What To Use For Bear Bait

Wisconsin black bear hunting offers all types of excitement. One of the most exciting parts of the hunt is actually baiting your bear. Yes, it is a lot of work, but it's great to go into your bait and see whether it was hit or not. Then add a Game Camera and you really get in on the excitement seeing all the wildlife that has come into your bait. Below is a list of items to use in baiting bear. Please be sure to check with the local DNR what is legal in your area before beginning to bait. For example, in Wisconsin you cannot use meat products.

Gummy Bears
Breads, Bagels, Buns,
Donuts and Bakery Goods
Candy Cigarettes
Licorice
Granola Bars
Pie Filling
Jellies
Maple Syrup
Meats
Fish
Liquid Smoke
Honey
Bacon or Cooking Grease

Many of these items can be purchased exclusively for bear baiting in large 30 / 50 gallon drums. For bread products, be sure to check with local bakeries and distribution centers. Many times you can get large quantities for little to nothing. I just filled up a huge van, 4 feet high and about 10 feet in length of bread, bagels, donuts and buns from a local bread distributor and I didn't have to pay a dime.

Most importantly do find out what is legal in your area. In Wisconsin you can't use any meats or animal byproducts, however in Canada you can. It's better to check first. You don't want to ruin a great hunt with a visit from the DNR or worse yet, a fine.