Bears-How close?

[wisconsinteacher]

When setting up a stand next to a bait site for black bears, how close is too close?  

I hope that when I draw my next bear tag, to use a trad bow.

In the past with my compound, I set up 18 yards.  With a trad bow, I would like to be a little closer.  Is 12-15 yards too close?

Also, would you rather be in a tree stand or blind?  My baits have typically been in oak hardwoods so it is fairly open.

[Sean B]

Spring time you can get away with 8 to 12 yards. Fall you'd be better off setting them a little farther. 15-20 yrds

If I was setting one up, it would be between 12-15yds, or maybe even a little closer!

Bisch

[ksbowman]

I hunted with Tom Phillips when I killed mine. I shot him at 6 yards on the bait and I could stand on the ground and reach up and touch where my feet were on the stand. He was dead 4 yards behind my tree stand, for a moment I thought he might come up the tree as he ran passed it. All Tom's stands that we baited were relatively close, some closer than others. Hope Tom chips in here as he really knows what he is doing!

[Holm-Made]

Reach up and touch the platform from the ground.  About 8 yards from the bait.  Is about perfect in my opinion.

[LittleBen]

If yoire going with an outfitter I would ask them what they typically do. If you're worried about the 3yds difference, I would just set a target at 20yds and start bending that bow.

[BWallace10327]

Originally posted by LittleBen:
If yoire going with an outfitter I would ask them what they typically do. If you're worried about the 3yds difference, I would just set a target at 20yds and start bending that bow.

[ron w]

Originally posted by Holm-Made:
Reach up and touch the platform from the ground.  About 8 yards from the bait.  Is about perfect in my opinion.

That's how my stand was on Bear Quest #9, shot was at 7 yards.  

[savagelh]

My barrel was at 17 yards this spring. Killed my bear at 10 yards on his way to the barrel.

[Orion]

I set mine at 12 to15 yards, about 8 to 10 feet up.  My hunting partner sets his at 10 yards. Works for us.

[MnFn]

Yes, about twelve yards seems good to me.

[Sean B]

If you're doing this on your own, just remember, bears are a little different in the spring than they are in the fall, they're a little more wary in the fall.

[Ray Lyon]

Don't get too high. My last bear was fourteen yard shot and I was ten feet up.  The closer you are the lower you should be for good shot angle.  Since you have some control with exact bait placement find the right spot for good entry and exit to the stand, wind location and background cover. Also consider using logs in a v shape around the bait to direct the bear position to broadside at the bait.

[damascusdave]

When you are in a tree a bear simply sees you as a non threat...I shot my bear at 10 yards with the bait at 20...simply put a grease jug at 10 and the bear came to see what was in it...baiting bears is not rocket science

DDave

[huronhunter]

All of my bears where shot from 12 yards . Stands were 15 ' and created the perfect angle to the bear . Close is better when in low light conditions .
Quote; I can usually take them at 20 yards ,but I always get them at 12 yards !( Garyism )
         

[Bill Carlsen]

I've killed 6 of them. I don't recall ever shooting over 10-12 yards with my recurve.

[Brock]

my bear last year I could touch the stand platform while flat footed...and shot was 8-10yds away...barrel was 10-12 yds.

I asked for my shot to be closer than normal...so instead of moving the stand they moved the barrel closer.  smart thinking.

The other hunters stayed out there in the 16-20yd range and most of them experienced at least one miss and a couple unrecovered bears.

Stay in your comfort zone and dont be afraid to ask for it to be made closer....even if you got to buy your own stand at Cabelas and then leave it with the guide when you depart as a thank you.  

[mnbwhtr]

I set mine 12yards and my stands at 12 feet

[Caddo]

As already stated, stand up 6-8 ft., bait 10-12 yds is great. I really prefer it when there's just enough room for the arrow to clear the bow!  

LD

[Rick Butler]

I read somewhere you use the 12-12 rule.  12 yards from the bait and 12 feet up.