Why not bait bears

[Pauly]

Considering how the M.O.E is encouraging hunters to get out and harvest black bears you’d think they’d let us bait to up our odds. Researchers back east have determined that baiting bears which allows for the removal of large boars, actually increases the bear populations. This is due to the fact that boars kill cubs to bring sows back into heat. Let’s face it you can’t just drive around, spot a bear and jump out and start shooting. The way it is now , one really has to spend considerable time observing to be sure of no cubs. I love spot and stalk no doubt. However; I don’t believe baiting is any less sporting, or exiting. Yet we can bait deer in bc, even though numbers are some what in decline. Go figure. I believe we have all of this ass backwards. No baiting deer and yes to baiting bears.
what’s every body’s thoughts on the subject is my question?

[warnniklz]

I don't think we're trying to increase our population at the moment, but maintain current populations in some areas and reduce numbers in most.

[Pauly]

I don't think we're trying to increase our population at the moment, but maintain current populations in some areas and reduce numbers in most.
I hear you. But I’m not entirely sure I believe the research is correct. Male bear kills cubs breeds sow and produces cubs. Sounds like a break even deal to me. Also gas for most of us limits a lot of guys to how much driving and glassing one can do. Baiting would actually create opportunity which is what the government is always pushing... opportunities.

[Wild one]

No opposed to legalizing baiting bears in BC but the only thing that could be an issue is BCs grizzly populations

Don’t know how other western areas deal with baiting black bear in grizzly areas within a season but I know with Alberta it’s no baiting in areas that are likely to have grizzly conflict.

[willyqbc]

While I cant see myself going the baiting route were it legal, theres no doubt it is a great method to ensure older age class bears are taken, and greatly reduced the the number of sows with unseen Cubs taken. With the amount of great spot and stalk opportunity here in b.c., I just cant see myself putting in the amount of time baiting requires. Not sure if I ever really heard why it is illegal here....???

[Stone Sheep Steve]

The main reason that baiting of bears isn’t allowed in BC is because the presence of grizzly bears throughout much of the province.

Grizzly bears will defend a bait pile just like a carcass.
People and/or grizzly bears would unnecessarily end up dead.

There are areas of Alberta where baiting of bears is prohibited due to the presence of grizzly bears.

SSS

[Pauly]

The main reason that baiting of bears isn’t allowed in BC is because the presence of grizzly bears throughout much of the province.

Grizzly bears will defend a bait pile just like a carcass.
People and/or grizzly bears would unnecessarily end up dead.

There are areas of Alberta where baiting of bears is prohibited due to the presence of grizzly bears.

SSS
I definitely understand that. I was more a less thinking on a regional basis or even a unit basis in areas with no grizzly on the land scape. I don’t mind either method of hunting black bears but I do think spot and stock is more sporting. I do wonder though how many sows with cubs are shot. I had an old buddy many years ago shot a sow and soon after he saw the cubs up a tree. Needless to say our friend ship was over!! I was disgusted with him.

[warnniklz]

I'm not sure there's many places in BC that don't have grizzlies. Maybe Kamloops south and east of highway 5 and west of 33? I'm just not familiar with that are in terms of wildlife.

[Wild one]

I'm not sure there's many places in BC that don't have grizzlies. Maybe Kamloops south and east of highway 5 and west of 33? I'm just not familiar with that are in terms of wildlife.

there is grizzly there too lol

I used to think grizzly where only in parts of BC but after enough time in the bush I realized they are everywhere just the density changes

[MichelD]

Who says the MOE is encouraging people to get out and harvest black bears any more than any other species? There are open seasons and bag limits set according to what the population can withstand.

[skibum]

Solid idea in theory - especially for taking only large boars.

But personally, hunting looses some of the magic taking an animal over a pile of donuts and used cooking grease.

And I hate it when my hunting shows are half an hour of sitting over a dirty barrel.

