When to bait/how often?

[KCJIB]

I have recently acquired access to my in-laws property in Western WA.  I plan to hunt blacktail there this year and it is a bit of a hike for me to get there from where I live.  I'm wondering how far in advance do I need to bait before I hunt and how often?  I plan to use apples as suggested by many posts on this site.  I am a newbie, fyi....

[jackelope]

I've never hunted over bait, only trail cameras...but here's what I like to think I know.
Apples will disappear quick. Everything will eat them so I'd get it started ASAP and get down there as often as you can.
I think you could still have success with the bait but you'll need to get it going. You might want to put some sort of mineral attractant on it just so there's something there to keep them interested if the apples disappear.

[bobcat]

It kind of depends on your bait supply. How many apples do you have? If your supply is somewhat limited, then you could begin baiting the day before you hunt. If you have enough apples, you might want to start at least a couple weeks before the season, and bait at least two different locations. With the use of trail cameras you can try to get an idea which location has the best potential. Or if you're not using cameras, all you can do is go by the sign you see and how fast your apples are being eaten. What you'll most likely discover is that most of the activity will only be at night, especially the bucks.

Are you planning on using a tree stand or a ground blind?

[CP]

If you have coyotes in the area they are going to eat a good percentage of your apples, as will birds, squirrels, and other varmints.

[KCJIB]

It kind of depends on your bait supply. How many apples do you have? If your supply is somewhat limited, then you could begin baiting the day before you hunt. If you have enough apples, you might want to start at least a couple weeks before the season, and bait at least two different locations. With the use of trail cameras you can try to get an idea which location has the best potential. Or if you're not using cameras, all you can do is go by the sign you see and how fast your apples are being eaten. What you'll most likely discover is that most of the activity will only be at night, especially the bucks.

Are you planning on using a tree stand or a ground blind?

Bobcat,  someone is lending me a tree stand.  I don't have any cameras, but i walked the area and it looks high traffic.  tall grass and a pond surrounded by trees.  much of the grass is laid down and/or in a v shape from walking through it.  I'm just trying to figure out the best spot too.  I will try to get some apples up there this weekend.  Do you guys reccomend deer cane? 

[CP]

Deer cane is just salt & calcium, you’d be better off with a salt block from the feed store but this time of year salt isn’t that effective.

[Bango skank]

When to bait huh?  I would suggest sometime this season if you want to try it.  Probably going to be your last chance.

[Maverick]

 Hopefully they don't ban baiting. I really enjoy the pictures on my trail cams! I usually Take food in every 2-3 weeks during the summer and early fall.

[KCJIB]

Thanks all, I will get up there ASAP and start layin apples as often as possible.  Saw a post somewhere also about putting peanut butter jar on tree, might try that too.  Any thoughts..........?

[sthd system]

Peanut butter works for about everything. Back in the bear baiting days deer would be at the bait site in minutes after the  peanut butter was spread about.Coyote, racoons,opossum all would hit the peanut butter first . trail cameras proved it.

[Thehowler]

Yep, every creature in the woods will zero in on the peanut butter.

[bobcat]

I've never tried peanut butter, maybe I should.

[sthd system]

It doesn't take a whole lot ,the cheap brands work better I believe cause of the high salt content. Just smear everywhere .

[CP]

I’ve never tried peanut butter, except to trap rats.  I’ll give it a try one of these days. 

Feed grade molasses works well, drill some holes in a stump and pour some on.  Lasts a good long time and the deer will chew up the stump to get at it. 

[vandeman17]

Thanks all, I will get up there ASAP and start layin apples as often as possible.  Saw a post somewhere also about putting peanut butter jar on tree, might try that too.  Any thoughts..........?

I have thought about peanut butter but just afraid if I was hunting the spot that a big old bear would come strolling in then I would be torn if I could shoot it or not because he was "baited"