Sullivan East Student Goes Deer Hunting, But Encounters Bear

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Logan Morrell had waited months for the chance to go deer hunting with his cousin.

The fall weather was inviting, the anticipation intense.

After finding their usual private spot in Sullivan County, Logan began his vigil in the tree stand while Brian Morrell ventured into the woods.
Just before darkness fell, the sense of calm was interrupted by something wild.

Logan, 15, spotted something moving twenty yards away. It wasn’t a deer. Far from it.

“Yeah, it was different,” Morrell said. “My cousin said there were bear around in that area, but I had never seen one in my whole life.”

As the curious object moved within 15 yards of his tree stand, Logan was jolted by the unusual sight.

It was a 150-pound, four-foot-long black bear.

There was no time for contemplation. It was time for Logan to rely on his instincts.

“The bear walked right up behind me in the tree stand,” Morrell said. “He didn’t even know I was there.
“I just turned around and got ready.”

On the first attempt from his crossbow, the 5-foot-7, 120-pound Sullivan East sophomore connected with a clean shot just behind the shoulder.

The arrow came from an elevation of approximately 15 feet.

Startled by the thud-like noise from the crossbow, 30-year-old Brian Morrell hustled out of the woods to check on his cousin.

Logan had just passed a rite of manhood, albeit in unique fashion.

“I didn’t have time to get nervous,” Morrell said. “Everything happened in a few seconds.”

Needless to say, Logan felt a sense of exhilaration.

“I couldn’t wait to get off the stand and look at the bear,” Morrell said. “We couldn’t find the bear that night since it was so dark, so we went back back the next day to look for it.”

The bear is now awaiting floor mounting at Critter’s Taxidermy in Bristol, Va.

Since that adventure-filled Saturday afternoon on Oct. 4, Logan has shared the tale in his low-key fashion.

“My friends think it’s pretty cool,” Morrell said.

As for his parents, the emotions range from pride to relief.

“I wasn’t really worried about Logan,” Morrell’s father, Terry, said. “He’s a pretty good shot, and he was up in the tree. Logan can outdo me in the woods.
“I’ve actually never seen a bear in the woods, and I’ve been hunting for 20 years. My nephew [Brian Morrell] was wanting to get a bear, but this was Logan’s chance.”

Logan has accompanied his father on hunts since he was seven years old. Over time, Logan has come to relish the 5 a.m. wakeup calls, bone-crunching cold and lengthy waits.

The continuation of a family tradition is what really makes Terry proud. Terry Morrell has even purchased a Lifetime Sportsman’s License for his son.

“I started hunting with Brian when he was Logan’s age, and now Brian is taking Logan on hunts,” Terry Morrell said. “It’s good to see that cycle continue.”

Sherry Morrell has confidence in her son’s savvy and accuracy in the woods.

“Logan is a very dedicated outdoors boy, but he did make me a little nervous and scared when he called about the bear,” she said. “I thought he was just joking at first. Logan knew what he was doing, though.
“I did tell him that he wasn’t going back the next day.”

Logan is already plotting and planning his next adventure. Morrell harvested his first deer two years ago during bow season.

“My father got me interested in archery two years ago, and I’ve just gradually improved,” said Morrell, who also participates in muzzleloader hunting season. “My father and I are going hunting again in about two weeks, and I can’t wait.”

Logan said he’s eager to discover what lurks in the woods.

“I had never even thought about shooting a bear before this,” Morrell said. “Things just turned out that way.”

agregory@bristolnews.com (276) 645-2544

Who: Logan Morrell

Age: 15

What: Bear hunting

Where: Sullivan County, Tenn.

Notes: The Morrell’s are members of Kettlefoot Rod and Gun Club in rural Bristol, Va. Logan also hones his archery skills at the Miller’s Outdoors archery range in Piney Flats, Tenn.