GETTING READY FOR A BLACK BEAR HUNT

I AM FLYING TO ANCHORAGE, ALASKA ON MAY 24, 2019, TO GO BLACK BEAR HUNTING IN THE TRAPPER CREEK AREA WITH MY GOOD FRIEND GEORGE FAERBER. I WILL BE TRYING FOR MY 4th BLACK BEAR, ALL WITH THE SAME FA MODEL 83 454 8 3/8ths INCH MNP STALKER REVOLVER. MY FIRST 2 WERE WITH 454 EQUIVALENT 45 COLT LOADS IN A 45 COLT CYLINDER. MY 3rd, AND HOPEFULLY 4th, ARE WITH 454's. WE WILL BE HUNTING OVER BAIT, AND FOR BLACK BEAR ONLY, BUT BROWN/GRIZZLY BEARS ROAM THE SAME AREA AND PRESENT AN ADDED DANGER. 2 YEARS AGO, WITH GEORGE, I SHOT A NICE 6 FOOTER (SMALLEST OF MY 3 BLACK BEARS) BUT THERE WAS A BIG 7+ FOOTER ROAMING AROUND THE BAIT I SHOT MY BEAR AT. HE SNUCK UP TO 20 OR SO YARDS OF ME AFTER I SHOT MY BEAR, AND ROAMED IN CLOSE WHILE WE WERE SKINNING AND QUARTERING MY BEAR. GEORGE SAYS HE WAS STILL AROUND LAST YEAR SO I GOT MY FINGERS CROSSED, THIS IS ONE BEAR THAT NEEDS KILLING!

MOST SHOTS WILL BE 50 YARDS OR LESS AND I SIGHT IN/DO A LOT OF SHOOTING AT AN 8 INCH GONG AT 50 YARDS, BUT ALSO PRACTICE WITH A FA 9 1/2 INCH 353 357 MAG REVOLVER ON A 6.5 INCH GONG @ 105 YARDS.

Good luck on your hunt -- and please tell George I said hello. Thanks - Mark

Awesome. Good luck Rey.

THESE ARE MY PRIMARY PRCTICE REVOLVERS FOR THE BLACK BEAR HUNT.

TOP GUN IS A FA 9 1/2 INCH MODEL 353 IN 357 MAG. FOR YEARS I SHOT AN OLDER BUSHNELL FIXED 2X ON IT BUT LAST YEAR I BOUGHT SOME SWIFT 158gr Aframes INTENDING TO MAYBE DEER HUNT WITH THIS REVOLVER, SO I SWITCHED TO A LEUPOLD FX-II 4x28. HAVEN'T HUNTED WITH THIS REVOLVER YET BUT OVER THE LAST MANY YEARS I HAVE SHOT SEVERAL THOUSAND PRACTICE ROUNDS OUT OF THIS GUN. CURRENTLY I AM SHOOTING SOME SPEER 158 FMJ's THAT I GOT A GOOD BULK PRICE ON SEVERAL YEARS AGO. I LOAD THEM OVER 16.5grs OF 296, IN IMI CASES, WITH FEDERAL 200 SMPP PRIMERS. ON A DECENT DAY, WHEN THE WIND IS NOT TOO BAD, I CAN ALMOST HIT 100% ON A 6.5 INCH GONG @ 105 YARDS, OFF OF A REST.

THE BOTTOM REVOLVER IS A FA MODEL 83 454 8 3/8ths INCH MNP STALKER, ITS TWIN IS MY PRIMARY HUNTING REVOLVER FOR THIS HUNT. BOTH TWINS WEAR NO LONGER MADE B&L FIXED 2X SCOPES, AWESOME SCOPES FOR BIG GAME HUNTING IN FAR AWAY PLACES. THE HUNTING GUN HAS A BETTER TRIGGER THAN THIS PRACTICE GUN SO I HAVE ALWAYS PRACTICED WITH THE ROUGHER TRIGGER AND HUNTED WITH THE BETTER TRIGGER.

I AM THINNING OUT MY AMMO VAULT AND AM USING OLD AMMO TO PRACTICE WITH IN THIS 454, USING IT WITH EITHER ITS 454 CYLINDER OR ITS 45 COLT CYLINDER. YESTERDAY I SHOT SOME 1993 45 COLT LOADS USING THE 320gr COR-BON RN PENETRATOR. MY RECORDS INDICATE THAT THAT LOAD WAS DOING 1,650fps, THIS IS THE LOAD I SHOT MY FIRST CAPE BUFFALO WITH. IN 20mph WINDS YESTERDAY, OFF A REST, I SHOT AT THE 6.5 INCH 105 YARD GONG WITH THIS 26 YEAR OLD BUFFALO LOAD, AND BINGO!

A TYPICAL PRACTICE SESSION IS SHOOT 4 TWICE IN THE 353 OFF A REST AT THE 105 YARD GONG, THEN STAND AND SHOOT 4 AT THE 50 YARD GONG, THEN SHOOT THE MODEL 83 @ THE 50 YARD GONG, 1 OFF A REST AND 2 SHOTS STANDING. THEN REPEAT THE SEQUENCE 3 MORE TIMES, BASICALLY SHOOTING 50 ROUNDS OUT OF THE 353 AND 12 ROUNDS OUT OF THE MODEL 83. IDEALLY I LIKE TO DO THAT AT LEAST TWICE A WEEK, DID IT YESTERDAY BUT AS I STARTED MY SESSION THIS MORNING A WET NORTHER BLEW IN AND THERE WENT THAT. I ALSO SHOOT A FEW ROUNDS STANDING AND/OR SITTING WITH ONE OF MY RUGER BISLEY 45 COLTS, MY SEMI-PERFECTED RUGER SINGLE SIX 22lr, AND MY LINEBAUGH RUGER REDHAWK 45 COLT.

Rey, Good luck and good huntin... get that big guy...Wish I as going....

Good luck n look forward to a pic of your bear!

THESE WILL BE MY HUNTING REVOLVERS FOR THE BLACK BEAR HUNT.

