The Real Story Behind the Infamous "Alberta Grizzly"
Live Hunt host Tyler Freel has the real story behind this enormous brown bear.
We’ve all seen the email forwards with pictures and tall tales about the next world record elk or a charging man-eating bear that was shot at 10 paces. Many of these stories seem to grow like a game of telephone, with each person adding their two cents. Just such a story involves my buddy Luke Randall (left in this photo), and he set the record straight during a recent trip to Afognak Wilderness Lodge. The story that was making the rounds on the Internet told of a huge, livestock-killing grizzly taken in Alberta. In fact, Outdoor Life had posted the photos and the supposed story a while back. The only problem was that this bear didn’t come from Alberta, but instead—as a couple of commenters accurately pointed out—from Afognak Island, Alaska, and my buddies Luke and his brother Josh had guided the hunter. So, to put all the rumors to rest, here is the true story straight from Jesse Wallace, the hunter who actually took this amazing brown bear. AdvertisementRelated PhotosSUBMIT YOUR PHOTOSADVERTISEMENTAdvertisement |
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Comments (19)
JG66, despite your obvious "doctorate" on the subject you are missing some key things, which have been mentioned in previous comments, such as the fact that hunting, including trophy hunting when regulated are GOOD for healthy animal populations, both biologically and monetarily. You say you dispatch vermin then go on to put down anyone who kills nuisance animal? Are you kidding me? I am an avid trapper, meat hunter, and in some cases, what you would call a trophy hunter. Trappers as much as any group I know, work to promote healthy, balanced populations (yes, trapping is good for maintaining that as well). Your comments about the wolf situation also imply that you have a lack of first hand experience with wolves, or real knowledge about how nature works. If you're bent on slander, your bias would be better received on the friends of animals website.
There is a genuine difference between Hunters/hunting and Trophy Hunters. There is even a difference between indigenous tribes and hunters from Western countries and those from less developed countries. In a nut shell, the greatest disparity is between those who hunt out of necessity to feed and or defend (last resort) and the Trophy hunters. If you think quite deeply about it- trophy hunters have a psychological ego problem or issue; manifested by the desire to "kill" in order to satiate and affirm their "id" (see Wikepedia if you can follow - Sigmund Freud). This does not mean I endorse these primordial instincts; instead, I draw it to people's attention - so that specifically individuals who trophy hunt understand in our day and age - Its nowhere socially acceptable to stick your trophy in your living room wall or floor, and expect people to show you, awe and gush out with compliments on your ability to conquer wildlife.In summary, trophy hunters are morons with no consideration for nature. Its a playground in their view. Now, the thing is, I occasionally hunt; or dispatch vermin. But I never use wildlife as practise targets...like loads of Hunters do, by displaying daily, weekly, monthly pictures of their kill and associated numbers. Whats wrong with these people ? well Its a Western past time to "kill" any living creature that is deemed a nuisance. The biggest nuisance is man itself; since the argument will always be in our favour - especially when there are commercial interests. IMHO, the worst of the worst are trappers and whats going on in Montana regarding Wolves.
Good story and you guys have balls for chasing after the bear. Must admit though, I only hunt and take what I can eat and use. I've never understood the point of Trophy hunting..
All i'll say is I'm glad most of our wildlife management is fact/science based, and not emotional feather fluffing. Again, it has been shown that well regulated hunting is GOOD for the overall population of animals, yes, even bears and wolves. More bears are killed by other bears than by people. Taking the old, large, dominant boars allows more cubs to survive and a more diverse population. The emotional arguement is absurd, what I don't get is that some people get more of emotional response from a person killing an old bear, than from that bear ripping baby bears apart. that's "rationality" for ya!
It's a no nonsense kill of an animal that as far as anyone knows was not a threat. God made it, so let nature take it's course. I have lived with hunters in my immediate family all my life so I know it's the thrill of hunting. My dad uses the venison, but gosh, they don't need that "much" meat in their freezer or wild hog, or anything else. Hunting every weekend is not good. For shame on the killing of this old bear.
