I finally got around to writing a report after being home for a week. I went on a 10 day grizzly hunt with Black River Hunting Camps owned and operated by Jake Jefferson.
The day we were to fly out was a no go due to weather so I spent that day in a motel. We were able to fly the next day and in the afternoon we arrived at camp. We spent the day getting camp setup, checking rifles. and just generally getting to know each other. I would like to add here that Jake is a very likable sort of guy and a real pleasure to share a camp with. That night it started raining and in the morning it was still coming down along with a thick fog. So It was another day spent in the tent talking and listening to Jake's stories, which are very entertaining.
The next morning dawned clear and we were finally off for the hunt. We hiked about 1 1/2 miles out to a lookout where we spent a few hours glassing seeing only one black bear. Then we moved out another mile to a different spot where Jake spotted a large black which was in an area we couldn't get to. The next thing we saw were two lone grizzly cubs who evidently lost their mom, since they were so small, Jake didn't think they would survive the winter. Around an hour later there was a lone grizzly feeding on berries a distance away. After watching it for a while we decided to see if we could get closer but since the wind was wrong we had to circle out quite a distance. we were about half way there when we spotted another grizzly in the same general area. We got into position and waited but neither of them showed back up.
The next two days we went back to the same area, we saw the cubs both days, several blacks, a brief view of one of the grizzlies, and 5 or 6 caribou everyday.
The following day we went in another direction to a different lookout about 2 1/2 mile away. It yielded some beautiful scenery, four blacks sighted, and a couple moose.
The next morning it was blowing 35-40 mph and around freezing. Jake thought we should wait until it warmed up a little which was FINE with me! We headed out at 9:30 back to the area we hunted the first three days. Jake was ahead of me when he stopped, glassed, and said grizzly. We couldn't have been more that 400 yards from camp. I looked around him and 300 yards out, walking right at us was the prettiest grizzly I have ever seen. Ok, ok, so I have only ever seen 5 but still.
We scrambled up the hill to get a better vantage point since Jake thought it was going to go that way. By the time I caught up he had his backpack down and told me to get behind it and get ready. I was no sooner down when it came in to view walking right at us. Jake said it wasn't real big and I answered "I don't give a s...", he said good! When it got to about 130 yards it stopped quartering toward, and looking straight at us. Jake said "take it". I heard the slug hit and it took off to our left like a scalded cat. He said hit it again which I managed to do and it was all over except for the high fives and thanking God for such a gift.
Turned out to be a five year old sow. It's not the biggest, but as stated earlier, has a beautiful coat.
I couldn't be happier with her. She is already at the taxidermist waiting to be turned into a life size mount.
I can't give enough praise to Jake. I feel he truly wants to make his clients wishes and dreams come true as much as they do.
It was a pleasure getting to meet his wife, family, and getting to know this outstanding individual. When I left I felt like I was leaving as a friend, not a client.

If anyone here has a bucket list trip you want to do don't wait. I have way too many friends that waited and now due to health reasons they will never be able to do so. Tomorrow is not guaranteed for any of us. I almost waited too long, not in the shape I was in 10 years ago but I got er done!!










Camp

Congrats on your bear!
It sounds like you had a really nice hunt with a lot of game viewing to boot.

damn but that is one pretty bear

nice bear

Looks like the male I took a couple years ago, fine bear and memories forever

Beautiful coat on that bear!

Thanks for sharing the hunt!

If ever client could be like mike! It was great to share alaska with you, thanks again for coming and being Johnny on the spot when shooting time came! Best thing a client can do is get the shooting right and you nailed it! Enjoy your bear!

Congrats! on a gorgeous bear, enjoyed the read and pics.

Beautiful country and gorgeous bear. Congrats.

Nicely done!

Out of curiosity what was your rifle and load?

quote:

Originally posted by Cougarz:
Nicely done!

Out of curiosity what was your rifle and load?

.375 H&H, 270 gr TSX

quote:

Originally posted by Fourtyonesix:
If ever client could be like mike! It was great to share alaska with you, thanks again for coming and being Johnny on the spot when shooting time came! Best thing a client can do is get the shooting right and you nailed it! Enjoy your bear!

Thanks again Jake, I couldn't have had a better time!!

Great story, great ADVICE on getting out now. Thank you. Congrats to you and Jake!