Baiting question

[kevfish1]

Hi, I am thinking of using a 55 gallon steel barrel with cookie dough in it to bait bears with. It sounds like those that use barrels put a 4-6 inch hole in them just big enough for a bear to reach in with a paw. Using cookie dough would this method work?? or would the dough be too hard for the bear to get out?? I am worried it may get hung up in the barrel and not fall where he could reach it????

[schmoe147]

It sounds like that would work, at least thats what you see on TV. This is the First year it is LEGAL to use barrels for bear hunting but they need to be on private property. I'm looking also for ideas with a barrel as I will be on private land.

[LindellProStaf]

I have seen on TV where guys punch holes with a sharp axe. That makes the holes taper into the barrel so the food does not fall out too fast. Makes the bear roll the barrel around to make the food fall out. That gives you time to make a good shot. Also fun to watch even if it is a small bear.

[Boar]

The barrel im using is a 30 gal, I cut a hole in the lid so a bear will just scoop it it paw after paw full, Seen triangular holes in a barrel that allows food to fall out with being rolled around, but superbee was using a gain mixture. ive seen barrels with a 8 inch hole cut 2/3 rds the way up a barrel an chained tight to a tree so a bear just sits there an scoops out food.

[jerkbait]

One interesting thing I learned when researching the barrel is to make sure the edges of the hole are nice and smooth or rounded where the bear is reaching in. Learned that if you want to make a rug and the bear has been reaching in for a few weeks that it can shave the fur off of it's arm. Not so gooda rug then.

[HooknHorns]

Good point JB, also think about a cubs head getting stuck. I would go with the smaller holes.

[Outdoor Authority]

Cookie dough would be a tuff bait for the bear to get out of the barrel in general. Ever try getting it out with a shovel? Most use grains soaked in pie filling, grease, lard, secret liquids and so on. Bread is also a good bait in barrels that the bear can get out. The object is to get the bear to move the barrel to get the bait out in hopes of increaseing the possibilites of you getting a good shot. Of the ones I have hunted over in canada and out west the small U shape holes and grains seemed to work the best. With a large hole in the center working second best. Hope this helps you out and gives you confidance to get started on your barrels. Good luck guys.