Just returned from a simply amazing hunt on the Penninsula with Phil Shoemaker and Grizzly Skins of Alaska. Had one of the best weeks of my life. Booked this hunt a few years ago and it far exceeded my expectations.
Weather was unusually warm. A bit of wind some days, but other than that nothing but clear skies. Made for long sweaty days in chest waiders, but nothing a nice breeze while standing on a mountain top in just your underwear couldn't fix within a couple minutes.
Got my bear on the 2nd day after an awesome stalk. Can't say enough about my guide Wes. I hope to share camp with him again some day. We got to know each other pretty well after having to spend the night out in the bush, rolled up in the bear hide to keep warm. The trek back to camp took us all the next day, and we fought for every damn yard thru the alders and creeks. A hunt that I (and my feet) will definitely never forget. I'll also never forget seeing Rocky run out to meet us with a couple cold beers. Damn near brings a tear to my eye thinking about it
I'll definitely be back to visit the Shoemakers. They make you feel like family and run a great operation.
I'm keeping it short and sweet. This is one of those hunts that words and photos don't really do it justice at all, so I really won't even try. Hope you enjoy the photos. I'll post a video when I'm done editing.
Special thanks to Phil, Rocky, Tia, Taj, Wes, and all the other guides and packers. Hope to see you guys again soon.
My bear ended up being a true 9'7" bear (no stretching or creative measuring) and skull is 27 9/16
Very nice hide, just some rubbing on his inner thighs.
5 stars across the board for the Shoemakers and this hunt overall.
Here is the video
https://vimeo.com/95915335
Weather was unusually warm. A bit of wind some days, but other than that nothing but clear skies. Made for long sweaty days in chest waiders, but nothing a nice breeze while standing on a mountain top in just your underwear couldn't fix within a couple minutes.
Got my bear on the 2nd day after an awesome stalk. Can't say enough about my guide Wes. I hope to share camp with him again some day. We got to know each other pretty well after having to spend the night out in the bush, rolled up in the bear hide to keep warm. The trek back to camp took us all the next day, and we fought for every damn yard thru the alders and creeks. A hunt that I (and my feet) will definitely never forget. I'll also never forget seeing Rocky run out to meet us with a couple cold beers. Damn near brings a tear to my eye thinking about it
I'll definitely be back to visit the Shoemakers. They make you feel like family and run a great operation.
I'm keeping it short and sweet. This is one of those hunts that words and photos don't really do it justice at all, so I really won't even try. Hope you enjoy the photos. I'll post a video when I'm done editing.
Special thanks to Phil, Rocky, Tia, Taj, Wes, and all the other guides and packers. Hope to see you guys again soon.
My bear ended up being a true 9'7" bear (no stretching or creative measuring) and skull is 27 9/16
Very nice hide, just some rubbing on his inner thighs.
5 stars across the board for the Shoemakers and this hunt overall.
Here is the video
https://vimeo.com/95915335
