“It’s just a bear” - TexasBowhunter.com Community Discussion Forums

deerslayer94 · 09-12-2022, 10:41 PM

“It’s just a bear”

I still have memories of being that small 4 year old shooting my .22 browning lever action rifle out of the bed of my dads old blue tacoma. He would take me to the woods with him almost every time, even when I was a pain. He taught me what hunting truly was, and what it means to put in the work and bring home food. Taught me to appreciate the art of hunting and be thankful. He gave me a passion that I’ve carried ever since. For 24 years he has never stopped. He’s a man of few words and never asks for anything. I’ve never once in my life felt like I could ever thank him or repay him for all those times in the woods, the lessons, and teaching me what now is what I love most. That being said there has always been one thing he’s wanted and spoke about that he couldn’t get where we lived and never had the chance to go after. A bear. All the years growing up hunting he’d talk about hunting a western bear one day before he’s gone. Around the age of 14 I promised him one day I’d either send him on a bear hunt or take him on one. It took me some years but I was able to finally fulfill that promise by moving to Colorado and leading him into the backcountry. It’s the very first time in my life that I feel I could somewhat thank him and return the favor for everything he’s done for me. To many, people will see this and say “it’s just a bear.” I have already heard it from others.
To me, this is over two decades of hard work, dreaming, praying, and wanting to give my father the only thing he ever really “asked” for.
11 days in the backcountry of Colorado, 0 showers, over 55 miles on foot, cold sleepy nights in our tents. On September 10th 2022 5 days after my fathers birthday we filled the tag I’ve been waiting and dreaming of for all those years.
This is what hunting means to me.
Thank you lord for the memory of a lifetime.
To most of you reading this, it’s just a bear. To me, more than you’ll ever know.
Love you dad, I’m proud of you.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Greenheadless · 09-12-2022, 10:43 PM

Awesome story and lifelong trophy (the hunt just as much as the bear).

Benno · 09-12-2022, 10:47 PM

I have no desire to shoot a bear, and even I can tell that’s more than “just a bear”. Awesome memories you made.

Diamond07 · 09-12-2022, 10:48 PM

This is awesome. Much respect.

McClain · 09-12-2022, 10:56 PM

Congrats on a great trophy! Thanks also for sharing the story. I too had always dreamed of taking a bear ever since I was a toddler - more so than any other animal. I finally got the chance when I was in my early 60s, and it was a huge and long awaited award. So I know how your father feels. Great job.

Colton · 09-12-2022, 11:00 PM

That’s awesome man. My dad means the world to me so I get it.

N.DaWoods · 09-12-2022, 11:11 PM

Congrats and awesome story

Uncle_Milty · 09-12-2022, 11:21 PM

What an awesome story and so cool you could do that for him!

3DW5 · 09-12-2022, 11:23 PM

Awesome write up and congrats to you both.

BC288 · 09-12-2022, 11:28 PM

What's a fella in Colorado doing on TEXAS bowhunter?!

All joking aside brother, many congrats. Awesome story, and thank you for sharing. It's definitely a something special. I also thank you for reminding me just how patient my dad was with me and how much he taught me outdoors. I hope to pass it on too my son too!

Congrats!

Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

Olympic Recurve · 09-12-2022, 11:36 PM

Awesome, congrats!

Briar Friar · 09-12-2022, 11:39 PM

Handsome critter!
Well done Mr94Sr. I hope it eats good.
Thanks for sharing Mr94

Burnadell · 09-12-2022, 11:45 PM

Congratulations to both of you! Y'all will remember this adventure!

Mesquite Archer · 09-13-2022, 12:16 AM

That looks like a dream coming true for both father and son. Anyone that thinks that's just a bear doesn't get hunting for what it really is. It's the dreaming, planning, pursuing, time spent and memories made by father and son. And if lucky taking the animal is just a plus. Great story thanks for sharing it.

tkuehn5410 · 09-13-2022, 12:23 AM

Thank you for sharing! That's a great bear, and I appreciate you following thru on the hunt with your dad. Love it! Hope you both learn from this and can get him more over the next years.

SmTx · 09-13-2022, 12:47 AM

How freaking cool!

