Post by ridge on Aug 6, 2021 17:53:49 GMT -5
FAQ: The bear baiting season
With the bear baiting period opening soon, many bear hunters are itching to hit the woods to scout and establish their bait sites for the fall hunt. To help you prepare, we’ve asked the Michigan Department of Natural Resources large carnivore specialist, Cody Norton, to answer the most frequently asked questions about bear baiting.
Can I use bait barrels on DNR lands?
No. The use of bait barrels is no longer allowed on DNR-managed lands. Bear bait barrels were previously allowed on DNR-managed lands for a two-year trial period during the 2019-2020 bear seasons.
Can I use bait barrels on private lands?
Yes. Bait barrels with a maximum hole diameter of 1 inch are still allowed on private land.
What can I use to contain the bait on public lands?
Dead and downed trees, rocks, soil and other natural materials may be used. On public lands (including commercial forest lands), you cannot use metal containers, plastic, wood, concrete, glass, fabric, cloth, paper or other man-made materials at a bait station.
Are there any types of baits that can be used statewide and in unlimited quantities?
Yes. Meat and meat products, including dog food; fish and fish products, including cat food; and bakery/confectionery products, including jams, jellies, sweeteners, candies, and other cooked or commercially processed products such as pie filling, yogurts or granola.
In areas where baiting for deer is illegal, are there restrictions on the types of foods I can use to bait bear?
Yes. In areas where baiting for deer is illegal, you may hunt over only meat, meat products, fish, fish products or bakery/confectionery products.
In areas where baiting for deer is legal, are there restrictions on the types of foods I can use to bait bear?
In addition to meat, meat products, fish, fish products and bakery/confectionery products, hunters in areas where baiting for deer is legal may also use other types of bait with the following timing and quantity restrictions: Prior to Sept. 15, the only bait that attracts deer that may be used to bait bear is grain. This bait must be inaccessible to deer and elk and must be limited to 2 gallons per bait station. After Sept. 15, you may use grains, fruits, vegetables, salts and minerals, but bait is limited to 2 gallons per bait station.
Where can I find a complete list of bear baiting and hunting regulations?
The 2021 Black Bear Digest can be picked up wherever licenses are sold or found online at Michigan.gov/Bear. Download a digital copy to your phone and have it with you wherever you go.
For many hunters, the thrill of experiencing a bear hunting season has been long-awaited. Ensure a safe and legal hunt by reading the 2021 Black Bear Digest, discussing your plans with fellow hunters and bear guides, and reaching out to the DNR with any remaining questions you have. Bear hunters can begin baiting for bear 31 days prior to the open season date of the bear management unit they were issued a license for.
Still have questions? Write to us at DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov.
Bear hunting ► www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79147_81579---,00.html?utm_capaign=bear%20baiting%20faq&utm_mmedium=mkt%20email&utm_source=govdelivery
With the bear baiting period opening soon, many bear hunters are itching to hit the woods to scout and establish their bait sites for the fall hunt. To help you prepare, we’ve asked the Michigan Department of Natural Resources large carnivore specialist, Cody Norton, to answer the most frequently asked questions about bear baiting.
Can I use bait barrels on DNR lands?
No. The use of bait barrels is no longer allowed on DNR-managed lands. Bear bait barrels were previously allowed on DNR-managed lands for a two-year trial period during the 2019-2020 bear seasons.
Can I use bait barrels on private lands?
Yes. Bait barrels with a maximum hole diameter of 1 inch are still allowed on private land.
What can I use to contain the bait on public lands?
Dead and downed trees, rocks, soil and other natural materials may be used. On public lands (including commercial forest lands), you cannot use metal containers, plastic, wood, concrete, glass, fabric, cloth, paper or other man-made materials at a bait station.
Are there any types of baits that can be used statewide and in unlimited quantities?
Yes. Meat and meat products, including dog food; fish and fish products, including cat food; and bakery/confectionery products, including jams, jellies, sweeteners, candies, and other cooked or commercially processed products such as pie filling, yogurts or granola.
In areas where baiting for deer is illegal, are there restrictions on the types of foods I can use to bait bear?
Yes. In areas where baiting for deer is illegal, you may hunt over only meat, meat products, fish, fish products or bakery/confectionery products.
In areas where baiting for deer is legal, are there restrictions on the types of foods I can use to bait bear?
In addition to meat, meat products, fish, fish products and bakery/confectionery products, hunters in areas where baiting for deer is legal may also use other types of bait with the following timing and quantity restrictions: Prior to Sept. 15, the only bait that attracts deer that may be used to bait bear is grain. This bait must be inaccessible to deer and elk and must be limited to 2 gallons per bait station. After Sept. 15, you may use grains, fruits, vegetables, salts and minerals, but bait is limited to 2 gallons per bait station.
Where can I find a complete list of bear baiting and hunting regulations?
The 2021 Black Bear Digest can be picked up wherever licenses are sold or found online at Michigan.gov/Bear. Download a digital copy to your phone and have it with you wherever you go.
For many hunters, the thrill of experiencing a bear hunting season has been long-awaited. Ensure a safe and legal hunt by reading the 2021 Black Bear Digest, discussing your plans with fellow hunters and bear guides, and reaching out to the DNR with any remaining questions you have. Bear hunters can begin baiting for bear 31 days prior to the open season date of the bear management unit they were issued a license for.
Still have questions? Write to us at DNR-Wildlife@Michigan.gov.
Bear hunting ► www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,4570,7-350-79119_79147_81579---,00.html?utm_capaign=bear%20baiting%20faq&utm_mmedium=mkt%20email&utm_source=govdelivery