WHO'S BAITS ARE BEING HIT????

[billy_56081]

Getting pretty pumped up for bear hunting here just wondering if anyone's baits are being hit? We're gonna be in zone 25 next week. Any MN bear hunters wanna PM me I'll give ya my number and you can call me, or me you next week to talk about our success stories.

[jk3006]

Got two baits out.  Both are being hit, but one is crap.  The other looks quite promising.  I'm chomping at the bit to get back out there to check them.  Can hardly wait!!  What is it about baiting and hunting bear that turns grown men into a bunch of idiots?  It's about all I can think about.

[billy_56081]

  I was planning on using my 44 mag Super Blackhawk but cannot quite get consistent enough to feel like i can make a clean kill. I guess I'll have to try out my handi rifle in 45-70. I've taken them before with bow and rifle but I want to try out my stomper gun. Were hunting zone 25 just south of Little fork where are you guys at?

[jk3006]

I'm in the "no-quota" just east of Pine City.  I might be checking them tomorrow.   

[billy_56081]

Is it still 2 bears in the no quota? Then you can shoot boo boo for eating and a big one for the wall.

[jk3006]

Is it still 2 bears in the no quota? Then you can shoot boo boo for eating and a big one for the wall.

Yes, it's still two bears.  But, good luck trying to get two bears.  That's a rare opportunity.  I'm sure you have more bears where you hunt.

I checked my baits today.  One of them is worthless.  It wasn't even hit since last Friday.  The other one, which I had some hope in, was barely hit.  Bottom line, it doesn't look good for this wannabe bear hunter.  My neighbor is hunting the same area, along with two of his friends, and none of our baits are being hit right now.  We're all separated from each other by a good mile or so.  I'm guessing that there must be an abundant food source that just opened up because to have all four of our baits reduced to nothing is ridiculous.  It's a good area with a good bear population.  It's the way it goes sometimes.  Perhaps this scenario will change directions again before opener. 

[~Ace~]

Is it still 2 bears in the no quota? Then you can shoot boo boo for eating and a big one for the wall.

Yes, it's still two bears.  But, good luck trying to get two bears.  That's a rare opportunity.  I'm sure you have more bears where you hunt.

I checked my baits today.  One of them is worthless.  It wasn't even hit since last Friday.  The other one, which I had some hope in, was barely hit.  Bottom line, it doesn't look good for this wannabe bear hunter.  My neighbor is hunting the same area, along with two of his friends,And is Urinating at my bait stations and CLAIMINGnone of our baits are being hit right now.  We're all separated from each other by a good mile or so.  I'm guessing that there must be an abundant food source IN Their Bait Stations that just opened up because to have MY baits reduced to nothing is ridiculous.  It's a good area with a good bear population.  It's the way it goes sometimes.  Perhaps this scenario will change directions again before opener. 

Fixed

[jk3006]

Is it still 2 bears in the no quota? Then you can shoot boo boo for eating and a big one for the wall.

Yes, it's still two bears.  But, good luck trying to get two bears.  That's a rare opportunity.  I'm sure you have more bears where you hunt.

I checked my baits today.  One of them is worthless.  It wasn't even hit since last Friday.  The other one, which I had some hope in, was barely hit.  Bottom line, it doesn't look good for this wannabe bear hunter.  My neighbor is hunting the same area, along with two of his friends,And is Urinating at my bait stations and CLAIMINGnone of our baits are being hit right now.  We're all separated from each other by a good mile or so.  I'm guessing that there must be an abundant food source IN Their Bait Stations that just opened up because to have MY baits reduced to nothing is ridiculous.  It's a good area with a good bear population.  It's the way it goes sometimes.  Perhaps this scenario will change directions again before opener. 

Fixed

That's funny!  But really, all of our baits are doing poorly.  It's always possible that something could be going on, but in this situation it's very unlikely. 

[bearfat]

What exactly are you using for bait?

This is my second year with "Old Roy" dog food (cheap stuff at Walmart) with pancake syrup poured over it one week and fryer grease the next. I buy the pancake syrup in one gallon jugs, it's cheaper. And I got donuts. Marshmallows work good too. I never had any luck with the grains.



They do like the variety of old canned goods too. I clean the cupboards out once a year.

I suppose it depends on the berry and nut crop too though where you are hunting. I'm up by Silver Bay and even my partner is getting good hits on his meager station.

I guess I'd provide variety at this point, since they must have enough to eat. Sounds like others are having the same problem, you might have to give it the extra week to try and get the station active again.

billy 56081 I dug out the ole desert Eagle too and might try it. I'm only 15 yards out and actually feel good about the groups I got with it, but I'm still a terrible shot with pistols.

[jk3006]

What exactly are you using for bait?

This is my second year with "Old Roy" dog food (cheap stuff at Walmart) with pancake syrup poured over it one week and fryer grease the next. I buy the pancake syrup in one gallon jugs, it's cheaper. And I got donuts. Marshmallows work good too. I never had any luck with the grains.



