“When I found out I was going on a bear hunt, I was very excited and thankful for the opportunity not many receive,” shared 16-year-old Bryonna.
Bryonna and her father, Kevin, drove for five and a half hours to reach the Stoney Lonesome Bear Hunter Cabin in Winter, Wisconsin. They arrived at 3:20 a.m. and took a short nap in their truck. At 4:30 a.m., Chuck knocked on their window to wake them up for a delicious breakfast.
Then Bryonna and her dad got into the truck with Kaytlyn Wendt, and Roger headed out to check their baits while the other hunters also checked their assigned baits.
Kaytlyn explained, “After checking them, we found we didn’t have any bear big enough to run. As we drove to the next bait, I rigged my dog Kojak, and he began to bark, indicating a bear was nearby. I contacted Steve on the radio, and we decided the rigged bear was the best option for success. I released Kojak, and when he was around 200 yards away, he started barking like the track was up and going, and I cut two more dogs into Kojak’s track to help.”
Just then, Brett arrived, and he and Roger cut a couple of dogs too. In no time, the dogs treed the bear about a quarter mile from their position. Then, everyone got into their trucks and drove down the road to get closer. After about a 300-yard walk through the marshy, boggy terrain, they were happy to see a very nice bear 15 feet up a tamarack tree!
Steve stood beside Bryonna and got the shooting stick stable while she set up the gun. She looked through the scope, got the bear in the crosshairs, and made a perfect shot. Then, everyone high-fived and hugged each other.
Kaytlyn exclaimed, “Everyone was thrilled, and a good clear shot paralyzed the bear in the tree, and Brett climbed up and pushed it out. It was a rewarding hunt, and the bear dressed at 210 lbs.”
Bryonna added joyfully, “Seeing everyone and the dogs working together to hunt one animal was incredible. The best part of the hunt was the people and the experience. Everyone was very welcoming and excited to be there.”
We want to thank Michael Savina for donating his bear license. We thank Kaytlyn Wendt, Rodger, Brett, Steve Salmon, and the Stoney Lonesome Bear Hunters for their unwavering support and active participation in the USSA bear hunts. We congratulate Bryonna on her trophy bear and the unforgettable memories she shared with her father and newfound friends. God bless!
If you are interested in getting involved, want to donate your 2024 bear license, or know of a deserving youth or veteran, don’t hesitate to contact United Special Sportsman Alliance at [email protected] or (800) 518-8019.