Nine days until black bear bow season!

There has been a lot of news about black bears in New Mexico lately. Due to the severe drought, black bears have been venturing into populated areas in search of food and water. Yesterday, a man was killed by a black bear in northwest New Mexico, and another man was bitten in his leg over in the East Mountain area.

I’ve been getting things ready for opening bow season, which starts September 1st. I’ve been scouting a new area along the river, and I’ve been finding a bunch of sign. I’ve added some rattlesnake skin to my PSE Nighthawk bow, and I’ve sharpened my Buck 120 Arkansas toothpick.

The Rio Grande is totally dry except for a few small pools that are packed with carp. Predators are feeding on these helpless carp.

  I’m finding all kinds of bear signs, including these black bear tracks. Looks like a big ol boy!