Bear bait??

[Code-Man]

Like no one has fished a walleye spot throwing bigger crappie jigs and accidently catching something with a white tip. I would be kinda courious on a serious side now. Maybe something died near you and they are feeding on it or they found something else to eat. Or maybe some fruits are going? i'm just giving ideas here. But I would keep going and probable wouldn't hurt to keep it there but maybe start a smaller one a little bit further away when it is legal but wait and see before doing anything.

[north red river]

Thanks codeman

with the recent rain maybe fruits are acually growing now. I got some anise oil I was gonna try mixing with the fryer grease and soak some oats or dog food in it and see what happens.

[roosterslayer]

I am sorry Red River for ticking you off, but you didn't mention anything about just having to get rid of some things, in the original post you said they were coming in great to doughnuts and fryer grease for almost a week and a half. i dont mean to get heated either but that original post doesn't really sound like you were just getting rid of doughnuts and fryer grease. thats all. I would keep baiting as you have been, the reason it has slowed down is all the other baits that went out this weekend. good luck to you and sorry again.

[gorrilla]

I know what goes on in Hallock, but its still dumb to post illegal activities like your bragging about it...

[Swamp Scooter]

I agree that it may be due to the rest of the bait being placed. Hard to believe there would be any fruit or berries left. The area I placed stuff had berries earlier but every bush was picked clean. In 16 miles of travel I saw 3 bunch berries, 2 raspberries and one green gooseberry! One scat pile had the green gooseberry seeds in it and looked to be doing the veggie and maybe meat route. So not sure if you got decent weather to keep the berries going but also remember that the small grains are being harvested now too. Also the corn is coming in, sweet and the field stuff is getting hit.

Finding bait suppliers is not all that hard but it all depends on what you want to spend, how far you are willing to travel, and what you are really looking for. Free is the best and also the hardest to come by. It is easier to get a fishing spot locale than to sneak onto someone's bait suppliers.

We have a couple of secret bait types out and just cannot stand the wait until it is time to check them out. I know there is a trail cam post so lets see some bear pics too.

Another idea is this... There is a big buck and turkey photo contest why not the harvested bear with the specifics too?

Since game fair is going on again this weekend, if you are looking for ideas ask some of the guides there. A lot of them there are down here for Game Fair but also to get bait!

[north red river]

Quote:

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I know what goes on in Hallock, but its still dumb to post illegal activities like your bragging about it...

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It's also not a very good idea to call people dumb who you don't know. So what exactly goes on in Hallock gorilla?

[CANOPY SAM]

I would have normally let this alone, but I am astonished at what I'm reading here. There are people putting out 150+ pounds of bait per day, marking bait stations 2 weeks before legal starting dates, and baiting bears at least 1 1/2 weeks before the baiting season is to start. Not only that, there are people apologizing for pointing out these flagrant infractions!

I'm not certain about the total bait allowed per site, but I seem to recall something about it being limited to a certain amount - and if it's not, it should be. It is very clear in the regs when we can "post" stations. Anyone "claiming" a bait station prior to last Friday (the 11th) is breaking the law. If you have any questions or concerns just call the DNR and request confirmation that the station is legally registered. Every station must be legally registered and signage must be posted according ro regulations with the DNR, or it isn't legal!

As for starting to bait prior to legal baiting season - thanks for posting this to the WHOLE WORLD! The DNR frequently monitors this site for law breakers. I'm sure that you were just "getting rid" of some bear bait by putting it under your stand far out in the woods several days before it was legal. WHATEVER!!!

What happened to hunting? I struggle with baiting bear at all. I honestly think it's unethical, and gives a completely unfair advantage to the hunter, but I also recognize that tagging a bear would be extraordinarily difficult without doing this. But claiming sites before season, and baiting bear before season, I can only imagine that shooting a bear out of season is shortly to follow.

Here is some really important information on bear baiting and bear hunting in general. It's not that hard! Legally set up a few stations in good spots where bears live. Leave some good (legal) food there every couple of days - when the legal baiting season begins. Wait next to the pile of food when the hunting season starts. It might not happen immediately, but a bear will eventually come.

If you can't figure out what you're doing wrong a week and a half before legal baiting season starts then I think you should go somewhere else for advice. Geezzzz.

