A hunter from Sedgwick, Maine, had an unexpected surprise during a recent deer hunting trip when he shot and killed a black bear that was feasting on a whitetail carcass. The hunter, Sam Allen, recounts his thrilling experience and the challenges of extracting the massive bear.
Sam Allen, an avid hunter from Sedgwick, Maine, had set out on a deer hunting expedition on November 4th. Little did he know that he would end up with more than just a deer. After missing a shot at a buck and spending hours searching for a blood trail, Allen decided to return to the same area the following weekend. It was then that he encountered a large black bear, and what followed was a remarkable hunting experience.
A Fortuitous Encounter
As Allen made his way down a steep draw, hoping to find the buck he had missed, he caught sight of a moving black figure. Uncertain if it was a bear, he cautiously approached and confirmed that it was indeed a sizeable black bear. Allen, a lover of bear meat, decided to take the opportunity and fired a single shot from his .308 Thompson rifle. To his surprise, the bear dropped instantly.
The Discovery of a Bonus Buck
Approaching the downed bear, Allen realized that it had been pawing at a whitetail carcass. Upon closer inspection, he discovered that the carcass belonged to a mature buck with solid main beams and impressive antlers. While Allen initially wondered if it was the same buck he had missed the previous week, further investigation revealed it was a different animal. Nonetheless, the discovery added another layer of excitement to the already memorable hunt.
The Extraction Challenge
Realizing that he would need assistance in extracting the bear, Allen called his friend Tyler for help. Together, they embarked on the arduous task of packing out the bear. However, due to its immense size, Allen’s initial plan to haul the bear out intact had to be abandoned. They decided to dress the bear on-site, using a box cutter as Allen’s only available tool. With a makeshift sled and multiple breaks, they managed to transport the bear to a four-wheeler.
Impressive Size and Weight
The dressed black bear weighed in at a staggering 332 pounds, a testament to its size and strength. While adult boars can reach weights of over 400 pounds, the average-sized black bear falls within the range of 200 to 300 pounds. Estimates suggest that the bear likely weighed over 480 pounds before dressing. Allen’s successful hunt showcased the remarkable wildlife that can be found in the Maine wilderness.
Investigation and Preservation
After extracting and weighing the bear, Allen returned to the scene with a game warden to investigate the deer kill. Fortunately, the carcass showed no signs of bullet holes, alleviating Allen’s concerns that he had inadvertently killed the buck he had missed earlier. With a carcass tag in hand, Allen decided to preserve the deer’s head and bring it to a taxidermist to create a unique mount that captures the memorable encounter between the bear and the deer.
Conclusion:
Sam Allen’s hunting experience in Sedgwick, Maine, was one for the books. What started as a routine deer hunting trip turned into an extraordinary adventure when he encountered and successfully shot a black bear. The unexpected discovery of a mature buck added another layer of excitement to an already unforgettable hunt. Allen’s determination and resourcefulness in extracting the bear showcased the challenges and rewards of hunting in the rugged Maine wilderness. As he reflects on his remarkable feat, Allen acknowledges that surpassing this experience will be a tough task, but he remains grateful for the camaraderie and memories shared with his friends.
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