What sad greedy human beings. Taking a life just to take it. A true hunter, kills only what he is going to eat. This is shameful...really shameful. The fact the bear wasn't even a menace and that the bear was running from them makes this even cheaper and small. People who kill just to kill have something dark in their hearts and souls.
I totally support @Clyde Bonnie ....how on the earth can u justify an animals death ...u bloody praise the animal for it to be surviving for so many years by killing the very animal just because u had a bloody gun at your disposal which helps you shoot anything from a "distance" !!!.
I would totally appreciate any battle won if its done on the same grounds using the same weapons ... in this case your 'loser' bare hands for u to take the credit of killing this "Majestic" animal !
And to call an animal a "Trophy" once u have killed it !!! Dread the day u come face to face with 'YOU' !!!!
Wow, that's a heck of a trophy! I agree with JM though, not sure I would have the cajones to run after a giant brown bear through thick brush like that.
@Ken and Clyde, did you guys happen to notice the part of the story where it said the bear had severely arthritic knees? I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty painful to me, so Jesse was actually putting the bear out of it's misery by killing it.
yeah..it seems crazy to chase in after the bears, but those guys really know what they're doing. Often when a bear leaves the beach, they slow down once in the timber..with the heavy moss on the ground, you can often quitely catch up to them if you're quick! I never did get to see the bear in person, as i wasn't down there at the time. The mount was on display at the SCI show for several years though.
Running after a big grizzly? Sounds like a good way to get yourself killed haha. Congrats to Jesse on getting the big bear.
-Did you ever get to see it in person Tyler?
The only reason most of these great animals are still in the wild is because hunters spend money to hunt them. hunters foot the bill for most of the conservation of animals. Liberals, on the other hand, complain about the potential loss of wildlife and rarely spend one penny to protect the animals or their habitat.
Ken Winther, you are sadly misinformed.
so this bear lived 18 long years out in the wilderness only to become a trophy in some guys living room? yeah that makes a lot of sense. This bear was just out doin what it does in its everyday life and minding it's own business, how did it deserve to die? Is the chance to land a huge trophy so you can brag to all of your friends really a valid reason for someone to play God?
Just remember...karma is real and it really is a b!tch. Kinda wish I could be around to see it bite this guy in the rear in all honesty.
Hey,Ken: It's time for you to go back to your pasture and resume grazing with the other sheep!It's obvious that you are one of those who hate hunting and hunters,so what are you doing visiting one of our websites and making your foolish comments?
Ken, In New Jersey the State Fish and Game stopped the black bear hunt in 1970, because the numbers were low. In the year 2003, there were so many New Jersey complaints of black bears killing pets, livestock, killed in auto accidents and breaking into homes, that the State started up a black bear hunt, again.
The Alaska Fish and Game Biologists are looking out for the Brown Bears best interest. If their numbers dropped by a fatal disease the state would stop the hunt or give out less permits. Trust the State Biologists, they know what their doing.
That one awesome bear. Congrats to the hunter and thanks for sharing your story. Good Job Tyler, for getting all the facts straight.
Ken Winther, just for a second, think about all the pigs, cows, chickens, and many other farmed animals that we can purchase pieces of in the the grocery stores today for our consumption. Just because YOU don't kill it yourself to eat it that animals don't die for you to enjoy. You just don't see it, making you simply ignorant. You just pay someone else to do it for you. Instead of using guns, these people use a gate or clips to hold the animals and a device to stun the animal while their throats get cut. Think fully before lashing out with lame assed half informed statements.
Tyler, excellent post and information for those who truly don't know how nature works but I strongly suspect Mr. Winther is simply another mindless troll trying to stir up controversy with his drivel.