My partner and I aren't even going to start baiting until a few days before the start of hunting season. Another choice peice of advice: In hot seasons like we've had, bears won't be in prime pelt until well into September. Shoot your bear right away, and the rug is basically junk - patchy with lots of bare spots. It's also very difficult to process the animal quickly enough to store the meat before it starts to spoil - this usually means a very late night of game processing, unless you're just going to throw the animal away, or have someone else do it for you.

Be patient. Wait a little while. Three weeks is way too long to bait bears. Personally, I think Minnesota should set the whole season back at least two weeks, and only allow two weeks of baiting before the start. It's just like hunting geese on September 2nd - in Bermuda shorts!

I doubt that anyone always obeys every law, but that doesn't justify flagrantly disregarding the law just to get a bear, or tag any animal for that matter. Remember, it's just a bear. I can't wait to read about you in Outdoor News Cuffs and Collars section!

Hey Boar! Congrats on that 19 3/8 skull. That's totally awesome! I told you that one might make B & C. Man I'd love a trophy like that one - I can't wait to see the shoulder mount. So was the crib all torn up when you went down to load it up on Friday?

[Jeremiah Johnson]

anyone ever use crab apples for baiting? I could get some and I was just wondering if the bears would even like them

[Fish to Win]

Went back to the bait site tonight and found nothing- and that is a good thing being I had to re-bait. Boar, I took your advice and only put a 5- gallon pail out of bait vs. what I did last year in dumping a whole load out at once- I hope less is more- I only had a few photos on the camera and we'll see how big of a bear I brought in- I get the biggest kick out of getting the photos back and seeing the bears on film- Fun stuff and good luck to all-

[Boar]

Thanks Sam Yea I was pumped. My crib was looked at prior to legal baiting. I've had that happen before, the river bottom is just a funnel travel corridor an its just a matter of time when a bear strolls through an checks things out even befor season. as much stuff gets obsorbed by the logs year after year they hold scent, a bear sees a pile of logs an wonders what under there. I hope that works for you fish, My method works for me but I also hunt private land with little to none competition for sites so keeping a bear interested is easy for me. My bait combo is a big thing too I think, pastries, blueberries an cream bear lunch, a little dog food an toped of with a quart of burnt honey syrup, yummy! hard to resist. Oh yea no hits yet. Every year is different. today I had to pull out some stink to get their attention. Late boar

[charliepete2]

Quote:

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I'm not certain about the total bait allowed per site

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Sam...are you saying that you go bear hunting without reading and understanding the rules? Also, on your tirade about breaking the rules you forgot to mention that your friend had an established bait site before the season. Legally you can be pinched even for having the crib out.

For the record, since I've actually read and understand the rules, there is no maximum on the amount of bait you can place. Here's a link to the DNR's rule book...you might want to take a look at it before you go hunting.

http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/outdoor_activities/hunting/bear/2006_winnersnotice.pdf

I don't appreciate you lumping a law abiding die hard bear hunter in with the poachers that have posted here. If you have issues with bear hunting in general why torture yourself and do it? Leave it to the guys who have been doing it for years and know that it takes about twice the work deer hunting does and has half the success.

[Swamp Scooter]

About the apples. I am not sure where you are baiting but most of the natural berry/fruit crop is gone/dried up in my area and the bears will search out the fruit you put out. They might be tart and sour to us but the bears will love to eat them. The only thing though is sometimes they shy away from new baits until they get used to them.

WI limits the amount and types of baits you can use. No honey, no meat, only 10 gallon max, BUT you can start baiting in April.

Another odd thing WI does is says you cannot shoot a bear less then 43". hard to get them to stand still for the tape and then get back to the stand and grab the weapon.

[Boar]

About my established crib... I guesse if The DNR considers my upturned an demolished pile of logs left over from last year that look like box of tooth picks dumped out an established crib, I am guilty. If I am suppose to scatter my crib so that the bait site looks as natural as I found it years ago when i started bear hunting on my own private family land, then I need to educate myself better an read more up on the bating regs. I have had enough reading about who dose what wrong an who dose'nt. When we read about someone who bends the rules on this forum or in general life it is not up to us to judge or condem that person for what he/she has done. If any one of you dose so, you need to take a minuet an selfreflect in the mirror. Everybody makes thier own bed an has to lie in sooner or later. This baiting subject WAS fun. This is exactly what antihunters look for, bad vibes with in our circle. Anyway bla bla bla. Good luck this year, be safe. God bless or who ever blesses you, be blessed. Sincerely a dissapointed boar.