[Stone Sheep Steve]

Who says the MOE is encouraging people to get out and harvest black bears any more than any other species? There are open seasons and bag limits set according to what the population can withstand.

If you’ve read any of the big game hunting forecasts, it always says that the hunting opportunity for black bears is largely under-utilized. While it’s probably not the official position of the ministry, many of the regional biologists think that.

SSS

[Foxton Gundogs]

Bears over bait is a great way for young and inexperienced hunters to learn to judge bears and would stop, imho, a lot of "ground shrinkage" incedents

[mastercaster]

I've always found it strange that in Alberta you can bait bears but not deer,,,,,the opposite in this province. And the strangest law yet in Alberta is not allowing hunters to use dogs to recover lost ungulates. They'd rather have predators find them instead of the people who shot them. Can't understand their reasoning behind that?

[Pauly]

If you’ve read any of the big game hunting forecasts, it always says that the hunting opportunity for black bears is largely under-utilized. While it’s probably not the official position of the ministry, many of the regional biologists think that.

SSS
I’ve been fortunate enough to know a few biologist in my time and what they think in private vs public are entirely two different things some times. Take our shrinking grass lands.. one retired biologist I knew fairly well once told me all the pass lake country needed to burn in order to create new grasslands for burrowing owls,sharp tails ect. He also said he’d never say that in public or to his boss. Believe me the biologist are victims of politics as well and they do get quite frustrated.. special interests groups with lots of cash. Not an easy job

[DarekG]

I'm not sure there's many places in BC that don't have grizzlies. Maybe Kamloops south and east of highway 5 and west of 33? I'm just not familiar with that are in terms of wildlife.

I've seen Grizzly in the Okanagan 3-4 years ago, and I've heard reports of them up highway 33 behind Big White and that area as well... I think because of their healthy population they are starting to spread out.

[warnniklz]

I've seen Grizzly in the Okanagan 3-4 years ago, and I've heard reports of them up highway 33 behind Big White and that area as well... I think because of their healthy population they are starting to spread out.

I don't think there's anywhere in BC that doesn't have grizzly bears... can even find them pretty close to Vancouver.

[Gateholio]

Nothing to do with baiting, but on the topic of bears....After listening to a podcast where Valerius Geist discusses predators, and how wolves knock ungulate populations down and then move on, but bears will KEEP the population down, I think BC hunters need to make a much bigger effort to hunt bears. We are allowed 2 a year and the tags are not difficult to fill right now, there seems to be bears all over these days.

Maybe it's time to resurrect the HBC Spring Bear Contest, and encourage young and old alike to target some bears! :)

[GOLDEN TOP SNIPER]

I dont know were you live .. But around here you dont need too there everywhere all sizes . Good open blocks and grassy roads . come down to the koots and get your two bears if you like . We chase them out of the yard 3-4 times a spring . chased one bear out of my cherry tree 3 times in one night !. we dont shoot them around the hood . just chase them into the neibors yard and then they move on .. And yes we keep our garbage can in our carport half the spring . which i caught one beer right in the carport in the middle of the afternoon . i chased him off with a hockey stick ! Damm bears ! lol

[tomcat]

Baiting habituates them to human food. If there are to many bear and increasing why not legalize the sale of gall bladders and thus increase legal hunting pressure?

[Downtown]

No opposed to legalizing baiting bears in BC but the only thing that could be an issue is BCs grizzly populations

Don’t know how other western areas deal with baiting black bear in grizzly areas within a season but I know with Alberta it’s no baiting in areas that are likely to have grizzly conflict.


They Bait Black Bears in Alaska, cant shoot a Grizzly over Bait.

Cheers

[LBM]

Baiting habituates them to human food. If there are to many bear and increasing why not legalize the sale of gall bladders and thus increase legal hunting pressure?

Yes baiting can habituate them, another reason to maybe stop all the wolf baiting or make them be cleaned up, for bears are hitting the ones put out to early and using them in the spring.
You want to get more people out hunting bears get rid of the having to bring out meat rule.

