Another One Off the Bucket List!
Story by Eric Moland

I am sure we all have a bucket list of some sort. Even if it's not written down, somewhere each of us has a list of things we want to do before we kick the proverbial bucket. One of the big items on my list was to go after a grizzly.

I live in Alberta, Canada, where we would rather look at grizzly bears than control their populations. So I knew if I was ever going to hunt one it would have to be somewhere else. The option presented itself in March 2009 while attending the Guide Outfitters Association of British Columbia's (GOABC) annual convention in Victoria, BC.

Bob Milligan, the owner of Coast Mountain Outfitters and Milligan Outfitting, had donated a 10-day grizzly hunt to GOABC's auction. I know Bob and his wife Michelle from past conventions and different sporting shows. Their great reputation for trophy quality animals made me very interested in this hunt. As you probably already guessed, I was the successful bidder. Bob and I discussed possible dates and locations for the hunt and then decided on spring 2010. The only problem was that I would have to wait an entire year. I would love to say time flew by, but it was a long year waiting for May 2010 to arrive. It proved to be worth the wait.

In one of our many conversations, Bob told me he was teaming me up with a guide named Brandon Ponath. This was great news for me because I knew Brandon from hunting caribou with him and his father-in-law Ron Fleming the year before. Brandon also does a great Dolly Parton impression so I knew there wouldn't be any dull moments around camp during the hunt!

As May 2010 approached, I packed up my gear and counted the days. Finally I headed towards Terrace, BC to meet up with Bob and Brandon and get the adventure started. Upon arrival at the Milligan home, Brandon was waiting for me with my hunting licence and tag. Everything was packed, so we tossed my gear into his truck and headed north to where our hunt would begin.

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