Tbuddyandroby · 09-13-2022, 05:30 AM

Great read and follow-through giving back to your dad. Congrats!

trophy8 · 09-13-2022, 06:04 AM

That’s the good stuff there. Congrats to both of you!

cram369 · 09-13-2022, 06:46 AM

Congratulations on helping him fulfill his dream hunt. Bet it meant as much to him as it did you.

Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

Slick8 · 09-13-2022, 07:00 AM

What a great story, thanks for sharing and congrats to the both of you.

txtrophy85 · 09-13-2022, 07:39 AM

Great Story!

BTLowry · 09-13-2022, 07:42 AM

Awesome

slayr · 09-13-2022, 07:43 AM

Great stuff! Congrats on the bear and the memories!

Tony Pic · 09-13-2022, 07:54 AM

Great story!

Phillip Fields · 09-13-2022, 07:55 AM

Awesome.

lizardslick · 09-13-2022, 07:58 AM

Cool bear

samj · 09-13-2022, 08:04 AM

Don't underestimate this audience you are speaking to. We all have something deep in our souls that can relate to what you just told us.
Sam J.

Gumbo Man · 09-13-2022, 08:06 AM

Great story. Thanks for sharing.

BlackHogDown · 09-13-2022, 08:12 AM

Good stuff. Congrats all around.

GARY · 09-13-2022, 08:19 AM

Well written and excellent stuff there for anyone who idolizes their fathers who introduced and mentored on us about all things outdoors.

Bryan11 · 09-13-2022, 08:25 AM

Congrats on a great memory and great trophy with your dad.

BernieH · 09-13-2022, 08:36 AM

That is awesome! Congratulations to you both!!

TxHamJello · 09-13-2022, 09:10 AM

That is a fantastic story! Good on ya!

Drycreek3189 · 09-13-2022, 09:12 AM

Great read ! Good on you for giving back, and I’m glad you got the opportunity to do so.

WItoTX · 09-13-2022, 09:13 AM

Congrats to your dad! Bears sure are cool animals, especially when you find a blonde one like that one! It will make a beautiful rug, or whatever you all decide to do with it.

We sure saw a lot of bear in Colorado last week. Really fun animals to watch. not ideal for elk hunting, but hey, take what you can get.

Cooper · 09-13-2022, 09:24 AM

Great story....Congrats!!

Brute Killer · 09-13-2022, 09:57 AM

Congrats on the bear!
Now, what happened with your Beretta shotgun?

HoustonHunter94 · 09-13-2022, 10:00 AM

Great story and glad you and your Dad got to do it together. Enjoy every second of that you can, you just never know what tomorrow will bring.

Bisch · 09-13-2022, 10:24 AM

Pure awesomeness!!!!!

Congrats to your dad and kudos to you for getting it done for him!!!!

Bisch

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

Chad_E · 09-13-2022, 10:37 AM

Definitely more than just a bear! Congrats to you both.

I just returned from a successful elk hunt in Colorado. I was visiting with a life-long family friend, Ronnie, and showing him the antlers. Ronnie mentioned during the conversation how tickled my father would be to know my elk hunting success. I've been lucky enough to go 3 for 3 on elk (two w/bow). All thanks to the skills my father instilled in my brother and I. We lost my dad to a tragic accident in 2017. Ronnie's words hit kind of hard later that evening.

Congrats again to you and your father. That's a memory you will not soon forget!

deerslayer94 · 09-13-2022, 02:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brute Killer

Congrats on the bear!
Now, what happened with your Beretta shotgun?

HA, that made me laugh. Beretta finally got it repaired and sent back to me.

texan16 · 09-13-2022, 03:25 PM

Man, that is way too cool !! Congrats to the both of you !!

mpotts · 09-13-2022, 03:45 PM

That is an awesome story thanks for sharing.

mbf · 09-13-2022, 03:52 PM

Awesome!

Jon B · 09-13-2022, 03:55 PM

Cool deal

Cliff Dog · 09-13-2022, 04:04 PM

Great story! Thanks for sharing!

austinRecurve · 09-13-2022, 04:12 PM

Congrats. Bears are special. I lived and hunted in Alaska for 6 years before I finally arrowed one.

