Stavl Zosimov
Michael and the she-bear

CHAPTER 1

Note: Michael(13), Fedor Duda (13), Dasha(11), Masha Duda (11)

The bear eats wild berries. Two bear cubs are playing nearby. One starts to run away, and the second gives chase. They run out into the clearing and fight. The bear sees them and continues eating.

On the opposite side, a trunk with a silencer appears from the bushes. The gun fires silently and one bear cub falls dead. A bear runs out of the bushes. He grabs the second one in his teeth and runs back into the bushes. A second click is heard.

FEDOR DUDA

Well, damn. She bailed.

Fedya is reloading the gun.

STEPAN DUDA

Don't despair, son.

FEDOR DUDA

Shall we take this one?

STEPAN DUDA

Why? It’s dangerous. What if she’s in the bushes? She might ambush us.

FEDOR DUDA

I could have hit, but laid down uncomfortable.

STEPAN DUDA

No worries, son. Training is hard, battle is easy.

FEDOR DUDA

Dad. Why are we killing them?

STEPAN DUDA

We lure bear cubs to attract the mother bear. The mother bear is needed to extract the gallbladder. And then sell it for $10,000 on the darknet.

FEDOR DUDA

Is it that valuable?

STEPAN DUDA

I don't give a damn about what it's used for. The main thing is how much they pay for it.

FEDOR DUDA

But maybe we should take the cub after all?

STEPAN DUDA

What the hell do we need it for? Only adult bears have value.

FEDOR DUDA

And the meat?

STEPAN DUDA

The meat is average. Okay. It's time to bail before the patrol starts.

The she-bear carries a wounded cub in her teeth through the forest thickets. Not far away, a forester with his son MICHAEL (13) are spreading salt in the feeders. Their dog is sleeping under the pickup truck. The father looks at him.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

Poor old Druzhok has gotten really old. He used to explore everything around.

MICHAEL

Dad. Why do animals need salt?

FATHER OF MICHAEL

What do you mean why? You eat food with salt. It's the same for them.

MICHAEL

But we are humans, and they are animals.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

No way. Animals have a stronger sense of taste and smell. Without salt, food tastes like cotton wool.

The she-bear brings the wounded cub closer to the people. She places it down, licks it, and then goes away. The dog sniffs the blood and rushes off.

MICHAEL

Where did he rush off to?

FATHER OF MICHAEL

He probably sniffed out a hare.

The dog gets lost in the bushes. He emerges and begins to bark.

MICHAEL

Dad, I found something.

Michael runs towards the barking dog and sees a wounded bear cub lying among the bushes.

MICHAEL(continuing.)

Dad, come here.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

What is it?

The father takes out food from the bag and pours it out.

MICHAEL

Dad, look.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

What's there?

MICHAEL

The wounded bear cub is here.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

Мертвый?

MICHAEL

Not dead. Still alive.

The father approaches, squats down, and begins to conduct a primary examination of the bear cub.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

He is very weak. This is not the right time for all of this.

MICHAEL

Let's take him home with us. I'll take care of him while you're away on your rounds.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

You have school. And he's unlikely to survive. He has lost a lot of blood. It's strange. Where is his mother? Okay. There is a cloth in the car. Bring it. We will use it instead of a stretcher.

Michael runs to the car. The father takes out a smartphone, dials a number, and holds it to his ear.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

Hello. Lena. We need you urgently. Come by the house?

MOTHER OF MICHAEL (behind the scenes)

What happened?

FATHER OF MICHAEL

Michael and Druzhok found a wounded bear cub. He is very weak. And you are a veterinarian.

MOTHER OF MICHAEL (behind the scenes)

Везите быстрей. Я вас там встречу.

CHAPTER 2

Fedor Duda is sitting on the terrace in a rocking chair, smoking a cigar and sipping wine from a glass. The melody of the song "Gop Stop" is playing. Fedor Duda takes out his smartphone and initiates a video call.

STEPAN DUDA

Oh! Great. It's been a while since I last called, my dear.

BUSINESSMAN

I was in Spain on a business trip for six months. I was signing contracts.

STEPAN DUDA

Congratulations!

BUSINESSMAN

And now they have come for a return visit. I want to surprise them with our signature dish of tukushonka fillet.

STEPAN DUDA

But it's not the season right now, especially since any hunting of moose calves is completely prohibited.

BUSINESSMAN

I know. That's why I'm paying ten times more for it.

STEPAN DUDA

How much is that?