TOP GUN IS AN 8 3/8ths FA MODEL 83 MNP 454 STALKER (THE GOOD TRIGGER TWIN TO MY STALKER PRACTICE GUN). 2 YEARS AGO I USED THE 325gr BARNES BUSTER IN F-A CASES, REMINGTON 7 1/2 PRIMERS, AND 30.3 grs OF 296. THIS YEAR I AM GOING TO TRY 30.4grs OF 296 IN STARLINE CASES. WAS GOING TO FIRE 3 OF THE NEW ROUNDS IN THE HUNTING FA THIS MORNING BUT GOT WEATHERED OUT. LIKE ITS PRACTICE TWIN, THIS GUN WEARS AN OLD MODEL B&L FIXED 2X. FROM A BEAR STAND THE SHOTS ARE USUALLY SITTING OFF HAND, @ 50 OR LESS YARDS, AND THESE 8 3/8ths INCH STALKERS BALANCE REAL WELL (FOR ME) OFF HAND.

THE BOTTOM GUN IS A REDHAWK 44 MAG THAT LINEBAUGH CONVERTED TO 45 COLT FOR ME A LONG TIME AGO (BEFORE RUGER CHAMBERED THE 45 COLT IN THE REDHAWK). I THEN SENT IT TO MNP FOR PORTING, JEWELING, ACTION WORK, etc. TWO YEARS AGO I WAS USING A 260 CAST WFN IN THE HIGH 1,200's. THAT LOAD SHOOTS EXTREMELY WELL IN THE REDHAWK, AND I KILLED A BIG HOG (HEAD SHOT) WITH THAT LOAD A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO. THIS YEAR I AM TRYING A 265gr SWIFT Aframe AND A CUSTOM FURY 260gr FP FMJ. BEFORE I GOT WEATHERED OUT THIS MORNING I WAS ABLE TO FUNCTION TEST BOTH BULLETS OVER 26grs OF 296 IN NICKEL STARLINE CASES, FEDERAL 155M PRIMERS, EASY EXTRACTION WITH BOTH LOADS. WILL SEE HOW THEY SHOOT ON PAPER AND THEN DECIDE WHICH ONE TO TAKE TO ALASKA. BOTH LOADS FELT LIKE THEY HAD PLENTY OF SPEED GOING FOR THEM. THE REDHAWK IS MORE OF A BACK-UP GUN, TO BE CARRIED IN A DIAMOND D CHEST HOLSTER. USUALLY CARRY RUGER BISLEY REVOLVERS WHEN OUT AND ABOUT SO I FORGOT WHAT MASSIVE REVOLVERS THE REDHAWKS ARE.

Good luck! Sounds like you're prepared!

I will be doing the same thing on a spot and stalk backpack hunt in the Kenai mountains (about 100 road miles the other way from anchorade) the 16th through the 19th. Unless i can get a ton of practice in with the handgun between now and then i will be using a rifle. Its been a long time since i shot the short guns much and i dont want to mess up and wound and lose one. Good luck.

Dang, you're going on my hunt! Congrats and good luck.

You have some great looking rigs there 45MAN!

sounds like you have a great practice regimen down. When I was prepping for a baited bear hunt, I did a lot of shooting seated offhand (even in a tree stand in the yard) and that makes a big difference. it will feel like clockwork.

I hope you get a crack at that big wise ol 7 footer! I am sure you will have fun either way

We'll be there in spirit guys. Can't afford to be there any other way!

I love, love, love to hunt bears! Rey, good luck & I hope you whack that 7 footer. And Vance I hope you get to pistol whip one also. Some of our Idaho bears are just starting to show up although it's still a bit early.

Dick

Good luck!

Best wishes for you with your hunt, Rey! George has certainly hosted some successful fellow handgunners! I am recalling Mark Hampton's feat of shooting a Black Bear and a Brown Bear on the same day, probably in that same area.

Hey, Rey, get one for the "experienced" guys (i.e., older).
Never give up.

Rey,

If I may ask, what grips do you have on your Redhawk? Pachmayrs?
How do you like them?

have a grand time

Sounds like you are ready for a great hunt. Good luck and stay safe.

THEY ARE PACHMAYRS, UGLY AS HELL BUT THEY WORK VERY GOOD! I CANNOT HANDLE REGULAR RUGER GRIPS WITH HEAVY KICKERS.

Best of luck to you, Rey!

Thanks! I am shopping around for a good somewhat compact revolver for carrying in grizz country and hadn't seen or held a redhawk with that grip

Sweet Guns! Best of Luck!

Good luck Rey!!!! Hope you get that big blackbear or a nice brown bear!!!

Or both?!?!

Give 'em hell, Rey!

GOT IN GOOD PRACTICE SESSIONS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY MORNINGS, 10-15mph QUARTERING CROSSWINDS FROM THE SE YESTERDAY AND FROM THE NW THIS MORNING. HIT THE 6.5 INCH SWINGER AT 105 YARDS, WITH THE SCOPED 353 OFF A REST 31 OUT OF 33 SHOTS YESTERDAY AND 29 OUT OF 32 TODAY, SOME "SHOOTER ERROR" ON THE MISSES. TOOK ALL THE OFF HAND SHOTS WITH THE MODEL 353 AND 83 SCOPED FA REVOLVERS SITTING. ALSO SHOT MY BACK-UP LINEBAUGH REDHAWK 45 COLT OFF HAND STANDING AND PLINKED WITH MY "PERFECTED" 22 RUGER SINGLE SIX. FOR THE REDHAWK I HAVE A GREAT 260 CAST WFN LOAD DOING AROUND 1,250fps THAT IS EASY SHOOTING AND VERY ACCURATE BUT I AM EXPERIMENTING WITH A 265 SWIFT AFRAME AND A CUSTOM FURY 260gr FP FMJ OVER 26grs OF 296. WAITING FOR GOOD WEATHER TO SHOOT 'EM ON PAPER AND CHRONY THEM. GOING TO MY RANCH TOMORROW, WILL BE CARRYING THE REDHAWK, WITH THE 260 WFN's, IN A CHEST HOLSTER.

