Be aware of your hunting area

[Knocker of rocks]

If it can be determined the bear you killed was going to that bait site, even to sniff what USED to be there, you can be charged with illegally taking a bear over bait. 

But not to argue the point, I do think you could get it dismissed in many cases.  The science of forensic analysis of the thought pattern of deceased bears is lacking.  If the bear does not keep a written journal or calendar, which most if not all bears do not do, how could anyone what the bear had planned out for his days routine? 

[Machias]

If it can be determined the bear you killed was going to that bait site, even to sniff what USED to be there, you can be charged with illegally taking a bear over bait. 

But not to argue the point, I do think you could get it dismissed in many cases.  The science of forensic analysis of the thought pattern of deceased bears is lacking.  If the bear does not keep a written journal or calendar, which most if not all bears do not do, how could anyone what the bear had planned out for his days routine? 

I agree with you, but who wants to spend the money to defend themselves along with all the other associated pain that comes with being arrested and charged.

[Fl0und3rz]

"I say . . . take off and nuke the site from orbit. It's the only way to be sure."

Seriously though, you could build a small fire and burn it.  Problem solved.  There is no longer any bait there. 

Then, report the coordinates as a site of suspected bear baiting and the fact that you destroyed or disposed of the suspected bait or trash. If you are concerned about destruction of potential evidence, it might be considered evidence of baiting. But unless they are going to investigate and prosecute someone, it is not evidence.  If they are going to investigate and need evidence to prosecute someone, then you could always offer to testify to the location and character of the bait. To be sure, you could call beforehand to verify that they agree removal/destruction of the bait is warranted.

Chances are, though, that they will do nothing, and you would have your site to hunt without worry of being accused of the "use of . . . bait to hunt black bear . . . ."  Otherwise, I see it as no different than harvesting a bear brought into an area looking for human trash and food scraps.  It happens all the time.

[buckfvr]

DO NOT risk your future hunting.  The wardens write 'em up as they see 'em.....you can then do all your explaining to the judge..........outcome is never good.  People have been convicted solely on " intent" to hunt bear over bait.........bear tag in pocket, big gun, bait in area.......

[Holg3107]

If it is manageable why not just take the jug out of the woods with you when you leave? Seems to me you are removing garbage / waste from the area. I pack garbage out of areas all the time when I'm hunting doesn't seem like this is much different. Now if this is a 50gal drum set up thats a different story but a 1 gal milk jug with some bacon grease get thats all torn up, take it home and throw it away.

[backyard bucks]

[quoteIf it is manageable why not just take the jug out of the woods with you when you leave? Seems to me you are removing garbage / waste from the area. I pack garbage out of areas all the time when I'm hunting doesn't seem like this is much different. Now if this is a 50gal drum set up thats a different story but a 1 gal milk jug with some bacon grease get thats all torn up, take it home and throw it away][/quote]

  that is what i was asking.. sounds like one piece of garbage.. not a bait site, just pick it up and toss in truck and dump it. done deal your spot is good to go if that was all it was.

[ICEMAN]

Well yesterday I came upon a site - tree stand (need spin in spikes) 2 barrels, one tire and one old large coffe can that was absolutely a bear bait site.  Nice lead in was McD bag and two large peel back can tops - tuna or cat food I suspect.  I will be calling it in tomorrow.  That pisses me off.  I won't be hunting that area. 

I was cheered up by my wife's 8 point ~300 lb blacktail later that morning :-)

8point 300lb blacktail? Pics please.

[backyard bucks]

  for pics 

and now that i would call a bait site 

[billythekidrock]

Report it. Give the coordinates to your game warden.

I think I may.

But I still want to keep hunting the area. Ill go back out and get the GPS coordinates of the jug, and give them to WDFW , but the damage may already be done.

Ill be heading out tomorrow morning again. Perhaps this time Ill have some pics or videos to share. I pack my camera, but seem to reflect on I should have took a picture of that "AFTER" Im back in my car. LOL

Here's the problem, you are now aware of the bait site, you cannot hunt that area.  I spoke with this very thing last fall.  A friend of mine was baiting for deer and had an absolute monster of a bear show up.  I asked how far away I could hunt without getting in a jam or how long after all the bait was removed I could hunt it.  The answer was there is no set distance and there is no set time.  If it can be determined the bear you killed was going to that bait site, even to sniff what USED to be there, you can be charged with illegally taking a bear over bait.  I ended up not even trying for that bear last year.

[billythekidrock]

You obviously never hunted the capitol forest  there are illegal baits all over the place, then there are the baits(bear) used for trail cams (and the people who think that is ok)

Yep.
Found this snare site (bear) in the CF on opening weekend of modern deer this year.
 
This one is legal, but there was still trash left behind.
 
 

 

 

 

[Skyvalhunter]

Report it. Give the coordinates to your game warden.

I found a feed barrel while musshroom picking up in hancock a couple weeks ago. Looked pretty professional though and not at all active so I assumed it was put there by the timber company and never got any hits it was a black plastic drum tied to a tree with holes cut in it but no teeth or claw marks.

Hancock is private property and in the past they have intentionally set bait stations to attract bear so they can be removed. Treee damage is a big issue on their properties

[bobcat]

The problem is that you posted on the internet that you found a bait site. NOW you can't hunt the area for bears. If you didn't post it on the internet, you could hunt bears there and nobody would ever question you about possible bait in the area.

[turnloose]

Two to three tablespoons of bacon grease into the water before you boil fresh grab.

[ICEMAN]

I always add bacon grease when I boil my fresh grab.

[rasbo]

I always add bacon grease when I boil my fresh grab.

I like my grab fresh