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Showing results for tags 'bear hunting bow hunting'.
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Hey guys so i was out hunting today with my bow in the southern zone at a local state park. I decided to do a bit of spot and stalk on foot / scouting trip on some old territory at a place i used to hunt a lot. Not a ton of sign but definitely some decent spots to hang a tree stand in as the season heats up. So i was on my way back down the mountain heading out towards the car still a half mile or so from the parking lot. I was heading down hill when i heard a branch break 30 yards off to my right. I looked over and low and behold the most beautiful black bear i have ever seen! I froze in my tracks and slowly started to creep towards him closing the distance. I easily could have hit him however there were some obstructions between us like some minor brush and some rocks. I had a clear back drop for the shot as he was along side a rock ledge that was going up hill. As i closed the distance he saw me and turned and dove into what looked like a hole in the middle of nowhere! I could not believe my eyes he just vanished out of thin air! So i am guessing he dove into his den. I stood there with my bow just as i was getting ready to draw with my jaw on the floor and then decided to leave. Something felt unethical about hunting a bear hiding in its den. I know that you are not allowed to shoot a bear IN its den but it just felt wrong. I would like to bag this guy he was a nice sized bear for early season being as big as he was and i was wondering what some of the more experienced bear hunters think i should do? Set up a tree stand near by? If so how far would you consider to be ethical and when do bear usually come in and out of their den? Either way it was an amazing experience to see such a magnificent animal in the woods. I always heard there were bear in the park but once you see one in person its a completely different story. So any input thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thanks again guys and good luck out there!