The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1888-07-13
THE BEAR SLAYER"
Account Of q Terrific Battle In q
Mountain 0ulch.
Aided By His Faithful Dog. He Keeps IN
Army Of Bears ut Bay, and Escapes
Amer Staying Seven stlver-Tips.

Axtef Slayin8 seven H-AaPSs
Probably the greatest singie-handed
bear combat yet on record is the one en-
gagged in and won by one Michael Wal
lace, miner of this county. at Water
Canyon, in the Magdalena mountain,
late last fall. Water Canyon is one of
the most beautiful of all the numerous
New Mexican canyons, and during the
long summer months affords very
pleasant resort for tourists; but in the
fall and winter it is given over to the
possession of the many Nimrods who
are constantly in search of good days
sport in the way of bagging game.
During the latter-named period it fairly
abounds with such small game as rab-
bits, quail. grouse. sage hens. wild tur-
key, mountain squirrel. ETC.. and such
large game as bear. antelope and deer,
to say nothing of the wild beasts that
also infest it. such as mountain lions.
lynx, wildcats. coyotes and the like. A
better place than Water Canyon. in
fact, for a good days hunting would be
hard to find. But one thing it would be
well to consider before undertaking
such a venture is that one must not only
be well prepared in the way of arms,
ammunition, etc. for such a hunt, but
should never go alone. The following
adventure of Mr. Wallace will probably
convince the reader of the great hazard
and risks likely to be encountered by
such undertaking:
Wallace has lived in Water Canyon
a number of years. but up to last fall
had not gained much distinction as
bear hunter. though as marksman
with a rife he had the reputation of
being dead shot. but he never seemed
to take any interest in bear hunting.
However. one morning last November,
Wallace awakened to find that a heavy
snow had fallen during the night. and
upon going out doors he noticed numer-
GUS bear tracks in the snow. He de-
cided to spend the day hunting for
shaggy-haired brIin: so after breakfast
he secured companion to accompany
him, girded on belt of cartridges,
threw his trusty Winchester over his
shoulder, called his dog and started
ont. closely following the bear tracks
which led up the canyon. After they
had proceeded about two miles the bear
tracks became somewhat scattering, so
Wallace thought that the best plan to
pursue would be for himself and COM
panion to separate, which they did.
Wallace. after leaving his companion,
followed the direction as the tracks in
dictated, taken by the greater number of
bears. taking. of course. his canine
with him. He had proceeded only a
short distance when his eye fell upon
two large silver-tip bears. which were
just disappearing over a small hill.
He FASTENED to the top of the hill
over which he had seen the bears dis
appear. approaching the point cautious
IL, bringing. as he did SO. his rife into
position. expecting to obtain a good
shot at the bears without being seen
himself. When he reached the top Of
the hill the bears were just crossing the
small gulch at the lower end of the OPP
posite side. and not more than forty
yards away. Drawing his rife TO his
shoulder he took good aim al the near
est bear and fired. His aim proved
true: with a loud howl of pain the bear
rolled over in the snow. dead. He then
rose to his feet and ran down the hill,
expecting to kill the other bear with
the next shot; but imagine his surprise
and fearful establishment when, upon
doing so, he perceived that the gulch
was fairly lined with bears on all
sides. He realized his danger too late
to turn and fee. for already the bears
were closing in behind him. in front OF
him and all around him.
All there was now to do was to fight
bears. Escape? There was none. He
had forfeited all chances of escape when
he had rushed blindly-yes. madly-
into the bears midst. No. there was
nothing now but to do or die. He did
not. however. calculate 70 die without q
struggle. and. if possible. even to es.
cape. The first bear that showed az.
gressive signs he sent rolling in the
snow with loud yell. with bullet in
his brain. This was the opening of the
battle. He then commenced firing
right and left. pressing his way in the
meantime as best he could through
any opening between the bears that
might present itself. He hoped that
his companion might be attracted by
the sound of the shooting toward him
and render him some assistance, but his
hope was never realized. His compan.
ion heard no sound of a gun at all. u
he did he paid no attention to it. But
his dog-a large canine Of the New.
foundland type-proved its fidelity te
its master, as well as its courage, by
attacking every bear that neared it
master.