BLACK BEAR HUNTING GUIDE SERVICE, HOUND HUNTS & BAIT SETTING

GUIDED BLACK BEAR HUNTS IN NORTHERN WISCONSIN FOR ZONE A

LADYSMITH, WI

BEAR HUNTING INFORMATION LETTER

I offer both hound hunts and bait sitting hunts in Zone A of Wisconsin. The hound hunts are on public land in northern Rusk and Sawyer counties. For bait sitting, I offer private land with enclosed hunting stands. Lodging and meals are not included in my hunts. There are places to stay and meals in the Ladysmith area. I live approximately 8 miles north of Ladysmith on a three-generation farm. I will explain some basic info on both types of hunts.

ON THE HOUND HUNTS, you will arrive out to my farm at 5 AM and you will ride with me. We will start by checking all the bait sites for activity. I do use trail cameras so we will know the approximate size of the bear and times the baits were hit. Depending on the size of the bear you have chosen for your hunt, I will let the hounds loose on the bait and begin the run. I have GPS collars on all my dogs so we will know exactly where they are and when they are treed or bayed up. At that time, we will go in on the easiest and quickest route to their location. I have GPS coordinates on all the trails and roads, etc. recorded and have hunted the area for many years. My hunting trucks are the smaller Toyotas. Sometimes I have a helper in one of my trucks and sometimes we would be hunting alone. I do not use a large group. We will most likely retrieve your bear with the help of the 6-wheeler. I have had people of all ages, male and female, from 7 years old to 80 years old have successful hound hunts. Each hunt being a hunt of a lifetime!

On hound hunts, you may move up to another size bear if you choose to at the time but the hound hunts do go by the size of the bear for the price of the hunt. You have the option of passing on the bear when you get to the tree or accepting it. You must wait for me to tell you when to shoot as I need to leash the dogs back and ensure their safety first.

BAIT SITTING HUNTS are a straight price not depending on the size of the bear. I have enclosed hunting stands on private land. Shot distances are 20-30 yards except for one which has a 90 yard shot. My hunts include the active working bait and I supply and do all the baiting including the baiting during the hunt season for you. With trail cameras on all the bait sites, I will give you suggested times for being at your bait sitting stand depending on the active times of the baits.. Depending on your site, I bring you in on a 6-wheeler or truck and either pick you up at the end of the hunt hours or instruct you otherwise. When you have shot your bear, I will come and help you get it out with the 6-wheeler or truck. After picking it up, we will bring it back to the farm for gutting, weighing, and photo taking. I have a skid steer and pallets to make everything as easy as possible.

FOR BOTH HOUND HUNTS AND BAIT SITTING HUNTS, you may have it skinned at a nearby butcher shop. If you prefer to skin it yourself, you may return to the farm and do it here.

GENERAL INFORMATION

I start baiting all my bait sites as soon as legally possible, mid-April, and bait regularly throughout the summer and through hunting season. My baits are well established. I have a wide variety of bait available and also use scents during season.. To begin with, the baits are baited every 3 days until training season for hounds begins in July, then more often depending on weather and keeping the legal limits of 10 gallons per bait available. Then daily through the hunting season.

In cases where the weather is not cooperating with your hunt time, as extreme rain, you may have to have patience to wait until another day. This is part of hunting.

I will do my best to help you get your bear- this includes that if you don't get your bear during your hunt time chosen, I will extend your time, let you come back at another time or use a different bait site, etc., if you can. I have also had instances of taking someone hound hunting in the morning and having them sit at night. If someone is a bait sitter and they end up hound hunting, then the cost of the hunt is adjusted to the size of the bear. I can explain to you the cost difference in these situations.

AS FAR AS SUCCESS RATES- I have had many years of 100% success, 2020 was 100% success. Some years have not been for the following reasons. Some of the hunters have chosen not to stay their allowed days for their hunts due to jobs, family instances, etc. Also, I have had people disturbing their hunts with cell phone use, too much personal noise or odor from colognes has affected hunts. You also don't go for a walk around your bait sitting site. You must practice your shooting skills, as some people have wounded their bears and this has affected success rates as well.

YOU CAN CALL ME and I will answer additional questions, discuss available dates, and talk to you about your personal situation and what would be best for you. It is always good to talk to the guide and get as much information as possible. It doesn't matter if you are an experienced hunter or on your first hunt, all questions are important and the more info you have the better prepared for your hunt you will be. (I do not do the emailing or text messaging so prefer phone calls otherwise your email will be relayed to me and answered).

TO BOOK A HUNT WITH ME, send a copy of the price list with your deposit to reserve your hunt. The price list will be emailed or mailed to you. It is best to book early to get your choice of dates. I take a limited amount of both hound hunters and bait sitters. Before your hunt, I will mail you an info pack that includes lodging and other helpful information. Always feel welcome to call as you prepare for your hunt, no question is too small.

GET READY FOR YOUR HUNT OF A LIFETIME! - DAVE