Been distracted from detecting lately...

[DougsGraphics]

It's that time of year again... the time where I put down the detector and pick up one of my other passions -- archery. I've just completed another elk hunt; this one was unsuccessful in filling the freezer, but at least I got out into the woods all alone for some much needed recharging of the old batteries. I had some enjoyable times, like the one that got away. Also had a close encounter (try within a couple feet) with a black bear cub and the sow. I don't recommend that! Anyway, it was pretty hazy on the way back, but I wanted to share a few snapshots of the mountains of North-central NM. Enjoy!

[Kentfb]

Ouch cub with her mom in close quarters can be bad for your health. I'm an avid bow hunter myself. Good luck

[gordiesgirl]

Beautiful photos scary about the bear. glad your ok. Good luck

[DougsGraphics]

Originally Posted by Kentfb

Ouch cub with her mom in close quarters can be bad for your health. I'm an avid bow hunter myself. Good luck

You would not have believed it... cub comes bounding down the hill behind me bleating loudly, heading straight at me. I was sitting along a game trail running from a burned area (where I had earlier bumped a heard of elk) into a grassy meadow. Startled, I stood up. Once I realized it was a cub, I remember thinking "this ain't good". I yelled at the cub trying to ward the little bugger off. Instead of turning away or running back up the hill, the furball guns it and shoots RIGHT by me. Now, I'm concerned. I no sooner turn back up the hill and momma comes lumbering into view, still striding right towards me. I drew my bow as I shouted. She stopped on a dime and sat upright, startled, about 8 yards away. She starts bleating and her cub calls back from behind me. We sat like this for a while as I kept talking to her, saying "walk away", all the time keeping my sights clearly targeting her vitals. Finally she moved away into the oak scrub where I couldn't see her, but she kept calling to the cub for several minutes before all finally fell quiet. I stood there at the ready for probably another 15 minutes before deciding this wasn't going to be a good place to find elk that evening! Sure wish I'd had a friend with to video the whole thing -- it was rather unbelievable.

[julieburger]

Wonderful photos. I would have peed my pants. You have quite a story to tell from now on though. Very glad it was only an encounter and not an attack.

[EPC Guy]

Beautiful country! I hope to MD in NM at some point.

[DougsGraphics]

Originally Posted by EPC Guy

Beautiful country! I hope to MD in NM at some point.

If you get out this way, be sure to let me know. I'll go detecting with ya!

[Zman]

Been there done that with the bear not to that extent though. (I spend a lot of time in the Adirondak Mts.) Surrounded by that beautiful scenery you can't help to be distracted. I sit an look at all that for hours. Your still in one piece and thats a plus. Hope you hunt is successful next time. I did always want a real bearskin rug in front of my fireplace.

[DougsGraphics]

Originally Posted by Zman

...Hope you hunt is successful next time. I did always want a real bearskin rug in front of my fireplace.

It's generally not about the getting that defines success. I've been there and done that, though I have yet to kill a BIG elk. Nothing bigger than a forky for me as of yet, but the meat tastes better on the younger bulls and cows anyway. Nope, I have just as much fun taking blue grouse, turkey, rabbits, squirrels, etc. with the bow. This was a grouse + 2 rabbits and a few stories hunt. The real success was getting away from a couple days of work, getting to be one with the outdoors, and trying to outsmart them darn elk. Sure wish I'd had a deer tag, though... could have outdone this one this year... Only once had a desire to actually kill a bear -- having one growl at you in the dark, now that will make you want to put an arrow through it's heart!

[dooby]

Great photographs !!!