Bruins Above the Bridge

The black bear population in Michigan is at record levels, and a coveted Michigan bear tag for the early season in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula best draw area is a once in an every seven or eight year opportunity. Needing at least seven points to draw, a early tag starting before dog hunters can run their hounds puts a hunter in the driver’s seat. Jason Brown and lifelong friend Shad Woodruff have had massive success hunting black bears at their family cabin buried deep in the timber and cedar swamps of the U.P. With bow in hand and only a week to make it happen, Jason takes it down to the bitter end to try and punch a tag.