[CircuitRider]

A COUNTRY HARD ON OLD THIS OLD MAN



As I arrived in Arizona at the foot hills of The Apache National Forrest there was magic in the air and great expectations. What a beautiful country that would prove to be hard on this old man. I had worked all summer exercising by running, weight lifting and steps. Well, it is a good thing I did because I can't image making any of the country and chase on this one bear I saw with out the effort I put forth during the summer.

Hunted 5 full days and half of another one seeing only one bear and never getting a shot. The first day we went in 26 miles on four wheelers and hiked four miles on foot when we got there. Here are pictures of the first day.



Me looking out of an old cowboys cabin built in the 1930's


When I looked out the window this is what I saw


Big snake and my friend Mickey killed it.


Look at the poison that leaked out of his fangs on the rock



Second day






Third, Fourth and Fifth day - Fourth day we chased the only bear for half a day trying to cut him off since you can not bait in Arizona and we covered five miles in the chase that took us in and out of canyons and up and over ridges. I took four advil when I went to bed and two ours later took four more just to get to sleep and have relief from my knees. Yes, a Country HARD ON ME - AN OLD MAN.


This is the fifth time I have been there and only once have I been able to take a shot on a bear and get him. I love the hunt and this was by far the toughest I have been on in a long time.

When we were chasing that big boy on the fourth day I dove off into a deep canyon to try and drive him out. I went at least a half mile down that canyon and it was very rough with many places for the bear to hide. The bear went up and out because I could see where he went up by the torn up ground. I was so tired and new that if I did not climb out up this steep side it would cost me at least 45 minutes to an hour of time and I would be out of the hunt. Well guys, that was one steep side and I was shot when I got to the top. Fell in that canyon twice and put 7 marks on the stock and one on the barrel of my 358Win. My rifle was baptized in the ways of Arizona



Time for coffee and lunch break




My two friends Mickey on the left and Jim on the right

[CircuitRider]

Yes another one I found

[rondog]

Did y'all eat them snakes? Just like chicken!

[jerry]

Thanks for sharing. Man, I miss Arizona. I stepped in a den of mojave Greens while out bird hunting once. Good thing no NBA recruiters were there, I think they would have hired me for as far as I jumped in the air when I felt them moving under my feet.

[musicmaniac]

Great pics and glad you had a good time sir! Pictures like those are just one more reason I love this great state!

[thrillbilly]

Looks like ya'll had fun...bear or no bear.
LOL ya'll must just have the luck...I lived in the southwest for eight years...camping and hiking the deserts and mountains every chance I got (we lived on the edge of town, so in my youthful enthusiasm, I was out almost every day). I never once saw a rattler...only heard one once, and it was away off...never found it. Did come across a jillion lizards and scorpions though.

[CircuitRider]

Quote:       Originally Posted by rondog

Did y'all eat them snakes? Just like chicken!

The first one we eat for breakfast the next day and the second one we eat for the evening meal the day we killed it.

[CircuitRider]

Quote:       Originally Posted by thrillbilly

Looks like ya'll had fun...bear or no bear. LOL ya'll must just have the luck...I lived in the southwest for eight years...camping and hiking the deserts and mountains every chance I got (we lived on the edge of town, so in my youthful enthusiasm, I was out almost every day). I never once saw a rattler...only heard one once, and it was away off...never found it. Did come across a jillion lizards and scorpions though.

Yes, I had a lot of fun hunting and fellowship with my friends.

[rimfirenut]

Great pics, great story,and bear or no bear it is time well spent with a good friend and cherished memories.... don't get any better than that.....

[ArkansasHunter]

Sure wished I could of been there with yall CR. Thanks for shareing your good time with friends and Thanks a million for the pictures. That is some perty country yall were in...minus the snakes...A.H

[G. Green]

Thanks a bunch for the pics and words.

[Joe Brainard]

As always enjoyed reading the story, and looking at your photos.

[SwedeSteve]

Thanks for the great pics, and nice read.