Lonnie and his Newfoundland black bear.

Hunter: Lonnie Turnbeaugh
Cameraman: Bucky Beckham

As I am sitting down to write this story, I am realizing that there is no way I can make you understand what an incredible adventure Bucky and I had in Newfoundland. So let me put it to you this way, if you EVER have the opportunity to hunt in Newfoundland with Bob Efford and Efford’s Hunting Adventure’s, do not hesitate—Jump ALL over it.

Bucky and I had a long trip before hunting even began. First, our last leg of our flight from Nova Scotia to Gander was cancelled due to engine failure. At least we were not in flight when this was determined. Then, after we arrived, we were stuck in base camp due to weather. So basically we had three days lost due to weather. We were finally able to get to Moose camp. With no hesitation, we headed to the top of the mountain behind our tent camp. We had 3 tags to fill, I had a Black Bear and Woodland Caribou tag, and Bucky had a Moose tag. We agreed we were just going hunting and whatever we spotted first that was of quality, was what we would go after.

First we spotted a bear but it was too far to go after. We then spotted a couple of cow moose, and then Glen, our guide, spotted a bear around one mile away. Glen told us of all the animals we were after, the bear was the hardest, so that is what we went after.

After a 30 minute walk, we spotted our bear, he had been going away from us all along and was a little further than we expected. We quickly closed the distance to 175 yards and set up. Bucky told me, “I am on him, take him when you want.” Well my wife Meegan told me NOT to shoot the gun without ear plugs. So being the good husband that I am, I paused to put them in, and the bear moved further to the left, offering NO shot.

We had to move to our right and set up again. After a little game of cat and mouse with the bear looking at us, we were finally ready to shoot. I laid the first circle of the BDC Retical off the Nikon on his shoulder, and squeezed the trigger on the Thompson Center 300 Win Man. There was a solid thump as the bullet struck home. Our bear only ran a short 20 yards and piled up. WOW, no more than 3 hours of being on the ground in Moose camp and we had our first of three animals.

After a short recovery and photo session, we started our walk back to the Tent Camp in anticipation of getting up tomorrow and going after Bucky’s moose.

Glen, thank you for making our trip to Newfoundland such an unforgettable experience and to Bob Efford and Efford’s Hunting Adventures for allowing us such an incredible opportunity, you have a first class operation. Ralph and Vicki—Thank you doesn’t seem like enough, I appreciate you allowing me to be on the POSSE and take this trip of a lifetime.