VIDEO: Bulls and Bears—Mike Grundmann

In the heart of Canada’s vast wilderness, Mike Grundmann, a dedicated member of the Backwoods Life crew, finds himself deeply immersed in the thrilling embrace of nature. Each year, he eagerly ventures into the expansive woods, ready to capture breathtaking moments that unfold in this wild playground. “My playground is out in the woods, back in the sticks,” Mike says with a genuine smile, waking up early with nature’s guiding hand. The palpable excitement of the hunt fills the crisp air as he meticulously prepares for another day of adventure. “It’s about the rush, the dust, and truly living the **Backwoods life**.”

One unforgettable night, while perched in a tree stand, Mike and a fellow hunter had an unexpected encounter that would soon captivate audiences worldwide. “We weren’t expecting it, but we had one heck of a night in the stand,” he recalls, a hint of awe in his voice. “A bear came right up to the tree with us.” The tension was thick, almost suffocating, as they watched the powerful bear approach with deliberate movements. “Hey, what do you do? Just don’t move!” he whispered, emphasizing the critical importance of remaining still in such a perilous situation.

This thrilling moment, a testament to the raw unpredictability of the wild, caught the keen attention of Joe Rogan, who featured it on his immensely popular podcast. This exposure propelled Mike’s extraordinary experience into the global spotlight. “Everyone likes seeing people up close with bears because it’s a naturally fearful animal,” Mike explains, acknowledging the primal fear these creatures evoke. “But I’m not afraid of bears; I respect them deeply.” His words underscore a profound understanding of wildlife, a crucial aspect of **hunting ethics and conservation**.

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Having spent countless hours immersed in the wild, Mike possesses an innate understanding of bear behavior. “You have to treat them with a lot of respect because they’re unpredictable,” he advises, highlighting the need for caution. “I think I can tell which ones are aggressive.” His quiet confidence stems from years of invaluable experience, but he knows that unwavering caution and preparedness are paramount when dealing with these powerful and potentially dangerous creatures.

“I still remember that bear at the base of my tree on the quad trail,” he continues, the memory vividly etched in his mind. “He thought he wasn’t making any progress climbing my tree because I had my stand set up. Before I knew it, he was swiping at me, pretty much eye level!” The adrenaline surged through Mike’s veins as he instinctively prepared to defend himself against the imposing animal. “I will freaking shoot you now!” he warned the bear, showcasing his unwavering determination to stay safe and protect himself in the face of imminent danger.

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Despite the heart-pounding close call, Mike passionately emphasizes that hunting isn’t solely about the act of killing. “It’s about getting out in the woods and making lasting memories,” he says with conviction. “That’s exactly what I got to do tonight.” Living deeply intertwined with the wild means encountering a diverse array of animals regularly, and as an experienced outfitter, Mike is often surrounded by nature’s awe-inspiring wonders, constantly learning and adapting to its rhythms.

On another remarkable adventure, Mike enthusiastically teamed up with Travis Camden to embark on an exhilarating **Alberta bull moose hunt**. “We always go bow hunting in our honey hole,” Mike shared with anticipation as they meticulously unloaded their essential gear. “There are a lot of moose around here.” The anticipation built steadily as they expertly set up camp, ready for whatever challenges and triumphs the vast wilderness had in store for them. This meticulous preparation is a key part of successful **moose early season hunting methods**.

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As they ventured deeper into the woods, their keen eyes spotted a truly massive bull moose, its majestic antlers a testament to its grandeur. “That’s a monster!” Travis exclaimed, his voice filled with unbridled excitement and awe. “He’s going down!” The thrill of the hunt surged powerfully through them as they carefully prepared for the shot, their hearts pounding in unison. “Finally! That’s what we’ve been waiting for!”

The moose was an incredibly impressive specimen, with velvet still adorning its magnificent antlers—a true testament to the wild and untamed beauty of Canada’s northern reaches. “Look at those fronts! You want character? Look at that left side!” Mike marveled at the breathtaking sight before him, his admiration evident. After years of patiently waiting and honing their skills for this precise moment, they were finally rewarded with a successful and deeply satisfying hunt, a memory they would cherish forever.

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Mike’s profound passion for hunting and his deep-seated respect for wildlife shine brightly through every single encounter. “I’ve always lived in Canada; it’s my home,” he reflects with a sense of pride and belonging. “There’s no better place for fishing or hunting.” His unwavering love for the great outdoors is abundantly evident as he generously shares these rich experiences with clients and cherished friends alike, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature.

As they thoughtfully wrap up their adventure, Mike knows with certainty that every precious moment spent in the vast wilderness is a unique chance to connect profoundly with nature and forge indelible, lasting memories. “Living the Backwoods life means getting out in the woods and sharing my passion for the outdoors with family and friends,” he concludes, encapsulating the true essence of his philosophy.

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