Bears with Dogs

[Andy L]

Im scheduled to go to SE Arizona in mid September on a bear and lion hunt. Its a combo hunt. I guess the animals are in the same area and the dogs will tree whatever they get after, so even though its primarily a bear hunt, a lion is possible.

Anyone ever done any of this? From what I gather we will be camping in the high desert, 4000' or so, and hunting on mule back in canyons and slopes up to 10,000' or so, with hounds and airedales.

I have been in this country we are going to and its rough. I was just wondering what to expect. The canyons and mountains are very rugged. It makes the mountains in Colorado where I have elk hunted look pretty tame. Much steeper, rougher and jagged.

As for weapon, I am going to be carrying a 30-30 in the scabbard and a 500SW with 4" bbl on my hip. I was told that would be plenty for killin a bear at treed ranges. Im sure the 500 would be plenty for a charging bear.

I know a fella that hunted this same hunt last year got to the tree first and tied his mule. He walked over to the tree to check it out, without his rifle, when the bear decided to come down and fight. He killed it just feet from him with several shots from a 40cal, Glock, I think. Wow.

Andy