7sdad · 09-13-2022, 04:20 PM

Don't get much better than this. Congrats!

TAMU Hunter · 09-13-2022, 04:26 PM

Never gets old hunting with your father! Memories that can't be erased for either one of you!!!!

Congrats.....

bigblock78 · 09-13-2022, 04:26 PM

thank you for sharing!

09-12-2022, 10:41 PM	#1
deerslayer94 Ten Point Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Carrollton Tx Hunt In: madison,grimes,montgomery	“It’s just a bear” “It’s just a bear” I still have memories of being that small 4 year old shooting my .22 browning lever action rifle out of the bed of my dads old blue tacoma. He would take me to the woods with him almost every time, even when I was a pain. He taught me what hunting truly was, and what it means to put in the work and bring home food. Taught me to appreciate the art of hunting and be thankful. He gave me a passion that I’ve carried ever since. For 24 years he has never stopped. He’s a man of few words and never asks for anything. I’ve never once in my life felt like I could ever thank him or repay him for all those times in the woods, the lessons, and teaching me what now is what I love most. That being said there has always been one thing he’s wanted and spoke about that he couldn’t get where we lived and never had the chance to go after. A bear. All the years growing up hunting he’d talk about hunting a western bear one day before he’s gone. Around the age of 14 I promised him one day I’d either send him on a bear hunt or take him on one. It took me some years but I was able to finally fulfill that promise by moving to Colorado and leading him into the backcountry. It’s the very first time in my life that I feel I could somewhat thank him and return the favor for everything he’s done for me. To many, people will see this and say “it’s just a bear.” I have already heard it from others. To me, this is over two decades of hard work, dreaming, praying, and wanting to give my father the only thing he ever really “asked” for. 11 days in the backcountry of Colorado, 0 showers, over 55 miles on foot, cold sleepy nights in our tents. On September 10th 2022 5 days after my fathers birthday we filled the tag I’ve been waiting and dreaming of for all those years. This is what hunting means to me. Thank you lord for the memory of a lifetime. To most of you reading this, it’s just a bear. To me, more than you’ll ever know. Love you dad, I’m proud of you. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

09-13-2022, 08:19 AM	#30
GARY Administrator Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Fort Bend County & Shiner Texas Hunt In: Lavaca County & Alberta	Well written and excellent stuff there for anyone who idolizes their fathers who introduced and mentored on us about all things outdoors. __________________ Proud member since 1999 Gary's Outdoor Highlight of 2008: To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

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09-12-2022, 10:43 PM	#2
Greenheadless Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, TX Hunt In: SE Texas	Awesome story and lifelong trophy (the hunt just as much as the bear).

09-12-2022, 10:47 PM	#3
Benno Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2011	I have no desire to shoot a bear, and even I can tell that’s more than “just a bear”. Awesome memories you made.

09-12-2022, 10:48 PM	#4
Diamond07 Eight Point Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Boerne, TX Hunt In: Webb	This is awesome. Much respect.

09-12-2022, 10:56 PM	#5
McClain Ten Point Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Tyler, TX	Congrats on a great trophy! Thanks also for sharing the story. I too had always dreamed of taking a bear ever since I was a toddler - more so than any other animal. I finally got the chance when I was in my early 60s, and it was a huge and long awaited award. So I know how your father feels. Great job.

09-12-2022, 11:00 PM	#6
Colton Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Houston, TX Hunt In: South Texas	That’s awesome man. My dad means the world to me so I get it.

09-12-2022, 11:11 PM	#7
N.DaWoods Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Austin Area Hunt In: Texas	Congrats and awesome story

09-12-2022, 11:21 PM	#8
Uncle_Milty Ten Point Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: TX/LA Coast Hunt In: Orange, Newton, Sabine, CO	What an awesome story and so cool you could do that for him!

09-12-2022, 11:23 PM	#9
3DW5 Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: Clear Lake Hunt In: Leon Co, Jim Hogg and Starr Co.	Awesome write up and congrats to you both.

