When it’s 85 degrees and higher in Aroostook County and the humidity feels oppressive, the heat can be almost unbearable. That’s how conditions have been much of the last month. I don’t even want to go outside to water the flowers, let alone mow the lawn or wield a chainsaw and loppers to clear winter damage on woods trails to my bear baiting sites.
Yes, it’s that time again already – legal bear baiting began July 26 and hunting season starts in late August.
The big question is: what’s the best bait to attract bears and keep them coming back to your location, and what food source can you easily attain and afford?
Understanding bear behavior
Black bears instinctively know that as summer ends, it’s time to pack on pounds for their winter hibernation. They seek foods high in fats, carbohydrates and starches to build energy reserves. While aromatic products may initially attract bears to a location, it’s the high-quality, nutritious treats that will keep them returning consistently.
Based on 30 years of personal experience and input from hunting professionals, here are proven bait choices and guidelines. Keep in mind that affordability and availability are crucial factors in every hunter’s decision-making process.
Top-tier baits
Pastries and sweets
Seasoned hunters widely agree that pastries – cakes, pies, doughnuts and similar items – are the most reliable bait for consistently attracting bears. However, these products are typically the most difficult and expensive to obtain regularly.
If you live near a local pastry shop or commercial bakery, inquire about purchasing day-old goods or bulk returns at discounted prices – this can be an excellent, cost-effective source.
Enhanced bread products
Bread offers a more affordable alternative to pastries and is readily available in bulk quantities. Many communities have discount outlets selling day-old bread and rolls at reduced prices. Since plain bread lacks appeal on its own, enhance it with sweeteners like honey, molasses or flavored drink concentrates to make it more enticing to bears.
Budget-friendly options
Oils and fats
Used cooking oil or bacon grease from home or deep-fryer oil that restaurants replace and throw away are great bets at little or no expense.
Popcorn mixtures
Popcorn has emerged as a popular bear bait over the last decade due to its low cost per volume and lightweight portability – even a full trash bag is easy to transport. The main drawback is that you need a commercial-sized popper to produce adequate quantities efficiently.
Plain buttered popcorn won’t suffice for bear bait – you need additional sweeteners or flavorings to attract and retain bears. Effective enhancers include caramel, molasses, strawberry jam, honey or frosting.
Trail mix combinations
A combination of pop tarts, cookies, pretzels and candy has grown increasingly popular as bear bait. While this mixture provides the high calories and carbohydrates bears crave, it tends to be quite dry. Combat this by adding a cup or two of sweetening liquids or used cooking oil to each five-gallon pail for better consistency and appeal.
Professional recommendations
Matt Fasciani, owner of M&M Bear Bait in Masardis, stocks a wide array of food products and brings years of practical experience to bait selection. He ranks trail mix as his top choice – this combination of nuts, candy and grain components consistently brings bears back. Fresh strawberry and blueberry pop tarts rank as a close second, while peanut butter serves as an excellent enhancer for any bait mixture.
Items to avoid or use sparingly
Using candy alone is ineffective – despite its appealing taste, it lacks nutritional value and bears will quickly lose interest and move on. Additionally, chocolate can be harmful to bears and is regulated in some states (though not in Maine), so use it sparingly and only mixed with other products.
Fresh fruits like apples, berries and citrus spoil quickly and can ferment, creating undesirable alcohol or vinegar byproducts. While small amounts can be mixed with other baits, avoid relying on fruit as a primary bait source due to these deterioration issues.
Final recommendations
High-quality bait is crucial to success with black bear hunting, and availability, ease of storage, transport and cost are all important considerations.
It’s better to begin baiting later and use top-rate products than to put out inferior food items at the beginning of the season.
There are several well-stocked, dependable bear bait suppliers throughout the state who can aid hunters who can’t acquire their own products from a local source.
Using a camera, gun or bow – success depends on quality bait selection. Focus on nutritious, appealing options that will keep bears returning to your site consistently.