Hunting Bears at or near bee hives

[Buckmark]

Is it legal to hunt bears at or very near commercial or private use bee hives?

[Longbowz]

Yes why not, in fact I would think the owner would be pretty happy about it.

[billythekidrock]

Did you put the bee hives there as bait? If not, you should be good to go.

[Timberstalker]

Doesn't seem any different than hunting an orchard.

[Buckmark]

Nope i did not put them out, not mine or even my friends hives.

Just was talking with an acquaintance and mentioned i would be over bear hunting next weekend and he mentioned how his neighbor has some hives and he has been seeing bears around them and i could come sit them if i wanted.
Got me thinking if it would be considered a "baited" site or not....

[jcswamp]

I was told by a ranger with the Darrington district when we asked about some hives on public land that since they are an attractant put there by man they count as bait and we could be prosecuted for hunting around them. We did not place the hives, but could still be held responsible for baiting by an officer if that is what the officer decided to write you up for. Seems stupid to me, but we stopped hunting that access area just to be safe. This is just what i was told by a ranger, so take it for what it is worth, this does not count as a legal opinion.

[Timberstalker]

There's a reason that ranger is a ranger and not a warden.

[jcswamp]

That is very true Timberstalker, never ran into a warden out there just your random ranger patrols. Either way i did not think it was worth the risk of losing my bear and gear if a warden got picky (there are always other areas to hunt)

[JimmyHoffa]

I've tried it a few times, but had no luck.  In one area, I used to find lots of bear sign before the hives moved in.  Last couple years--nothing at all.  But the bees did make for the best salmonberries and blackberries I think I've had.

[bigtex]

Legal. As long as the hives were not placed there for the purpose of attracting bear.

[bigtex]

There's a reason that ranger is a ranger and not a warden.

Same authority when it comes to fish and wildlife enforcement in WA

[Timberstalker]

There's a reason that ranger is a ranger and not a warden.

Same authority when it comes to fish and wildlife enforcement in WA

Interesting.  You learn something everyday.  Thanks Bigtex.

[bigtex]

That is very true Timberstalker, never ran into a warden out there just your random ranger patrols. Either way i did not think it was worth the risk of losing my bear and gear if a warden got picky (there are always other areas to hunt)

Sounds like your talking about USFS lands. Their Law Enforcement Officers (guys with the guns, cuffs, lights, etc) have the same authority as WDFW Officers when it comes to enforcing WA fish and wildlife law.

USFS "Rangers" don't have law enforcement authority. But National Park Service and State Park Rangers do have LE authority.

[PolarBear]

Just don't shoot Pooh Bear!

[Buckmark]

Thanks bigtex...

[rickomatic]

Legal. As long as the hives were not placed there for the purpose of attracting bear.

I was told 2 years ago that shooting bears over beehives was the "only legal method for baiting bears".
This was in response to my specific question as to whether it was considered baiting which I posed to the CO of the Mill Creek WDFW division. I was having problem bears destroying my hives. I tried to get them, but they wouldn't show up until after dark. You must still adhere to legal hunting hours.