Deer calls

Anyone use a commercial deer call? Do they work? Do they bring in bears?

I'm thinking specifically about hunting Sitka blacktails on Kodiak Island. One of the concerns there is whether I'd call in a big bear by accident.

Jim

This wont be helpful to you but I have called in lots of deer using mouth blown predator calls while hunting coyotes. Whitetails and mule deer both. When I first started calling I wouldn't call alone. Kept hearing about bear and lions coming in. Would sit back to back with a buddy. Never had either one come in that I saw, even though I was in very good lion country.

Bears at that time were hunted a lot with bait and hounds. They and the lions both were scared of humans. Both species are so stealthy, if any came in they must have saw me before I saw them and skedaddled.

I have watched Steven Rinella use them on Kodiak and believe he knows a thing or two. He was using them for blacktail.

I googled that name. Are you talking about a tv show?

Steven Rinella does a hunting show called "Meateater."

Yes they work (at times) and while I have not called in a bear with one I have with a predator call, I don’t see why a bear would not come in to one though if just for curiosity but I would tend to think it would be a low possibility at best

This is the type of deer call that's commonly used in SE Alaska for deer; anything similar will work. It's mostly useful just during the rut, most other times it will just call in does.
Will it call in bears? Why don't you try it and let us know. I've never had one come in to the call.

Fawn Bleat calls work great, even for big bucks.

They are curious and will sneak right in.

We don't have too many bear where I hunt

so I can't comment if they will attract bear.

w

You should definitely try it.

Jim

They work very well on does on Kodiak. Limited efficacy on bucks.

Be careful though... they will bring in bears. "I've seen me do it...!"

Pete