TracksWapiti
FNG
Hunting fall black bear in East TN for the first time. Made two day hunts so far to the same spot. Acorns everywhere and bear scat is all acorn mush. There are news articles about this being a "mast year" in TN.
First day called in a sow with three cubs using a fawn distress call. She came over the rise behind me and passed within 10 yards with her cubs in tow. Never saw or winded me, which I was glad for with a crossbow in my lap! She kept trucking in the direction of the acorn flats I passed thru earlier.
Called a few more sets in other locations with tons of bear sign and nothing came in.
Made me wonder if fall bear with abundant food sources aren't interested in prey distress calls. So I ordered a bear cub distress call. Warnings all over the packaging to "use at your own risk." My wife thinks I have a death wish lol...Rifle hunting the same spot next weekend and am tempted to use it.
Anyone have experience using cub distress calls in the fall?
First day called in a sow with three cubs using a fawn distress call. She came over the rise behind me and passed within 10 yards with her cubs in tow. Never saw or winded me, which I was glad for with a crossbow in my lap! She kept trucking in the direction of the acorn flats I passed thru earlier.
Called a few more sets in other locations with tons of bear sign and nothing came in.
Made me wonder if fall bear with abundant food sources aren't interested in prey distress calls. So I ordered a bear cub distress call. Warnings all over the packaging to "use at your own risk." My wife thinks I have a death wish lol...Rifle hunting the same spot next weekend and am tempted to use it.
Anyone have experience using cub distress calls in the fall?