BUSINESSMAN

A million.

STEPAN DUDA

Greenbacks?

BUSINESSMAN

Are you laughing? Rubles. And I need it by Saturday.

STEPAN DUDA

But that's a short deadline. Saturday is just a couple of days away.

BUSINESSMAN

Therefore, one million, in cash upon receipt of the goods.

STEPAN DUDA

I make no promises. The deadline is tight.

BUSINESSMAN

What's up, bro?! Your people?!

STEPAN DUDA

Alright, Pelmen, I will try to fulfill your request.

BUSINESSMAN

I need tukushonok, strictly for shish kebabs and steaks. I'll only take the backbone fillet.

STEPAN DUDA

Doesn't other meat work out, Moose or elk?

BUSINESSMAN

No, the meat of an adult moose or elk is too tough. And the Spaniards know a thing or two about meat dishes.

STEPAN DUDA

But you are aware that changes to the Criminal Code of Russia have come into effect. Punishment for poaching has been tightened. Previously, poachers faced a fine of up to 200,000 rubles, but now it's from 500,000 and above. In addition, a court can also sentence them to three to five years of imprisonment with restrictions on holding certain positions.

BUSINESSMAN

Don't worry about it. I have my people in the prosecutor's office.

STEPAN DUDA

Alright, it's a deal, I'll be waiting.

CHAPTER 3

The forester's pickup truck pulls up to the gates. The forester's wife opens the gates. The pickup truck drives into the courtyard of the woodland estate. The mother of Michael closes the gates and hurries to the car. The father of Michael gently pulls a wounded bear cub out of the cabin and carries it to a large cage with a door. Michael opens the door, and the father of Michael brings the bear cub in. The mother of Michael follows with a first aid kit. The father of Michael lays it on the wooden floor. The mother of Michael begins to examine it.

MOTHER OF MICHAEL

Gunshot wound. Exit wound. There's a chance it won't die.

The mother of Michael opens the first aid kit, takes hydrogen peroxide, and cleans the wound. She then takes a syringe with an anesthetic solution and makes an injection. The bear cub falls asleep. She takes a surgical needle with threads and starts stitching the wound.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

It's a pity. Otherwise, the bullet could have helped identify the owner of the gun.

MOTHER OF MICHAEL

Well, that's all. It will survive.

The mother of Michael packs up the first aid kit and stands up.

MOTHER OF MICHAEL (continuing.)

But it requires careful care. Our family will move here. It's two kilometers to the school and the base, which is beneficial for our health.

FATHER OF MICHAEL

Yes, I will drive you.

The parents walk to the cars. Michael enters the cabin.

MOTHER OF MICHAEL

Go pick up Dasha. She'll be home soon. I'll stop by work and then bring everything we need.

5. EXT. FOREST/RIVERBANK – MORNING

FEDOR DUDA, STEPAN DUDA, FEDOR DUDA AND STEPAN DUDA

Fedor Duda and his son Stepka are sitting in ambush in the bushes by the river, where there is a small beach and a fast current in the river.

FEDOR DUDA

And wait for a long time?

STEPAN DUDA

Are you in a hurry somewhere?

FEDOR DUDA

No, I'm not.

STEPAN DUDA

Don't worry. At least they will come for water today. So we have plenty of time, and we can talk. It is dangerous to blindly go after the beast. And therefore, you need to know all the details about it.

FEDOR DUDA

nd what details about the moose?

STEPAN DUDA

The moose is a large animal weighing approximately half a ton. Its main decoration is the luxurious antlers, which many people hunt for. The best time to hunt this animal is early September. luring the moose during this time is easiest as it is the mating season. The noise you make will not only not scare the animal away but will also make it come out to you. Another plus is that the branching trophy adorning the male's head has not been spoiled by a rival. The most important rule you should know before luring a moose during mating season is to always keep your gun ready. The moose in the mating season is a dangerous animal, its roar is similar to a bear's growl, and it is very cruel and aggressive itself. In addition, in areas where there are many moose, they are not afraid of humans at all. For them, all the people they meet are rivals.

FEDOR DUDA

How to lure it?

STEPAN DUDA

Before luring a moose, or making a decoy, it is necessary to carefully study the terrain. Look for broken branches, listen for sounds, and search for fresh moose droppings – all of these will indicate the presence of the animal here. The weather and time of day also play a significant role. Since luring a moose during mating season is best done early in the morning, head out for the hunt at that time.

FEDOR DUDA

But we are planning to catch a calf moose.

