Mickey,

That story came directly from a master guide I hunted with a few years back on Kodiak Island. On our trip, we would park our butts on well worn bear trails (amazing that they all follow the same trails) and spot.

I asked him once or twice if it was wise sitting in the middle of a bear trail surrounded by alders with no ammo in anyone's rifle-his decree. He relayed the story about how he had been hunting that area for over 30 years, and knew bear behavior. He noted that once he fell asleep outside of a "cabin" with a client inside. The client saw a sow and her cubs walk right past the sleeping guide. The sow sniffed him and walked on.

I was with him for 15 days, and a sniff would have made me walk on as well.

Since he was the only one with a sat phone, I really didn't call bullshit on him. But he swears it was true.

Needless to say, I never hunted with him again.

But, the bears on Kodiak Island certainly do not starve, and have a ready food supply, unlike the Grizzly. They have an attitude.

As for the late Mr Treadwell, he and his companion were unarmed. The tape recording the State Police found was a lesson in how not to camp in bear country. If they had a rifle, he would have been mauled for sure, but he and his California concubine would have been alive today rather than greening Alaska as bear scat.

Back to the rifle though, pictures as soon as you get it!

I have 3 days to go before I meet my Heym at the DSC!