Bear Trail Camera Pics

[RussDaBuss]

[RussDaBuss]

Well, finally took the time to figure out how to post pics.

I am still hunting and I can not seem to get them to come before dark.. The pic above from 9/7/05, they came in at 7:25pm.. And NO, I was not there! Oh well, This is my second time hunting bear and the first time, our baits were getting hit, but it would have been nice to actually know how many and that stuff. Now with the camera it shows. Kinda frustrating but let me tell ya, I really like this bear hunting and getting one is a bonus. Anyway, These were taken with a Moultrie Trail Camera. Cheap, only 100 bucks at Scheels. I bought it a couple weeks ago and have been satisfied so far..

[RussDaBuss]

oh ya, Whenever I post more pics, I will try to shrink down to 800x600. Sorry about the big size for now..

[tealitup]

Have you tried a bacon or honey burn? Looks like the bears have competition - I would give that a shot

[Ruttin' Buck]

Have you tried starving them out at all? What we used to do with great success is first get them coming into the bait...it appears you've got that covered.

Then, when hunting time came, we'd only put a little bait out. As an example, when I walk in to hunt my stand I'll bring a 5 gallon pail with a lid...but the pail is may 1/3 full. Usually during hunting we use something small for bait like grain....something they can't grab chunks of and walk out of the area with.

When I approach my bait if it's covered I leave it and put the pail close to the tree I'm in. If the bait is cleaned out dump the 1/3 pail out and cover it up good with your logs.

I'm not saying you're overbaiting because I don't know how you're hunting/baiting. But if you dump them 5 gallons of bait and leave it overnight they'll eat up when it's dark and wait until dark the next night.

If you just leave them a nibble though they'll think they're competing against other bear...and may be in your case with those pictures...and eventually one will risk a food run during the daylight.

There's a little risk in starving them. Since the number of permits and subsequently baits is much higher they have other sources for quick easy food. Also, the bumper crop of acorns this year is an easy food also. If they think the food is gone, they might not come back, but it's worth a try if they've gone nocturnal on you.

Looks like they've showed up at least once during daylight. Anything different when you're in your stand? Are you really really clean? Usually they know you're there...especially if you're bow hunting them (0-15 yards from them). If the human scent is noticeably stronger to then they get nervous. I've always been a real stickler for keeping clean and I've still shot bear that flapped the jowles at me trying to pull in a good whiff and locate me.

Good luck!

[RussDaBuss]

Well, thanks for the input. I have tried a couple burns with NO success. I am still trying to figure out the best way to make it work. I have used sterno and a big candle. The sterno gets TOO hot too quick, the burn (I mix bacon grease, honey, syrup) burns off to soon. The candle seems to do a better job if you are in the stand for a few hours. What do you guys use to heat and how hot do you like it. I would think just enough to get a little steam rolling? I am prety much out of bait.. Was not planning on hunting this long. I should buy some oats or dog food maybe to keep things rolling. I am for sure going to do a burn everytime I go, but not sure how much I will be able to go (gas is kiling me!! DAH!) . Thanks for the input again. Everyyear I will learn more. I even heard of guys trying ex-lax?? not willing to go that far yet!!

[tealitup]

Put a dose of sleeping pills out... come out in the morning and he's waiting for you. - Sounds like you are doing what you should.

(My comment was sarcastic - JOKE)

[RussDaBuss]

Ya, sleeping pills might work too!! . No, I am just going to keep trying and try to stay as scent free as possible. Thanks