Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 22, Number 77, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 June 1901 — Four Bears at a Shot. [ARTICLE]

Four Bears at a Shot.

A number of years ago Mr. Withee was presented with two fine hounds, and, wishing to try their training and their grit, he took them out to do a little bear hunting. The first morning Withee let the dogs out fqr a run while he was getting the breakfast, expecting them to be back In a short time. When breakfast was over, the dogs had not returned, so, taking his gun, Mr. Withee started out in the direction they had taken. After traveling about a mile the faint barking of dogs could be heard, and it was then plain why the dogs had not returned. They had scented game and were in pursuit. The sound of the barking led him far up the side of a mountain, and soon he came in sight of the dogsatahding around the upturned roots of a tree. Mr. Withee crept up cautiously until within about 15 feet of a cave that was hear by, and then a black, shaggy head could be seen just above the roots. Taking good aim, he fired his .44 caliber and awaited results. After several minutes he went up to the cave, and what he saw there gave him a shock from which he has never recovered. Two bears lay dead, and two more were so stunned that a few quick passes with a knife settled them. For the four bears Mr, Withee received S2O bounty, $27.50 for their hides and $42 for the bear oil, making $89.50 for one day’s hunt.—Maine Woods.