In a harrowing incident that occurred on September 19, 2024, a father-son hunting expedition in western Wisconsin nearly ended in tragedy when a Ryan Beierman found himself in a life-threatening encounter with a black bear. The 43-year-old business agent's survival can be attributed to the quick thinking and bravery of his 12-year-old son, Owen.
Beierman and Owen had set out on a bear hunting trip near their family cabin, taking advantage of Wisconsin's bear hunting season, which typically runs from early September to mid-October. The state boasts an estimated black bear population of around 24,000, making it a popular destination for hunters.
The day took a perilous turn when Owen initially wounded a bear, prompting the father-son duo to track the injured animal through the dense forest. As darkness fell, Beierman suddenly found himself face-to-face with the wounded 200-pound predator, a mere five to six feet away.
Despite firing eight shots from his pistol, Beierman was unable to stop the charging bear. Within moments, the powerful creature had pinned him to the ground, unleashing a vicious attack. Black bears, while generally less aggressive than their grizzly counterparts, can be extremely dangerous when threatened. Their sharp claws, which can grow up to 1.5 inches long, and powerful jaws make them formidable opponents.
As Beierman struggled beneath the bear, he could feel its hot breath and sharp teeth tearing into his face. The attack lasted for about a minute, with the hunter desperately trying to fend off the bear using the blunt edge of his empty pistol. The situation seemed dire until Owen intervened, demonstrating remarkable composure under pressure.
Using his 350 Legend hunting rifle, a relatively new cartridge introduced in 2019, Owen took aim and fired a shot that struck the bear, killing it instantly. The bullet passed through the animal, which was still on top of his father.
"Owen was a hero. He shot that bear and killed it on top of me."
Following the attack, Beierman was left with severe facial injuries, including a deep laceration on his left cheek that required 23 stitches to reattach. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers associated with bear hunting, despite the relative rarity of such attacks. On average, there are only 1-2 fatal black bear attacks per year in North America.
Owen's actions not only saved his father's life but also demonstrated exceptional poise in a crisis situation. The young hunter's quick decision-making and accurate shot proved crucial in preventing further harm to his father.
This incident highlights the importance of proper preparation and safety measures when engaging in bear hunting activities. Hunters in Wisconsin are required to obtain licenses and adhere to specific regulations, emphasizing the need for responsible hunting practices.
As Beierman recovers from his injuries, the story of his son's bravery serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of wildlife encounters and the importance of family bonds in times of crisis.