Bear hunting had a definite season—spring. Bears could run as fast as galloping horses. Climbing trees dozens of meters high was basic.
Bears were simply apex predators, complete wild creatures.
Hunting such bears, regardless of skill, required targeting them when weakened. Was that winter? No. Winter bear hunting was perfect for getting killed. In some mountain villages, men who committed crimes or sins went bear hunting in winter to receive forgiveness.
Ten out of ten die. No exceptions.
The standard was hunting bears in spring when they woke from hibernation and were skinny. Stabbing hibernating bears with spears was what greenhorns did. The fantasy of stopping bears with spears remained just that—a fantasy—and reality was a blood-spattered scene.
"A giant bear caught in winter."
The guard thought briefly, then rummaged through other parts of the cart. Next, he inspected the group's possessions. Things like white powder or herbs all had to go through the guard's tongue.
