The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1847-09-18
Bear Hunting in California.

Bear Hunting in California.
Bear hunting is one of the most prominent
diversions in California, and it is worthy the
entertainment ofan Emperor, when it is
conducted by the natives Of this country and
after their own fashion.
Whenever Californian wishes to catch n
bear, which at any time he is ready to under
take for the sake of the diversion, he goes, in
the first place, and looks well over the ground
for about two miles all around the spot
where he intends TO lay his bait. This is
done for the purpose Accommodating every
step of ground that he thinks he may have to
ride over, for the purpose of ascertaining if
there are any squirrel holes or rnvines, and
likewise TO form judgment which way the
bear will he most likely TO run from the bait,
on her being surprised. At least one of his
companions accompanies him on this eXcur-
sion.
They then go and catch n mare, (it matters
not much who is the owner,) or il this is diff
cult, u stray horse will answer for the pur-
pose. Asy soon as the have lassoed their vic
tim, they take it to the place previously
selected for laying the bait. On this spot
they srangle the animal, and then let out its
entrails, that the bear may scent at n grcH.
distance. They cut off one quarter of this
animal, and drag it all over the ground for
half or three quarters of n mile round the
spot, then take it back and leave it with the
curcusc, always covering il over with some
grass or bushes that the birds may not de-
YOUR it before the bear makes his appear
anCe.
The bait being left in perfect order and
the ground well Recommended, they go away,
and do not trouble the bait the first night,
because fthe bear comes the first night, he
will be sure 10 return ifhc is not troubled,
aud most likely with two or several more
Consequently the second night is the best
hunt. The owners of the bait then invite, in
secrecy, four or five choice friends. They
do not invite too many because, through too
much excitement among many persons, or
eugerness to get the first chance to throw the
lasso, the bear gets wind that all is not right,
and being very cunning animal, he once
begins TO suspect that the enemy is near, he
keeps so good watch that it is impossible
to catch him. This company catch the very
best horses they can find. 1t is not the fleet
est horses that is considered the hest for this
employment. Itrequires tame, lively horse,
with good government in the mouth, and II
strong back.
Every thing being prepared, men, horses,
saddles, and lassoes, they all start at shutdown
or dusk and keep carefully to windward of
the bait, which must be placed on n piece of
ground clear from rocks, trees or bushes, and
near or within about eight hundred yards of
one of these, for the purpose of hiding them
selves, that the bear may not see them when
he is approaching the bait. A horse that has
been catching bears three or four times will
keep strict watch for the approach of the
bear ut the bait, and will invariably let his
rider know-not by any noisy motion, but by
deep suppressed signs, and pricking up his
ears. Whenever the horses do this, the men
who have been lying by on foot mount as
quickly rs possible, and when all are ready
with their lassoes in their hands ready TO
swing, they put spurs to their horses, which
at that moment are very little needed, that
noble animal appearing 10 all intents and
purposes as anxious as his rider to capture
the savage animal. The horse, being swiltcr
than the bear, if the plan has been well laid,
is sure to overtake him before he can get TO
any bush.
The foremost rider throws his lasso. and
seldom fails ofcatching the bear, either by
the neck or round the body or one off legs.
Should he miss, there are several more close
at his heels TO throw their lassoes. AS soon
as the bear finds himselffast he rears and
growls, taking hold ofthe lasso with his two
fore paws. At this crisis the lasso must al
ways be kept tight; if not, the bear will cXtri-
cate himself Immediately. Now comes in
play the sagacity of the noblest of animals
The horse, from the very moment the
bear is lassoed, keeps his eye on every move
ment, and appears to do, or rather believe
actually does, all in his power to protect and
defend his rider us well as himself as it oft
EN- happens, that from carelessness or mat
tentlon on the part of the rider, the bear will
entangle the horses legs with the lasso, ami
in such cases, if it is horse that has been
used to lassoing bears, he will with the great
est agility clear himself, without the least
motion from the bit.
have several times seen horse when
the bear has been approaching him from be-
fore, instead of turning round to run away,
wait until the bear got close to him, watch
ing him all the time with steady eye, and
all of "A sudden take leap right over the
BEAR and then turn suddenly round and face
him again. This feat ofcourse is only done
by such horses as are well acquainted with
bear hunting. never was in either n mill
tary or naval engagement myself, but have
heard hundreds say that fear exists in the
breasts of warriors no longer than until the
first volIey is fired.--The same may he said
of the horse i'll bear hunting. From the mo-
ment the horse gees bear, it matters not at
what distance, he begins to tremble, and his
heart beats so loud that his rider can distinct
ly hear it. But this lasts no longer than the
first onset; for as soon the horse feels by
the strain of the lasso that the bear is lassoed