Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Baited bear hunt ?

I am looking at booking a bear hunt. I have never been on a baited hunt so any help on questions to ask the outfitter before booking would be appreciated. I am not new to outfitted hunts just bear hunting over bait.

Ask for dated, timed game cam pics as to what the outfitter is actually seeing on his baits.

Thanks for the responses. I am making a list so when I talk to them I can get the info.

I’ve been on a couple and now guide for an outfitter in Wyoming, If I were to ask one question it’d be how many hunters in camp. The one outfit I went to in Northern Minnesota when I showed up there was 30-40 hunters it was a [bleep] show.

In addition to timed photos of what is hitting baits, find out when bait is placed and how frequently

A lot of good outfits aren't going to do this.

Here is why. It can, will, and does cause for a lot of problems in camp. Of course every guy wants to sit on the stand with the big boar coming to it. Another thing is depending on the bait sites the big bears can be hitting several of the bait sites. Then of course if for whatever reason that bear doesn't come into the bait site guys will say the guide is FOS.

Here are my questions I would ask.

1) What is the average size bears you are killing? What was the Biggest killed last season? Do you charge a penalty for shooting a Dink? (if the answer is no to the Dink, I would ask why not?)

2) How far are the bait sites from the lodging? What is the mode of transportation to and from? How many people per vehicle and what type of vehicle?

3) Are your bait sites marked for judging with a 36" mark where the bear must go near to get to the bait? Do you place 5' logs around the bait to aid in judging? Are your bait sites on public land?

4) Do you pull baits when you have sites only being hit during non-legal hunting hours?

5) How many other outfits are near your lodge? How many hunters do you take on in a season?

This should give you a really good idea if the outfit is in it solely for profit or in it for the love of it. Also tells you how much they are catering to you. I hope this helps you out.

I would add about what they use for bait, however it really doesn't matter what they use if they are getting bears on the sites during legal hunting hours.

Are you the first in or the last! Bear get jumpy and shy with pressure.

A lot of good outfits aren't going to do this.

Here is why. It can, will, and does cause for a lot of problems in camp. Of course every guy wants to sit on the stand with the big boar coming to it. Another thing is depending on the bait sites the big bears can be hitting several of the bait sites. Then of course if for whatever reason that bear doesn't come into the bait site guys will say the guide is FOS.

Here are my questions I would ask.

1) What is the average size bears you are killing? What was the Biggest killed last season? Do you charge a penalty for shooting a Dink? (if the answer is no to the Dink, I would ask why not?)

2) How far are the bait sites from the lodging? What is the mode of transportation to and from? How many people per vehicle and what type of vehicle?

3) Are your bait sites marked for judging with a 36" mark where the bear must go near to get to the bait? Do you place 5' logs around the bait to aid in judging? Are your bait sites on public land?

4) Do you pull baits when you have sites only being hit during non-legal hunting hours?

5) How many other outfits are near your lodge? How many hunters do you take on in a season?

This should give you a really good idea if the outfit is in it solely for profit or in it for the love of it. Also tells you how much they are catering to you. I hope this helps you out.

I would add about what they use for bait, however it really doesn't matter what they use if they are getting bears on the sites during legal hunting hours.

I'll also add that it's the rare exception to find an outfit that'll have satisfactory answers to these questions at a regional outdoor show.

TJAY if you are looking for a really good outfit and are willing to hunt in Maine give Keith Cote a call @ Sportsman's Pride Outfitters. (207)316-7682

Make sure they have what you're looking for. If you want a color phase bear, make sure they have them on camera. If you want a 6 1/2 or 7' bear make sure they have taken them in the past & still have them. How much are you willing to pay? Will you be happy if you go home empty handed if you don't see what you want.


I went on an AK interior baited grizzly hunt a few years ago. Guide ask me on day 1 what I wanted. I told him that everyone wants an 8' boar. But if one didn't come in--I'd be happy with a solid 7' well furred bear. Day 4 a solid 7'bear came in----great grizzled hide, no rubs, nice dark legs. I shot it. I'm still tickled pink every time I look at that rug.