Subject: A Preacher Goes Hunting

A country preacher decided to skip services one Sunday and head to the hills to do some bear hunting. As he rounded the corner on a perilous twist in the trail, he and a bear collided, sending him and his rifle tumbling down the mountainside. Before he knew it, his rifle went one way and he went the other, landing on a rock and breaking both legs. That was the good news. The bad news was the ferocious bear charging at him from a distance, and he couldn't move.

"Oh, Lord," the preacher prayed, "I'm so sorry for skipping services today to come out here and hunt. Please forgive me and grant me just one wish...please make a Christian out of that bear that's coming at me. Please, Lord!"

That very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to its knees, clasped ts paws together and began to pray aloud right at the preacher's feet.

"Dear God, bless this food I am about to receive...."

Subject: BEAR NOTICE

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently issued the following bulletin:

"In light of the rising frequency of human/grizzly bear conflicts, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is advising hikers, hunters, fishermen and campers to take extra precautions and to keep alert for bears while in the field.

" "We advise outdoorsmen to wear noisy little bells on their clothing to not startle bears that aren't expecting them. We also advise outdoorsmen to carry pepper spray with them in case of an encounter with a bear."

"It is also a good idea to be on the lookout for fresh signs of bear activity. Outdoorsmen should recognize the difference between "black bear" and "grizzly bear" manure." "Black bear manure is smaller in size and contains lots of berries and squirrel fur." "Grizzly bear manure has little bells in it and smells like pepper.">