Hello MasterBlaster:
I will assume that the conditions in the UP of the Wolverine State are the same as the northern half and eastern third of the Pine Tree State( Maine) .
I was given the following advice when I first hunted over bait. The biggest advantage a bear has is its sense of smell. Their eyesight isn't that great but they can hear and smell well. So be as scent free as possible.
Here is my routine when( and I hope I will be able to go again to Maine to hunt bear over bait) hunting the black bear of Maine over bait.
First thing, I make sure my bear gun is clean and scent free. Ok. That may sound extreme but I clean it thoroughly( I love Contenders and use a 45-70 16 barrel aka pistol version on them with a 2x Burris scope) and use a scent free oil by Outers. Then I wash all the clothes I intend to wear while hunting in Atsko scent free detergent. I make sure their line dried and then they go in a plastic bag that is scent free and will not be opened until I hunt.
I wash myself in scent free soap and cover my body in this scent killing gel. My dad uses plain Ivory soap and baking soda. I then make sure my boots are in the same catagory. i wash them on the outside with Atsko and then there is this scent blocking gel from James River Valley Scents for leather boots. They get a liberal coating .
When in camp, I do not eat any spicy or garlic type foods( in fact for about three weeks I eat a rather plain 'hospital food' diet so I don't exude scent) Also. I use scent free underarm deodorant.
When I hunt, I take the minimum equipment. I hunt with a guide for bear over bait and I really don't see the need for a day pack and such. I do carry a knife, side arm,main gun( TC 45-70 pistol) ammo for each, compass, butane lighter. I also have a small jar of Vaseline. I wear a bug net shirt for mosquitoes and then I will smear a thin layer of Vaseline on my face. We have in the northeast a midge called a no-see-um. They can go through netting and they will leave a nasty bite. Yes. To me they also hurt. The Vaseline acts as a fly paper for them and it is scent free.
When you go to your stand, as the guide or baiter to go with you. The bear knows the smell of the man who brings lunch and what I do is walk in his footsteps right tothe stand. Then I put my thick boat cushion in the stand for a seat. This is a waiting game. You will be sitting as still as possible and you'ld be surprised how uncomfortable it is sitting as still as a statue up a tree. I move as little as possible and when I stretch, I make sure that nothing is looking arond.
When it comes to size, most bear in Maine are 125 to 140 pounds average. Most guides seem to use a 55 gallon barrel cut in half for a bait container. If the bear seems to be at the size of the barrel, it is 150 pounds or so. I'm sure the guide will tell you about bear size in the Wolverine State.
I hope this helps out.