They do like the variety of old canned goods too. I clean the cupboards out once a year.

I suppose it depends on the berry and nut crop too though where you are hunting. I'm up by Silver Bay and even my partner is getting good hits on his meager station.

I guess I'd provide variety at this point, since they must have enough to eat. Sounds like others are having the same problem, you might have to give it the extra week to try and get the station active again.

billy 56081 I dug out the ole desert Eagle too and might try it. I'm only 15 yards out and actually feel good about the groups I got with it, but I'm still a terrible shot with pistols.


I use beef scraps, trail mix, dog food, marshmelows, licorice, gummy bears, sweet hearts, corn, fryer grease (not on the bait, though, but around it), and watermelon.  My bait is different than my neigbors, who's using more donut-type stuff.  Same results.   

[jk3006]

I use beef scraps, trail mix, dog food, marshmelows, licorice, gummy bears, sweet hearts, corn, fryer grease (not on the bait, though, but around it), and watermelon.  My bait is different than my neigbors, who's using more donut-type stuff.  Same results.   

[bearfat]

What was the item they liked at that one station?

I agree it sounds like the bear simply have an abundance of food where you are. Guess the only thing I'd do is buy two bottles of chocolate syrup and squirt it on the trees all away around the bait on the opener.

I'd also try cooking some bacon in the tree stand if you can. 

 

[jk3006]

When I first baited they ate the beef scraps more than anything.  The second time they hardly touched it.  However, I just talked to my neighbor, and he said that his bait, along with his friend's was wiped out overnight.  So, that's good news.  My bait is kinda sorta in between the two, so I'm holding some hope that mine was hit too.  I'll find out Friday. 

I do have the apparatus for a bacon burn, but I'd rather not have to do anything that will make any extra noise.  We'll see.  I may not have a choice. 

[billy_56081]

well about 40 % ARE HITTIN WHERE WE HUNT,GOOD LUCK ALL

[bearfat]

Baiting is frustrating and not indeed not simply dumping anything on the ground. I really think these bear have unique tastes like us at the buffet. One week they'll take only roast beef and the next week shrimp is the item they want. I mean when I go to a buffet I can be starving but my rat brain will focus on one item in particular I want that one day.

Another thing I do at my bait stations is urinate all around it literally within feet of the bait and when I am done hauling, sweating, and grunting the bait in I hang my stinky t-shirt at the base of my tree stand. I make no effort to hide my scent except the day I'm actually in the stand, when I'll also use a urine bottle.

I was at Walmart the other day jk3006 and I walked by a big jug of chocolate syrup for under $7.00 and I'm going to get one and use the same advice I gave you about squirting it on the trees, except I'm bringing a paint brush and painting every dang tree around the site to get a huge downwind chocolate smell into the air.

That's about the only advice I can give you.

 48 hours to go boys...I was wide awake at 3 a.m. already. I'm going to be exhausted by the opener with lack of sleep.

[jk3006]

I got that same chocolate syrup for 7 bucks.  I'll give it a try tomorrow.  Good luck to all!

[bearfat]

Well boys I expect pictures. it might pay to let your bear turn around a little before you shoot in case it has mange like this one.
Yuck...can you imagine all pumped up and walking up to your trophy to find this? A big crust of oozing, weeping skin with flys buzzing around it. NO THANKS.

This mange blob was in my area last summer just a half mile away captured on my buddies trail camera. Mange moved into the area about 10 years ago and has been hitting alot of the wildlife.

[billy_56081]

Well this will be my last post till after the hunt. Good luck to you all. Hopefully I'll have pics. It's a 365 mile drive to Little fork from here.

[bearfat]

SKUNKED.

Gave it two and a half days. My bait station was all but dead when I arrived. It had only been hit one time in four days and only a small bucket of donuts eaten. The dog food and grease not touched. None of the digging and in general mayhem they create.

I put out half of my liquid scent and we had good wind the first 24 hours to get it out. I cooked bacon too all day.

I slept in a bit and delayed the second morning taking sunrise moon pictures which was a mistake but I would have had to be in the stand before dawn because he was just leaving the station just when I showed. I've walked in on bear many times before and you can get a shot off if conditions are right. The conditions were right but I was one minute out of position.

He headed right down the trail for me and it looked like it was going to be a close 10 yard shot but I was ready off to the side. I had the NEF 30-06 with the aimpoint on it which was perfect for an up close shot, unfortunately, he turned 30 yards away and dissappeared. I feel confident he did not see me. The weeds were pretty high on the trail and I just couldn't make the shot until he was almost on me.

I did have other visitors and had a pack of wolfs howl at sundown about 400 yards away from me the 1st night. I might be back next weekend. The furry little guy is a pine martin.   

[jk3006]

Yeah, I got skunked too!  There's too many acorns falling and on the ground right now for the bears to give a hoot about bait.  My bait has been pretty dormant.  I did have a couple of last year's cubs walk in at 5:57 on the opener, but I wasn't there (camera).  I didn't see any point to hunting when my bait hadn't been touched in over a week.  I did hunt Monday evening.  Nothing. 

