Trad Gang
Main Boards => PowWow => Topic started by: Deadbolt on March 18, 2010, 11:14:00 PM
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So I've never hunted bears and our lovely state has finally opened the bear season here.
First off any advice would be great! Never hunted bears and I only know what I see from TV.
So here is my situation I have only a 6 day season to close the deal...
I plan on hunting roughly 3 hours away from home so constant attention to the site isn't possible. I will be hunting from the ground with a 2nd hunter side by side.
I was thinking of setting up a bait site in a HEAVILY populated bear area. Now for blind setup my two thoughts were...
1) Build a natural ground blind enclosure with logs and fencing to inter weave brush with shooting holes.
2) Build a basic frame out of natural brush and pack in my Yukon Enforcer blind to pop up behind the brush.
Which would be a better option? I don't know how scared bears are of new things in the environment.
I am guessing it wouldn't be wise to leave my popup blind out to long prior to the hunt or when I'm not hunting so they don't destroy it.
Again any advice on what I should do would be great!
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Hey Tom. That area that you and I went winter bowhunting, across from the cornfields, was loaded with bear when I went there with Vaughn. Good luck, buddy. I'm gonna have to sit this one out.
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Bears are pretty smart! Most good ones will come in and constantly look over at you. They really know you are there, but just want the meal! That's what makes it so exciting! Hopefully they want the bait more that fresh flesh!
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Great news!!!
1. I always like to use lots of bait. Some guys try to increase competition by limiting bait but I've always had more luck outbaiting other hunters. Bears like a guaranteed meal! Appeal to their tastes...give them a variety.
2. Also...start baiting as early as you can before you hunt. I've found bears like to be comfortable there with no human presence before you hunt. (if that's an option)
3. As far as blinds....I'd go natural. The Yukon will work well if you leave it there but then it will be eaten at night or when you're not there so just go natural.
4. Hit them right where you'd shoot a deer....don't go for "the middle of the middle" stuff. Behind the shoulder, center or just below.
5. Have fun!!
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Hey Tom,
Last time there was a bear hunt in NJ, hunting within 100 yards of a bait pile was illegal. The ONLY weapons allowed were Slug shot guns and .50 cal muzzle loaders or larger. I'd forget hunting from the ground in that area. Pack in a climber and sit up in a tree.
I know I'd also like to give a try hunting bears with my bow. But since we live in a communist state that in the past didn't allow bow hunters the opportunity to thin the bear population down just because people don't think a bow will quickly and cleanly kill a bear.
Make sure you do check the bear hunting regulations before you go out and arrow one of those bears dude. One must cover their ass my friend.
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There are some great bear hunting books. Do your research and buy at least two good ones. Read them, memorize them and then impliment what you learn and you will have a chance to kill your bear.
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Thanks for the info ya'll!
Larry bows are legal this year I still gotta look into the bait.
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How soon can you bait before the hunt? If you can train them before the hunt it is helpful. I hunted bear for the frist time last year so it was alot of learning for me. I was baiting 3 1/2 hr drive away with a 20 min 4 wheeler ride in then hike another mile or so in and worked 60 hr weeks with split days off. I got the bears in with a stink bait,carp hung high in a tree in a game bag,leave them in a bucket in the sun for a few days . I would take a truck load of bread,donuts,fermented oats,restaurant scaps twice a week(if I could make it there twice) and leave it there with fryer grease all around the site(scent trail). I put down bear crack(cool aid, marsh mellows melted) and did a honey burn every time I baited(dinner bell). The bear crack keeps them there when I couldn't bait twice a week,I know a guide that gets alot of candy(gummie bears) and let it melt on a rock to do the same. I hope that your state will let you bait before the hunt so you can just hunt the 6 days of the hunt,not just bait. Bear are smart so 6 days isn't alot of time. My hunt was alot of work with my work hrs and was 90% solo but sure was fun,I only got a few days in my treestand most of my time was spent finding bait and baiting. Good luck and I am so glad your state is coming around.
