BEAR DOWN

Hayden Zahradka - Wisconsin - September 6th, 2024

By: Brennen Nading (@nadingbr)

When we offered the internship to Hayden this spring, one of the first questions he asked was "Can I bear hunt this fall?" Having waited 6 years to draw the tag, our answer was "Yes!" without hesitation. Hayden was fortunate to have family in Wisconsin to assist him with running bear baits prior to the season. Excitement was on the rise as the baits were heating up with multiple bears hitting them. Hayden and our other intern, Isaac, were getting amped for opening day! On day 3 of the hunt, after no bear sightings, it happened!  This beautiful black bear put on a show in front of the bait stump before Hayden sent an arrow through the pump house! What a start to the season for our 2024 interns!