GOT IN A PRACTICE SESSION YESTERDAY (4/19/19) IN THE AFTERNOON, CLEAR, SUNNY, SLIGHT WIND, 88 DEGREES. SHOT THE 260gr FMJ FP FURY BULLET OVER 26grs OF 296 OUT OF MY BACKUP 5 1/2 INCH LINEBAUGH 45 COLT REDHAWK, OFF A REST, ON PAPER @ 25 YARDS. FIRST 3 SHOT GROUP WAS 1 1/8 INCHES CENTER TO CENTER, SECOND 3 SHOT GROUP HAD 2 SHOTS 1 1/4 INCH CENTER TO CENTER AND A HIGH FLYER (I FIGURE SHOOTER ERROR INDUCED BY THE "HIGH SKY"). A SNAPPY LOAD BUT WITH EASY EXTRACTION. WILL TRY A FEW MORE TODAY AND/OR TOMORROW, AND IF THEY GROUP IN THAT 1 1/4 INCH RANGE I THINK I WILL GO WITH THIS LOAD FOR MY BLACK BEAR HUNT. I HAVE PLENTY OF THE FURY BULLETS, WHICH I HAD CUSTOM MADE WITH THIS APPLICATION IN MIND, SO I MIGHT AS WELL USE THEM. MY PLAN IS TO TRY AND HEAD SHOOT ANY CHARGING BEAR, SO I PRACTICE OFF HAND WITH THIS REVOLVER @ 25 YARDS ON AN 8 INCH GONG.

ALSO DID SOME NORMAL PRACTICE WITH THE MODEL 353, AND SHOT MY HUNTING TWIN OF MY 2 MNP 8 3/8ths INCH 454 STALKERS WITH MY 2017 BARNES BUSTER RELOADS AND WITH SOME NEW BARNES BUSTER RELOADS. BOTH LOADS (F-A CASES WITH 30.3grs OF 296, AND STARLINE CASES WITH 30.4grs OF 296) HAD SOME MINOR STICKY EXTRACTION. I AM NOT EXPECTING 88 DEGREE WEATHER IN ALASKA BUT I THINK I WILL BACK OFF TO 30grs. AT 50 YARDS, OFF A REST, THE STARLINE CASES LOAD GROUPED 3 SHOTS IN 2 1/8th INCHES, WHILE THE F-A LOAD GROUPED 3 IN 3 INCHES. I WAS USING A 2X SCOPE ON A SMALL ORANGE DOT. END OF THE DAY, I BELIEVE THE LOAD WILL BE PLENTY ACCURATE AT 50 YARDS.

I like to read about a man that practices!! Good Luck!

Dick

Are you supposed to practice?

Rey, I?m looking forward to read about your bear and seeing plenty photos!

ANOTHER SHOOTING SESSION EARLY THIS AFTERNOON. LOW 80's, STRONG QUARTERING CROSSWIND FROM THE SE, CLEAR AND SUNNY. FIRST OFF I TRIED THE 325 BARNES BUSTER, NEW STARLINE CASES, 30.0grs 296, REM 7 1/2 PRIMERS, OFF A REST AT 50 YARDS. FIRST 3 SHOT GROUP: 5/8ths INCH CENTER TO CENTER, SECOND 3 SHOT GROUP OPENED UP BUT THE WIND HAD PICKED UP. NO EXTRACTION PROBLEMS, LOOKS LIKE 30.0 grs OF 296 MAY BE A WINNER, JUST NEED TO SHOOT A FEW MORE GROUPS @ 50 YARDS AND TWEAK THE SCOPE SETTING. I THEN SHOT THE 353 OFF A REST @ THE 6.5 INCH SWINGER AT 105 YARDS AND SEATED OFF HAND AT THE 50 YARD GONG. THEN A FEW ROUNDS OF 22MAG IN A RECENTLY ACQUIRED 9 1/2 INCH RUGER SINGLE SIX, AND A LOT MORE ROUNDS WITH MY "PERFECTED" RUGER SINGLE SIX 22lr. WAS TOO WINDY TO TEST THE 260gr FURY LOADS IN THE REDHAWK. I FEEL LIKE I AM ON SCHEDULE WITH LOAD DEVELOPMENT AND PRACTICE, BEAR BEWARE!

I do love me some handgun hunting for bears! It sounds like you are well prepared. I will wait patiently for a results thread with photos.

IN SPITE OF TEMPS IN THE HIGH 80's AND 15 - 20 MPH WINDS, I HAD A DECENT PRACTICE SESSION EARLY YESTERDAY AFTERNOON (SATURDAY 4/27/19). I WENT TO MY RANGE AGAIN THIS MORNING, BUT NOT EARLY ENUFF TO AVOID 16 MPH WINDS, THE TEMP WAS LOW 80's. TODAY I WAS SHOOTING ON PAPER vs. MY NORMAL PRACTICE ROUTINE. FIRST I SHOT MY HUNTING MNP STALKER FA MODEL 83 WITH MY HUNTING LOAD (325gr BARNES BUSTER, NEW STARLINE BRASS, REM 7 1/2 PRIMERS AND 30.0gr OF WW296. I SHOT 2 GROUPS OF 3, OFF A REST, AT 50 YARDS, WITH A SLIGHT SCOPE ADJUSTMENT AFTER THE FIRST GROUP. ALL SIX SHOTS HIT IN THE 3 INCH AIMING DOT, FIRST GROUP WAS 1 1/2 INCHES CENTER TO CENTER AND THE 2nd GROUP WAS 1 5/8ths INCHES CENTER TO CENTER. THE WIND WAS MAKING ME AND MY GUN ON MY MTM REST MOVE, AND THE PORTABLE TARGET WAS MOVING TOO, AND THEN THE WIND ON THE BULLET DURING FLIGHT, SO I WAS HAPPY WITH THE LOAD AND MY BEING SIGHTED IN. GOING TO LOAD UP 50 ROUNDS FOR ALASKA, AND CLEAN THE MNP STALKER AND PUT IT UP, ONLY SHOOTING MY PRACTICE MNP STALKER PRIOR TO GOING TO ALASKA. THEN I MESSED AROUND WITH SOME OTHER REVOLVERS (ON PAPER) AND THEN SHOT 2 3 SHOT GROUPS, OFF A REST, @ 25 YARDS WITH THE LINEBAUGH 45 COLT REDHAWK (MY BACK UP GUN), USING THE FURY 260gr FMJ FP OVER 26grs OF WW296. BOTH GROUPS HAD 2 WITHIN 3/4ths OF AN INCH OR LESS BUT THEN A 3rd "OUT THERE". I WAS DISAPPOINTED, SO I HAVE LOADED UP 6 ROUNDS OF THE FURY BULLETS OVER 21.0grs OF VVN110, ANOTHER 6 OVER 21.5grs AND ANOTHER 6 OVER 22.0grs AS SOMETIME BACK I HAD GOTTEN SOME GOOD GROUPS WITH THIS BULLET OVER VVN110. I "THINK" (AND HOPE) THAT I GOT ENUFF TIME TO GET THE REDHAWK/FURY LOAD WORKED OUT.

