Bear Baiting for Trail Camera

[runamuk]

RCW 77.15.245
Unlawful practices — Black bear baiting — Exceptions — Illegal hunting — Use of dogs — Exceptions — Penalties.

(1) Notwithstanding the provisions of RCW 77.12.240, *77.36.020, 77.36.030, or any other provisions of law, it is unlawful to take, hunt, or attract black bear with the aid of bait.

    

     (d) As used in this subsection, "bait" means 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.

highlighted section open to interpretation interpretation...... and I read it literally to mean any sort of baiting...you may read it as only for hunting  and the game warden may read it as somewhere in between in which case you find yourself with a ticket and a court date....

[Ray]

Well now that you point out that different section I would say that I would agree. However if you have a good attorney I think you could get off if ever charged and you did not intend to hunt. Mostly because of somewhat contradicting matters in the law.

[bobcat]

Seems the only way it would be ok to bait bears into a trail cam setup would be if you were not a licensed hunter, and/or you are doing it in an area where hunting is not allowed. Otherwise, if you do it, even if your only intent is to bait deer or elk, the smart thing to do would be to simply not post the bear pictures on the internet.

[Ray]

even if your only intent is to bait deer or elk, the smart thing to do would be to simply not post the bear pictures on the internet.

Probably true.

[rasbo]

oh no now the bounty hunters will be after you.........

[Ray]

If rasbo shows up at your bait station I hope your camera doesn't take any pictures.

[rasbo]

If rasbo shows up at your bait station I hope your camera doesn't take any pictures.

:chuckle:hmm photo op for the new spring line up

[runamuk]

If rasbo shows up at your bait station I hope your camera doesn't take any pictures.

:chuckle:hmm photo op for the new spring line up

so what sort of bait does one use to attract a Rasbo   

[bigtex]

Seems the only way it would be ok to bait bears into a trail cam setup would be if you were not a licensed hunter, and/or you are doing it in an area where hunting is not allowed. Otherwise, if you do it, even if your only intent is to bait deer or elk, the smart thing to do would be to simply not post the bear pictures on the internet.

 

I too have been told by several WDFW Officers that it is illegal to place bait, no matter if you plan to hunt or not. Just remember that a conviction of baiting bears will mean the suspension of your hunting rights for 5 years! Plus the additional court fines, lawyer fees, etc. I have even heard stories of WDFW Officers going on to private property to confirm reports/complaints of people baiting.

[rasbo]

If rasbo shows up at your bait station I hope your camera doesn't take any pictures.

:chuckle:hmm photo op for the new spring line up

so what sort of bait does one use to attract a Rasbo   

bears

[Bofire]

  anything in a bikini!!
 
Carl

[runamuk]

anything in a bikini!!
 
Carl

bears in bikini's   

[predatorpro]

you were baiting for coyotes any ways right? you had no intent to attract any beers to your trailcam right? what do bears look like again? hehe just play the i dont know nothin card

[Lowedog]

Seems the only way it would be ok to bait bears into a trail cam setup would be if you were not a licensed hunter, and/or you are doing it in an area where hunting is not allowed. Otherwise, if you do it, even if your only intent is to bait deer or elk, the smart thing to do would be to simply not post the bear pictures on the internet.

 

I too have been told by several WDFW Officers that it is illegal to place bait, no matter if you plan to hunt or not. Just remember that a conviction of baiting bears will mean the suspension of your hunting rights for 5 years! Plus the additional court fines, lawyer fees, etc. I have even heard stories of WDFW Officers going on to private property to confirm reports/complaints of people baiting.

I think it would be hard to get a conviction if it was a deer feed block set in front of a trail camera.  I read it as the bait has to be used with an intent to hunt bears.  I have set deer feed blocks out in front of my cameras and bears love them.  Now if you have pics of bears and then kill one out of the same area then you might be in trouble.  

[saylean]

Bears in a bikini would also attract saylean....maybe I could get POM then!

Also ladies and gents...

SCENTS ARE CONSIDERED BAITING.

Clear as mud now huh.