Cub Survival Odds

[haus]

As for shooting a sow with cubs - if this years cubs, don't even consider it.  If last years cubs, I would take the sow.

As for baiting - I would definitely not bait.  I love that fact that our state has no hound hunting and baiting because it makes great opportunities for spot and stalk bear hunting which is what I really love any ways.  I have no desire to spend hours in a tree stand watching a barrel and waiting for a bear to walk in, I much prefer to go hiking around and try to find them.  I hunt all the same areas my dad used to hunt when he was younger and he says he never saw the number of bears that we see now.  I think that is in a large part due to the lack of baiting and hound hunting.  Our state is actually good for one thing - we have arguably the best spot and stalk black bear hunting in the west.  Considering our deer and elk hunting sucks so much, I want at least one species that has some good hunting. 

Personally, I am happy we have no baiting or hound hunting.

How the hell? 'Our deer and elk hunting sucks, but your glad we cant bait or hound hunt for bears' thats how I interpreted this post. did I read it wrong?

[Kain]

Maybe the deer and elk hunting would be better if we didnt have so many predators.

[Machias]

As for shooting a sow with cubs - if this years cubs, don't even consider it.  If last years cubs, I would take the sow.

As for baiting - I would definitely not bait.  I love that fact that our state has no hound hunting and baiting because it makes great opportunities for spot and stalk bear hunting which is what I really love any ways.  I have no desire to spend hours in a tree stand watching a barrel and waiting for a bear to walk in, I much prefer to go hiking around and try to find them.  I hunt all the same areas my dad used to hunt when he was younger and he says he never saw the number of bears that we see now.  I think that is in a large part due to the lack of baiting and hound hunting.  Our state is actually good for one thing - we have arguably the best spot and stalk black bear hunting in the west.  Considering our deer and elk hunting sucks so much, I want at least one species that has some good hunting. 

Personally, I am happy we have no baiting or hound hunting.

    Dude your absolutely clueless.

[singleshot12]

When you think about it, baiting or hounding isn't really "true hunting".  Using food to bring the bear to you!  Using dogs to do your hunting!
But it is most definitely the easiest and most effective way to control bear populations and right now bears are out of control in most areas.
What is not fair for the rest of us is all the people that do still bait!!  They should still play by the rules.

[GoldTip]

"When you think about it, baiting or hounding isn't really "true hunting".  Using food to bring the bear to you!  Using dogs to do your hunting!"

Have you ever tried either method of hunting?  And yes I said hunting. 

[singleshot12]

Not hound hunting or baiting!  But would if legal.

Spot and stalked bear for about 7 years and have only taken two.  Definately rewarding though

[runamuk]

I'm gonna disagree with you hunting with hounds is absolutely hunting in fact it is one of the oldest forms of hunting and is being lost...ever seen those old old tapestries with men on horses following the hounds hunting everything from deer to boars to wolves they also used birds to me this is one of the most fascinating and alluring forms of hunting out there.

If a person sits and watches a berry patch they are using food to bring a bear to them no difference when baiting except it can allow for a easier detection of sows with little cubs.....

[singleshot12]

Ok yeah they are a "form of hunting"  and I would love to try it.

[Kain]

Im not really following you on what "true hunting" is.  There are many forms of hunting.  Spot and stalk, ambush, long range, baiting or luring, hounding or herding.  You can find forms of all these techniques use by animals to "hunt".  

Humans have developed tool use, strategy, and intellect in place of claws, teeth, speed, hearing, smelling, eye sight.  How are we any less of a predator if we use our gifts to harvest animals?  

Do you think a lion gives a rip how anyone feels about setting up at a water hole to harvest an animal.  Do you think it cares how "fair' or "sportsmanlike" killing baby animals or cornering something so it cant get away.  Of course they dont because they are hunters and so are we.
 

[singleshot12]

True hunting as in using your own tracking,stalking,glassing skills etc.

And agree baiting and hounding never should have been banned.

[singleshot12]

Maybe "true hunting" wasn't the right term. What I meant was "hunting one on one", using your own instincs and senses to harvest an animal.  Not using glazed donuts or bacon grease to bring a bear in or using man's best friend to chase him up a tree.
Still hunting just differant that's all.

[haus]

True hunting as in using your own tracking,stalking,glassing skills etc.

Thats not true hunting, thats just a different way to hunt. I'm an archery hunter, am I more of a true hunter than a rifle hunter? No. Your definition of 'true hunting' is another guys definition of doing it the 'easy way'. Where do you draw the line?

[haus]

Maybe "true hunting" wasn't the right term. What I meant was "hunting one on one", using your own instincs and senses to harvest an animal.  Not using glazed donuts or bacon grease to bring a bear in or using man's best friend to chase him up a tree.
Still hunting just differant that's all.

There ya go 

[singleshot12]

Like I said above i'd probabely bait and use dogs too if legal because it would take alot less hours to get an animal.

But personally think it would be more rewarding doing it the other way. The hard way 

[Kain]

Maybe "true hunting" wasn't the right term. What I meant was "hunting one on one", using your own instincs and senses to harvest an animal.  Not using glazed donuts or bacon grease to bring a bear in or using man's best friend to chase him up a tree.
Still hunting just differant that's all.

I see where you are coming from I just have to disagree.  How is using a food source any different than using a call, decoy or scent attractant?  Are those things not hunting?  So are tree stands "not" hunting?  You are not using your tracking, glassing, stalking skills if you are in a tree stand or hunting blind.  Of course you have to pattern the animals, locate a stratigic spot for the stand, use camo to remain undetected...Oh wait the same things you do when baiting.  

Hunting is: Using your resources to locate, pursue, and harvest something.