[Downtown]

I’ve been fortunate enough to know a few biologist in my time and what they think in private vs public are entirely two different things some times. Take our shrinking grass lands.. one retired biologist I knew fairly well once told me all the pass lake country needed to burn in order to create new grasslands for burrowing owls,sharp tails ect. He also said he’d never say that in public or to his boss. Believe me the biologist are victims of politics as well and they do get quite frustrated.. special interests groups with lots of cash. Not an easy job

Absolutely my experience as well, would hate to be a Biologist for the BC Government.

Cheers

[LBM]

They Bait Black Bears in Alaska, cant shoot a Grizzly over Bait.

Cheers
Theres baited grizzly/ brown bear hunts in Alaska.

[BRrooster]

If you know someone who hunts Black Bear , ask them for a sample of Smokies or Sausage. Good stuff! I'd rather eat bear than stinky ol Mulie buck.
One of my buddies at work, a non hunter , said the meat pies he made from my bear burger were awesome.

Oh and I can see the reason for not baiting , cause of the G-bear issue. But in my opinion you don't have to in the spring around here. Just go for a
drive in late May and look for green grass and dandylions , and be ready for action.

[Islandeer]

Consider too that a baiting ban in our province dims the optics somewhat of our continued black bear hunt. Eco politics paints a broad brush which is held by a huge power group against all of our traditional hunts. So not turning a floodlight on an already controversial hunt imo makes sound business sense. Our interests require good management in the fight against way left anti harvesters.

[skibum]

Nothing to do with baiting, but on the topic of bears....After listening to a podcast where Valerius Geist discusses predators, and how wolves knock ungulate populations down and then move on, but bears will KEEP the population down, I think BC hunters need to make a much bigger effort to hunt bears. We are allowed 2 a year and the tags are not difficult to fill right now, there seems to be bears all over these days.

Maybe it's time to resurrect the HBC Spring Bear Contest, and encourage young and old alike to target some bears! :)

I have hardly seen any bears around - not that I don't believe the region 3 biologist that they are abundant, but man, I have seen one in the last couple years and I took him (deer hunting / predator call at lunch / nap / bear)

I concentrate on still hunting deer - don't drive around much. I should support bear baiting.

[Islander30]

I don't think there's anywhere in BC that doesn't have grizzly bears... can even find them pretty close to Vancouver.

I think officially here on the Island there isn't supposed to be any Grizzlies....doesnt mean there isnt any of course. But really I can't see any reason why baiting black bears on the Island shouldn't be allowed...might even luck into the odd wolf or cougar(depending on the bait) which would be great ! Too many damn predators in this province if you ask me !

[Pauly]

Baiting habituates them to human food. If there are to many bear and increasing why not legalize the sale of gall bladders and thus increase legal hunting pressure?
Baiting bears in a wilderness setting does not habituate bears. When’s the last time u saw a bear roll up at a Tim’s drive through. Secondly to suggest the open sale of bear parts just to manage numbers is offensive to all hunters. The only value is the hunt and the meat. Sustainable harvest not wholesale slaughter. You can’t be a hunter but must be something else.
sorry

[skibum]

Fun fact, not related to baiting, A while ago I heard the bear population increase was correlated to the introduction of viagra.

[Wild one]

Fun fact, not related to baiting, A while ago I heard the bear population increase was correlated to the introduction of viagra.

So are you saying all the old hunters are too “distracted” to bear hunt these days causing an increase in the bear population

[r106]

Baiting bears is to much work lol. The only thing i don't like about it is people will leave a mess.

