La Sal summer bear - bait or spot and stalk

elkhuntn247 · Apr 11, 2019

So I drew a La Sal summer bear tag. Hoping to get some advice from the guys who may have some experience on the unit.

I love the idea of shooting a bear up close on a bait with my bow. I'm also an avid long range hunter. I've built a few rifles, they weren't cheap. So I like to get to use them whenever I can.

As far as I can see there is no baiting before opening day. I'm just on the fence if I should put in all the extra work of getting a bait set. Or try to spot and stalk one with my rifle.

I'm fairly new to bear hunting so any advice would be greatly appreciated. Would love to hear how you guys would go about this hunt.

arns · Apr 11, 2019

I have been hunting down there for about 10 years on the spring hunt with dogs and I have yet to see a bear,unless it was in a tree or the dogs were chasing it.The oak brush is really thick. I would not waste my time on a spot and stalk.Put the effort in and setup a bait.It will pay off in the long run. That's just my 2 cents.

elkhuntn247 · Apr 11, 2019

Thank you for the input.

arns · Apr 12, 2019

I'm not sure but I would check the proclamation I think you have a week or two to set up your bait before the hunt starts.Or call a field office and talk to someone that could tell you for sure.

elkhuntn247 · Apr 12, 2019

>I'm not sure but I would
>check the proclamation I think
>you have a week or
>two to set up your
>bait before the hunt starts.Or
>call a field office and
>talk to someone that could
>tell you for sure.

As far as I can see there is no early baiting on the summer hunts. The fall hunts that allow bait show that baiting 2 weeks prior is acceptable

arns · Apr 12, 2019

If that's the way it is then I would set up your bait grab your big gun and go sit on ridge in the morning and evenings till the bears start hitting your bait.ya never know you might get lucky.

elkhuntn247 · Apr 12, 2019

>If that's the way it is
>then I would set up
>your bait grab your big
>gun and go sit on
>ridge in the morning and
>evenings till the bears start
>hitting your bait.ya never know
>you might get lucky.

That's what I'm thinking is gonna be the best route. Then I'll focus heavy on the bait as the season goes on.

diablo · Apr 22, 2019

I've hunted the LaSals for about 15 years and killed a couple nice bears.

I would definitely find a nice dark secluded spot and run a bait. Tons of bears but lots of thick country.

Good luck!

________________________________
There are two kinds of people without
beards - boys and women. I am neither.