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| The U.B.C. ... working to protect YOUR bowhunting rights! |
Site by: WhiteTail Solutions, LLC.
| Chas Catania |
2008 U.B.C. Banquet Winner - New
Brunswick Spring Bear Hunt
Due to a last minute change in my schedule I
was able to attend the 2008 United
Bowhunters of CT Banquet on April 12, 2008
at Zandri's Inn. Unfortunately I was too late
to get a ticket, as they weren't going to sell
tickets at the door. Dan Beyer of WhiteTail
Solutions stepped up and offered me a seat at
their table.
If you haven't been to this dinner you don't
know what you are missing. I have been to
several of them and I can tell you, the food is
great, the company is even better and since
this is the UBC's big fundraiser for the year,
they need and deserve our support. There are
lots of raffles and prizes as well.
Brunswick Spring Bear Hunt
Due to a last minute change in my schedule I
was able to attend the 2008 United
Bowhunters of CT Banquet on April 12, 2008
at Zandri's Inn. Unfortunately I was too late
to get a ticket, as they weren't going to sell
tickets at the door. Dan Beyer of WhiteTail
Solutions stepped up and offered me a seat at
their table.
If you haven't been to this dinner you don't
know what you are missing. I have been to
several of them and I can tell you, the food is
great, the company is even better and since
this is the UBC's big fundraiser for the year,
they need and deserve our support. There are
lots of raffles and prizes as well.
I bought my raffle tickets and as I was looking over the prizes, I saw Del DelMastro, UBC president, awesome bowhunter and
all around great guy. Del goes on a New Brunswick bear hunt each Spring at Kelly’s Sporting Lodge and they donate a hunt to
the raffle.
I reminded him that at a UBC banquet six years ago, I asked him if I were to win the hunt, would he give me a ride to New
Brunswick . He looked at me like I was crazy but mumbled “yeah sure”. Probably just to get rid of me. Sure enough I won that
hunt, unfortunately Del was unable to go as shortly before the hunt he was practicing Equestrian dismounts and hurt his
shoulder. I drove to New Brunswick on my own and had a great week. I spent time with several great guys, ate good food, and
I saw 2 bears, both about 100 pounds and decided to pass them up. I never regretted that decision as I knew that there were
bigger bears around.
Kelly’s Sporting Lodge is a low keyed hunting operation in Upper King’s Clear New Brunswick. They offer Spring Bear hunting,
Fishing and Bear, Deer and Moose in the fall. Carman Kelly at 76 years old will amaze you with his stamina, his hunting
knowledge and his stories (some of which I’m sure are even true).
At this year’s banquet I again asked Del if he’d give me a ride if I won the bear hunt. I reminded him of the story of what
happened six years ago and he told me that last year, just after the Kelly’s Bear hunt he had a motorcycle accident. When they
called the winning ticket number for this hunt and Del saw me walking up to the podium, I told him to stay away from Horses
and Motorcycles, and I’m pretty sure he was a bit worried about what might happen to him to derail this year’s trip.
I was very excited to also win a hard-sided bow case and Louie, the 10 pound lobster, which was delicious by the way!
As Del and I made plans to go on the hunt, my schedule with work, kids, etc. suddenly got pretty complicated. I was unable to
go for the whole week and Del , was incredibly accommodating, offering to drive up with me and stay as many days as I could.
We decided that we’d drive up Saturday afternoon, and spend Sunday relaxing and Hunt Monday, Tuesday and maybe
Wednesday.
The drive up (and back) was a delight. Del and I had met but never really spent much time together, certainly not 11 hours in a
car. Let me tell you, this guy has the most entertaining stories you will ever hear. He’s been on more hunts and had more
adventures (and a few misadventures) than most of us could ever dream of.
We talked almost nonstop and made a stop at the new Cabela’s in Maine . Del had been there just a few weeks before for the
Grand Opening. The 11 hour trip passed very quickly.
We arrived at Kelly’s at about 4 am and turned in for a few hours of sleep. Later on Sunday we shot our bows, had some great
food and talked to Carman Kelly, the head guide. We also met the other 3 hunters in camp, a Father and his 2 adult sons from
PA.
Spring bear hunting is a great time, you hunt the afternoons and evenings only so the days are free to relax, fish, shoot a few
arrows, and tell stories.
Monday we went out to hunt at about 2PM, I was in a very nice stand but never saw a bear. The bugs were pretty bad but my
ThermaCELL kept them away. If you have never used one it’s really hard to imagine how well they work. I’ll never be without
one in any situation where bugs might be a problem.
