Stalking Black Bears on Bait

[Etter]

You guys are really overestimating the possible danger that is involved with black bears. I would say for sure that those who are afraid of them probably shouldnt hunt them. They put on a pretty blustery show from time to time but your odds of actually getting mauled are next to zero.

[Bowwild]

Actually, I'm 60 on the nose. IRS says I have 23 years left. But what does that org. know except lying and cover-up?

I'm not really concerned about the danger in this. I know the unlikely nature of black bear and human conflicts.  The guide did say you'll get adrenaline spikes doing this though and all but guaranteed bluff charges. He said he'd walk behind (his safety) but step up beside if the bear does bluff.

My only concern about this is the lack of time to make a shooting decision (gender and size). I don't want to spend the time I'm paying for hiking. Being ripped off by one bear guide is enough for me.

[Duncan]

I've come to my stand site only to find a bear on it. It was so engrossed in the bait it did not see me. The wind was in my favor and I could see it was not a large bear so I eased down behind some brush and observed but with an arrow knocked. After awhile it left and I climbed into my stand. As mentioned competition at a hot bait can be exciting with all the growling and tooth popping going on. A bear charging you has made you out. If you put on a proper stalk that is not likely to happen.