[Nodak7mm]

Well Put!! Nuff said.

[CANOPY SAM]

Sorry if I spoiled your bear baiting thread buddy. Like I said, I doubt if anyone follows every law all the time - me included. I just prefer a completely fair chase scenario when it comes to hunting. You know that. It's broadcasting rule breaking that will bring the anti's down on us.

I think I'll go and "torture" myself a little this weekend. Now that the baiting season is underway I've got bait piling up and I need to test the water a little to see what's out there.

Good luck everyone!

[sakazulu]

O.K.! Back to some fun. New to this thread but not to bear hunting. This may be the year for the bear HUNTER and I am really stoked up for it. I will defintely be baiting with less and sweeter bait and slowly mixing in natural nuts. For me, the jury is still out on bacon, or honey type burns. Seems a little strong but still do it. That home made Anise recipe sounds cool, if I read it right, and I also really wonder about crabapples. Seems to me they would work but have always passed on using them. I do not plan on any meat or fish type stink but have been told that bear like to eat maggots. Is that true? An answer to THAT question would be interesting. My first DNR bear class many years ago pointed out "why hunt over that smell". Bear hunters are a unique breed and there will always be "the usual suspects" so let's use this resource to our advantage.

[Boar]

I have used crab apples before an they have eaten every one. i know eating to many will make me sick but a bears stomach is very different, I myself would use enough for a treat but not over do it. I have dabbled alot with honey VS bacon an conclude that bacon is champion, better smell an heat up quicker to get in the wind. Maggots are pure protein like grubs an wont pass on them. Almost a week an no hits, Hmmmmmm. I'm starting to put out some stink, big stink I think, stink that makes stink say "thats stink" Its all good . Later boar

[CANOPY SAM]

I was pretty concerned that I might not be able to get much bait this year so my hunting partner and I started collecting stuff about a month and a half ago. Last year we had kind of a mad rush to get stuff at the last minute, and much of the good bait sources had already been claimed.

This year I have a glut of great bait, and I'm really anxious to pull it all out and start mixing up some interesting recipes. We have 11 garbage bags full of dried bread, two garbage bags full of buttered and salted popcorn, a couple hundred pounds of Pizza Hut pizza (which has an incredibly powerful scent), several garbage bags full of discarded vending machine sandwiches, cookies, pastries, and donuts, 100 lbs of vanilla cake frosting, a garbage bag full of discarded potato chips of various flavors, and I've got access to lots of crab apples. I'm also currently collecting gallons of greasy meat drippings from a source which must remain confidential.

Last year we tried several types of discarded fruit, but the bears we had on our stations never touched the fruit. They really liked cracked corn with molasses, and they enjoyed the cake frosting we put on dried buns, but we think they might have gotten tummy aches from the frosting, cause they would leave the sites for several days after cleaning everything out. We only put in a couple gallons of bait at each site every other day.

I've talked with a lot of veteran beat hunters over the last several months and I've almost unanimously heard that big bears prefer a bait pile with some meat scraps present. I guess they get a little more territorial when they have access to some carion. The guides all say that smaller bears hang around sweet piles, bigger bears want, and will cling too the real deal.

Last year we had one smaller bear that was routinely hitting a bait site early in the evening, and observing him was really fun. We ascertained that there was a much larger bear in the area because this little guy would come in pretty early, grab a mouth full of stuff and run away. Then he'd slink back in after a few minutes, grab another mouth full and run off again. The big bear never showed itself. He was obviously nocturnal, but this smaller male wasn't going to take any chances. We didn't have any meat scraps in our bait stations last year.

This year we both intend to wait a little later into the season, then go as remote as we can get, set up only a few well placed stations, pile it on hard with lots of really strong smelling goodies, and concentrate our hunt into just a few days. Our best hope, at least from the intel we've gathered, is to get situated in the big oak groves as the acorns start to fall. Bears will actually migrate to the oak groves when the acorns start to come down. This might be the key this year as the other natural foods available are a little scarce. Acorns have already begun to fall in our area.

