Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1890-08-14
A TERRIBLE ENCOUNTER.
Stirring Adventure OF an Old Bear
Hunter.
BY DELBERr S. WINS.

III DELBFEtI >. WINS.
About sixty miles above the pleasant
little village of Sherman, on the Manis-
tee River, in Northern Michigan, is a
natural phenomenon, known as the In
dian bridge, which completely spans
the river and is about one hundred and
fifty feet in width. Here the river is
wide and the banks on either side are
low. The water runs under the bridge
In six or seven different channels, and
makes loud bubbling noise as it me-
anders among the timbers that form the
foundation of the bridge. The surface
Of the bridge is covered with a rich al
luvial soil from three to four feet in
depth and is thickly studded with large
and small trees of many varieties-bal-
sam of fir, hemlock, and white cedar
predominating.
Howard Meesic, an early pioneer set
tier in the Grand Traverse region of
Northern Michigan, related the follow
ing story, the truth of which is vouched
for by several Of his neighbors;
"A short distance above the Indian
bridge the river banks become abrupt
and rocky, and high bluffs arise On
the north side the bluffs are divided by
what is known as Dry Canyon.
In those days, better place than
Dry Canyon for a good days hunt
would have been hard to find; for it
fairly abounded with such small game
as rabbits, quail, grouse, wild turkeys,
squirrels, etc, and such large game as
bear, wild hogs, and deer, to say moth
ing of the numerous carniyerous beasts
that infest it, such as panthers, lynx,
wild cats, wolves and the like.
Il had been hunting and trapping in
this region for about two years, but had
not gained much distinction as a bear
hunter till the fall of 1867, though as a
marksman with the rifle had the repu-
tation of being dead shot, but never
had taken much interest in bear hunt
ing.
"Bill Leonard, my hunting COM
panion, and l had constructed good
comfortable cabin a short distance
from the Indian bridge, and intended
10 put in several days in hunting and
trapping before returning to the settle
ment.
"One morning in the early part OF
November awakened to find that a
heavy snow had fallen during the night,
and upon going out doors L noticed
numerous bear tracks in the snow; so |
decided to spend the day in hunting
bruin.
AFTER breakfast Bill and buckled
on our cartridge belts, shouldered our
trusty Henry rifles, called our dogs and
started out. closely following the bear
tracks which led up the canyon.
After we had gone about half a mile
the tracks became somewhat scattering;
so thought the best plan for us to
pursue would be to separate, which we
did.
after leaving Bill, followed the
direction, as the tracks indicated,
taken by the greater number of bears.
taking, of course, my faithful canine
with me.
81 had proceeded only short dis
lance when my eye fell upon two large
black bears which were just disappear
ing over small hill.
Il fastened to the top of the hill over
which had seen the animals disappear:
Approaching the point cautiously, and
bringing as l did so my rife into posi-
ton, 1 expected to obtain good shot
ct the bears without being seen myself
when reached the top of the hull
the beasts were just crossing the small
guIch at the lower end Of the op-
posite side, and not more Than
four rods away. Drawing NY
rifle to my shoulder, took
good aim at the foremost one
fred; INV aim was good, for with loud
howl of pain the bear rolled over IN the
snow dead
Il then rose to my feet and ran down
the hill expecting to kill the other bear
ct the next shot; but imagine my sur
prise and fearful astonishment wheu'
upon gaining the foot OF the bill, per,
ceived that the gulch was fairly lined
with bears on all sides. realized my
danger too late to flee, for already they
were closing In behind, in front OF, ana
all around me. All there was now 10
do was to fight to the bitter end-to oie
Strengthening bears
Il had forfeited all chances OF escape
when l had rushed blindly-yes, madiy
Into the bears midst. No, there was
nothing now but TO do or die oio
not, however, calculate to die without
struggle, and still thought it posslDie
even to escape.
aThe first bear that showed agrees
i've signs, sent rolling in the snow