Rey, you're really getting intense on all this practice. That's the same intensity level I use on my groundhogs.
I'm sure it's going to pay off as long as you see the bears in reasonable ranges. That's the only part of you're hunt that involves luck. The rest of your luck is your preparation.
Go get 'em!!

THIS MORNING (5/4/19) WUD HAVE BEEN A NICE LOW WIND MORNING TO PRACTICE AND TEST LOADS IN THE 45 COLT LINEBAUGH REDHAWK, BUT MY GRANDDAUGHTER WAS MAKING HER FIRST COMMUNION THIS MORNING AND SOME THINGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN PRACTICE.

I WENT TO THE RANGE THIS AFTERNOON WITH THE 260gr FURY FMJ BULLETS, AND SOME FA 260gr BULLETS, A SUPPLY OF WHICH I STILL HAVE, LOADED OVER 21.0grs, 21.5grs AND 22.0grs OF VVN110. BOTH BULLETS SHOT WELL WITH 22.0grs OFF A REST AT 25 YARDS IN A 8-10MPH WIND. AM GOING TO LOAD SOME MORE WITH EACH BULLET AND THE ONE I SHOOT BEST WITH OFF HAND AT 25 YARDS WILL GET THE NOD. I AM GLAD TO HAVE THAT JUST ABOUT SORTED OUT, ALTHOUGH WHEN I STARTED AT 21.0grs IT WASN'T LOOKING TOO GOOD.

I PLAYED AROUND WITH SOME OTHER REVOLVERS, AND GOT IN SOME TRIGGER TIME WITH THEM. WEATHER PERMITTING I WILL GET IN A FULL PRACTICE SESSION IN THE MORNING.

HAD A DECENT PRACTICE SESSION THIS MORNING WITH THE FA MODEL 353 357 MAG AND THE FA MODEL 83 "PRACTICE" MNP STALKER, USING THE 45 COLT CYLINDER. I HAVE BEEN USING UP 454 EQUIVALENT 45 COLT AMMO FROM SAFARIS PAST, INCLUDING MY CAPE BUFFALO LOADS FROM 1993. I ALSO GOT IN GOOD TRIGGER TIME WITH MY SEMI "PERFECTED" 22lr RUGER SINGLE SIX. I HOPE TO GET IN 2 MORE PRACTICE SESSIONS NEXT WEEKEND, PROBABLY MY LAST, AS I GO TO THE RANCH ON THE 16th FOR A FEW DAYS AND THEN ON THE 24th OFF TO ALASKA.

BEFORE I STARTED PRACTICING WITH THE SCOPED REVOLVERS I SHOT THE 260gr FURY FP FMJ's AND THE FA 260gr JACKETED FP's OVER 22.0grs OF VVN110, STARLINE NICKEL CASES, AND FED 155M PRIMERS, IN MY LINEBAUGH 45 COLT RUGER REDHAWK. COULD BE 6 OF ONE AND A 1/2 DOZEN OF THE OTHER, BUT MY GUT TELLS ME THE FURY IS MORE ACCURATE. MY GUESSTIMATE IS THAT THE LOADS ARE IN THE 1,300fps - 1,400fps RANGE.

BEHIND THE 25 YARD PAPER TARGET I WAS SHOOTING AT YESTERDAY AND THIS MORNING WITH THE FURY AND FA BULLETS, THERE IS A DIRT BERM AT 100 METERS m/l. AS I WAS SETTING UP MY 100 YARD SWINGER GONG ON THE BERM I "RECOVERED" (FOUND) 5 FA BULLETS AND 3 FURY BULLETS. ALL OF THE FA EXPOSED LEAD FP BULLETS SHOWED SOME NOSE DAMAGE, AND THIS AFTER TRAVELING 100+ YARDS BEFORE IMPACT. 2 OF THE FURY's SHOWED NO NOSE DAMAGE AND 1 SHOWED ONLY MINIMAL DEFORMATION. TO ME, THIS WAS ANOTHER REASON TO CHOOSE THE FURY's OVER THE FA BULLETS.

I BELIEVE I HAVE MY LOADS SORTED OUT NOW, JUST NEED TO DO SOME RELOADING, A LITTLE MORE PRACTICE, AND START PACKING.

Not only am I jealous of the hunt, I'm jealous of all the range time! Sounds like great preparation for your trip!

That 353 needs some play time in TX this year after being left behind for your AK trip tho...

SCHUNTER: PRIOR TO LAST DEER SEASON, I BOUGHT SEVERAL BOXES OF 158gr AFRAMES TO LOAD UP FOR THE 353 FOR DEER SEASON, THAT PROJECT IS STILL ON MY LIST, BUT I THINK I WILL GET 'ER DONE FOR THIS YEAR'S SEASON, MAYBE EVEN BEFORE FOR CULLING UP AT THE HIGHPOINT.