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Sorry I though I read you could bait,sure hope you can.
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Good luck bud. My first trad kill was a bear in 2007. Started shooting in Jan of 07 & got the bear in Sept. If baiting is legal there is a company called "Bear Scents" that sells some great products. My bear only went 25 yards after the shot. Death moan was cool but boy was I shaking from the excitement. I had a pass though heart shot at 17 yards with a 54lb Mikuta recurve which I only shoot at 48lbs. Wendell bh cx heritage 150 total weight 554 grain arrow. Have fun!!!!
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If it is possible for you to use a tree stand you'll have a much better chance. The nose on those bears is incredible and getting up off the ground will help a bunch.
Scent control can't be overstated. Some guys swear by the soaps and sprays to help get rid of your smell.
Twitchstick has great advice an baiting, if you can get a hold of some beaver carcasses from a trapper and let them ripen up they make as good a stink bait as anything.
If you can't bait and have to stalk them work the wind or forget it. Get a good windicator (spray powder or something) and stay downwind. We hunt a lot of bears and find being downwind is more important then cover.
Best of luck. Let us know how you do.
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Great News Deadbolt....
My advice, is fill "Bentpoles" Pockets with Sandwiches, and bring him with... :biglaugh:
I have been on only a couple bearhunts, but I would agree that baiting earlier than later is better, and I'd be a few feet off the ground, unless your companion is carrying a slug gun. I can tell you this it is excitiing..
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But since we live in a communist state
You should move to NY :eek:
Tom that is good news is it going to be open to non residents? I would like to be right behind Pete when the action starts :bigsmyl:
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Again thanks for all the help guys!!!
Yea the hunt will be in December so hanging rotten fish probably wont be an option. Maybe earlier in the season just t let them know its there a few months before but come time it will be damn cold and not sure if we can legaly bait or not so that will be touch and go.
I'll have to look into tree stands to see if my cousin is afraid of heights or not LOL. So I guess its just like hunting deer only they are more aware you are there but still go for the free meal.
I'll also look into a few books/vidoes and see what else I can find.
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Tom...is the season open to Residents only? Is archery equipment allowed?
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Originally posted by joe skipp:
Tom...is the season open to Residents only? Is archery equipment allowed?
I'd like to know about the Jersey bear hunt as well....
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When is the season ? I thought I heard it was to be in December. Around here, the bears hibernate ? They don't do that by you ?
If they are still out, I imagine any high carb high fat food source will outperform most others since they are gearing up for the sleep.
How many years since there was a season on them ? Heck if it was five years, most of the bears you will see will have never been hunted.
ChuckC
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Time to start doing some research. It has been 5 years since the last hunt. I hope they atleast allow bait this year. For me I will likely choose a slug gun but would love to use the bow. If I read correctly there were approx. 600 of the estimated 2500? bears taken. The estimate now is that the population has tripled since the last hunt. I live in the heart of bear country and can tell you there are some monsters up here. My biggest concern with the last hunt was that you needed to remove the bear whole and bring it to the check station for biologists to examine. How the hell are you going to get a 5 or 6 hundred pound bear out of the woods???? There is one boar in my neighborhood that I witnessed (atleast 500lbs) pick up my full "bear proof" garbage can with his front arms and toss it acrossed the yard then proceed to sit on it and pop the lid off before laying down and gorgeing on chicken scraps for atleast an hour.
Good luck to all and lets keep this thread going as we learn more about the season.
p.s. as in seasons past it can always be stopped by lawsuits and such at the last minute. lets cross our fingers and hope that doesn't happen again. Skippy
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As I understand nothing is set in stone yet. There are still reviews, public meetings, etc. before this is said and done. I think the season is set to coincide with the 6 day firearms season.
The bears are still active in December, heck I've seen them in January and February as well. I believe the boars tend to roam a bit more than a sow with cubs. A warm day will find some bears moving about.