09-12-2022, 11:28 PM	#10
BC288 Four Point Join Date: Oct 2013 Hunt In: My buddies stand	What's a fella in Colorado doing on TEXAS bowhunter?! All joking aside brother, many congrats. Awesome story, and thank you for sharing. It's definitely a something special. I also thank you for reminding me just how patient my dad was with me and how much he taught me outdoors. I hope to pass it on too my son too! Congrats! Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk

09-12-2022, 11:36 PM	#11
Olympic Recurve Ten Point Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Antonio Hunt In: TX	Awesome, congrats!

09-12-2022, 11:39 PM	#12
Briar Friar Pope & Young Join Date: May 2015	Handsome critter! Well done Mr94Sr. I hope it eats good. Thanks for sharing Mr94

09-12-2022, 11:45 PM	#13
Burnadell Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: White Oak Hunt In: Bee County	Congratulations to both of you! Y'all will remember this adventure!

09-13-2022, 12:16 AM	#14
Mesquite Archer Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: Mesquite, TX Hunt In: Whitney / Abilene, KS	That looks like a dream coming true for both father and son. Anyone that thinks that's just a bear doesn't get hunting for what it really is. It's the dreaming, planning, pursuing, time spent and memories made by father and son. And if lucky taking the animal is just a plus. Great story thanks for sharing it.

09-13-2022, 12:23 AM	#15
tkuehn5410 Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lubbock, TX Hunt In: Crosby, Dickens	Thank you for sharing! That's a great bear, and I appreciate you following thru on the hunt with your dad. Love it! Hope you both learn from this and can get him more over the next years.

09-13-2022, 12:47 AM	#16
SmTx Pope & Young Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Marcos/Hempstead Hunt In: Jim Wells	How freaking cool!

09-13-2022, 05:30 AM	#17
Tbuddyandroby Ten Point Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: League City Hunt In: Votaw	Great read and follow-through giving back to your dad. Congrats!

09-13-2022, 06:04 AM	#18
trophy8 Pope & Young Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Georgetown Texas	That’s the good stuff there. Congrats to both of you!

09-13-2022, 06:46 AM	#19
cram369 Eight Point Join Date: Aug 2017	Congratulations on helping him fulfill his dream hunt. Bet it meant as much to him as it did you. Sent from my SM-A716U using Tapatalk

09-13-2022, 07:00 AM	#20
Slick8 Pope & Young Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Richmond, Texas Hunt In: In the woods	What a great story, thanks for sharing and congrats to the both of you.

09-13-2022, 07:39 AM	#21
txtrophy85 Ten Point Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Boerne Hunt In: All over the World	Great Story!

09-13-2022, 07:42 AM	#22
BTLowry Pope & Young Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Lindale Hunt In: Behind the house and public in Texas; Kansas Unit 5	Awesome

09-13-2022, 07:43 AM	#23
slayr Ten Point Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Conroe Hunt In: Hill Country	Great stuff! Congrats on the bear and the memories!

09-13-2022, 07:54 AM	#24
Tony Pic Pope & Young Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: Texas and NYS Hunt In: The Picarosas North and South, Kerrville and Harper	Great story!

09-13-2022, 07:55 AM	#25
Phillip Fields Pope & Young Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Chesapeake, VA Hunt In: NC,TX, and anywhere else I can	Awesome.

09-13-2022, 07:58 AM	#26
lizardslick Spike Join Date: Aug 2022	Cool bear

09-13-2022, 08:04 AM	#27
samj Four Point Join Date: Mar 2018	Don't underestimate this audience you are speaking to. We all have something deep in our souls that can relate to what you just told us. Sam J.

09-13-2022, 08:06 AM	#28
Gumbo Man Pope & Young Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: Livingston Texas Hunt In: Between Onalaska and Groveton	Great story. Thanks for sharing.

09-13-2022, 08:12 AM	#29
BlackHogDown Ten Point Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: League City Hunt In: Duval County	Good stuff. Congrats all around.

09-13-2022, 08:25 AM	#31
Bryan11 Ten Point Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: Taylor/Franklin Hunt In: Robertson & Limestone Co	Congrats on a great memory and great trophy with your dad.

09-13-2022, 08:36 AM	#32
BernieH Four Point Join Date: May 2008 Location: Rosenberg Hunt In: Mason County	That is awesome! Congratulations to you both!!