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Author Topic: Bait Barrel input please.  (Read 1841 times)

BruceW

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Bait Barrel input please.
« on: February 17, 2014, 05:17:55 PM »
Starting to plan a spring bearhunt. Have two drums of approx. 20gal. (maybe 36" by 16" max)capacity(will be checked every day; they're small so easy to handle since it'll likely be a solo 2 wk hunt, +, it's what I have.)

I'm wondering about the feedhole size. I'm thinking an elongated oval 5.5" by 2.5" about 6" from the floor of the drum. Size sound about right, too small, am I overthinking this?



Also, plan on using popcorn/dogfood/barley/marshmallow bait covered in thinned out molasses with strawberry jello; sent up the area with a pancake syrup/jello, "honey burn", and hang strips of rag with some Really strong beaver scent up high. Sound like a good plan?

Thanks for your input.
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walleyes

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #1 on: February 17, 2014, 06:40:53 PM »
Sounds to me like you got it nailed Bruce,, like you say no need to over think it, if it looks good it probably is.

A person doesn't need the holes to big all you want is for them to be able to get a treat out of it not fill up on it daily. Knock a few gashes along the sides of the drum with your axe as well, let's the wind blow through it and spread the scent around better, and when they are tossing it around more junk can fall out keeping them interested. Don't be shy to clean out the freezer and put some of that junk up there. One thing we use a lot of is deep fryer grease. Why I like it is it smells powerful and it sticks to stuff. Spread a bunch in and around your barrels around is the important part. As bears come and feed they walk and trample in the oil and it sticks on their paws and as they leave and travel around they leave a scent trail leading back to you bait for other bears to zone in on.

Most importantly,, bring the camera man,, we all want the pics..

« Last Edit: February 18, 2014, 06:04:23 AM by walleyes »
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BruceW

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2014, 08:46:54 AM »
Thanks, I'll definitely have trailcamera's up.  This is all new to me, so should be exciting.
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Weste

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2014, 11:14:17 AM »
Put some thought into how you might attach to a tree as well, don't want the bear taking off with your barrel.  We usually chain the barrel to a tree so that it can go around the tree continuously.  You don't want them to be able to put tension on the chain otherwise they will be able to break it.

Hole sizes sound good, don't go too big, gotta make them work for food...and stay at the barrel longer.
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Doug N

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #4 on: February 18, 2014, 06:05:21 PM »
We don't use any feeding holes, just drain holes. We use grating on the top and wire to the barrel. Depending on the #of wraps, you can prevent smaller bears from cleaning you out. A big bear will come in and pull the grating with 3 or 4 wraps of 18 ga wire easily. A smaller bear won't be able to pop the grating.

With a bait like chicken guts, you can also leave the barrel intact, weld a chain/swivel on the bottom, and leave bungs in place. Slash holes in the side with an axe and allow drainage. The bears will roll the barrel around and eat as the guts drain out the holes.
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nube

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2014, 12:05:01 AM »
i used to guide for bears for years.  If youa re using Oats don't got bigger than  1" holes in your barrel.  Max of 2 of them.  They will clean them out otherwise.  We used to use Oats mixed with resurant grease, sugar, smoke flavor and bacon bits.  It he hole was biger than 1" they cleaned it out in no time and it will cost you a pile to keep it full.  Also used 20 gallon drums with a 5x 4 inch hole hung from a treebranch with a beaver in it.  If it is in a tree theyhave a harder time getting the beaver out.  If it is on the ground they can work it too hard. 
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Tuc

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #6 on: February 19, 2014, 04:13:43 PM »
I know there are many things used to bait bears but this one sounds cheap to use and easy to make.


I too am thinking about a bear hunt this spring, if I shoot one I want to cue the skin myself. I have been studing the videos on YT. Any of you guys a pro at cuing skins? Any tips?
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SnapShot

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Re: Bait Barrel input please.
« Reply #7 on: February 22, 2014, 05:39:51 PM »
Quote from: nube on February 19, 2014, 12:05:01 AM
i used to guide for bears for years.  If youa re using Oats don't got bigger than  1" holes in your barrel.  Max of 2 of them.  They will clean them out otherwise.  We used to use Oats mixed with resurant grease, sugar, smoke flavor and bacon bits.  It he hole was biger than 1" they cleaned it out in no time and it will cost you a pile to keep it full.  Also used 20 gallon drums with a 5x 4 inch hole hung from a treebranch with a beaver in it.  If it is in a tree theyhave a harder time getting the beaver out.  If it is on the ground they can work it too hard.

X2
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