The general season for deer in the Western Sierras (D zones) started this past Saturday. I wasn't able to get out until Sunday night and I wasn't too sure of how this season would look as the area I have hunted the past 3 years is on fire. Sunday night I checked out a couple different areas I was familiar with but didn't know if the areas were being hunted hard or even holding game.
After a few hours of hiking around, finding heavily used game trails, and tons of sign (more bear than deer), I was feeling hopeful. I Woke up Monday morning and began my hike to where I wanted to glass and spend my morning. On the way to the granite ridge I had my eye on, I woke up a big black bear. He took off in the manzanita and I lost him. I continued to the higher ground to regain my vantage point and there he was.

I am still super excited as this is my first bear.
After a few hours of hiking around, finding heavily used game trails, and tons of sign (more bear than deer), I was feeling hopeful. I Woke up Monday morning and began my hike to where I wanted to glass and spend my morning. On the way to the granite ridge I had my eye on, I woke up a big black bear. He took off in the manzanita and I lost him. I continued to the higher ground to regain my vantage point and there he was.

I am still super excited as this is my first bear.