2015 Washington Bear Hunt

by Jamie Belknap

 

My name is Jamie Belknap and I am a 23-year-old college student finishing up my student teaching with hopes of becoming a teacher soon!  Hunting is my life and it has been since I was a little girl.  

 

I had a free weekend in between Idaho elk hunts and I knew that I could not just sit at home and not go bear hunting.  So...I loaded up my car and headed north.  I have some very good friends that live just north of my home in Spokane Washington and I knew that their property would be a excellent spot for me to go test my bear luck! 

 

Sunday morning we woke up and headed up to a very large clearing.  I sat with my back leaned up against my Badlands hunting pack and my eyes glued to my Vortex spotting scope.  I glassed for about 5 hours and was beginning to get restless.  I knew that the second I left the spot there would be a bear.  My bow was at the shop getting new strings put on and I knew that this was my chance to bring out the “boom stick.”  I stood up to get some candy out of my pack, sugar helps when you are beginning to give up hope.  BUT...the second I set my bag back down, I spied a beautiful mature black bear walk out of the trees into the clearing 2 ridges away!!  My friend had his 6.5-284 Lapua, so I knew this was going to be a trip to remember.  I did not feel comfortable taking the 800 yard shot simply because I have been an archery hunter and a “normal range” rifle hunter my whole life.  When I say “normal range” I mean that my farthest shot that I have ever taken was about 250 yards.  So, with that being said, we closed the gap to 500 yards and I talked myself into it!!!!

 

I got steady on a stump and laid my belly on the ground, this was it. My heart was pumping as we dialed the NightForce scope in perfectly for the M.O.A. and wind adjustments.  It was go time.  The bear was just standing on the hillside enjoying the sunshine and I took the safety off.  Before I pulled the trigger I said a prayer thanking God for this opportunity and the beautiful creature He had led in front of me.  I also prayed that my shot placement was good and with that, took a deep breath.  I pulled the trigger and the bear dropped.  I am so thankful for this wonderful adventure, it will always hold a memory in my heart.

                                                        - Jamie