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Originally posted by joe skipp:
Tom...is the season open to Residents only? Is archery equipment allowed?
we are not 100% we are getting it...may 11 we will find out but the odds of it are pretty good. Archery is welcome and I'm not sure about non residents...i think last time it was residents only but ill look into it for ya bud.
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Our bears are active year round...there is plenty of food yeare round for them with garbage to keep them full.
I think the last season was 2006 and it was shotgun only and no baiting. I'm hoping they change the laws this year.
Scott I think the final chance for them to stop it is may 11...if we make it past that we should be in the clear and yes it will be in december. I think I read somewhere it will be december 6th through 11th.
Also this year any legal weapon will be allowed muzzleloader, bow, or shotgun (slugs only).
If it passes I"ll be out there with the widow sitting and praying for a biggun!
And skippy yes years ago when they had the hunt you had to remove it whole and many bear were left in the woods because no one thought of that prior to shooting. Be sure you have a truck load of guys to get it out!! I plan on shootng mine at the top of a hill and parking my truck at the bottom hahaha!
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Tom How far from Atlantic County are you? I live in Atl.Co. and thought of going north.
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Every time us Jersey boys finally get something good the New York boys want to take it.We gave you the Giants stadium and took all your garbage,Whats next...LOL Just kidden The animal activist are fighting this one really hard.But this crappy state is broke and needs the money from the sale of tags and fines so it may get a thumbs up
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Deadbolt, if you decide to stay on the ground, make sure you can outrun your partner. Hap
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Tom if you plan on hunting Old Mine Road = Delaware National Recreation Area. There is absolutely no baiting. It's Federal Land. Not State. There are alot of Bear there though. Bear Swamp WMA [get it Bear Swamp] is a good spot. A bunch of your Trad Gang Buds hunt that spot and know it well. They might chime in. Stokes State Forest and Walpack, Flatbrook Roy, are also great Bear spots.Remember if you plan on building a blind on State or Federal land figure on another hunter to be in it. That's Jersey.That's opening day of the six day firearm too. Get up extra early and be where you want to be early.Get there while the hunters are still in the Diner. :readit: Like Larry said you might be better to scout out a spot/area with good bear sign and pack in a climber. Another option is a pop up blind. Wear plenty of orange. My favorite is the orange camo style. Even put some orange on a pop up. I do not venture out into the Jersey Woods during those days. Sold my guns. Best day is the opener. Try to be in the woods that day.Remember bring plenty of helper/hunters. If you do wack one it's your responsibilty to get it out of the woods and checked in. That goes for a 200,300 or 400 pounder. Fill your pockets with Snickers bars.They seem to like them alot. I know that from experiance. :goldtooth: With Republicans in office it might go threw. The Democrats were the ones that stopped it. ChuckC I was out bowhunting last New Years Day and saw a 150 pound bear. They hibernated late this winter. Seems like if there's food around they will not hibernate. It was also pretty mild the beginning of the winter. If you do plan on Baiting buy a bag of Sweet Oats with molasses . They cannot resist it. They'll lay down in it and eat, sleep, until it's gone.
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A few more tips. Put your stand 12' TO 15' high with lots of back cover. You need to double lung a bear for a quick kill. One lung hit means a very long tracking job. As Manitoba Stickflinger said, aim about middle high. I aim about 3-4" behind the shoulder. Your arrow will not penetrate a bears shoulder. Put logs and dead wood behind your bait to keep the bear in front. As stated above, use a variety of baits and bait early to get the bears accustomed to the bait site. A bear will sometimes watch and circle a bait site before comming in so be quiet the entire hunt. If you have time with good light, don't be in a hurry, give the bear time to settle on the bait. GOOD LUCK >>>> RAY
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With the Commissar out of office you will probably get the hunt. Here is the Bear policy as is. :readit:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/bearpolicy10.htm
I'm wondering if they will make you take a special bear hunting course like last time. Most guys left bears in the woods last time because they shot the first thing they saw which was usually a tiny second year bear just chased off by mommy.
