Bear over Bait

[the blur]

I was watching bear over bait on you tube.  I'm not impressed.  55 gallon drums filled with dog food, and cooking grease, with the drums chained down to a tree.    3 or 4 bears playing with the drums, digging out little pieces of dog food for hours at a time.

 

Then you get to blast one from a group.   Although I've considered it in the past, now that I watched it on youtube, it doesn't seem to sporting to me.

 

I certainly have the opportunity to hunt bear over bait in Canada, or Maine, but now I'm not so sure I could do it.   Especially after NYS deer hunting, where it took me years to get my 1st deer, and it was more than challenging. 

 

What's your feelings over hunting over bait ???

[Four Season Whitetail's]

I was watching bear over bait on you tube.  I'm not impressed.  55 gallon drums filled with dog food, and cooking grease, with the drums chained down to a tree.    3 or 4 bears playing with the drums, digging out little pieces of dog food for hours at a time.

 

Then you get to blast one from a group.   Although I've considered it in the past, now that I watched it on youtube, it doesn't seem to sporting to me.

 

I certainly have the opportunity to hunt bear over bait in Canada, or Maine, but now I'm not so sure I could do it.   Especially after NYS deer hunting, where it took me years to get my 1st deer, and it was more than challenging. 

 

What's your feelings over hunting over bait ???

This is called fair chase? To each their own.Its legal and one of the only ways to kill a bear. If the..Hunter..had to hunt bear by search and harvest some places would be over loaded with bear.

 

Not my cup of tea either!

[G-Man]

The beauty of it is you have the choice to hunt over bait or not.. a lot of states allow bait for deer as well. Its legal, but you as an individual get to make the choice yourself. I have hunted bear over bait in new Brunswick Canada. Its not like you see on you tube. The guide i used didnt use treestands but hunted off the ground 20 yards or less in many cases. I got a bear in new York off the ground while walking/driving deer . The bait allows you to see a lot more bear than you normally would. But up close and personal with a bear is exciting either way.. the only non- exciting hunt (if you could call it that) was for Russian boar in a fenced preserve.. that was like having fish in a barrel with almost no water... if I didn't win it I at a fund raiser i would of never of went on it

[Doc]

I have mixed feelings about bear baiting. Generally speaking, I am not in favor of conditioning wildlife to make themselves easier prey. I hunt wild game in a natural and un-trained state. And I will admit that that attitude is a personal limitation that I choose to put on my hunting. The attitude is not for everyone. Also, I do realize how difficult bear hunting without bait or dogs would be and the fact that without bait, hunting as an effective population control is certainly compromised. So I guess this is just a long way around saying that it is not for me personally, but if it were legalized in NYS, I would understand it. I probably will never consider it to be hunting, but sometimes compromise has to be accepted in the name of animal management.

[Uncle Nicky]

Having hunted bear over bait in both Maine & Canada, I can personally attest that it's not the slam dunk that the OP thinks it is. It's more boring than anything else, a few sightings each week were the norm where I hunted. I don't know where the Youtube videos were filmed, but it doesn't sound very realistic.

 

Baiting deer, hogs, bear...whatever, doesn't bother me. I've filled tags with and without bait, and will continue to do so. I had a chance to kill a bear last year while deer hunting (unbaited), I let him walk, just didn't want the meat or one more head hanging in the den.

 

Sportsmen & gun owners need to stick together, rather than critique how others hunt or what the regs are in other states. Just my $.02.

[Doc]

 

Sportsmen & gun owners need to stick together, rather than critique how others hunt or what the regs are in other states. Just my $.02.

It's not really a case of sticking together or not sticking together. It is more an individual opinion of what constitutes hunting and what does not. Frankly, the whole quality of the hunt thing is a big reason of why I hunt. I guess I have some pretty firm guidelines as to what I will do in the name of hunting. There is a certain atmosphere that I insist on in my hunts, and there are certain conditions of the game that I hunt. These are all personal opinions and requirements. I may very well consider some hunting methods and manipulations to be outside of what I want to call hunting. That is my right, and frankly if I wasn't a bit discriminating in how and why I hunt, I think that would be a lot worse than if I occasionally express opinions on the subject. I really don't get too excited that every hunter doesn't walk in lock-step with every other hunter on every issue. I don't see that as a real big deal. We all agree on the general defense of hunting, and the nits and details should be able to be discussed openly and freely. Which is pretty much what we do here.