We were picked up after dark and returned to the lodge for a late meal and to see what the other hunters saw. One of the
hunters from PA, the Father, had shot a nice boar bear. It was not as big as he thought it was before he took the shot, but the
guides estimated it at about 150-160 pounds, certainly not anything to be ashamed of. After hearing the story and having some
food we all turned in for the night. Tuesday, 6/3/08 we all gathered around as the bear was skinned and cut up to be taken back
to PA. The more I looked at that bear and the more I thought it would be big enough for me. I decided and told the lucky hunter,
if I see one this size tonight I’d be happy to take him.
I was put in my stand at about 2:30 pm, Carman chose to put me in a different stand where he thought he had a nice bear
coming to the bait.
After a few hours of nothing but birds and squirrels, it got dark, a storm moved in, and started to rain. I had rain gear with me
and was able to keep pretty dry. As quickly as it came in, it moved out and I was hopeful that the bears would start to move.
At about 7:30 pm, I thought I heard a branch break and a few minutes later, I noticed movement way out in the distance.
Eventually, a bear worked its way towards the bait. I quickly decided that it was a pretty small bear, maybe 125 pounds, and
since I had close to 30 minutes to glass and observe the bear I had plenty of time to second guess the decision to pass. The bear
had a beautiful coat, long hair, thick, unrubbed and a large white V on the chest. I had almost talked myself into taking a shot
when I figured that it was a sow. I am certainly no expert but Del had told me that a female will be bigger in the hips than the
shoulders and a sow will rarely have a big head. I saw that she was bigger from behind than from the front and said “OK, she’s
a sow, I’ll let her go”. It was fun to spend so much time watching a bear through 10 power binoculars and as she walked away
for the last time, I was hoping that she wouldn’t be the only bear I saw on the whole trip.
Maybe 30 minutes later I noticed movement and a spot of black moving towards me. As the spot turned into a bear I thought
“that’s the same bear, she’s back” because it looked to be the same size. This bear was much more cautious; it stayed back in
the thick brush
At first and approached carefully, smelling the air and looking around.
A closer looked convinced me it was indeed a different bear. There was no white on the chest and this one looked bigger in the
shoulders than the hips, A Boar. Not a huge one but good enough for my first bear, especially with just a couple of days to hunt.
I decided that if he presented a shot I would take it.
This bear acted as if it either knew I was there, or was worried that something was wrong. It tested the air using his nose, even
standing up on his hind legs while leaning against a tree trying to catch a scent of something. Eventually he decided that things
were safe and he came in to the bait. I had stood up when he was behind a tree and as he passed behind a stump I drew my
bow. He was only about 20 yards away and I had a clear shot but he wouldn’t present a good angle. I had to let down after he
walked away, and then draw again when he came back in. Finally he turned broadside and I released.
At the shot he “woofed” and ran off. I was a little concerned that the shot might have been a bit low, but I literally saw blood
shoot out after the pass through, and could see my arrow stuck in the ground, and a large amount of blood all around the area.
I looked at my watch it was almost 9PM, still light but it would not be for much longer.
I got down, saw the area was covered with blood and decided that maybe there was enough daylight left to recover him that
night.
I quickly called Carman on my cell phone, the coverage was spotty but he heard me tell him I shot a bear and told me to stay put
he’d be right there. He was taking a nap in the truck waiting until dark to pick everyone up.
Carmen showed up about 10 minutes later. I showed him the arrow and all the blood, he asked me if I had heard the bear crash
or a death moan, I had not. We followed the blood; I have to say that while I’d never shot a bear before, or been on a bear blood
trail, it was the most blood I had ever seen. After about 100 yards, Carman looked at me and said, this bear is dead, I can’t
believe he is still going after losing this much blood. We found him after close to 200 yards. Carman,’s first comment was “oh
that’s a good bear” Light was fading fast so Carman left me there and went back to the truck for the stretcher that they use to
carry bears out of the woods.
Carman returned with the stretcher, we snapped a couple of quick pictures in the near dark and carried the bear back to the
stand, deciding we’d come back to bring him the rest of the way of, after picking up Del and the other hunter.
Del had seen a bear, and shot some nice video but since he was holding out for a big boar and since this bear was judged to be
about 150 pounds, he passed and just took video. The other hunter hadn’t seen a bear.
We returned to my stand and Carman Del and I carried out the bear. For a 76 year old man who probably weighs about 160
pounds Carman is one tough dude, I guess living and working in the North Woods toughens you up.
We returned to the lodge and hung the bear, he would be skinned and cut up the next morning.
I took measurements of the length and girth and according to a table I have from the Pennsylvania Game and Fish, the bear with
a 38 inch girth and 64 inch length, weighed 178 pounds, since there was no scale in camp, that’s the best estimate I have.
The bear was skinned, the skull and meat packaged for the ride home and since it was going to rain that afternoon and evening
Del and I decided to head back to CT.