Rey - sounds like a 353 culling safari is in order!

Getting ready, sounding good and hope you smash a helluva a bear but being in alaska its a helluva bear really no matter what!

GOT MY RELOADING FINISHED ON 5/8 & 9/19, 40 ROUNDS OF THE FURY FMJ 260gr FP FOR THE LINEBAUGH 45 COLT REDHAWK, AND 58 ROUNDS OF THE 325gr BARNES BUSTER FOR THE FA MNP STALKER 454. THOSE BARNES BUSTERS ARE REALLY NICE LOOKING BULLETS, COME WITH 2 CANNELURES, AND LOOK LIKE THEY ARE BUILT LIKE A TANK, MY ONLY COMPLAINT IS I WISH THE MEPLAT WAS A TAD WIDER.

CHEROKEETRACKER IS SUPPOSE TO GO TO THE HIGHPOINT NEXT WEEK. HE DOESN'T TRAVEL LIGHT, AND USUALLY HAS A CHRONY WITH HIM. I PLAN ON CHRONOing THE ABOVE LOADS AND MY 265 SWIFT AFRAME LOADS IN MY 12 INCH FA 454. HOPING FOR/THINKING I WILL GET 1,325fps WITH THE FURY's, 1,625fps WITH THE BARNES AND 2,000fps WITH THE SWIFTS. WILL SEE HOW CLOSE MY GUESSTIMATES ARE.

HURT THE PINKY ON MY RIGHT HAND LATE YESTERDAY CLOSING A RANCH GATE UP AT MY BROTHER'S DEER LEASE, BIG SKIN TEAR, LOT 'A BLOOD, NO WAY TO PRACTICE THIS WEEKEND, NEED TO LET IT HEAL, PLUS IT MAY BE TOO WET AT THE RANGE ANYWAY. CAN START GATHERING PROPOSED CLOTHING AND GEAR FOR THE TRIP THIS WEEKEND, I NEVER "GET IT RIGHT" THE FIRST TIME, SO A "DRY RUN" OR 2 IS ALWAYS HELPFUL.

Heal well brother

MY INJURED PINKY IS HEALING WELL AND SHOULD NOT BE AN ISSUE. LAST SATURDAY, UP AT THE HIGHPOINT, I CHRONO'ed SOME LOADS, TEMP 80 degrees, 2,263 elevation: 1) 12 INCH FA 454 WITH 36grs OF 296 AND A SWIFT AF 265: 1,874, 1,883 & 1,903, AVG. 1,887, NOT THE 2,000fps I WAS HOPING FOR BUT GOOD ENUFF FOR WHITETAIL HUNTS; 2) 5 1/2 INCH LINEBAUGH RUGER REDHAWK 45 COLT, 260gr FURY FP FMJ OVER 22.0grs VVN-110: A DISAPPOINTING 1,159 & 1,078 PLUS SEVERAL ERROR READINGS; AND 3) 8 3/8ths INCH FA 454 MNP STALKER WITH 325 BARNES BUSTERS OVER 30grs OF 296: 1,572, 1,646 & 1,638, AVG. 1,618, WHAT I WAS HOPING FOR. I LEAVE THIS COMING FRIDAY MAY 24, 2019, SO I BARELY HAVE ANY TIME LEFT BUT WANT TO MAKE A QUICK TRIP TO MY SHOOTING RANGE TO RESIGHT IN MY REDHAWK WITH SOME HOTTER 260gr CAST WFN LOADS THAT SHOOT EXTREMELY WELL OUT OF MY REDHAWK. IF I HADN'T KILLED A LARGE BOAR HOG IN 2016 WITH THAT LOAD AND A HEAD SHOT I WOULD NOT CONSIDER THE CAST BULLET, BUT IT SHOOTS VERY WELL, I THINK ITS MV IS IN THE 1,200 - 1,300 RANGE AND I HAVE CONFIDENCE IN IT.

THE SPOT WHERE I SHOT A BLACK BEAR IN 2016, AND WHERE A BIG BLACK BEAR WAS STILL AROUND, IS STILL WINTERED IN WITH DEEP SNOW, SO GEORGE HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO BAIT UP THERE, TOO BAD, IT IS A REALLY GREAT PLACE.

Rey, the Redhawk 45 loads seem to be very slow for some reason with that 260 gr bullet. Of course you know this but you should be able to go well beyond that. I usually suggest pulling the trigger harder but in this case I don't think it will make up the difference.

Dick

DICK: YEAH, I KNOW, THAT IS WHY I WAS VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THE MV READS. MAY RE-CHRONO BUT THE FORECAST IS WINDY, WINDY AND MORE WINDY FOR TODAY AND TOMORROW.

So which revolver and load are going to be your primary, Rey?

MY PRIMARY IS THE 8 3/8ths INCH FA 454 MNP STALKER USING BARNES BUSTERS (THE REVOLVER HAS A FIXED B&L 2X ON IT). MY BACKUP GUN, CARRIED IN A DIAMOND D CHEST HOLSTER, IS THE 5 1/2 INCH LINEBAUGH 45 COLT RUGER REDHAWK. I STARTED OUT WITH 26grs OF 296 AND 265 SWIFT AF's AND THE 260 FURY FP FMJ's BUT SWITHCHED TO VVN-110. I SHUD HAVE STUCK WITH DEVELOPING A LOAD WITH 296, OR USED MORE VVN-110, BECAUSE THE MV WITH THE 22.0grs VVN-110 LOAD IS VERY DISAPPOINING WITH THE FURY FP FMJ. WENT AND CHONO'ed A 2013 LOADING, USING A 260 CAST WFN, TODAY, IT CHONO'ed FASTER TODAY (AVG. 1,073) THAN DID THE FURY LOAD TODAY (AVG. 1,011) AND IT SHOOTS BETTER, SO I AM TAKING THE CAST WFN LOAD TO ALASKA. I AM 90% + PACKED.

Remember the key rule about Alaska, my friend: it rains!
Best of luck, Rey!