[Four Season Whitetail's]

It's not really a case of sticking together or not sticking together. It is more an individual opinion of what constitutes hunting and what does not. Frankly, the whole quality of the hunt thing is a big reason of why I hunt. I guess I have some pretty firm guidelines as to what I will do in the name of hunting. There is a certain atmosphere that I insist on in my hunts, and there are certain conditions of the game that I hunt. These are all personal opinions and requirements. I may very well consider some hunting methods and manipulations to be outside of what I want to call hunting. That is my right, and frankly if I wasn't a bit discriminating in how and why I hunt, I think that would be a lot worse than if I occasionally express opinions on the subject. I really don't get too excited that every hunter doesn't walk in lock-step with every other hunter on every issue. I don't see that as a real big deal. We all agree on the general defense of hunting, and the nits and details should be able to be discussed openly and freely. Which is pretty much what we do here.

I believe you are sadly mistaken if you dont think the separation between hunter do not have a big effect on hunting as a whole.  Trust me,it sure does. It is deep enough to the point where some will vote against one way or the other and in the end, one side or the other has to lose and when that happens the antis get stronger.In the end, hunters will lose at their own hands! 

[Doc]

There has been controversy in every aspect of hunting, and the sky hasn't fallen yet. The fact is that hunters are people and as such have opinions. Why anyone thinks that we must all keep our mouths shut, not have opinions on ethics, not allow the courage of our convictions, and just become mind-numbed robots all walking in lockstep repeating over and over identical mantras, I cannot imagine. What is supposed to be so unique about hunters that we cannot converse and discuss like any other group of people.

 

No, fear not. We do not need to stifle our brain waves to save hunting. I hear that stuff all the time, and am so glad that nobody really takes that thought seriously. I hate to think where hunting would be today if centuries ago, we all agreed to allow anything and not discuss consequences, ethics, or the right and wrong of what we do. Lol .... We would still be running buffalo over cliffs.

[Four Season Whitetail's]

There has been controversy in every aspect of hunting, and the sky hasn't fallen yet. The fact is that hunters are people and as such have opinions. Why anyone thinks that we must all keep our mouths shut, not have opinions on ethics, not allow the courage of our convictions, and just become mind-numbed robots all walking in lockstep repeating over and over identical mantras, I cannot imagine. What is supposed to be so unique about hunters that we cannot converse and discuss like any other group of people.

 

No, fear not. We do not need to stifle our brain waves to save hunting. I hear that stuff all the time, and am so glad that nobody really takes that thought seriously. I hate to think where hunting would be today if centuries ago, we all agreed to allow anything and not discuss consequences, ethics, or the right and wrong of what we do. Lol .... We would still be running buffalo over cliffs.

You can have all the opinions ya want but if you think that by sportsmen going at each other because someone hunts over bait or behind fence or with dogs and on does not weaken the whole group you are sadly mistaken. I can promise you it does. Regardless if its just talking or a the voting booth. It is weakened.

[mmkay]

 

Having hunted bear over bait in both Maine & Canada, I can personally attest that it's not the slam dunk that the OP thinks it is. It's more boring than anything else, a few sightings each week were the norm where I hunted. I don't know where the Youtube videos were filmed, but it doesn't sound very realistic.

 

Baiting deer, hogs, bear...whatever, doesn't bother me. I've filled tags with and without bait, and will continue to do so. I had a chance to kill a bear last year while deer hunting (unbaited), I let him walk, just didn't want the meat or one more head hanging in the den.

 

Sportsmen & gun owners need to stick together, rather than critique how others hunt or what the regs are in other states. Just my $.02.