The border crossing was uneventful and the ride back home was as entertaining as the ride up.
I want to thank the UBC for the Bear Hunt; I had a great time and plan to do it again, even if I have to pay for it one of these
days. I also want to thank Carman Kelly for donating the hunt, Del DelMastro for driving and his company, for sharing his
knowledge and great stories, and Dan Beyer and the guys of Whitetail Solutions for their kind offer of a ticket at the banquet.
Support the UBC, it’s the biggest reason we have long seasons and so many tags here in CT. Without the dedicated board and
officers we would not have nearly the opportunities that we now enjoy.
Next year’s banquet is going to be even bigger and better, April 26, 2009, Aqua Turf Club, I’ll see you there, SAVE
THE DATE!
Chas Catania
all around great guy. Del goes on a New Brunswick bear hunt each Spring at Kelly’s Sporting Lodge and they donate a hunt to
the raffle.
I reminded him that at a UBC banquet six years ago, I asked him if I were to win the hunt, would he give me a ride to New
Brunswick . He looked at me like I was crazy but mumbled “yeah sure”. Probably just to get rid of me. Sure enough I won that
hunt, unfortunately Del was unable to go as shortly before the hunt he was practicing Equestrian dismounts and hurt his
shoulder. I drove to New Brunswick on my own and had a great week. I spent time with several great guys, ate good food, and
I saw 2 bears, both about 100 pounds and decided to pass them up. I never regretted that decision as I knew that there were
bigger bears around.
Kelly’s Sporting Lodge is a low keyed hunting operation in Upper King’s Clear New Brunswick. They offer Spring Bear hunting,
Fishing and Bear, Deer and Moose in the fall. Carman Kelly at 76 years old will amaze you with his stamina, his hunting
knowledge and his stories (some of which I’m sure are even true).
At this year’s banquet I again asked Del if he’d give me a ride if I won the bear hunt. I reminded him of the story of what
happened six years ago and he told me that last year, just after the Kelly’s Bear hunt he had a motorcycle accident. When they
called the winning ticket number for this hunt and Del saw me walking up to the podium, I told him to stay away from Horses
and Motorcycles, and I’m pretty sure he was a bit worried about what might happen to him to derail this year’s trip.
I was very excited to also win a hard-sided bow case and Louie, the 10 pound lobster, which was delicious by the way!
As Del and I made plans to go on the hunt, my schedule with work, kids, etc. suddenly got pretty complicated. I was unable to
go for the whole week and Del , was incredibly accommodating, offering to drive up with me and stay as many days as I could.
We decided that we’d drive up Saturday afternoon, and spend Sunday relaxing and Hunt Monday, Tuesday and maybe
Wednesday.
The drive up (and back) was a delight. Del and I had met but never really spent much time together, certainly not 11 hours in a
car. Let me tell you, this guy has the most entertaining stories you will ever hear. He’s been on more hunts and had more
adventures (and a few misadventures) than most of us could ever dream of.
We talked almost nonstop and made a stop at the new Cabela’s in Maine . Del had been there just a few weeks before for the
Grand Opening. The 11 hour trip passed very quickly.
We arrived at Kelly’s at about 4 am and turned in for a few hours of sleep. Later on Sunday we shot our bows, had some great
food and talked to Carman Kelly, the head guide. We also met the other 3 hunters in camp, a Father and his 2 adult sons from
PA.
Spring bear hunting is a great time, you hunt the afternoons and evenings only so the days are free to relax, fish, shoot a few
arrows, and tell stories.
Monday we went out to hunt at about 2PM, I was in a very nice stand but never saw a bear. The bugs were pretty bad but my
ThermaCELL kept them away. If you have never used one it’s really hard to imagine how well they work. I’ll never be without
one in any situation where bugs might be a problem.
We were picked up after dark and returned to the lodge for a late meal and to see what the other hunters saw. One of the
hunters from PA, the Father, had shot a nice boar bear. It was not as big as he thought it was before he took the shot, but the
guides estimated it at about 150-160 pounds, certainly not anything to be ashamed of. After hearing the story and having some
food we all turned in for the night. Tuesday, 6/3/08 we all gathered around as the bear was skinned and cut up to be taken back
to PA. The more I looked at that bear and the more I thought it would be big enough for me. I decided and told the lucky hunter,
if I see one this size tonight I’d be happy to take him.
I was put in my stand at about 2:30 pm, Carman chose to put me in a different stand where he thought he had a nice bear
coming to the bait.
After a few hours of nothing but birds and squirrels, it got dark, a storm moved in, and started to rain. I had rain gear with me
and was able to keep pretty dry. As quickly as it came in, it moved out and I was hopeful that the bears would start to move.
At about 7:30 pm, I thought I heard a branch break and a few minutes later, I noticed movement way out in the distance.
