Manitoba Blast n' Cast: Two Days Gone

by
posted on May 26, 2015
savage_11_hog_hunter_bears_f.jpg

We've been in Manitoba since Friday afternoon, and on location at Eagle Nest Resort since early Saturday evening—and what a trip it's been. Since stepping off our float plane we've dealt with near non-stop action. Countless fish have been turned into shore lunch, and five of our eight hunters are tagged out. I'm one of the few that's still trekking into the woods each evening. Here's a quick rundown of what we've seen so far.

After checking our rifles upon arrival Saturday, we snuck out for a quick evening hunt. Our guides ferried us to our respective bait locations via boat, and the hunt was on. My Saturday evening was largely uneventful, but the group was hot as a whole. Three of my companions had bears on the ground before sundown, all of which were successfully retrieved and strung up in camp. Excellent start to the week.

Nights two and three went a little differently. After changing locations, I was treated to 45 minutes or so of time with a smaller black bear, which came in from behind me and proceeded to empty out the bait barrel without a care in the world. Though I haven't harvested a bear myself, I heeded the advice of my more experienced compatriots, and remained patient after sizing up the bear's attributes. He lives to pillage another day. I did hear a fare bit of commotion and some deep grunts behind me. Coupled with the copious amount of big bear sign at that location, it gave me due cause to return to the same spot on my third sit. I was rewarded with a lot of nothing—the forest was quiet on Monday evening. I'll change locations on Tuesday.

Two more hunters have tagged out, though, leaving only three of us with active tags, and two more nights to hunt. There's no need to worry just yet, though my Savage Arms Model 11 Hog Hunter (pictured above) is itching to lob something at a bear.

The fishing has been fantastic, by the way. Armed with our Ugly Stiks, we've slayed the walleye, smallmouth bass and northern pike. They've made for tasty shore lunches each day. We'll be back on the water this morning.

Near as I can tell, Federal Premium's JJ Reich was the very first hunter to tag out on the trip. He and his bear—also his first—are pictured below. Congrats, JJ!

undefined

Latest

Wraith Mini 4K Lede
Wraith Mini 4K Lede

#SundayGunday: Sightmark Wraith Mini 4K

On this week's #SundayGunday, Senior Executive Editor Jon Draper checks out the Sightmark Wraith Mini 4K.

Recipe: Kicked-Up Wild Turkey Dip

Wild turkey has incredible flavor and is highly versatile. Consider using it for a tailgate party, watching your favorite sports team or as the ultimate starter in a hunting camp.

Argentina: Where Ignorance is Bliss, and the Dove Hunting is Heavenly

They say that ignorance is bliss, and it is, until that bliss is snatched away by the cold, icy hand of reality. In this case, that hand was wielded by a fellow hunter sitting shotgun in an approaching pickup truck.

4-Play Turkey Calls Debuts Diaphragm Calls

The folks over at 4-Play turkey calls, not content to constrain themselves to their excellent line of box calls, have debuted a line of diaphragm calls that are sure to make toms close that las tidbit of distance.

New for 2025: Rossi R95 TBP Series

Rossi USA has unveiled the next evolution in the R95 family: the R95 TBP (Triple Black Pistol). This new lever-action pistol delivers all the features shooters enjoy about the rugged R95 Triple Black rifle in a compact, maneuverable platform.

Head to Head: 7mm Remington Magnum vs. 7mm STW

We recently ran a battle between the two newest 7mms—7mm PRC vs. 7mm Backcountry. In the comments, we noticed quite a few folks having an entirely different debate about two older stalwarts—7mm Rem. Mag. vs. 7mm STW. Read on to find out which of these classic cartridges comes out on top.



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.