What time of day is best for hunting over bait?

Pre-Dawn to Late Morning: Setting Up Bait Stations

When setting up bait stations for spring bear hunting, consider the timing of green-up, which usually occurs around late April to early May. During this period, bears are attracted to the new vegetation and bait stations can be effective in the pre-dawn to late morning hours (4-9 am). This timing allows you to glass clearcuts and anticipate bear movements before they visit the bait stations.

Late Morning to Early Afternoon: Spot and Stalk Bear Hunting

As the morning wears off, bears tend to become more active and visit bait stations in the late morning to early afternoon (1-3 pm). This is an ideal time for spot and stalk bear hunting. Take note of the bear’s movement patterns, and set up a vantage point to observe and stalk the bear. Be prepared to move quickly and quietly to get into position for a shot.

Evening Hours: Avoiding Bait Stations

As the day wears on, bears tend to become less active and visit bait stations less frequently. Avoid setting up at bait stations during the evening hours (6 pm onwards), as the bears are less likely to visit, and you may end up wasting time. Instead, focus on glassing clearcuts and anticipating bear movements during the late morning to early afternoon hours when the bears are most active.