BEAR The American Black Bear inhabits forested areas, although it has become more common in suburban areas, as it's natural forage supply is destroyed by development and environmental factors...Read More View All Bear Tips

 

Alaska, Canada and similar locations with wide open areas and natural forage make stalking a productive method for bear hunting. Elsewhere, baiting for bear is popular, especially in Maine and even parts of Canada. Finding a location for a bait site in an agricultural area is basically the same as in a forest area. Look for food, shelter and water. Find what the bears are eating. Look for some type of shelter for them. The bears will usually seek shelter in nearby woods. If possible, choose a bait site located between the feeding area and where the bears are resting.

When scouting for a bait site location be conscious of an approach to a possible stand. Consider what predominate afternoon wind direction is in the area. Also, be in the lookout for other hunters in the area. Chances are, if you think it is a good location, another hunter may think so as well. Of course this depends on the amount of hunting pressure in the area and if you are hunting on private or public lands.

Now that you have found that perfect bait location, how do you get the bear to visit it? The most effective way for drawing in bears to a bait site is by burning bacon. Several slices of bacon cooked at the bait site in a camp stove create a scent plume that no bear can resist. The air fills with a thick cloud of bacon odor and the grease particles cling to all the vegetation. There are many scents on the market, and I have tried many of them, but none compare to burning bacon.

While bears are known to have a sweet tooth, sweets are not always their favorites. In the fall, bears are preparing for a long winter of hibernation and are consuming mass quantities of food. Studies have shown that a bear will spend as much as 22 hours a day feeding in the fall. The best source for calories and mass to fill the appetite of a bear is fresh beef scraps.

One of the benefits of baiting bears is the fact that hunters' baits are assisting bears in preparing for winter. Certainly not every bear that feeds at a bait site is harvested. Many bears go into hibernation with a thicker layer of fat, compliments of hunters.

Basic bait is mixed in a five gallon bucket. Start with a few cups of whole oats and cracked corn. Add five pounds of fresh beef scraps, followed by a few pastries. This is topped off with a few cups of livestock grade molasses. All this will fill a five gallon bucket about 2/3 full. Over-ripe peaches seem to hold a special attraction to them. If available, always add a piece or two of fruit to each bait bucket.

COMMENTS

M. B.

Typo in article mis-placed deer in lieu of bear.. we do not bait for deer in Maine.

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