Using Scents for Bear?...

[MDGrand]

I had a buddy ask me a question the other day.. and I am not sure of the answer.. can you use scents when bear hunting? I know you can not use bait.. however a scent is not bait. I looked through the regs and I could not find anything about it. So I thought I would ask you guys. I am pretty sure you can use scents for deer and elk..right? Why not for bear?

[machine]

I think cover scents are ok.If it smells like food it's illegal.

[whacker1]

Dang I was going to wipe maple bars all over my hunting clothes and rattle some garbage can lids for my calls......  

I think anything that smells like food is considered baiting.  I think you are o.k. with deer and elk urine or something similar as a cover scent.

[MDGrand]

I have seen all sorts of different bear scents though.. most notibly the one my buddy was asking about the other day in the store seemed like it was very very sweet smelling... at least that is what the bottle says. Definitely not an estrus smell froma deer or elk..

[machine]

Bear bomb?They sold it at joes but is a nogo in Washington.

[MDGrand]

Nope..not called Bear Bomb.. I think its called Wildlife Research Bear Lure.. Red label .

[bearmanric]

dont use them. you cant even use cover sent. Rick

[bearmanric]

ultimate bear lure. it is a atractor Rick

[saylean]

Scents are considered baiting...I will post the thread on it when I find it.

[WDFW-SUX]

ILLEGAL!

[saylean]

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=77.15.245

Pay attention to Part 1.(d)

A scent would be considered a "substance".

As previously stated, ILLEGAL.

And yes, you can use scents for deer and elk.

[h20hunter]

Just hang your camo in the kitchen and after cooking up your pre-hunt breakfast of bacon and eggs you will smell great!

[MikeWalking]

I remember looking at the rules online, can't remember which .Gov page it was but it had added  ''this includes the scents sold at Cabela's''

[Kain]

This comes up a few times every year.  It is good that you asked because its not legal.  Here is a copy of the email I got back when I asked the WDFW for a clarification.

Dear Mr. Kain,

Thank you for contacting the Wildlife Program with your question on bait.  As defined in RCW 77.15.245 bait is defined as “a substance placed, exposed, deposited, distributed, scattered, or otherwise used for the purpose of attracting black bears to an area where one or more persons hunt or intend to hunt them.”
 
This includes scents, and other popular attractants sold by sporting goods stores.
 
If you have any further questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to contact the Wildlife Program at (360) 902-2515.
 
Sincerely,
 
Mike Day
Customer Service Specialist
Wildlife Program

[MDGrand]

I thought they were illegal.. thanks for the info everyone. I will pass it on.