Day 15

Saturday,
March 17, 2001

Last night I thought I would sleep soundly after harvesting such an animal, but the cold never did leave my body and I was up all night trying to stay warm with my head as close to the heater as possible. We packed the hide and bear meat onto the sleds, along with all of our gear and headed out. It's been a long, cold sled ride back to Resolute today. After a chase like that I know that I have physically burned myself out, but I'm constantly looking at the large bear hide next to me and it's made the sled ride back just a little
warmer. I still can't believe the events of yesterday. A boyhood dream come true!

What's next for Ray?

Well, what's next for Ray Howell? When I get home, I'm going to grab my "little tomato" (Karen), and we're going to Wal-Mart. We're going to buy a whole bag of candy bars and twenty-one packs of hand warmers. Then I'm going to invite all of our grandkids over -- sit them down and tell them stories of a land so cold that the moonlit sky is the color of fire, of a giant man wearing caribou skins who looks like a bear, dogs made of iron, endless sled rides, and a boyhood dream that came true.

One for the books

They figure the bear I harvested was between 9-9 1/2' long. I'm going to say 9' just to be safe, but he will score extremely well in Pope & Young. I couldn't be happier.

Nothing special for Ray

Before I went on the hunt, I had talked to a few other people who had hunted in extreme temperatures such as this, and they had told me how they had used Vaseline or other lubricants to make sure their bows didn't freeze up in the cold weather. I talked to my friend, Terry Ragsdale, at PSE and I asked him what I should do. He said, "You don't have to do anything. PSE bows will shoot the same at 100° F above or 100° F below." You know, he's absolutely right--it shoots the same at 100° F above and to 60° F below. I know that for sure. I don't know that I'd want to be out there at 100° F below just to prove that Terry is right.

For the kids

To all the young people out there that have been following my polar bear safari, I want to let you know that no matter how big your dreams are they can come true. But there are going to be circumstances and people who would love to see your dreams destroyed. I want to let you know that no matter how tough it gets, whether it's in sports, your job, or most importantly your family, never, never give up. You will be blessed in more ways that you can imagine.

Good luck Pat

All of the equipment that I used on this hunt is on my preferred equipment list. But that's why it's there--it has never failed me.

One other thing I'd like to mention is about my friend Pat Aucoin. He has a tag for an up-coming hunt in the Resolute area. I'm going to tell you Pat--that if you have half the fun that I had, it's worth the trip. Good luck, Pat.

Thanks to the sports (men and women) who have taken their own time and money, such as my friend Wally at La Crosse Archery -- if it weren't for those of you who are willing to lend a helping hand to a youngster who needs one -- somebody like me probably wouldn't be writing this story.

Also, to my two hunting buddies, Terry Wright and Brad Mannstedt -- thanks for taking care of things while I'm gone. I will see you when I get home.