Is it legal to bait bears in Michigan?
Bear bait barrels were allowed on DNR-managed lands for a two-year trial period during the 2019-2020 bear seasons. Bait barrels with a maximum hole diameter of 1 inch are still allowed on private land. The regulations and license quotas decided in 2021 will remain in effect for two years.
What is the fastest way to bait a bear?
Bread, doughnuts, and various different types of meat are probably the most popular bear baits. Bears have very sensitive noses (arguably even better than deer and feral hogs) and seem particularly drawn to very pungent smelling baits, which makes fish a good choice.
How many black bears are in Michigan?
12,000 black bears
Michigan is home to approximately 12,000 black bears. About 10,000 live in the Upper Peninsula, while 2,000 are in the Lower Peninsula, according to the DNR.
How long is bear season?
For those portions of zones X1, X2, X3a, X4, X6a, X6b, X7a, and X7b open to bear hunting, the general bear season begins October 9, 2021, and extends through December 26, 2021. General bear season closes on December 26, 2021, or earlier, if the Department determines that 1,700 bears have been reported taken.
How often should you bear bait?
every 2-3 days
Baits should be filled every 2-3 days when possible. You can take more time in between but if you wait too long with an empty bait, big bears will move on.
How do you make bear attractant?
To open my bear bait up I usually just haul in a propane tank, burner and a frying pan. I cook a pound of bacon and eat half. I pour the grease and the remainder of the bacon over the bait I haul in. Once the bait site is opened I really don’t find much need to keep scenting the area up with every rebaiting visit.
Do marshmallows attract bears?
After you’ve cooked up some beans and corn on your camping stove and roasted marshmallows over the fire, the smell of food is likely to linger for a while. You might enjoy the aroma of your meal for a few hours. Coincidentally, all the hungry bears in the area will also find the odor appealing.