[Pauly]

So are you saying all the old hunters are too “distracted” to bear hunt these days causing an increase in the bear population
I hear once your over 50 if u take viagra you won’t piss on your boots lol

[slowjo]

Baiting bears in a wilderness setting does not habituate bears. When’s the last time u saw a bear roll up at a Tim’s drive through. Secondly to suggest the open sale of bear parts just to manage numbers is offensive to all hunters. The only value is the hunt and the meat. Sustainable harvest not wholesale slaughter. You can’t be a hunter but must be something else.
sorry

I have seen bears at a drive through, bears at schools, bears at work, bears in buildings, bears in cars, bears in just about every human space and all of it recently.
I believe that bears who frequent bait piles may develop a propensity for human garbage. I believe bait piles on public land would be disgraceful and disgusting, and if baiting were legalized I would solicit the government to allow it on private land only. Habituated bears, however lovely they sometimes seem, are dangerous, unpredictable, destructive and sad.
For black bears, I believe taking the meat should continue to be required. Legalization of organ sales may lead to an increase in poaching. The sale of bear skulls and hides is permitted, is it not? How are these things different? Do gallbladders fetch astronomical sums? If so than I can see how this would contribute to illegal harvests. I would like to learn more to form a better opinion.
I agree with @islandeer that baiting is controversial and it may be best to not bring it to the front lines of issues facing hunters.
We should promote the flavours and diversity of bear meat and other resources that can be obtained from a bear harvest. We should speak out against the common theme from hunters and others that bear meat is somehow undesirable and we should teach our children that it is a tasty, useful and abundant animal resource.

[Pauly]

Like I said if you were a hunter you’d know the answers to your on questions. Ignorance is bliss I guess. Keep the politics to yourself this post is about hunting bears for bear hunters and some good debate. It’s not about ethics

[HarryToolips]

Considering how the M.O.E is encouraging hunters to get out and harvest black bears you’d think they’d let us bait to up our odds. Researchers back east have determined that baiting bears which allows for the removal of large boars, actually increases the bear populations. This is due to the fact that boars kill cubs to bring sows back into heat. Let’s face it you can’t just drive around, spot a bear and jump out and start shooting. The way it is now , one really has to spend considerable time observing to be sure of no cubs. I love spot and stalk no doubt. However; I don’t believe baiting is any less sporting, or exiting. Yet we can bait deer in bc, even though numbers are some what in decline. Go figure. I believe we have all of this ass backwards. No baiting deer and yes to baiting bears.
what’s every body’s thoughts on the subject is my question?
I agree with you...all other preds, which don't hibernate, should also have longer and more liberal seasons, imo..

[Pauly]

I agree with you...all other preds, which don't hibernate, should also have longer and more liberal seasons, imo..
It seems pred numbers really sky rocketed after the logging opened up the landscape. Creating favourable pred conditions like less cover less obstacles improved visibility ect. I think once forests tighten up and grow in better we will eventually see pred numbers decline . I think? Just a theory. Bears are good fawn and calf killers I know that. I know wolves have moved into my mule deer spot down in the pines and the sage first time ever in 30 years I’ve seen and heard them in the area. We need preds for a healthy ecosystem no doubt but I’m not above whacking a few when I can. One thing though I’m not seeing any coyotes the last few years?

[fuzzybiscuit]

I hear once your over 50 if u take viagra you won’t piss on your boots lol

Stops you from rolling out of bed too.....

[slowjo]

Who says the MOE is encouraging people to get out and harvest black bears any more than any other species? There are open seasons and bag limits set according to what the population can withstand.

agreed. can the original poster provide the specifics of the encouragement? is there a document, report or press release?

[slowjo]

Like I said if you were a hunter you’d know the answers to your on questions. Ignorance is bliss I guess. Keep the politics to yourself this post is about hunting bears for bear hunters and some good debate. It’s not about ethics

shouldn’t really have to defend myself. i am just stating my opinion. obviously from my post i’m pro-bear hunting and i do hunt bears. no need to call me ignorant for posing a question. i have seen some bait sites in ontario and they’re pretty gross. also, how can you have a debate about baiting bears and not discuss ethics?

[Gateholio]

I bet that most B.C. bear hunters are too lazy to bait bears anyway. I know I don’t want to do all that work.