Eventually, a bear worked its way towards the bait. I quickly decided that it was a pretty small bear, maybe 125 pounds, and
since I had close to 30 minutes to glass and observe the bear I had plenty of time to second guess the decision to pass. The bear
had a beautiful coat, long hair, thick, unrubbed and a large white V on the chest. I had almost talked myself into taking a shot
when I figured that it was a sow. I am certainly no expert but Del had told me that a female will be bigger in the hips than the
shoulders and a sow will rarely have a big head. I saw that she was bigger from behind than from the front and said “OK, she’s
a sow, I’ll let her go”. It was fun to spend so much time watching a bear through 10 power binoculars and as she walked away
for the last time, I was hoping that she wouldn’t be the only bear I saw on the whole trip.
Maybe 30 minutes later I noticed movement and a spot of black moving towards me. As the spot turned into a bear I thought
“that’s the same bear, she’s back” because it looked to be the same size. This bear was much more cautious; it stayed back in
the thick brush
At first and approached carefully, smelling the air and looking around.
A closer looked convinced me it was indeed a different bear. There was no white on the chest and this one looked bigger in the
shoulders than the hips, A Boar. Not a huge one but good enough for my first bear, especially with just a couple of days to hunt.
I decided that if he presented a shot I would take it.
This bear acted as if it either knew I was there, or was worried that something was wrong. It tested the air using his nose, even
standing up on his hind legs while leaning against a tree trying to catch a scent of something. Eventually he decided that things
were safe and he came in to the bait. I had stood up when he was behind a tree and as he passed behind a stump I drew my
bow. He was only about 20 yards away and I had a clear shot but he wouldn’t present a good angle. I had to let down after he
walked away, and then draw again when he came back in. Finally he turned broadside and I released.
At the shot he “woofed” and ran off. I was a little concerned that the shot might have been a bit low, but I literally saw blood
shoot out after the pass through, and could see my arrow stuck in the ground, and a large amount of blood all around the area.
I looked at my watch it was almost 9PM, still light but it would not be for much longer.
I got down, saw the area was covered with blood and decided that maybe there was enough daylight left to recover him that
night.
I quickly called Carman on my cell phone, the coverage was spotty but he heard me tell him I shot a bear and told me to stay put
he’d be right there. He was taking a nap in the truck waiting until dark to pick everyone up.
Carmen showed up about 10 minutes later. I showed him the arrow and all the blood, he asked me if I had heard the bear crash
or a death moan, I had not. We followed the blood; I have to say that while I’d never shot a bear before, or been on a bear blood
trail, it was the most blood I had ever seen. After about 100 yards, Carman looked at me and said, this bear is dead, I can’t
believe he is still going after losing this much blood. We found him after close to 200 yards. Carman,’s first comment was “oh
that’s a good bear” Light was fading fast so Carman left me there and went back to the truck for the stretcher that they use to
carry bears out of the woods.
Carman returned with the stretcher, we snapped a couple of quick pictures in the near dark and carried the bear back to the
stand, deciding we’d come back to bring him the rest of the way of, after picking up Del and the other hunter.
Del had seen a bear, and shot some nice video but since he was holding out for a big boar and since this bear was judged to be
about 150 pounds, he passed and just took video. The other hunter hadn’t seen a bear.
We returned to my stand and Carman Del and I carried out the bear. For a 76 year old man who probably weighs about 160
pounds Carman is one tough dude, I guess living and working in the North Woods toughens you up.
We returned to the lodge and hung the bear, he would be skinned and cut up the next morning.
I took measurements of the length and girth and according to a table I have from the Pennsylvania Game and Fish, the bear with
a 38 inch girth and 64 inch length, weighed 178 pounds, since there was no scale in camp, that’s the best estimate I have.
The bear was skinned, the skull and meat packaged for the ride home and since it was going to rain that afternoon and evening
Del and I decided to head back to CT.
The border crossing was uneventful and the ride back home was as entertaining as the ride up.
I want to thank the UBC for the Bear Hunt; I had a great time and plan to do it again, even if I have to pay for it one of these
days. I also want to thank Carman Kelly for donating the hunt, Del DelMastro for driving and his company, for sharing his
knowledge and great stories, and Dan Beyer and the guys of Whitetail Solutions for their kind offer of a ticket at the banquet.
Support the UBC, it’s the biggest reason we have long seasons and so many tags here in CT. Without the dedicated board and
officers we would not have nearly the opportunities that we now enjoy.
Next year’s banquet is going to be even bigger and better, April 26, 2009, Aqua Turf Club, I’ll see you there, SAVE
THE DATE!
Chas Catania
| The U.B.C. ...working to protect YOUR bowhunting rights! |