It's been a dream of mine to go after a bear. Unfortunately guided hunts and bait sites are out of my budget of basically $0. Seems like when ever I have a little spending money the furnace explodes or something. I was thinking of floating down some rivers this season in hopes of seeing one. Anyone got any experience or tips they are willing to share to get me started or is it just a bad idea?

Apple orchards

Bruce, how does it work with other peoples bait sites? If I find a good spot how do I know if I'm going to be hunting near someones bait?

On Wood company land you need a permit.On private land you need permission..Best way is to know who is around and look for signs of old bait sites and choose an area away from them if you find any..

On wood company land do you need a permit just to hunt or to bait?

In northern Aroostook County all of the timber company bait sites are leased, mostly by outfitters. The land is open for hunting, fishing & trapping but not for baiting. In fact some areas are even posted no bear hunting with dogs.

In the spring grassy fields are hot Spots in the fall find a local to bait for you just run up bait to be put out. As long as that’s all legal.

Ok, that's what I thought it was. That's why I'm trying to figure out if I can manage a hunt without bait. Seems like all the good places would naturally be occupied by outfitters bait sites though.

Law Dog, I wish I knew some land owners in bear country. I looked into "semi guided hunt" but prices seem to start around $800 which basically gets you access to a bait site for 3 days.

We had local kids (15-18) that baited for us in upper MI, still friends with them today you might look into trading some trapping knowledgeable supplies for baiting work.

Try calling them. Some of these new electronic calls seem to wok well https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D03y9AuWJD8

Now that's interesting. Didn't even know they did such a thing.

I'm thinking of firing up the forge and making some knives. Maybe I could find someone interested in a trade.

For the. Bear baiting site.

I've killed dozens and dozens of bears-not one over bait.
If you have a decent population of bears spot and stalk where they forage is the way to go.
In spring its fresh new grass,and later dandelions good places are public land powerline right of ways old logging roads,recent clearcuts,beaver meadows etc.
In the fall,they are in the berry patches,especially blueberries.
Once you spot one,take note of the wind,circle quietly to get the wind then sneak within your comfortable shooting range.I always wore running shoes as one bad(noise) step during the stalk and the bear will be gone.Stalking in the open is no problem as long as you have the wind,dont make ANY noise and freeze if they raise their head.

Boco how far away are you when you spot them? There are some cleared areas but a lot of the places I hunt are thick cover. One reason I was thinking of floating some water. Maybe catch one on the shore?

Some places like old burns It's possible to see several bears at the same time.Power lines,old bush trails you may see one from quite a ways away as they wander back and forth across the opening while foraging.Other places like beaver meadows,may only be 100 yards across.If you notice sign when scouting,you need to stalk the smaller areas on the assumption of seeing a bear there.
You will know if bears are feeding on the dandelions or new growth by seeing scat.Bears leave a lot of scat.In the spring,they usually work the same area for a couple days or more before moving on.In the blueberry patches in fall they will stay a lot longer.

Where in Maine do u live?

I'm in midcoast Treesadie. Wiscasset.

Thanks Boco, I think I need to slow down. When ever I'm in bear country I always see a lot of sign but rarely any bears.