 

I concur, hunting bear over bait you'll be lucky to even see a bear. the outfitter video's are often misleading. In a one week hunt in Canada (NB) or Maine, a hunter is lucky to see 1 bear for perhaps 5 to 10 seconds. the bears often hit the baits at night after legal shooting times.

In Maine the other choice is hunting with hounds. Although it can be fun, you'll need to be a younger man or an old fart in good shape. I've been hunting bear for years, gotten close to a dozen. Until recently I would have said it was near impossible to get one without dogs or bait. But my brother and one of his kids both got one last season (1 bow / 1 gun) in Dutchess during deer season... They both are very experienced bear hunters, but the bears were local stupid trashing /dumpster eating bears...very easy to pattern. so the trash and dumpsters although a 1/4 mile away were in fact bait....just needed to post up the trail a bit and wait for the large black greasy raccoons to walk by

Edited April 24, 2014 by mmkay

[Culvercreek hunt club]

I have been up to Canada twice to hunt bear over bait. The first trip the bait got hit once during the day while I was not in the stand. Other than that, no sightings. The second trip I got a very nice female. It was OK. no great excitement for me. I expected more.

 

The second bear I took was while still hunting through a swamp during deer season up in the northern zone.. That one was more exciting for me.

 

They both tasted great. It is my daughters favorite meat. She always asks when I am going to get another, like it is taking a trip to the store...lol

[pistolp71]

It's your choice, so if you don't like it don't do it. Not all bear hunts are over bait. I hunted in Alberta because you can get 2 bears and a high probability of color phase. This particular part of Alberta was no bait because of the grizzly population. All spot and stalk and me and a buddy both shot 2 big bears each. We thought it was much better than sitting over a barrel for hours, but to each his own.

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[mmkay]

 

It's your choice, so if you don't like it don't do it. Not all bear hunts are over bait. I hunted in Alberta because you can get 2 bears and a high probability of color phase. This particular part of Alberta was no bait because of the grizzly population. All spot and stalk and me and a buddy both shot 2 big bears each. We thought it was much better than sitting over a barrel for hours, but to each his own. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

My groups been looking at Alberta for a while. can you recomend a guide? also what did it run you?

thanks

[pistolp71]

The outfitter was Northern Lights, his name was Kevin. I don't know if he is still doing it or not. I went in 2004. If I remember correctly, it was about $2000-2500. I would definitely recommend Alberta.

[NFA-ADK]

I can not bait anything.  Personally if I am not on the ground using fair chase I will not do it.  Even tree stands I consider cheating.  Maybe my ethics are to high but I would not have it any other way.  (Not saying I will never get back into a stand again or use a blind!)

 

PS:  Just because I will not do it or do not think it is fair chase does not mean I will chastise the person who does it.   If you want to hunt from a stand or blind or bait so be it, I will congratulate any successful hunter.  Just because I do not advocate some form of hunting does not mean I am against others who do it as long as it is legal!!!

 

 

[BizCT]

B.C. has many spot n stalk options and 2 bear areas as well

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[Daveboone]

I have been to New Brunswick and Quebec on spring (baited) hunts a total of six times, and would happily go annually. A good outfitter (and there are plenty) works hard to keep you on active baits. Each year I saw multiple bears, and always had a great time. Sitting for 6-8 hrs or more on stand (I prefer ground blinds) isn't an easy shake. I have had many memorable evenings, seeing moose, Lynx and coyote from stand, as well as enjoying watching different bears- including sows with cubs, doing the bear thing.. I am a die hard big woods deer hunter, and cant stand the thought of baiting, bean field shooting, or all the gimmicky crap that is out there nowadays. For me,bear hunting is much less a sure thing than deer hunting is, but in some ways simpler and more pure. I know damn well I will get my venison (I didn't say buck...)each year. Bear hunting for one week, I will put in a solid 40 or more hrs on stand and maybe see a bear I want to shoot. Deer hunting I will stretch the season as long as I can to stay in the woods. Most years I can easily have a deer down within the first couple of stands. Someday I would love to go to the pacific coast to hunt coastal black bear spot and stalk, but I don't think that is any more or less sporting. You glass areas for a bear, work within range and plug it. Generally the hunts are shorter because they are more productive. Spotting known food sources is the same as baiting them in. The ranges are only longer.