Another important thing to note: the veterans I've spoken with all unanimously say that good bears will often leave a really stinky (rotten) bait pile. They much prefer clean, fresh food. Although I'm sure that many bears would be drawn to the smell initially, and probably would even enjoy a nice maggotty treat, word is that big mature bears get turned off by rotten food. So it's probably best to keep it fresh. The challenge is to get those big ones to come out while it's still light outside. I've talked to guys that will leave bait out 24/7 until season starts, then start taking it back out at dark if a bear is nocturnal. They've actually forced bears to come in earlier to the stations if they want to eat.

I've found that covering a good bait pile with several large chunks of wood is a good way not only to prevent other woodland critters from cleaning you out, but also to determine the size of the bear hitting the station. Smaller bears will tend to scoop out a station through the cracks, while a big adult bear will simply toss the logs aside. As the season nears opening we pile on even larger logs until we're sure we've got a good strong bear. A full grown bear can move pretty much anything you pile over your bait, and the coons, coyotes, wolves, and other little furbearers can't get to your baits.

I'm gonna place some test baits at a couple of our easily accessable sites tonight, and again on Saturday, just to see if anyone is home. I'll update as we return to these sites in the coming weeks.

Is anyone else getting some good hits yet?

[sakazulu]

Thanks Boar! I'll do some crabapples. I also plan on the bacon burns. My brother and my dad would marinate fish guts in 5 gallon buckets , lids sealed, in the sun, for a week before baiting! Yikes did that stink! That stink would get into the bait pit dirt and was there all season. It survived even after good rain showers. It worked for them. I knew those maggots were protien and would bet a bear looking to fatten up for hibernation would not pass on 'em. Thanx, Sakazulu

[Fish to Win]

BOYS- I need your HELP- I went back to my bait site today and was cleaned out- that is not my problem though- all the photos show him coming in at midnight to 1am and I don't think I'll be in my stand at that time.

What can I do to get this big boar out a leagl shooting hours- I tried bacon and anise burns w/o any luck- I hate to sit all day knowing he is waiting for me to leave to come out and eat- not that sitting in the peace and quiet of the wild is'nt nice- but again these big boars don't get to be old and wise fo no reason- Well thats all I have for now- I still have been limiting my bait to about 8-10 lbs only and evey 3-4 days. I would love the chance to see him at 7:45pm 9-1-06. Good luck to all-

[CANOPY SAM]

Fish. There are a couple of different things you can try, but I wouldn't get too wound up just yet. First I'd like to understand why you are doing bacon and anise burns now? Are you sitting in stand just to see the bear come out?

In speaking for myself, and at least one other at this site, we don't do burns until the hunting season has started. It's a good way to get a bears attention if he's bedded within a half mile of your bait site, and won't come to it during daylight hours. There's not much point to doing it now.

Sometimes the smell of frying bacon is just too irresistable to a normally nocturnal bear, and they just have to come to the source. This worked for me last year over a station that had only been hit once, and Boar got his first bear (a bear that he hadn't previously even seen) over a bacon burn. If you start doing burns now your bear will figure you out, and won't come to the smell of bacon after shooting time starts. Save the really great temptations until Sept 1st.

You've still got plenty of time to try and condition this bear to feed during daylight hours. One technique you could try is setting out your fresh baits early in the morning. Many times a bear that routinely hits a bait pile will be sleeping quite close to it during the day. Once they learn where there's dinner they don't stray too far off. If you put out your bait early, the smell might be too much for him to tolerate all day long, and he might just start coming in earlier.

In conjuction with this (I've heard of this working but can't verify it) after leaving the bait there all day you might consider taking the bait back out again just before dark. This might MAKE him come out and eat during daylight. This is a little risky though cause a big bear might not want you taking away his supper, and you run the risk of spooking him off the bait pile as well.

Another idea would be to move your station back further into his living room. I think to many bear hunters set up their stations where they are easy to get to, forgetting that bears prefer very remote, secluded settings. Getting back into the thick stuff where he is more comfortable about moving without being seen is a great way to serve Bear stew at all hours of the day. If he knows that no one is looking he's more likely to move during the day. It's more work, but it can pay off.

Personally, I'm of the belief that most really big old bears are nocturnal in areas where they can be hunted. They are forced to move at night, just like big old bucks. You may not be able to get him to pattern out of his nocturnal behavior, but you can sure try. Like I said earlier though, we've still got two more weeks till the opener. Don't panic yet.

Keep us posted on your progress.

