As it appears In ALASKA BEARS, SHAKEN AND STIRRED
About three o’clock by my watch, which is actually solar midday in that latitude, I settled in at the edge of the cut bank next to Bruce. We had not seen a single big game animal so far that entire day.
Bruce asked when I thought the bear would come. I told him that probably be about five o’clock – the normal time for dinner.
At twelve minutes before five, I heard the staccato chatter of a pine squirrel in the copse of black spruce timber across the open field. When I heard the squirrel scolding again, I nudged Bruce and tossed a stick toward Dwight.
Near the base of a large spruce tree I thought I detected a movement. I strained my eyes to discern a form, but I could not make out anything in the dark shadows.
Then, in that same place I saw something move again. After a few seconds, a huge bear slowly emerged from the timber. The animal stopped near the edge of the clearing and gazed to the right and left. Apparently satisfied, the great beast lumbered directly toward us, or rather toward his private hoard of meat.
In a whisper, I told Bruce to take his safety off and get ready. I motioned for Dwight to come over and join us. I left my safety on. I was wishing I had my movie camera, but I’d not brought it on this trip.
Without a pause, the grizzly walked straight to us. When he was directly below us and not thirty yards away I nodded to Bruce to shoot. The bear was offering a slight quartering away shot and Bruce held for just behind the right ear. A the report of Bruce’s .300 Winchester Magnum, the great bear fell forward on his nose…and there’s more!
You can also read about Jake’s experiences in his five books – Alaska Tales, Alaska Flying, Alaska Bears, Kodiak Alaska Deer, and Alaska Hunting. Each book has over 200 pages including photos. All five are now available at the Sporting Classics Store.