Your presumption simply isn't true Ken, these bears have been hunted and managed for years and the population is in no danger. In fact, hunting is good for a healthy population, taking the old, big boars increases cub survival. Boars like this regularly kill cubs to bring a sow back into heat. Also, bears like this one are on the downhill with a lot of injuries. It really has no effect on the overall population. Hunters, more than anyone want to keep these awesome creatures around.
Great story and a great trophy. I can only imagine that 375 Ackley going off next to your head might give you a concussion!
Some day there will be none of these great animals left for these hunters to brag about killing with their big guns with scopes. Get a camera with cross-hairs to show you could have without the slaughter.
We are no longer a hunter/gather society.
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)
The only reason most of these great animals are still in the wild is because hunters spend money to hunt them. hunters foot the bill for most of the conservation of animals. Liberals, on the other hand, complain about the potential loss of wildlife and rarely spend one penny to protect the animals or their habitat.
Ken Winther, you are sadly misinformed.
Your presumption simply isn't true Ken, these bears have been hunted and managed for years and the population is in no danger. In fact, hunting is good for a healthy population, taking the old, big boars increases cub survival. Boars like this regularly kill cubs to bring a sow back into heat. Also, bears like this one are on the downhill with a lot of injuries. It really has no effect on the overall population. Hunters, more than anyone want to keep these awesome creatures around.
Hey,Ken: It's time for you to go back to your pasture and resume grazing with the other sheep!It's obvious that you are one of those who hate hunting and hunters,so what are you doing visiting one of our websites and making your foolish comments?
Ken, In New Jersey the State Fish and Game stopped the black bear hunt in 1970, because the numbers were low. In the year 2003, there were so many New Jersey complaints of black bears killing pets, livestock, killed in auto accidents and breaking into homes, that the State started up a black bear hunt, again.
The Alaska Fish and Game Biologists are looking out for the Brown Bears best interest. If their numbers dropped by a fatal disease the state would stop the hunt or give out less permits. Trust the State Biologists, they know what their doing.
That one awesome bear. Congrats to the hunter and thanks for sharing your story. Good Job Tyler, for getting all the facts straight.
Ken Winther, just for a second, think about all the pigs, cows, chickens, and many other farmed animals that we can purchase pieces of in the the grocery stores today for our consumption. Just because YOU don't kill it yourself to eat it that animals don't die for you to enjoy. You just don't see it, making you simply ignorant. You just pay someone else to do it for you. Instead of using guns, these people use a gate or clips to hold the animals and a device to stun the animal while their throats get cut. Think fully before lashing out with lame assed half informed statements.
Wow, that's a heck of a trophy! I agree with JM though, not sure I would have the cajones to run after a giant brown bear through thick brush like that.
@Ken and Clyde, did you guys happen to notice the part of the story where it said the bear had severely arthritic knees? I don't know about you, but that sounds pretty painful to me, so Jesse was actually putting the bear out of it's misery by killing it.
Tyler, excellent post and information for those who truly don't know how nature works but I strongly suspect Mr. Winther is simply another mindless troll trying to stir up controversy with his drivel.
Running after a big grizzly? Sounds like a good way to get yourself killed haha. Congrats to Jesse on getting the big bear.
-Did you ever get to see it in person Tyler?
Great story and a great trophy. I can only imagine that 375 Ackley going off next to your head might give you a concussion!
JG66, despite your obvious "doctorate" on the subject you are missing some key things, which have been mentioned in previous comments, such as the fact that hunting, including trophy hunting when regulated are GOOD for healthy animal populations, both biologically and monetarily. You say you dispatch vermin then go on to put down anyone who kills nuisance animal? Are you kidding me? I am an avid trapper, meat hunter, and in some cases, what you would call a trophy hunter. Trappers as much as any group I know, work to promote healthy, balanced populations (yes, trapping is good for maintaining that as well). Your comments about the wolf situation also imply that you have a lack of first hand experience with wolves, or real knowledge about how nature works. If you're bent on slander, your bias would be better received on the friends of animals website.
yeah..it seems crazy to chase in after the bears, but those guys really know what they're doing. Often when a bear leaves the beach, they slow down once in the timber..with the heavy moss on the ground, you can often quitely catch up to them if you're quick! I never did get to see the bear in person, as i wasn't down there at the time. The mount was on display at the SCI show for several years though.
