Bear Notification

[Neiko]

Does anyone know why they are not letting you check online to see if you were drawn this year for bear? It says winners will be sent out a packet the first week of June? It sure was nice checking online in the past.

[getrdone]

I think it will be the fist week in june when they will send letters out.

Getrdone...

[Swamp Scooter]

I thought it was the first of July when you got the notices. A packet might not mean you are drawn. Easier to send out to those that have applied. I heard lots of rule changes for this season. Number of baits, have to have the license to establish a bait. No early baiting. That was from a CO last year who was on the rules committee so it will be interesting to see what they came up with.

It is exciting to say the least but I do wish they would let you know even earlier to begin the bait collecting process.

[Neiko]

Only the winners will get a notification packet. The HSOforum says June 1st is when the winners will be notified. As for the rule change I welcome them. They need to limit the # of baits because it can get crowded in the woods when guys have 4-6 sites for 1 guy.

[EatSleepFish]

I got mine on saturday...

[tripper]

Got mine Sat.

[roosterslayer]

darn it guys i have not gotten anything from the DNR yet, i know i have a few days left but man hearing that you guys got yours already is already making day dream about baiting and seeing what comes in. i hope i get it again this year year other wise i am going to have a good amount of items to get out of the freezer. Eatsleepfish, you are in carlton, are you hunting close by there this year. i was within ten minutes of carlton last year and that is where i will be again this year if i get drawn. well good luck guys and gals.

[Fish to Win]

Nothing as of yet- my fingers are crossed it comes soon, like today!!!!

[Fish to Win]

YESSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

The Bear Gods have answered with a winners notice in the mail today- NOW I'm pumped and getting ready starting today.

[seamonster1]

No changes in booklet to regs. same book as every other time. Was hopping it would have some of the changes mentioned.

[Fish to Win]

What new changes are you talking about? I read in some post about limiting the bait sites?? I myself just have one but I was thinking about have two this year and seeing if one gets hit earlier than the other, but taking care of one is a task, it would start being work if I had to maintain two.

[deadminnowcatcher]

when can u find out if there r left over permits???

[roosterslayer]

No need to worry any more just got the packet after work yesterday. Man am i excited and the season is still 4 months away!!

[Swamp Scooter]

I had high hopes that I would have one in the mail when I got home but nothing yet. How close to the post office do you guys live to get them that quickly! Still holding out hopes. Have to check again today. So when do you think the last day will be we can hope to get one?

[Swamp Scooter]

Well have to say I just got the call from the wife and couldn't be happier, my packet arrived. So going archery bear this year or bust! Now to grab some more bait.

[Longline]

I GOT MINE TODAY!!!

[Bobb-o]

got mine today also. i have a quick question for all of you veteran bear hunters out there. What type of firearm do you carry while putting out your baits, if any at all. This will be my first year bear hunting, and i am thinking of buying a 357 magnum, but am unsure if i should buy that or just carry my rifle with me.

[tealitup]

I never have carried one with me. Never had a problem.

[tripper]

Unless you are realy good at fast moving targets with a handgun I would not recomend it. You woold be better served with a rifle or shotgun and slugs. Personaly I do not carry a weapon when baiting unless I plan on staying there to hunt and then all I've got is my bow.

That said, I go to another site that a well know bear guide goes to and he recomends nothing smaller then 44 mag. loaded with soft bullets like the xtp for hunting black bear.

[roosterslayer]

i have never caried a firearm while baiting. but when hunting starts i carry a 357 smith with 180 grain lead round nose rounds. a few other that i hunt with have had no problems downing bear with this round. also shoot what you are most comfortable with, me i am very comfortable with the 357, but the 44 i get very recoil shy and i can not group good. if you decide to use a shot gun i would recommend first round slug, next 00 buck and so on. Good luck this year!

[89Bronco]

I got mine the other day, too! I'm pretty excited!

I hunt with a .44 mag so that's what I have with me. But like another said, you should be comfortable with what you shoot. I've hunted with the same Ruger .44 for deer for 17 years and for bear the last 5 years. I haven't shot a rifle, except for my .22, in all those years. I practice, practice, practice with my .44 all the time.

[89Bronco]

Oh yeah, I was also going to say that I have never seen a bear while going in to bait except for one time. So I don't think you need to worry.

I always stop and take a look with my binoculars before heading in and the bear was already up on its hind legs looking in my direction. I gave it some time and after giving me the look for awhile it ran off into the woods.

[Swamp Scooter]

It is up to you to carry or not but if you approach the bait noisely you will not see a bear there anyway. If you ahve not try reading Nordberg's book on do it yourself bear hunting. It is good info. There are no hard and fast rules to it but you will find out what works best for you.

I carried a .44 with me when I used a rifle but going archery only and not carrying anything but the sharp sticks and a knife this time.

[Neiko]

I just got back from Canada and was relieved to see I got drawn again.

Personally I have a .44mag but do not carry it with me when I bait. The bears are long gone when I bait. Read Norberg's book like it was suggested. Unless you have a conceal carry permit I believe it is illegal to have a firearm on you when baiting before the season starts.

[gorrilla]

Neiko, I wonder if that is true since if it isn't concealed you can walk around with one in the holster target shooting.?.?