[MOOSE MILK]

I baited bears in Ontario for a fishing/hunting lodge. We only used natural materials (burlap bags) no 45 gal. plastic bins like you see on today's hunting shows. The baits were fish guts from the lodge and meat scraps from the local butcher. All hunting was from the ground we didn't build tree stands, our ground blinds were made of brush,sticks and logs. After a few weeks it would be difficult to find any trace of a bait site everything was cleaned up by nature.
We only catered to archers so our blinds were quite close to the bait, creating some very exciting encounters with the bears.
I think in BC we would want tree stands because of the grizzlies, and they should be regulated like in Alaska. Except I do not agree with
all the crap/garbage stuff that is left behind. All bait sites should be marked and the user post his name and license number on trees in the area to warn others that there is an active bait.

[caddisguy]

Would baiting bears potentially change their behaviour?

Say for example there's a bait station with a bunch of donuts, grain, grease, etc. It's maybe 1km from a road that other outdoor users like to camp on. The bears get used to scoring grub at your bait station despite the human scent you left behind. Now maybe those bears would be more conditioned to go visit (raid) camps?

The above would be my only concern, that it would condition bears in some way and not for the better. I have no idea if it actually does or not. I would "guess" that it might. What are the rules in Alaska? Or Manitoba? Can it be done anywhere or does it have to be a very remote area (like 20km from a road)

Personally I think grass in the spring is the best bait. I hunt over that bait all the time :)

[Pauly]

I baited bears in Ontario for a fishing/hunting lodge. We only used natural materials (burlap bags) no 45 gal. plastic bins like you see on today's hunting shows. The baits were fish guts from the lodge and meat scraps from the local butcher. All hunting was from the ground we didn't build tree stands, our ground blinds were made of brush,sticks and logs. After a few weeks it would be difficult to find any trace of a bait site everything was cleaned up by nature.
We only catered to archers so our blinds were quite close to the bait, creating some very exciting encounters with the bears.
I think in BC we would want tree stands because of the grizzlies, and they should be regulated like in Alaska. Except I do not agree with
all the crap/garbage stuff that is left behind. All bait sites should be marked and the user post his name and license number on trees in the area to warn others that there is an active bait. good post moose milk.. nothing like good old fashion common sense..and a few rules to go by. If only our wildlife guys in government could think like that imagine how much easier things would be. Baiting should be treated like dumping scraps in the regs stay far far away from recreational areas label your station ect. Not that hard

[LBM]

Would baiting bears potentially change their behaviour?

Say for example there's a bait station with a bunch of donuts, grain, grease, etc. It's maybe 1km from a road that other outdoor users like to camp on. The bears get used to scoring grub at your bait station despite the human scent you left behind. Now maybe those bears would be more conditioned to go visit (raid) camps?

The above would be my only concern, that it would condition bears in some way and not for the better. I have no idea if it actually does or not. I would "guess" that it might. What are the rules in Alaska? Or Manitoba? Can it be done anywhere or does it have to be a very remote area (like 20km from a road)

Personally I think grass in the spring is the best bait. I hunt over that bait all the time :)

What you mention all ready happens from wolf baiting, bears get habituated.
Also as you mention there is acres of grass and slides through out the province no need to add baiting to harvest a bear.

[tomcat]

What you mention all ready happens from wolf baiting, bears get habituated. Wolf and coyote baiting usually involves prey they are normally involved with in the bush not products produced by people for their own consumption.

[Ron.C]

I have no issue with baiting bears, and I do agree its a great way for an archer to get close to a bear, be selective and wait for a good shot.

But like many have said, most places in BC have country that caters to spot and stalk. Not hard to find and get close to black bears. Very different story in other provinces.

[LBM]

Wolf and coyote baiting usually involves prey they are normally involved with in the bush not products produced by people for their own consumption.

Yes along with cattle horse and other dead farm animals, point is it still habituates them and bears, and may not be in a good way.