STEPAN DUDA

Pray and listen. In the morning, the moose roars much longer, so it will be much easier to find it.

FEDOR DUDA

What is the best weather to lure a moose?

STEPAN DUDA

Optimal weather conditions for luring a moose are dry and clear without rain. Not only because moose are more active in this type of weather, but also for safety reasons. In bad weather, you may simply not hear the approaching animal, which can be very dangerous. For safety reasons, find a partner, as it is easier to learn how to lure a moose using calls if you are still a novice with an experienced hunter. Additionally, working together allows you to divide tasks – one person lures the animal, while the other shoots.

FEDOR DUDA

And how to lure it?

STEPAN DUDA

An experienced hunter knows how to lure a moose with their voice. With their hands cupped like a megaphone, they

imitate the moose roar during the mating season. Learning this technique is not easy, as it requires a certain talent.

FEDOR DUDA

If it doesn't work with the voice, there are no other ways?

STEPAN DUDA

If you don't know how to lure a moose without decoy, you can try making it yourself. Here is the simplest and most accessible way. Take a tin can from coffee or baby food, about 60 cm of nylon rope, duct tape, or a piece of leather. Wrap the can with the leather, and in the middle of the bottom, make a hole and secure the rope in it with a knot inside. Put moss inside the can.

FEDOR DUDA

And how do you use it?

STEPAN DUDA

Not difficult. Since luring a moose with this device is quite simple, you are unlikely to encounter any difficulties. Simply grip the wet rope between your thumb and index finger, then pull them down the rope. The can should be held in a way that your fingers barely touch the sides. The sound produced by such a can accurately simulates the sound of a moose. A decoy made in this way is called a 'waba', and hunting with this device for moose is called 'waba hunting.

FEDOR DUDA

And how to decoy?

STEPAN DUDA

Waba hunting. Another name – groaning hunt. Those who have heard at least once how to lure a moose with a waba will understand why it is called that. Indeed, the sound produced using this device is very similar to a female's groan, and sometimes even to a rival's voice. The tone and sound itself depend on the type of decoy you use. You can lure a moose not only with a metal can, but also with a birch bark tube, as well as other devices: cupped hands or electronic decoys.

FEDOR DUDA

Just like that?

STEPAN DUDA

Luring a moose is very difficult, requiring knowledge of many nuances and subtleties. Such hunting is more like art rather than mindless killing of an animal. In addition, it is a way to test one's strength and composure, as moose meat is not suitable for consumption and the hunting itself is purely for sport..

FEDOR DUDA

How to lure a moose?

STEPAN DUDA

When you find a trampled clearing, which is a moose's habitat, you should hide and wait, which is exactly what we're doing now. When you hear a moose call at dawn or dusk, start gently decoying in response. Don't do it too loudly, as the animal may be nearby. If no one responds to your call, gradually increase the sound, but not too often. If you still don't hear a response, move to another spot, about two hundred meters from the previous one, and start decoying again. Don't be afraid to step on a dry branch or make any other sharp noise—the animal will

mistake it for sounds of a rival and come out to you. However, when moving to another location, there is no need to sneak on tiptoes; on the contrary, walk confidently, placing your whole sole on the ground, just as animals do.

FEDOR DUDA

But we came for a calf?

STEPAN DUDA

Many people tend to forget that a moose has a great sense of smell, which allows it to detect you from a great distance. Try to approach it from the downwind side: 1) If there are several hunters, one should be near the decoy, while the others should be slightly ahead, as a moose begins its direct approach to a rival from a distance of no more than a hundred steps; 2) Upon hearing a moose's response call, never change the voice tone used for decoying. Remember, son, that animals can recognize the possible strength of a rival through their voice and will never go to a stronger one. However, if the moose does not respond, try changing the tone. Experienced hunters can determine a moose's age from its voice, helping them decide whether to lure it further or search for another; 3) Constant vigilance is required, especially in popular hunting areas. There have been cases where another hunter mistook the decoy for the animal and shot it.

FEDOR DUDA

And are there other ways to hunt moose?

STEPAN DUDA

There are many ways to hunt moose, both legal and poaching. Ideally, a true hunter should know them all—not only to be able to apply them in practice, but also to promptly stop poachers' actions if they notice snares or pits on the moose trails. But no matter what method a hunter chooses, decoy hunting remains the most interesting and exciting process. The highest level of professionalism is when a person can lure an experienced adult male moose with just one hand—few people are capable of that. In

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