All i'll say is I'm glad most of our wildlife management is fact/science based, and not emotional feather fluffing. Again, it has been shown that well regulated hunting is GOOD for the overall population of animals, yes, even bears and wolves. More bears are killed by other bears than by people. Taking the old, large, dominant boars allows more cubs to survive and a more diverse population. The emotional arguement is absurd, what I don't get is that some people get more of emotional response from a person killing an old bear, than from that bear ripping baby bears apart. that's "rationality" for ya!
Good story and you guys have balls for chasing after the bear. Must admit though, I only hunt and take what I can eat and use. I've never understood the point of Trophy hunting..
What sad greedy human beings. Taking a life just to take it. A true hunter, kills only what he is going to eat. This is shameful...really shameful. The fact the bear wasn't even a menace and that the bear was running from them makes this even cheaper and small. People who kill just to kill have something dark in their hearts and souls.
It's a no nonsense kill of an animal that as far as anyone knows was not a threat. God made it, so let nature take it's course. I have lived with hunters in my immediate family all my life so I know it's the thrill of hunting. My dad uses the venison, but gosh, they don't need that "much" meat in their freezer or wild hog, or anything else. Hunting every weekend is not good. For shame on the killing of this old bear.
I totally support @Clyde Bonnie ....how on the earth can u justify an animals death ...u bloody praise the animal for it to be surviving for so many years by killing the very animal just because u had a bloody gun at your disposal which helps you shoot anything from a "distance" !!!.
I would totally appreciate any battle won if its done on the same grounds using the same weapons ... in this case your 'loser' bare hands for u to take the credit of killing this "Majestic" animal !
And to call an animal a "Trophy" once u have killed it !!! Dread the day u come face to face with 'YOU' !!!!
There is a genuine difference between Hunters/hunting and Trophy Hunters. There is even a difference between indigenous tribes and hunters from Western countries and those from less developed countries. In a nut shell, the greatest disparity is between those who hunt out of necessity to feed and or defend (last resort) and the Trophy hunters. If you think quite deeply about it- trophy hunters have a psychological ego problem or issue; manifested by the desire to "kill" in order to satiate and affirm their "id" (see Wikepedia if you can follow - Sigmund Freud). This does not mean I endorse these primordial instincts; instead, I draw it to people's attention - so that specifically individuals who trophy hunt understand in our day and age - Its nowhere socially acceptable to stick your trophy in your living room wall or floor, and expect people to show you, awe and gush out with compliments on your ability to conquer wildlife.In summary, trophy hunters are morons with no consideration for nature. Its a playground in their view. Now, the thing is, I occasionally hunt; or dispatch vermin. But I never use wildlife as practise targets...like loads of Hunters do, by displaying daily, weekly, monthly pictures of their kill and associated numbers. Whats wrong with these people ? well Its a Western past time to "kill" any living creature that is deemed a nuisance. The biggest nuisance is man itself; since the argument will always be in our favour - especially when there are commercial interests. IMHO, the worst of the worst are trappers and whats going on in Montana regarding Wolves.
so this bear lived 18 long years out in the wilderness only to become a trophy in some guys living room? yeah that makes a lot of sense. This bear was just out doin what it does in its everyday life and minding it's own business, how did it deserve to die? Is the chance to land a huge trophy so you can brag to all of your friends really a valid reason for someone to play God?
Just remember...karma is real and it really is a b!tch. Kinda wish I could be around to see it bite this guy in the rear in all honesty.
Some day there will be none of these great animals left for these hunters to brag about killing with their big guns with scopes. Get a camera with cross-hairs to show you could have without the slaughter.
We are no longer a hunter/gather society.
Post a Comment (200 characters or less)