THANKS KEN, AM PREPARED FOR RAIN

X2 BEST OF LUCK REY!

WILL BE GOING TO THE AIRPORT THIS A.M. FOR A NOON FLIGHT, BROWNSVILLE-HOUSTON-SEATTLE-ANCHORAGE. I GET TO ANCHORAGE LATE SO I WILL OVERNIGHT THERE, BUT SHUD STILL GET TO HUNT SATURDAY EVENING.

LAST MINUTE ISSUE LAST NIGHT AS I WAS PACKING MY CARRY ON/FIELD BACK PACK. INSTEAD OF STRAPPING A LIGHT JACKET TO THE OUTSIDE I STUFFED IT IN THE PACK AND HAD SOME ZIPPER SEPARATION. A VERY NICE B/P THAT I GOT IN THE ARCHERY SECTION AT A CABELA'S STORE. THE ZIPPER STILL WORKED BUT IT WAS BUGGING ME, SO I CHANGED OVER TO A REAL B/P, AN EBERLESTOCK "JUST ONE" B/P THAT I USED ON A FALL BROWN BEAR HUNT SOME YEARS BACK. THE JUST ONE IS BIGGER, BETTER, HEAVIER DUTY, AND ABSOLUTELY MANY TIMES BETTER IN WET CONDITIONS.

Have a great hunt. Looking forward to hearing about it!

BTW ALL, WHEN I GET BACK I WANT TO START A TOPIC RE THE 101+ WAYS YOU CAN GET SCREWED UP MV READINGS WHEN CHRONOGRAPHING, NOT SAYING I KNOW WHAT THEY ALL ARE, BUT, OH MY GOSH, I KNOW THEY EXIST.

Stay safe and have a great time, Rey!

Good luck,.....eberlestock is the way to go for rough, tough, ready for stuff hunting. A bit heavier than some of the newer lightweight stuff but an awesome product.

Trapr

Good luck bring back a big one.

Good luck rey.

Yup, good equipment is always cheaper in the long run.....that's why cast bullets rule! Don't start on me boys, I'm just joking.
Rey, I hope you whack the biggest Black Bear up there!

Dick

Safe travels, Rey! Give ?em hell!

Looking forward to the results. Good luck, Rey!

Best of luck to you, safe travels!

Good luck! Have fun

Good luck! We all will be eagerly awaiting the hunt report!

GOT TO ANCHORAGE LATE FRIDAY NIGHT AND OVERNIGHTED THERE. GEORGE PICKED ME UP AROUND 10 A.M. SATURDAY MORNING, TO CABELA'S TO GET LICENSE AND BLACK BEAR TAG, WENT BY THE ALASKA FUR EXCHANGE TO VISIT A BIT WITH GOOD FRIEND GUS GILLESPIE. ALMOST 3 YEARS TO THE DAY SINCE HIS BEST FRIEND/MY GOOD FRIEND DON KIRN, FORMER SCI PRESIDENT, PASSED. THEN TO WASILLA TO BUY SUPPLIES AND A LATE LUNCH AT CHEPPO'S (A GREAT MEXICAN FOOD RESTAURANT!), THEN ON TO TRAPPER CREEK. ARRIVED AROUND 3 P.M. AND LEFT FOR THE FIRST HUNT AT 5 P.M. A FEW MILES DOWN BLACKTOP AND GRAVEL ROADS, THEN ONTO A 4 WHEELER FOR A 4 MILE TREK INTO THE ALASKAN BUSH TO A BAIT SITE THAT WAS BEING HIT. VERY NICE SET UP, WITH 30-35 YARD SHOTS AND SOME COVER IN THE TREE STAND WITH CAMO BURLAP. WE WERE SET UP BY 6:15 PM. NOTHING BUT A SQUIRREL UNTIL 10:20 P.M. WHEN A NICE BLACK BEAR COMES IN. I HAD TOLD GEORGE THAT FOR STARTERS I WAS LOOKING FOR A 6 1/2 FOOTER, AND THIS GUY WAS A 5 1/2 FOOTER, MAYBE A 6 FOOTER, NICE BEAR, BEAUTIFUL COAT, BUT IT WAS HIS LUCKY DAY. GOT TO WATCH HIM EATING AND LICKING AWAY FOR 45 MINUTES. IT STARTED TO DRIZZLE AND WE STARTED GETTING READY TO LEAVE AT 11:45 PM. NOTHING ELSE CAME IN. I GOT A NICE PICTURE OF "LUCKY" AND WILL POST IT LATER TODAY.

Good luck. I know how hard it is to stick to your guns and not shoot something less than what you have your mind set on.

Give ?em hell, Rey.

Good luck

HERE IS A PICTURE OF "LUCKY"

Hopefully his big brother will show up.

Great patience Rey, you'll nail his older buddy!

Dick

GEORGE HAS 3 BAITS UP, RIVER#1, WHERE WE SAT SATURDAY NIGHT, RIVER#2 ABOUT A 1 1/2 MILES UP RIVER, AND GATES CREEK. TODAY WAS A WET DAY, MISERABLE TO BE OUTSIDE. WE WENT AND CHECKED GATES CREEK, AND IT HAD BEEN HIT, BUT THE STAND IS NOT UP THERE YET. OVER THE YEARS, I HAVE SAT, UNSUCCESSFULLY, MANY TIMES AT GATES CREEK. THEN WE WENT AND CHECKED RIVER#2. THE 4 WHEELER DRIVE TO GATES CREEK IS NOT TOO BAD ACROSS A SWAMPY AREA, BUT THE DRIVES TO THE RIVER BAITS ARE DOWN TIGHT, BRUSHY 4 WHEELER TRAILS, AND IF YOU ARE NOT ALERT YOU CAN GET WHACKED. RIVER#2 HAS NOT BEEN HIT YET, SO IT WAS BACK TO RIVER#1 FOR THE SUNDAY EVENING HUNT. ABOUT A MILE DOWN THE 4 WHEELER TRAIL TROUBLE.