[Fish to Win]

Sam- My mistake- When I referred to bacon burns I meant during the hunting season not during the 3 weeks prior. My first 2 years were the same as this year so far- ALL nocturnal bears while baiting so when the season started I tried the burns w/o any luck for the last 2 years. Again I do not do burns until the hunting season starts and only if they are coming out at night only- Thanks for the help-

[Boar]

What time do you bait? if it's after work like most of us you cant help but pattern the bear to a late supper, my first bear that sam mentions, had no set baiting schedual. I got of work when I got off work, 5 6,7, sometime I could'n bait at all cause it was too late. It took till Sept 30th to get him, an my wife not to divorce me. If your baiting late try if you can to get in early an change his feeding schedual. Certainly look at youre site, my site, a bear has only a few steps an he's in cover. Big bear dont like feeding in the open. Pile on the Bacon for opener, Carnation brand make a five pound box of trimmings for around five bucks cook it all right there, hit hard make it hard for him too resist. One thing I thought of doing was baking blueberry muffins insted of bacon. Some bears know all the tricks so try a change up. Bake up some muffins an see what you think. You might have to experiment with what you heat with,sterno can be added or limited so's not to burn. My wife thinks I'm crazy, my shop is like mad scientists' lab "you cook for a bear but not the kids" Anyway good luck. Later boar

[tealitup]

do you actually cook the bacon right there? bear in my area have not been hunted for 50+ years - do they know the smell of bacon?

Where are you buying bacon in mass? the cook with sterno in a pot?

[CANOPY SAM]

Teal,

I think what Boar means is he's boiling bacon grease, and perhaps a few strips of bacon in a little home-made cooker next to his bait station. That's what I do. Legally, we can't feed the bears any pork - just meat scraps that contain no bones. I love the idea of baking muffins, but then I'd have to have a hot cup of coffee on hand as well! Isn't that a children's book, "If you give a bear a muffin."

You can make a bacon burner with a 5 lb. coffee can by making some holes in the side for venting, and suspending another small soup can over the top. Inside we'll put either sterno, or a burning candle so the bacon grease in the soup can starts to boil. Be careful! You have to experiment at this in the garage for a while until you get the heat just right. If the bacon grease and bacon gets to hot it will burn up quickly, get really smoky, or worst of all burst into flames and you'll set the forest ablaze! You just want the bacon grease to gently bubble. The smell just fills the air, and any bear nearby can hardly resist.

Last year we talked with a guy on this forum who had to jump down from his stand and attempt to put out a fire in his burner. He managed to get the scalding grease all over his arm, and burned himself pretty bad. He had to rush the ER. Not good. Needless-to-say his hunt was over. Although I would imagine his arm probably would have tasted pretty good to a bear!

A bear that has settled into a pattern on a bait station will pretty much stay nearby, unless there are other bait stations within a few miles that he's dining on as well. I spoke with a guy last year who once had a bear that was consistently hitting his baits. Every time he took to his stand, the bear wouldn't show up. On the fourth night in stand he noticed some movement in the thick brush about 65 yards away. His bear was laying on the ground watching him - basically waiting for him to leave. After several days of this he finally attempted to stalk the bear, but spooked him off permanently. He went to the spot where he'd seen the bear laying, and it turned out that this was the bears bedding area. This bear was just cleaning out his bait, waddling 65 yds away, and going to sleep. Whenever this guy climbed up in his stand the bear knew it. The bear was watching him the whole time.

In this scenario, or at least one like it, this guy should have moved his stand to a better location where he couldn't be seen and then done the old "two in, and one out" trick. Two guys go in with the fresh bait, one guy quietly gets in stand, and the other walks back out, making just enough noise so the bear thinks the coast is clear. The bear won't realize that one guy is still there! The little wifey is a perfect bucket carrier! You just have to hope that she'll come back to get you.

Bacon burns are actually more of a bacon grease boil, and they work really well. But like I said earlier, you have to practice at them quite a bit until you get it figured out just right. If I don't get my bear right away this year, I'm going to try boiling some sweet stuff too. I was thinking about boiling strawberry jelly. I'm pretty sure Boar has already experimented with this. That's why his garage looks like a laboratory!

Where in the great state of Minnesota can you hunt bears that haven't been hunted in 50 years? There are no doubt a number of REALLY BIG bears there. Can I come too?