I'm holding out some hope that they'll eat their fill of the acorns by the end of this week.  The weather will cool off by Thursday or Friday, and maybe they'll be hitting the baits again.  There's still time.  I have to round up some more bait, though. 

[jk3006]

Checked my bait this afternoon.  Pretty much dead.  I have a couple of cubs that come in once in a while, but that's it.  Acorns, be gone!!!  It might be too late to salvage this bear season anyway.

[bearfat]

I know for a fact some bears are still out some years until November. We have seen them on our deer gut piles.

We're good until October 14th. I hope to be back up next Weds/Thurs and that will have been 10 days since I last looked at the station. I know it's a long shot and the donuts and dog food will probably have mold on it but it's the best I can do.

I saved half the ice (24 blocks) and will freeze a dozen milk jugs I guess.

I hate to give up. I dropped over $500.00, put 1500 miles between two vehicles and have over 40 hours now invested.

YOGI MUST DIE.

Maybe billy 56081 did better? 

Here's a couple more pics of the pine martin.

[jk3006]

I know for a fact some bears are still out some years until November. We have seen them on our deer gut piles.

We're good until October 14th. I hope to be back up next Weds/Thurs and that will have been 10 days since I last looked at the station. I know it's a long shot and the donuts and dog food will probably have mold on it but it's the best I can do.

I saved half the ice (24 blocks) and will freeze a dozen milk jugs I guess.

I hate to give up. I dropped over $500.00, put 1500 miles between two vehicles and have over 40 hours now invested.

YOGI MUST DIE.

Oh yeah, the bears are out till at least November.  But in my experience, they get real antsy with less and less willingness to visit baits during daylight hours the more the season progresses.  Plus, there's the expense of maintaining the bait station, which us do-it-ourselvers are plenty aware of.  I've twice baited till mid October, and one of those times almost had a shot at a 350-400 pounder.  It just wouldn't come in until a few minutes after dark.  I should have done the bacon burn. 

I guess all one can do is try, and I wish I didn't want it so bad.  Drives me nuts.  Like you said, Yogi must die.  I want some roasts, steaks, and lots of hamburger.  And I'm not willing to wait another year to get it, if I can help it. 

Such is life sometimes.

 

[billy_56081]

A week of hard hunting and nothing. Night bait hitters.

[bearfat]

I thought for sure you had a big one billy 56081. It was just taking this long to hear from you due to the celebrating. It was a long ride home I'm sure, my 230 miles I kept thinking. "Why did you use the last of your bear meat for bait? Even with it starting to get freezer burns on the edges it was tasty."

I checked my work schedule and it looks bad. I don't see myself getting up next week. The 2007 bear hunt is over for me boys.

You know what really stopped me from getting that bear that was leaving my bait station was the stupid moon sunrise picture I delayed 5 mins for. Like I say I've shot bear before as I walked in quiet.

Every time I look at this pic I'll think of my missed bear in 2007. 

[jk3006]

I thought for sure you had a big one billy 56081. It was just taking this long to hear from you due to the celebrating. It was a long ride home I'm sure, my 230 mles I kept thinking. "Why did you use the last of your bear meat for bait? Even with it starting to get freezer burns on the edges it was tasty."

I checked my work schedule and it looks bad. I don't see myself getting up next week. The 2007 bear hunt is over for me boys.

You know what really stopped me from getting that bear that was leaving my bait station was the stupid moon sunrise picture I delayed 5 mins for. Like I say I've shot bear before as I walked in quiet.

Every time I look at this pic I'll think of my missed bear in 2007. 

That's a huge bummer.  You just never know how the chips are going to fall.  I'm still holding out a little hope, but not much.  Next weekend I'll be out bowhunting, but I'll still be checking my bait periodically.

[jk3006]

A week of hard hunting and nothing. Night bait hitters.

I know the feeling.  Sorry to hear that.

[billy_56081]

  No need to be sorry, a week of hunting is always better than a week of work.

  Our group had out of 5, 2 hit and lost with bow and 1 missed with bow. They must have been afraid to get in front of my 45-70. I've had a good run in the last 4 years I've hunted 3 times and one year I took my kids up hunting and didn't hunt, until this year I was running 100%.

  The second shift is hunting there now and I'm hoping they have better luck. Heck maybe I'll go back in 3 weeks, the birds are thick up there.

  It's a 365 mile drive to there so who knows.

[jk3006]

Baits are picking up again!  This big boy came in this past Sunday about an hour after dark.  One of the biggest bears I've ever seen on my camera.  However, he looks somewhat like the bear I saw two years ago.

The close-up bear is the one from Sunday. 

[bearfat]

Very Good. I'm heading up myself one last time tomorrow. Wish me luck!

That top pic blown up shows his tongue. Was he already in the bait licking his chops coming out? Or licking his chops coming in anticipating the snack