Home Forums Hunting & Shooting General Big Game Bear Hunting Question

Thermocell. Killed many, many bears while using one. You’re not tricking their nose no matter what you do. Sitting still and being quiet seems to work best. Hard to do when you’re getting chewed on by bugs

As said on other thread, wear two complete layers of clothing. Light weight if it’s warm. Two head nets, Put one over a brimmed cap. Tuck or tape cuffs. Two pairs of gloves for sure. Cut eye holes in inner headnet for better vision. Be sure headnets are tucked in collar. It’s still kinda creepy sitting in a cloud of buzzing skeeters but you will not get bit.

FYI, Thermacells did not work at all for me. I threw them away. Also, when I use repellent, I always buy the low DEET concentration “Family” stuff. We used it when the kids were little to reduce toxicity to them. It worked so well I still use it. It lasts a few hours and is much less stinky than the high concentration spray.

Thermoelectric works. The bears don't seem to care. Act like you're a part of the landscape. Don't move if you don't absolutely have to. Make sure your clothes and raingear are quiet. The ears often circle the bait before coming in and will hold just inside the trees and look things over. They know you're there. If they don't see you as a threat in They come. If you can use the same bugs pray as the person doing the baiting so good. That smell means snacks. Above all have fun.

Thanks for all the comments and experiences. I need to get some clothing, spray and thermal cell. Hard to hunt anything when you are getting eating alive by bugs.

Wait till you're setting there and those bugs keep on crashing into the side of your head. As you sit still, keep telling yourself don't worry, they can't get to me. That buzzing sound will drive ya nuts!
Enjoy your hunt.

I think my record was 6 skeeters squished in one swat on the back of my hand on a bear sit. Those were the days before therma cell. The bugs were torture, but looking back, I'd love to go again. Bears are fun even when the mosquitoes want to eat you alive.