First Time’s the Charm
Hunting black bears in the thick woods of New Brunswick is no easy feat — dense cover, unpredictable movement, and the constant need to remain undetected challenge even the most seasoned hunters. For one man, this trip marked his first-ever bear hunt, and the experience left him with more than just a successful harvest — it left him in awe. Here’s how it all unfolded.
How did this bear hunt come about, and why a crossbow?
I’ve spent years hunting various game and enjoying time in the outdoors, but I’d never gone after a bear — it was one of those bucket-list hunts. Luckily, some close friends invited me to join their annual trip to Kovack Guide Services in New Brunswick, Canada. At first, I hesitated, weighing the cost and logistics. Ten minutes later, I realized I’d be crazy to turn it down.
The next decision was about what weapon to bring. I knew black bears are tough animals, and any shot would need to be fast, accurate, and lethal. My cousin had been raving about the Ravin R10 Crossbow for years, and I’d recently won a local buck contest with some leftover credit at my go-to hunting shop — the timing was perfect. I bought the R10 and never looked back. As I would soon learn, that decision made all the difference.
Walk us through the hunt. What made it memorable?
The moment I arrived at camp, I knew I was in for something special. Steve and his team run an outstanding operation. For the first couple of days, I hunted from a ground blind that wasn’t seeing much action. We later learned the bears were hitting the bait piles late at night, so we made a change.
Steve offered to move me to a different location, one that better matched the bear behavior that week. Trusting his experience, I agreed. It was a hot, 80-degree day, and we hiked nearly an hour up into the mountains along a narrow, scenic path. We ended up deep in the wilderness, just 10 yards from a hidden blind near a river — a truly remote spot. The bait pile was empty, so Steve restocked it, gave me a thumbs-up, and left me alone with my thoughts.
By 5:30 PM, movement behind the bait pile caught my attention — my first bear of the trip. It was big, but too cautious. I held off. Around 6:30, more twigs snapped to my left. I assumed it was the same bear, but this one was different. When it stood, I swear it was nine feet tall. My heart was pounding.
At 25 yards, he circled the bait, broadside. I waited for that perfect moment. As soon as his front leg moved forward, I took the shot.
The arrow hit hard and fast — like he’d been launched from a cannon. No sound, no scream. Just gone. I couldn’t believe what I’d just seen.
What happened next?
I had one bar of signal and texted Steve: “Just shot a monster bear.” His reply? “Everyone says that.” But I knew this one was different.
While I waited, I heard it — the unmistakable death moan. If you’ve heard it before, you know it’s eerie and unforgettable. But I also knew that meant a clean hit.
Steve and his crew arrived about 30 minutes later. At the bait site, we found my Ravin arrow with full pass-through and heavy blood. Relief hit me instantly.
We tracked the bear about 60 yards through thick pine, moss, and brush. The trail was strong. Then Steve stopped — he saw it first. The bear lay ahead in a ditch, and as we approached, its full size became obvious.
421 pounds. Everyone was stunned. Even the veterans who’d been hunting here for years were impressed — and more than a little surprised I tagged one this big on my very first bear hunt.
We waited for the group to arrive and celebrated together, snapping photos and reliving the moment. Some joked that I wouldn’t be invited back — not after taking the trophy on my first trip.
How did the Ravin R10 perform?
Flawlessly. I can’t say enough about it. The shot happened so fast, it was like I blacked out — smooth trigger, perfect feel, no issues at all. I’d practiced out to 60 yards before the trip, and that confidence paid off.
Thanks to my cousin’s recommendation and a well-timed store credit, I found my new favorite hunting tool. Whether you’re a compound shooter or just getting into crossbows, I tell everyone — a Ravin Crossbow is an absolute must.
Closing Thoughts
From the incredible terrain of New Brunswick to the jaw-dropping size of that bear, this hunt had everything. It was my first black bear, my first hunt with a crossbow, and a memory I’ll carry forever. And thanks to the Ravin R10, I walked away not just with a story — but with a trophy of a lifetime.