If you find a good spot, you won't even need bait. I usually have bears walking past my blind in NJ half the time I'm out. If you can bait, it will just be a bonus. If I can go, I all ready have my spot picked out. :bigsmyl:
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As luck wouild have it the last two recent seasons (04 and 06 I think )We had early snows and very cold weather both years . 05 was very mild . The bear season has always been combined with our 6 day firearm deer season . Some years that's a little late for some mature bears as they are well fed by that time and very cold weather seemed to cut down on activity (my expirience ) Those 2 seasons there were a lot of small immature bears taken but the state agency promoted taking the first bear encountered . bows weren't allowed and it was a lottery system with different zones and quotas . You had to check with fish and game every evening to see if they reached their limit for a particular zone as it would then close that zone immediately .
Looking forward to another chance though , Fred
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Thanks Tom...because last year, we saw more black bears than we did deer.
Bamboo and I stumbled into 4 while easing into our hunting spot one morning. 30 yds and watching us...finally they moved on.
Had one bear walk up to me maybe 15 yds away before he saw me waving my arms..then he took his sweet time walking away....I would love to bowhunt them because spot and stalk is just as good as sitting over a bait pile of apples or corn.
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Every time us Jersey boys finally get something good the New York boys want to take it.
Don't worry us NY boys will come and bail your state out and rid you of some bears in the process :goldtooth:
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IMHO I wouldn't think The state would limit the Hunt to Residents. Non Resident licenses will give the State even more money.That's always a good thing. More Money! Hec I hear the non resident license might go up again this year?? Hey Stone Knife you New York Trad Gangers are always welcome as far as I'm concerned. Just keep that Governor of yours in your own State. :biglaugh:
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It sounds to me that you guys in Jersey have way too many bears. I've talked to my bud Bentpole about it for a while.
Aside from the importance of game management, do they ever report any Nusiance Bear's? I would think the Public would be in outrage, over Bear Human encounters. Especially with the population where it seems to be.
Seems to me the Animal rights groups, have deep pockets out there.
Its ironic, here in Minnesota they started up the bear season years ago, and intially there were lots of hunters/interest. Then it seems lately, people have cooled off to the whole thing, and some zones I believe you can buy two tags. Here in MN it is imperative to Bait for the most part.
I can see the point of removing the Carcass of the game.
A tool that works really well for Deer Hunting, is one of those Deer Carts, I'm not sure how much weight you can find them to take, but they are slick.. Even for a out of shape, dude like me. :eek:
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If it turns out that baiting is OK then get a couple of gallons of the frying fat from a local restaurant or McD's. Dump it on the ground where you want to bait. The bears will be attracted to it, walk around it it, roll in it, etc. When they leave their feet will be covered with the oil and make trails for other bears to find and follow. It'd a good way to get them started.
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Gator the politicians don't care about management hunting in this state is a buisness. There have been endless nuisance reports and its taken the death of pets and injuries to open it up again.
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Stone Knife,If your Govenor can make a sane decision without screwing the people who live in the state and giving it all to out of state contracts then bring him. We can't get any worse with yours than we have with ours.And I like you New York boys,Just stay in the right lane on the parkway. :thumbsup:
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When you place your bait take an old t-shirt that you've worn for a couple of days and throw it right on top ov everything. The bears will get more used to your scent that way and won't be as badly spooked when they scent you.
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:saywhat:
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Well maybe New Jersey will learn the importants to proper game management before the have an issue. Utah has always keep the nusiance bear problems on the "hush hush" until a young boy was pulled from his tent and killed. Many people had reported the bear causing problems around a campground but did not post it. Now they are putting out more tags and you see bear beware signs everywere. But they still make baiting real hard to do. Last year they had the most bear and human/livestock conflicts "reported" than any year. I think there were 7 bears killed two were out of campgrounds on the mountain above my home and the bear population is low on cedar mountain.
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Glad to hear we'll have another season. I always wanted to hunt bears legally with a bow. :D
Now if they'd only let me hunt'em in the spring. :readit: