As soon as the small plane dropped us off the worries of everyday life instantly faded away. Our focus was now on setting up camp and searching for black bears. Hours were spent behind the glass looking for a mature male bear feeding on the lush green mountainside. The mountains were steep and offered no mercy. Some of us struggled to climb the hill but with each step forward their confidence grew. Yet we hiked together, resting in the shade and soaking in the view around us. The sun was blistering hot during the day and the stars at night glowed brightly in all their glory. A small bear nearly walking into our laps and I undoubtedly passed up the shot. It deserved to live another day. To have a chance in the wild. To roam. To breed. To fight for its territory. It didn’t take long and we found ourselves on the high ridge lines looking across the basin into the next. We watched a sow and her two very small cubs play in the afternoon shade. Knowing it was Mother’s Day make it all that more special. The giggles were unleashed like school girls holding onto their bellies. So many moments unfolded that I want to keep as a keepsake and yet I want to share them with you. This hint was more than harvesting a bear. This was more than “the experience” I had created in my mind that I would have. I’m looking forward to sharing more with you in a upcoming film.