Bear Bait

[Buzicky69]

Has anyone had any success baiting this year in area 25? I put out two stations that are 1.5 miles from each other and nothing touched them the entire first week I had them out. I am going up this weekend to check but does anyone know if the bears are still eating berries way up in area 25? Also its supposed to be fairly hot on opening weekend (75-80 degrees) does this really effect bear movement during shooting hours?

[CANOPY SAM]

Five stations over six miles apart total. Had 4 of the six hit in the first week. One being hit consistantly by a little bear. One hit twice by a big bruin that hasn't returned since last week.

We were baiting with buns and big globs of chocalate cake frosting. I'm kinda worried that the chocolate might be giving them upset stomachs. I've heard that baiting too early is a bad idea too. My anxiousness to get going got the best of me - a few "test baits" turned into 10 days of baiting every other day. Whoopsie!

I'm going to hold off until 4 days before the opener then pour it on big time - no more chocolate and see what happens. Definately going to try bacon and jelly burns as well.

What else is everyone seeing? There's an awful lot of food out there!

[walterman]

Baits are getting rocked! Get excited, season is less than a week away.

[RussDaBuss]

Ours are getting hit hard too. Using mainly pastries and also a mixture of oats, sunflower seeds and dog food in a 5-gallon bucket and then molassis and a little water and let that soak for a bit. They seem to like. Also been spraying the Liquid Smoke around everytime.. I am very excited for Thursday as well.. hopefully not too Hot (even thought it sounds like it might be HOT!) Good Luck ALL!!

[Fish to Win]

Went to the bait site today and got the trail camera photos developed and saw 2 huge bears eating at the same time- I did not know they hung out together- I'm sure it's not a cub cause the are both huge- I have about 5 photos showing them together.

Is this normal or is it a male with a female or what???

[muzzy]

I started baiting everyday since one could start and it's been hit every time exept 3 times. I started using a timer and the bear is hitting at 9:30 to 10:00 at night. I only put out 3 gallons of food out and I was told to take the bait with me when hunting to get him in early. I don't know if I like this theory because if he comes and there is no bait, wouldn't he just go to other baits??? Any good ideas to get him in earlier???

Muzz

[savy]

iam heading up to the echo trail monday morning i have a guy baiting for me the baits are getting hit hard iam going to help him bait for a few days iam so pumped up good luck

[Perch Jerker]

I've heard of 3 things to possibly get a bear into the baits earlier.

1) Put out large amounts of bait less frequently. I put 150 - 200lbs per bait once a week. This is especially true if it is a BIG bear.

2) Move the [PoorWordUsage] from one bait to another bait. If a big bear is 'guarding' a bait it might get him in earlier if he thinks someone else is slipping in and eating off HIS bait undetected.

3) Burn of some type (honey,bacon,etc). Be careful though because "only you can prevent forest fires". If a bear in a forestry outfit & hat comes in when you're burning, you might want to let him walk - he's old and the meat is probably tough anyway.

I've got 7 baits out for 4 hunters that are all getting hit hard and have 4 game cameras between them. I've got a couple of big guys hitting the baits and cinnimon colored bears on 2 of the 7 spots. I think we'll do alright.

PJ

[muzzy]

Thanks for the tips PJ. I think next time, I'll try them as I only am running one bait station this year for myself. I checked the bait and he hit at 8pm which is pretty much sunset which is good news so far! He's coming in a bit earlier each time. I may just hunt the first night w/o any burns and try burning honey the second day. That's just kind of my game plan for now. What area are you in PJ? That would be nice to get that cinn. phase bear! Good luck!

Muzzy

[charliepete2]

PJ...I love the moving the [PoorWordUsage] idea. That is genius. Why didn't I think of that? As of last Saturday I was running 5 for 5 on my baits. I put out 70-100#'s a week and on one of my big hitters I put about 150#'s out. The stands are out, the lanes are cut, and the bears are hitting. I can't wait until tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be up to my armpits in a legitimate 300#'er.

[RussDaBuss]

Well, Mine is doing good too. Always destroyed. Bought a Camera last friday and put it up saturday. Went up last nite and switched memory cards. WOW, 2 bears .Big too.!! Only problem is 2am and 5 am ... Will have to try some tricks to get them out before dark. Not sure how to put pics on here but will email them to someone if they want to put them up.. Thanks

Good luck everyone tommorrow! I will be in my stand by 3 for sure!!