Garage Logic – CRABBY: Linda Sears, Who Shot a 700 lb Black Bear in 1963, Joins to Share Her Story

Date: February 5, 2026
Host: Gamut Podcast Network
Featured Guest: Linda Sears

Episode Overview

This episode centers on a legendary local story from Danbury, Wisconsin: at age 16, Linda Sears shot a record-setting 650–700 pound black bear in 1963. The hosts, Jay and Kenny, bring Linda onto the show to recount the remarkable event, reflect on life in rural America, discuss humorous bear encounters, and swap tales of wildlife and small-town living. Listeners are treated to a blend of down-home storytelling, laughter, and awe at Linda's calm under pressure.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Bear Basics & Banter

• The hosts warm up with bear talk—urban legends, movie references (“Cocaine Bear”), bear safety rules, and comedic advice on how to survive a bear attack.
  • “If it’s brown, lay down. If it’s black, fight back. If it’s white, make peace with God, ‘cause you’re about to get—”
    (Kenny, 03:09)

2. Introducing Linda Sears

• Jay shares how he learned of Linda’s story: while getting his hair cut at “Cuts and Curls,” he spotted a photo of a young Linda with a giant bear—her story had local legend status.
  • “It was this massive bear. This thing was hanging from a rope on a piece of wood. And it had to be 10ft. And there’s this young girl, young woman next to it with a rifle. And I was just like, what’s up with the picture?”
    (Jay, 06:04)

3. Linda Recounts the Bear Encounter

[08:36–17:00] Core segment with Linda telling her story

• How it started: Linda, 16, was deer hunting in Danbury, WI, and walked into a bear’s territory unexpectedly.

  • “We were deer hunting. And I just happened to get into his territory and he didn’t like it.”
    (Linda, 08:36)

• The confrontation: The bear should have been in hibernation but was roused by warm weather. Linda describes how its behavior—jumping, shaking its head, grunting—made clear it was upset and potentially dangerous.

  • “They kind of jump at you. So what would that tell you?”
    (Linda, 09:55)

• Pulling the trigger: Armed with a lever-action Winchester .30-30, Linda instinctively aimed and shot three times at close range (10–20 feet).

  • “In the head.”
    (Linda, 12:18)
  • “I shot three times. I had to make sure.”
    (Linda, 13:38)

• Aftermath and fear: Linda ran to find her father, not knowing if she’d killed the bear.

  • “I didn’t know I killed it. I just took off. Oh. I was sure it was chasing me.”
    (Linda, 14:54)

4. Immediate Aftermath & Local Reaction

• Her father and a neighbor at first doubted the story, thinking she just shot a raccoon. When they saw the bear, the truth set in.

  • “He said, what did you get then? They always called me Minnie. And I said, I shot a bear. And he looked at me and our neighbor was next to him and said it was probably just a coon.”
    (Linda, 15:09)

• It was a rare event at the time. Bears were seldom seen in the area during the ‘60s, adding to the legend.

5. Celebrity, Letters, and Marriage Proposals

• Linda unexpectedly became famous, receiving over a hundred letters—including marriage proposals.
  • “100 plus letters.”
    (Linda, 18:28)
  • “One guy… I thought I would write you as I would like the claws and I’ll pay for them. Do not cut the claw off, but box it with the four paws and send it to me.”
    (Linda reads from a letter, 19:39)

6. Bear Meat and Homestead Life

• Linda’s father gave away the bear meat; they didn’t eat bear in her family.

  • “My dad doesn’t eat. Wouldn’t eat bear. So he gave it to somebody, some family. And I never did find out who.”
    (Linda, 22:41)

• Discussion of rural hunting culture: everyone participated, regardless of gender or age, because wild game was an essential food source.

  • “Most everybody did because that in those days, that was your food.”
    (Linda, 22:06)

7. Bear Dens, Modern Encounters, and Wildlife Talk

• The hosts compare notes on bears in their own neighborhoods; Linda gives practical advice on recognizing dens and bear habits.

