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Hunter Comments

We arrived to John's Paradise the night before our hunt was to begin. We sat down with John (Outfitter) who spoke to us about our upcoming hunt and what to expect. This was a first time bear hunt for both myself and my friend. Game camera pics were shown of bears that had been actively coming in to John's bait. Adrenalin was getting high and the thought's of what we were about to experience made for a sleepness night! As the first day of our hunt came we prepared by making sure our bows were sighted in and all equipment was ready to go. Finally the time to get situated in our stands approached and John made sure we were comfortable as he baited with fresh bait. As I was sitting in my stand the first evening studying the terrain and ranging certain landmarcks, squirrels were trying to find a way to get access to the bait, which went on for the first two hours. Then they just disappeared and it was dead quiet. I looked up to see a black bear stepping out to the bait. As I studied the bear, I noticed a white V on his chest, which John had showed us pictures of the night before. All I thought of was John saying "If you see this bear with the white V, shoot it"! I attached my release and drew back waiting for an appropriate shot. The bear decided to take the bait behind a tree and enjoy it's meal, which didn't allow for an ethical shot. I let off and waited as the bear returned and proceeded to do the exact same thing again and again, not allowing a shot. During this time I was thinking this bear is to smart! Finally, it decided it had ate enough and as he was leaving he stepped out one more time, which gave me a perfect quartering away shot at 36 yards. I drew back and settled in on my pin and let the arrow fly. As I watched the arrow penetrate with a complete pass through the bear tore off. It wasn't 15 seconds later the bear (out of sight) gave out the famous death moan! I knew at that moment the bear had passed or atleast expected! John was contacted and he arrived to help track the bear, which only made it about 40 yards. This allowed and easy recovery, which the bear was tagged immediately. We shook hands and proceeded back to John's Paradise for pictures and wrapping up the field dressing. As stated earlier, this was the first few hours of the hunt. As the first night came to end, I thought to myself now what am I going to do for the rest of the week! This is actually where I learned about bear hunting! I spent the week soaking in as much as I could, while John mentored and explained a small amount of the vast knowledge John had to share. I assisted with baiting the active spots, etc... During the days I had the oppurtunity to spend time with a close friend as well, trying to come up with a game plan, hoping to make his hunt as successful as mine. John even introduced me to the game of cribbage, which John never allowed me to be victorious! I still enjoyed the entire week even though my hunt was over the first day. I appreciate and am very fortunate to have had this opportunity. It is one I will never forget! We have booked another hunt for this upcoming year, which both of us are looking forward to. Even though my fellow hunter didn't get the opportunity to take a bear, I feel we both had a great time at John's Paradise. We are looking forward to John's accomodations again, which were top class. His lodging was more than we expected, the food was plentiful and amazing as well! John really has a hidden treasure and truly a paradise as well! Thanks again John for a once in a lifetime hunt, it will never be forgotten.

Outfitter's Response

Brad and his friend were great to have at my lodge for a spring bear hunt. While only Brad got his bear, there were lots of bear hitting the baits and I look forward to having them back for another hunt and games of crib.

John John's Paradise www.johnshunting.com