The thrill of a Maine black bear hunt over bait or trapping is unlike any other. Maine is home to a big bear population with many bears over 250lbs. Bear hunting is a long tradition in Maine and Guide Chris dumont has been doing bear hunting since he was old enough to carry buckets of bait into the woods. It's truly a fun and blood pumping experience.
What to Expect on a Maine Bear Hunting Trip Over Bait or Trapping
If you're looking for an exciting and rewarding bear hunting experience, Maine offers one of the best opportunities in the country. With a strong black bear population and well-managed hunting seasons, hunters can pursue bears over bait or by trapping. Here's what you can expect on a guided hunt:
Hunting Over Bait
Hunting bears over bait is a highly effective and popular method in Maine. Guides spend weeks preparing sites, ensuring the bears are actively feeding in the area before hunters arrive.
What to Expect: • Pre-Hunt Scouting: We monitor bait sites using trail cameras to identify active locations with quality bears. • Afternoon Hunts: Most bear activity occurs in the late afternoon and evening, so expect to be in the stand for several hours before dusk. • Patience is Key: Bears can be cautious, often circling downwind before committing to the bait. A steady hand and good shot placement are critical. • Comfortable Stands: Hunts take place from tree stands or ground blinds, positioned for optimal shooting lanes and wind direction.
Hunting with Traps
Maine is one of the few states where bear trapping is legal, offering a unique and challenging way to harvest a bear. This method requires setting cable foot snares in well-traveled bear corridors.
What to Expect: • Morning Trap Checks: By law, traps must be checked every day, meaning early mornings and dedication to responsible trapping. • Setting the Right Locations: We place traps in areas with high bear activity, often near natural food sources. • Close-Range Encounters: Trapping allows for controlled and ethical harvesting at close range, ensuring a quick, clean kill.
General Expectations for Your Trip • Season: The baiting season typically runs from late August through September, while trapping starts at the same time and extends into October. • Success Rates: Guided hunts over bait have high success rates, with many hunters seeing multiple bears. Trapping can also be very effective with proper setup. • Regulations & Licensing: You'll need a bear hunting permit and must follow all Maine laws regarding baiting and trapping. Your guide will help ensure compliance. • Preparation: Bring quality optics, scent control, and a reliable rifle or bow. A calm, steady shot is crucial for a clean harvest.
At Moose Horn Guide Service, we take pride in offering a well-prepared, ethical, and unforgettable bear hunting experience. Whether you choose to hunt over bait or try your hand at trapping, we'll provide expert guidance and put you in the best position for success.
Ready for your Maine bear hunting adventure? Contact us today to book your trip!
📞 207-852-8758 📧 moosehorngs@(url removed)
Gun, bow, crossbow
Gun bow muzzleloader or crossbow. We sight in all weapons before the hunt so we know your dialed in to make a clean ethical harvest. We have a 3d archery range for archers and a gun range for guns.
Bear over bait- $2200 includes site, treestand or ground blind setup and game recovery. Addition tag for trapping a second bear is $800.
Bear trapping- $1200. Includes trap setup, site and game recovery.
Client is responsible for all licenses and permits
10% deposit upon booking. Nonrefundable after 1 year from booking if not used.
We do remote camping for bear hunts. If client needs special accommodations we will do our best to do so. Food and drinks included
Additional persons attending but not hunting are extra $175 a day.
Will do our best to accommodate anyone's needs
We don't require any physical requirements. We ask that you not drink or smoke on our sites. Scent control is huge with bear hunting.
Client is responsible for obtaining all permits and license. Bear trapping license is online course through Maine inland fish and wildlife. Regular bear permit can obtain online.