OOOPS, A WHEEL ON THE TRAILER WE PULL WITH THE 4 WHEELER CAME OFF JUST AS WE CROSSED A STREAM. WE LOADED AS MUCH AS WE COULD ON THE 4 WHEELER SO GEORGE COULD GO BACK TO THE VEHICLE, UNLOAD, AND LOOK FOR A PIPE OR LOG OR SOMETHING WE COULD USE TO GET THE TRAILER BACK TO THE VEHICLE. NEEDLESS TO SAY THE EVENING HUNT WAS CANCELLED (MAYBE NOT TOO BAD BECUSE IT WAS RAINING AND WE WERE IN FOR A MISERABLE SIT). IT TOOK GEORGE A WHILE TO GET BACK BECAUSE A MOTOR VEHICLE DROVE A WAYS DOWN THE 4 WHEELER PATH AND PARKED WHILE SOME GUY KNOCKED OFF A PIECE OF ASS. MEANWHILE I AM AT THE TRAILER GETTING RAINED ON. FINALLY GEORGE GETS BACK AND WE TIE A 2x4 TO THE TRAILER AND MAKE IT BACK TO HIS MOTOR VEHICLE. LUCLILY THE REPAIR GUY WAS AROUND AND WE TOOK THE TRAILER OVER TO HIM AND LEFT IT OFF. I AM EXPECTING THAT WE WILL BE HUNTING MONDAY NIGHT. ENJOYED SOME TASTY MOOSE STEAKS FOR SUPPER. HERE IS A PICTURE OF THE ALASKAN ENGINEERING USING THE 2x4.

Your turn will come, Rey. I've seen that kinda 'engineering' before.

Sounds to be an adventurous trip thus far.

Travois style used to work very well, and still does. at least it didn?t happen during the creek crossing.

Trapr

Was just told we have had the wettest May on record here on the Kenai Peninsula...
Hope its going well!

MONDAY, MEMORIAL DAY, DAY 3: WENT TO A FRIEND OF GEORGE'S, JIM, AND BORROWED 2 4 WHEELERS WHILE GEORGE'S 4 WHEELER AND 4 WHEELER TRAILER GET FIXED. THE 3 OF US WENT TO THGE GATES CREEK BAIT TO PUT UP THE STAND, THE BAIT WAS HIT HARD THE NIGHT OF DAY 2 SO WE WENT BACK LATER, WERE SET UP BY 6:20 P.M. AND SAT UNTIL 11:45 P.M., BUT NOTHING CAME IN. IT WAS DRY BUT UNCOMFORTABLY COLD.

WHEN WE WENT TO GATES CREEK IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON TO SET UP THE STAND ALL 3 OF US WERE CARRYING IN A SHOULDER/CHEST STYLE RIG, GEORGE WAS CARRYING A 6 INCH FA 454 WITH SOME FA FACTORY 260gr AMMO, JIM WAS CARRYING A 4 INCH MODEL 29 LOADED WITH HORNADY FACTORY 180 GRAINERS, AND I WAS CARRYING MY LINEBAUGH RUGER REDHAWK 45 COLT WITH SOME 260gr WFN RELOADS. THIS IS GRIZZLY AND BLACK BEAR COUNTRY AND BEST TO BE PREPARED.

Good luck on your hunt and safe travels. What was the actual temperature there?

Any time it's wet, it's cold & when you are sitting still it can get really miserable. I've spent some miserable days that were 70 degrees in the mountains after getting wet...think hypothermia.
Hang in there Rey!!

Dick

DO NOT KNOW WHAT THE TEMP WAS, PROBABLY IN THE 40's, BUT IT FELT COLD, AND UNDERNEATH I WAS STILL A LITTLE DAMP FROM THE AFTERNOON'S ACTIVITIES.

NEITHER TIME NOR WEATHER HAD PERMITTED A SIGHTER IN 'ER WITH MY FA 454 MNP STALKER UNTIL JUST A WHILE AGO. I CANNOT RECALL PROBLEMS BEFORE WITH MY REVOLVER SCOPES NEEDING RE-SIGHTING IN AFTER LONG FLIGHTS WITH SEVERAL PLANE CHANGES, PLUS THE SHOOTING DISTANCES WOULD BE SHORT, SO I WAS NOT TOO CONCERNED, BUT "YOU NEVER KNOW". I SET UP AN IMPROVISED REST OF A ROLL OF PAPER TOWELS WRAPPED IN A PLASTIC BAG RESTED ON A PORCH LEDGE, PUT ON THE WOOL GLOVES I WILL HAVE ON AND SHOOT WITH IN THE BEAR STAND, AND LET ONE GO @ 50 YARDS. CLOSE ENUFF TO DEAD CENTER TO PUT MY MIND AT EASE - SEE PICTURE.

TUESDAY, DAY 4: WENT TO RIVER#1, THE PLACE WHERE I PASSED ON A BEAR ON DAY 1. WERE SET UP BY 7:15 P.M. AND SAT UNTIL MIDNIGHT. DRY AND COLD, BUT NOT TOO COLD, I NEED TO ADD A LAYER. REPLENISHED THE BAIT. NOTHING CAME IN. 3 DAYS TO GO.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 5: JIM CHECKED GATES CREEK TODAY, IT HAS NOT BEEN HIT SINCE BEFORE WE SAT THERE ON DAY 3. JIM AND I CHECKED RIVER#2 TODAY AND IT HAS BEEN HIT (GEORGE AND I CHECKED IT ON DAY 2 AND IT HAD NOT BEEN HIT YET). WE WILL DO A SIT AT RIVER#2 THIS EVENING, SHOT TO THE MAIN BAIT IS ONLY ABOUT 25 YARDS. GEORGE'S 4 WHEELER AND 4 WHEELER TRAILER (THE ONE WE PULL BEHIND THE 4 WHEELER) ARE FIXED SO WE ARE AT FULL STRENGTH EQUIPMENT WISE.

