Quick Answer
If bears discover your bait early, quickly and quietly relocate the bait to a new location, ideally 1-2 miles away from the original site, and set up a new trail camera to monitor the area.
Relocating the Bait
When bears discover your bait early, it’s essential to relocate it as soon as possible to avoid attracting more bears to the area. Choose a new location with suitable terrain and adequate cover, ideally 1-2 miles away from the original site. This distance should be far enough to prevent the bears from linking the new bait to the original location.
Setting Up the New Bait Station
Once you’ve relocated the bait, set up a new bait station with a sturdy stand or hanger to securely suspend the bait. Make sure the stand is at least 10-15 feet off the ground to prevent bears from accessing the bait by climbing. Also, consider using a bait bag or a container with a secure latch to prevent the bears from opening it.
Monitoring the New Bait Station
Set up a trail camera near the new bait station to monitor the area and observe the bear activity. This will help you determine if the bears have linked the new bait to the original location and if they’re likely to visit the new site. Keep in mind that you should not over-bait the new location, as this can attract more bears and create a negative impact on the local bear population.
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