I got the call last week from my long time hound hunting buddy with an invite to tag along in search of some big Northern California bruins.
I haven't seen a bear that I'd like to shoot in a very long time, but still find great enjoyment in the pursuit thereof.
I loaded up the truck and my son and I headed out.

Fall in North Eastern California is a glorious time of year to be in the mountains...









Soaking in the beauty of nature always finds me watching other hunters I find in the field.



Bear treats abound, with ripe berries in abundance.



The first day we decided to run a very fresh track that we happened upon.





The dogs were released and within a few moments had a bear treed up on this ridge..



Guess which tree has a bear in it.



This was a sow with two cubs, but it got the hounds tuned up and allowed for some good photo opps.

After we got a good look, the dogs were pulled back and with a few whacks on the tree trunk...



The protective momma bear had enough and down she came shredding ponderosa all the way down...



We regrouped and hiked back down the mountain to the pickups to start another hunt...



With temps rising, the scent dissipated rapidly.
We made camp that afternoon, and staked the hounds for the evening.
Campfires bring both anticipation and reflection.

Sunday morning arrived with crisp mountain air and the smell of freshly brewed coffee.

We broke camp, loaded the hounds and hit the trail in search of old Ephraim.

Several miles in, the hounds struck hot bear scent in the air.



We turned loose and the race is on.
We climbed to a vantage point overlooking a canyon to see where the bear will lead us.

This is typical California deer and bear habitat.
It is beautiful yet very rugged and always physically demanding.
I enjoy every minute of being in it.
Smoke filled the air from a nearby prescribed burn, it smelled good, but the haze hampered visibility a tad.












You never know once the chase is on whether you will be going for a short hike or a gruelling all day death march.

This bear treed after leading the hounds on a decent chase.
It was a younger bear and my son and I decided to pass.
However our other companion decided to take it, as the hounds need to feel success from time to time and there was a road within a reasonable pack out.



One shot from his long barreled .44 mag and it was over.



We gathered hounds and loaded the bear onto the top deck of the dog box.
I found this unique photo to be quite intriguing...



As the weekend closed, neither my son nor I fired a shot, yet it proved to be anything but unsuccessful.
I've looked at lots of black bears over the years but haven't punched a tag in going on twenty years.
I never miss a chance to tag along with my friend and his pack of hounds.
Regardless of the fact that we haven't found "The One" that tops my giant of many moons ago, I find the time spent with friends and family in the great outdoors to be more precious than gold.

As a Californian, I take a lot of flack, but there continues to be great opportunity for the outdoorsman here.
I'll continue to take advantage of it as long as I can.
I have a couple more months of searching for a bear worthy of tagging, so it ain't over 'till it's over.

On down the road....

Nice

Sweet shots. Love the hound looking out the box.

Awesome post. Extremely well done.

Beautiful scenery. Also much less wet than our hunting experience this last weekend.

Awesome hunting trip report!
Thanks for sharing.

Super photos as always.

Awesome post as ususal Sal. I need to get back down to that country and spend more time there. . . . .You sure that's Cali ? ? Where are all the grapes and sushi joints ?!?

Some beautiful country and nice expose' as usual. Am I the only one that finds it ironic that Californians can still hunt with hounds, and it is banned in ultra liberal Washington?? How ironic. I miss hunting over hounds, the thrill of the chase is definitely more exciting than the kill itself.

Beautiful country!





No, you are not the only one.

Thanks for sharing your hunting trip. Looks like great country to roam around.

I shot a bear over dogs before the ban here in Washington; it really is a thrilling experience to strike a trail and not know exacty what you will face or how the day will unfold. Bears can be tempermental, run forever or give up in minutes- every one is different.


Pure envy here.


Thank you for the pictures and story Sir, they brought back some great memories and, on face value, it looks like you had an excellent adventure.

Looks like a great time.

Nice looking Black & Tan and Walker.

Great way to spend a weekend!

Awesome pics as always!!!

Beautiful pics!

Nice post and pics Sal. Did you start using graduated filters with your camera?

Lol

That last shot was taken through my Chevrolet lens, the windshield tint made the sky exceptionally blue.

It looked like something had altered the sky there...Chevy lens,that's pretty good there!