. But it didn't take much convincing for me to change plans and stay over for a couple more days.

The next day I called the airport and changed my flight plans and the hunt was back on. It was Sunday so we spent the day fishing and enjoying the sights along the lakes (or rivers) in the area. I was so far out in nowhere, (as I would call it) I had no idea where we were.

All I knew there was a lot of water and a lot of woods.

(Day Eight)

Manitoba Bear Hunt

We where back after the big black bear that didn't like me in his area. After all, big bears don't climb trees.

Do they! We set up another honey burn and had put out the worst smelling bear lure I ever encountered. If this did not cover our human scent nothing would.

An hour into the evening I couldn't believe my eyes when a Cinnamon colored bear appeared off to my right. I immediately told my guide to get the camera rolling.

The bear passed through the opening before my guide gave me the ok to take this bear.

cinnamon color phase bear,

(Ron's Trophy)

I turned back to my guide and asked if I could take this bear. He was too busy filming and never answered.

When the bear turned and headed back towards the opening in front of my stand, I drew my bow. I had no problem making the decision on taking this bear.

The bear entered the opening and paused for a second, and I released my arrow. The arrow passed right through the bear's both lungs without hesitation.

I watched as he disappeared into the brush. Before I got to enjoy the moment. I heard the bear moan and knew I had my bear.

When I reached my bear I was in awe of his beautiful thick reddish blonde hair. He was not the 400 plus black bear that we came back for .But he was a beautiful 250 plus Cinnamon colored male. I could not have been happier.

I reached a goal that a bear hunting freak like myself dreams of.

I shot Another Color Phase Of Black Bear. And he will be mounted for me to look at forever in my den.