If you don't want to go on a baited hunt, don't go. But chances are you wont just stumble over a bear in NY.

[BizCT]

Someday I'd like to hunt bear over bait, probably somewhere that gives me a chance at a color phase like Idaho or somewhere in Canada. It's gotta be more exciting than hunting wolves over bait (2 trips, 14 days sitting dark and dark and never seen one yet).

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Edited April 25, 2014 by Biz-R-OWorld

[Daveboone]

Someday I'd like to hunt bear over bait, probably somewhere that gives me a chance at a color phase like Idaho or somewhere in Canada. It's gotta be more exciting than hunting wolves over bait (2 trips, 14 days sitting dark and dark and never seen one yet). Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

yow! I have given a lot of thought to a wolf hunt, and although I have a lot of patience 14 days without seeing one is beyond my sitting ability!

[A Sportsman]

I think if someone is serious about having a reasonable chance at a bear in NYS, without bait, the catskills offers you that. Of course I'm not saying its easy, but if you dedicate a week to finding a bear, and are willing to cover ground,I think you've definitely got good enough chances to make a go it.

[adkbuck]

Its not for me personally but in areas like Northern Maine and Canada its a very effective way to manage a large population of bears. Maine has a large number of outfitters that need the bear season with baiting in order to stay in business. The anti-hunting crowd thrives in incrementally denying hunters opportunities to hunt (they basically tried with some success to stop all bear hunting in New Jersey) so I support bear baiting in regions where it has been traditionally practiced. The humane society is currently targeting the 12 states where it is practiced. In Maine it is practiced primarily on private logging land open to the public. These areas have a large network of logging roads which are conducive to keeping a large number bait sites active. The situation in the Catskills and the Adirondacks is quite different as road access is quite limited.

[Brooklyner12]

Looks like I need your advice guys. Being ticketed on bear opening day at Pochuk State Forest for hunting bear over the baiting area. Three of us just arrived on a spot in high grass in a middle of nowhere and over 20 minutes 2 DEC officers have appeared exactly behind us accusing we are hunting over baited area. In fact they showed us pictures of 2 sausages and turkey burger remainings approximately 100 yards from the spot we where sitting. 

They almost arrested us and evicted from the property with a solid ticket to appear in court. They had not listen to us, they were solidly sure the bait belongs to us. The entire opening has been ruined and now we all faced of a big trouble. Has anybody know about the procedure or a necessary burden of proof from DEC side to support such accusation ?    Does anybody knows an attorney who has experience for such stupid cases? How should we prove we did not baited the area with 2 sausages and sliced turkey ham ? This is ridiculous and I still cannot believe it has happened to me and my friends.  

[the blur]

If you do bear over bait in Canada.   They start baiting 1 or 2 months before opening day.   They bait on a schedule, and only 1 person can maintain a bait site, because of body odor.     Throwing a hamburger on the ground isn't going to keep a bear coming back.

[The_Real_TCIII]

Check out the "woods" in Northern Ontario, at least Gogama where I've hunted. Its an absolute jungle. You literally need a machete to chop your way to recover your bear. You could hunt your entire life and not get a bow shot if they werent pulling them in to a bait, nevermind the 3 or 5 days you are there to hunt.

[Drew2255]

This thread got me thinking for sure, I can see how hunters might be against this way of pursuing bear and that's fine, to each their own, in the end we're all part of the hunting community, right?.....

Having just gotten back from Maine and connecting with a bear, first off I think about the folks up in the area where we do the hunting and how appreciative they are for all the business we bring, they don't have a lot (financially speaking), the hunters who come up that way do a lot of good for their economy during Bear season,

secondly it's not a guaranteed thing that your gonna get a bear, yes it increases your odds over bait, but not every one goes home with a bear, it's just a different tactic for pursuing game, if it's not for you that's ok, not gonna put down another guy/gal for being out there legally pursuing game...