Spring Idaho

[Dreaded Archer24]

Planning on going to Idaho for a spring hunt.  Planned on using my new bow. But I planned on using bait as well dos anybody have any good ideas??


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[Machias]

What information are you looking for?  Bait selection or area recommendation?  I'd be happy to try and help.

[bearpaw]

I'm sure any advice Machias gives you will be good advice. Be sure to read the Idaho regulations, check the notes for any unit you want to hunt to see if baiting is prohibited and then read the rules pertaining to bear baiting. You'll find the pertinent info in the big game regulations.

https://idfg.idaho.gov/sites/default/files/seasons-rules-big-game-2025.pdf#page=70

A few General Tips & Etiquette
 - Google this: "how to bait bear in Idaho"
 - Get a bear bait permit and tags
 - Take the bear test
 - You can find various bear bait for sale on facebook marketplace
 - Some units require a full price tag, some units you can use a reduced price tag
 - Don't hunt another hunters bait
 - Don't set your bait up in close proximity to another active bait
 - There are old bait sites all over the mountains, I would only be concerned with avoiding active baits
 - Use a trailcam and be aware if sows with cubs are coming to your bait so you don't make a mistake
 - If you get a grizzly at your bait discontinue that bait and avoid that area
 - Be sure your bait has no garbage in it
 - Be courteous and friendly but I would avoid letting people know where you have your bait

[hughjorgan]

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-pursuit/id1474883341?i=1000710404797

This is a good listen for baiting strategies for black bear.

[kodiak06]

Bait could be a waste of time if ya not there long enough to scout and make sure no other bait stations are nearby and time's limited. Go bait the first day it's legal, most bait will be established before the opener.

[Dreaded Archer24]

I planned on batting before the opener. I already have a couple units that I’m looking at and I know one unit particular allows baiting a week before the opener.


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[Machias]

It'll depend on if you can access the area due to snow and or slides.  One year in Unit 10, Every road I tried to access was closed due to rock, tree and mud slides.  I also find when I bait a new location, particularly early in the spring it can take a couple of weeks before the first bear finds it.  I would recommend get some used fryer grease and put some on top of the barrel and on the ground in front of the hole.  That way when the first bear does find it, he'll be nice enough to leave a calling card back to the bait as he walks around for other bears.  If you are going to use bread for bait, I think you'll find it will be a moldy mess if it takes the bears very long to find it.

[Naches Sportsman]

It'll depend on if you can access the area due to snow and or slides.  One year in Unit 10, Every road I tried to access was closed due to rock, tree and mud slides.

And this is the exact scenario this year too, at least for unit 10.

The logging country is fairing better for baiting this year as most of the main haul roads have been cleaned up or are being cleared right now for planting season just around the corner.

[Boss .300 winmag]

It'll depend on if you can access the area due to snow and or slides.  One year in Unit 10, Every road I tried to access was closed due to rock, tree and mud slides.  I also find when I bait a new location, particularly early in the spring it can take a couple of weeks before the first bear finds it.  I would recommend get some used fryer grease and put some on top of the barrel and on the ground in front of the hole.  That way when the first bear does find it, he'll be nice enough to leave a calling card back to the bait as he walks around for other bears.  If you are going to use bread for bait, I think you'll find it will be a moldy mess if it takes the bears very long to find it.

Will they eat moldy stuff?