  • “A bear has a 10 mile radius. That’s how far they go. And the male rules that territory.”
    (Linda, 25:27)
  • Bear dens can be simple burrows or adapted natural features.

• Jay shares stories of bears after bird feeders and brats, and a golden retriever “on Quaaludes” sounding the alarm.

  • “[My dog] just started freaking out, going back and forth along the wall by the window…” (30:00)

8. Wildlife Miscellany: Grouse & Porcupines

• Jay recounts a grouse crashing through his window—Linda isn’t fazed; it’s common local lore.

  • “Grouse fly through windows all the time.” (Linda, 32:38)

• Intent on swapping ever-wilder stories, Jay teases a porcupine tale saved for the next haircut.

9. Linda’s Stoic Humility

• When asked how people regard Jay in the neighborhood, Linda drily assures him: “It’s all good.” (25:27)
• Linda remains understated and modest, despite the extraordinary nature of her story.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Bear Safety:

• “If it’s brown, lay down. If it’s black, fight back. If it’s white, make peace with God…” (Kenny, 03:09)

On Facing the Bear:

• “Well, you gotta aim… I would have been in trouble.” (Linda, 12:05)

On Fear:

• “I got scared… Well, of course.” (Linda, 12:09)

On the Aftermath:

• “I didn’t know I killed it. I just took off. Oh. I was sure it was chasing me.” (Linda, 14:54)

On Being Famous:

• “100 plus letters.” (Linda, 18:28)
• “I wanted the paws.” (Linda reading, 20:10)

On Rural Common Sense:

• “Most everybody did [hunt] because that in those days, that was your food.” (Linda, 22:06)

Other Highlights & Fun Exchanges

Bear Myths & Fact Checks [37:20–39:32]

• Kenny relays bear experts’ advice, debunking the idea that “tame” bears are more dangerous.
  • “Myth: When bears lose their fear of people, they become more likely to attack…Untrue.” (Kenny, 37:51)

Wildlife Comedy: Dogs, Birds, and Bears [44:00–49:00]

• Extended, darkly comic riff on a 911 bear attack call, small dogs lost to owls, and “country rules” for keeping pets safe.
  • “She’s bleeding from everywhere, and she’s worried about Daisy.” (Kenny, 45:34)
  • “The owl went in to snatch this little dog, and its talons literally severed its head.” (Jay, 48:32)

Detailed Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |:-------------:|-------------| | 03:08 | Bear attack “rules” (brown, black, white) | | 06:04–08:00 | Origin of Linda’s legend and photo in “Cuts and Curls” | | 08:36–17:00 | Main story: Linda’s firsthand account of the bear encounter | | 18:23–20:30 | The mailbag: Letters and marriage proposals | | 22:06–22:59 | Life on the homestead, hunting and bear meat | | 25:14–27:40 | Neighborhood discussion, bear dens, radius & hibernation tips | | 30:00–31:50 | Jay’s bear-at-the-door stories (springtime bear visits, dog reactions) | | 32:38 | Grouse-through-the-window story | | 37:20–39:12 | Kenny debunks bear attack myths and shares bear center info | | 44:01–46:30 | The 911 “bear attack” audio and Daisy the dog | | 48:32 | Jay’s story of the owl and a small dog “musky bait” |

Episode Tone & Atmosphere

The tone is easygoing, comedic, and deeply rooted in rural Midwestern culture. The hosts balance humor with genuine awe and respect for Linda’s feat. Linda herself is succinct, understated, and humble—epitomizing the “few words, but they matter” ethic.

Takeaways

• Linda’s story is an extraordinary slice of Northwoods life: guts, grit, and a bit of luck.
• Rural life is full of practical wisdom, legendary stories, and absurd encounters with wildlife.
• Small-town celebrity comes unexpectedly and sometimes brings a deluge of quirky fan mail.
• There’s a remarkable difference between living with wildlife and simply observing it—both the danger and comedy abound.
• Despite humorous meanderings, the hosts convey deep admiration for Linda and her tale, closing with a sense of camaraderie and appreciation.

Memorable Outro:
“Linda’s the best. Thanks, Linda.” (Jay, 34:02)

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