WEDNESDAY, DAY 5, 2 TO GO: GOT TO RIVER#2 ABOUT 6:15 P.M. AND SPOOKED A BEAR ON BAIT. I DID NOT GET A REAL GOOD LUCK AT IT BUT I THOUGHT IT WAS NOT VERY BIG. PUT OUT MORE BAIT AND WERE SET UP BY 6:45 P.M., WE SAT UNTIL MIDNIGHT. AT 8:15 A YOUNG SOW CAME IN AND HUNG AROUND AND ATE UNTIL 9:35 (1 HOUR AND 20 MINUTES). AT FIRST IT WAS NEAT BUT AFTER A WHILE IT WAS LIKE WATCHING JAVELINAS EAT YOUR DEER CORN (SOME OF YOU TEXAS GUYS WILL KNOW WHAT I MEAN). THAT WAS ALL WE SAW. DRY AND COLD, BUJT NOT TOO COLD, AND I HAD PUT ON AN XTRA LAYER, SO I WAS OK.

LOL. Yep, I know exactly that feeling. It's right up there with a family of racoons...

Good luck Rey - Hope you see one to your liking.

How much longer you have there?

VANCE: I CAN HUINT TODAY (THURSDAY) AND TOMORROW, LEAVE FROM ANCHORAGE LATE SAYURDAY.

Stay with it and you will get one.

Wow. Good luck rey. I hope you get one!!

Praying it comes together for you Rey!

THURSDAY DAY 6, ONLY 1 MORE DAY LEFT: VERY LONG DAY. WHILE GEORGE WENT TO CHECK GATES CREEK JIM AND I WENT TO CHECK RIVER#2, AND DO A MID-DAY SIT UNTIL GEORGE CALLED, AND THEN WE WOULD GO CHECK RIVER#1 TOGETHER. THERE HAD BEEN A LITTLE ACTIVITY AT RIVER#2 SINCE WE HAD SAT THERE WEDNESDAY EVENING. AT 10 TIL 2 IN THE AFTERNOON 2 YOUNG BEARS CAME IN, FROM DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS, BUT ALMOST AT THE SAME TIME. BEST WE CAN FIGURE THEY WERE 2 YEAR OLD TWINS THAT ARE NOW ON THEIR OWN. WAS COOL TO SEE THEM INTERACT. GEORGE CALLED, GATES CREEK HAD BEEN HIT BUT, FROM THE SCAT PILES, GEORGE WAS THINKING MAYBE A SOW WITH CUBS. WE THEN CHECKED RIVER#1 TOGETHER, AND IT HAD ACTIVITY SO WE DECIDED TO COME BACK TO RIVER#1 FOR THE EVENING HUNT. WE SETTLED IN AT 6:30 P.M. AND SAT UNTIL 1:30 A.M.. IN CASE YOU ARE NUMBERS CHALLENGED, THAT WAS 7 HOURS, A PRETTY LONG SIT. BY MIDNIGHT SHOOTING LIGHT IS GETTING BAD, BY 1:30 A.M. IT WAS PRETTY DARN DARK. NOTHING CAME IN.

I hope you get one today !!!!!

Good luck Rey. Really enjoy the daily updates.

FRIDAY, DAY 7, LAST DAY: GEORGE CHECKED GATES CREEK AND THE BEAR OR BEARS HAD NOT COME BACK. JIM WENT AND GOT THE CAMERA AT RIVER#2, BUT ONLY THE 2 JUVENILE BEARS THERE. SO, BACK TO RIVER#1 FOR THE LAST HUNT. GOT SET UP BY 7:15 P.M., AND SAT UNTIL 12:30 A.M., NOTHING SHOWED UP. I HEAD BACK HOME LATE SATURDAY (TODAY AS I TYPE THIS).

A GOOD HUNT, NO KILL, BUT NONETHELESS A GOOD HUNT, WITH GOOD FRIENDS, AND NO REGRETS ON PASSING ON "LUCKY" ON DAY 1. I WAS GEORGE'S GUEST, AND HE IS PROBABLY FAR MORE DISAPPOINTED THAN I ABOUT NO KILL.

Sorry to hear, but that?s hunting!! Sounds like a fun trip all around, safe travels back to 90% humidity and 100degrees.

Trapr

It happens. As I age, kills become less important.

You didn't score but it wasn't from a lack of preparation or effort. Good hunt. Thanks for sharing with us.

You are a first class hunter Rey, told it like it was & took it as we all should. We all like to tell our successful stories but they don't all work out, you put in the time, busted your butt to make it happen but sometimes it just doesn't come together. I tip my hat to you buddy!!

Dick

Glad you were able to make the trip! I really enjoyed the effort you put into sharing your adventure with us. Thanks for taking us along!

Rey. Thanks so much for taking us along with you on your adventure. I felt like I was there with you. Sorry you did not find your big bear but it sounds like it was an awesome trip. Safe travels home.

Rey, going any ace special for dinner in the big city tonight?

Rey, Don`t remember if you were on the site when I went to Idaho for black bear and camped for five days in the Targee National forest. . While walking a trail a very large and very golden black bear appeared alongside me behind large blowdown. By the time I unslung my 475 he disappeared behind that tree. Waited for him to show himself and to this day I have no idea where he went. No bear... but it was better then a week in work... Bottom photo is the [censored] a bear took outside my camp during the night..

Rey, even though you got no bear, I bet the excitement is still there. My last 7 day bear over bait hunt ended with not even a sighting of a bear, but I still had an awesome hunt! I?ve heard many times that hunting bear over bait is not sporting and like taking candy from a baby....oh well.

VANCE: GEORGE TOOK ME STRAIGHT TO THE AIRPORT, BUT ON THE WAY, IN WASILLA, WE STOPPED AT CHEPPOS MEXICAN RESTAURANT FOR A LATE LUNCH (I LOVE CHEPPOS).

It appears that he did not hold your status as a hunter in very high regard. You need to go back and educate him.

Aww man. Hate that you didn't get one. That's why we call it hunting, not killing, though.

If it makes Rey and James feel any better, I struck out in both AK and ID. I don't regret the trips, and will hopefully make it back to both spots. Both were very enjoyable hunts.