I returned last week from hunting with Jim Shockey in his territory on Vancouver Island. This is the second time I’ve been there to hunt with Shockey. The first time, five years ago, Michael Waddell and I spent a week together hunting for world-class black bears that call the island home. Michael and I flipped a coin; I lost, so I videoed Michael taking a really big bear after several days of spotting and stalking with the camera.
Without a doubt, videoing “spot and stalk” hunts are the toughest when it comes to getting awesome footage.
When I talk about “spot and stalk” hunts, I’m referring to hunting animals that are not going to be responsive to a call. For example, moose hunting during the rut could be viewed a type of “spot and stalk” but the big difference is the fact that a bull moose can be called in close to the hunter.
“Spot and stalk” gun hunts are not as difficult to capture on video as bowhunts, but physically these type of hunts can be just as grueling.
On this past trip to Vancouver Island, “Realtree Outdoors” producer John Tate was literally “running” camera. Every time a big bear was spotted, Jim, John and myself would sprint to either get into position, keep the wind in our favor or just try to catch up to the bear… and since I was carrying my TC ProHunter muzzleloader, distance was somewhat of a factor.
Shockey has packed his share of gear, meat and hides out of the toughest of country in the Yukon, but he was amazed at the distance and speed at which John could pack the 60 pounds of camera and tripod. In fact, Shockey had doubts that we would be successful with our “big, broadcast quality” camera and tripod instead of using the smaller, handheld cameras.
After we were successful on the third day, getting unbelievable footage at a distance of 120 yards (which wouldn’t have been an opportunity at all with a smaller camera), Jim admitted that he had given John every reason in the world to give up on the big camera and resort to the smaller one.
John Tate would have none of it.
And that mindset is a huge reason why we take pride in the quality of our footage.
This episode of "Realtree Outdoors" will air August 26 on ESPN2 at 8:30 a.m.
David,
I would say that being successful on that hunt tells you alot about John Tate and who he is. Anyone who thinks they may like to run a video camera in the woods for a living should be made to tag along on a hunt like that.
John Tate has his head in the right place, he knows what his job is and he knows how to get it done. That alone is worth alot to Realtree. I'd say that boy has come along way since he was called Kingfish!
I've also heard several times that Shockey could really give a camera guy a hard time if the operator was having problems getting the job done. I for one appreciate the dedication both you and John showed on this hunt......not to taking a bear but to sticking with the equipment that would make the best television.
John Brown Jr.
You mean, you were on Vancouver Island, and didn't tell me??
Man oh man, I am hurt.
Can't wait to see the hunt.
Steve(buckee)
Courtenay, BC