Time for some spring Bar

[Warbird]

Well I am officially stoked. Last week I thought my last spring hunt was going to be next week in Kansas and SD for turkey.

But on Sunday I confirmed an end of May hunt with an old friend for Bear and Cougar on the Oregon Idaho border in Oregon. Camping at 7k ft, just below the snow line. It's all spot and stalk in high country and low Snake River Valley. Many times you have to climb out several thousand feet back to camp with your prize. Next to sheep this is some of the most fun hunting anywhere in the US and probably some of the toughest. It's just the way I like it. I can't wait.

Edited April 29, 2010 by Warbird

[Guest Keinengel]

That sounds great! best of luck to you.

[Guest jackdm3]

Do your nose or lungs bleed at that elevation?

[Chris]

Sounds like a blast!

[memphismason]

Man that sounds fun. Hope you enjoy it!

[Warbird]

Do your nose or lungs bleed at that elevation?

Altitude sickness should not be a problem, that usually occurs above 8k ft for those with a predilection for it.

However nose bleeds could certainly happen, particularly in that part of the country. Eastern Oregon is very dry, nothing like the extremely wet western part of the state. I will be north of the High Desert, but not by much. If nosebleeds will be a problem it will be because of the lack of humidity more so than the altitude. Dehydration is always a concern in that area and it is likely made tougher by the movement from high to low altitude, giving the body less chance to acclimate.

I have had nose bleeds, but have not experienced lungs bleeding or coughing up of blood. Usually it is not the lungs that actually bleed, but nosebleeds which run down the throat into the lungs.

It isn't hunting for the out of shape, but one doesn't have to be a tri-athlete either.

I am a movement hunter. I don't like sitting in a stand. Spot and stalk and the hike for me is as big a part of the hunt as anything else. Oregon is a great place to hunt. I love to bird hunt there as well. Hunting Blue and mountain Grouse species in Oregon and Nevada is a fantastic time.

I have yet to take a Cougar, but I hope I have the chance.

[Guest jackdm3]

Oh, I'd definately take a "Cougar" with me!

[StPatrick]

A little carmex in the nose about 1/2" all the way around the inner nostrils (basically, if you can pick it, coat it, then don't touch it) prevents nosebleeds; start a day before exposure. When I lived up north I did it all the time. If the smell bothers you, go with vaseline. I like carmex because it makes those annoying occasional sores in the nose go away fast. I've heard Neosporin will do the same.