Well that's one hunt to put in the books-not sure what book??
Lets start by saying Scott beyer (my buddy) did get his bear 145 lb.
1st night - find out 16 hunters & 5 guides hunting-was told 8-12 hunters max actually 16 hunter and 5 guides hunted(guides went hunting after dropping us off). All is good until a CO( nation forestry officer) climbs up into my stand at 7:15pm(prime time) informs me that my blind is illegal- outfitter does not have proper permits-lets me hunt the remainder of night 15-18 minutes or so. Get back to camp and Steve says he has cleared the mess up. I later find out he was fined for not having proper permits and hanging stands too early.
2nd night- prime time again and the seat on the tree stand gives way(thank GOD for a secure harness). upon looking at stand only one cable used to hold seat and it broke loose.
3rd night same bait new ladder stand wind wrong direction- still no bears
4th night same as above wrong wind- no bears
by the way I have ask to be moved to new stand , but guide said no?
5th night put into new area- everything looks good---until I keep hearing cars pull up-noise- then cars pull away.(12 times in 3 hours) the sounds are coming from directly past my bait. It sounds like 30-40 yds past the bait. Just as prime time arrives so does a camper. I hear a tent setup and a fire start and talking. I climb down and find out 60 yards past my bait is a parking lot to a famous waterfall site. In order to shoot at a bear I would have to shoot toward a parking lot where kids where playing and campers have a tent.
When I get back to camp I ask to talk to Steve Edgar(owner) and indicated what has happened. Steve blows a gasket-starts swearing and yelling telling me since I am elevated it would be fine. I point out there is no way I'm shooting toward people. He rip's he shirt off and starts coming at me swearing and says he is going to kick my A__ __!!. I am in complete disbelief and ask him what is his problem. He threatens my saying I outa Kill your whinny A_ _. At this time I get out of there, drive 10 miles down the road and to local gas station and contact the sheriff. The sheriff comes out along with the DNR. They inform me they have had multiple issues with Steve Edgar and the write up a report. Steve denies the claims and others in camp didn't hear anything??
so that was my bear hunt. Hope deer season is a little better.
JIM HARTWICK
I didn't find any joy in this , but I did alot of praying
James 1:2-5 (New Living Translation)
2 Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.
5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.
The reason why I added this scripture at the end "is the reast of the story.
After contacting the sheriff, but before he got there( 30 minutes) I was just shaking. I was well lets say very angry. All kind of thoughts crossed my mind- going back, revenge, hate,etc. I picked up my bible opened to James and started reading. The 1st few verses hit me like rock(Talk about confirmation). I know GOD was talking to me and I wanted to listen, but didn't want to hear. I just sat there praying. When the sheriffs pulled up- I was calm, some what relaxed and I know the sheriff's believed every word I told them. Looking back I know things work out for a reason. Hopefully I will understand some day. As for now leason learned and one for the books.
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