Bait-Master's Black Bear
Hunting
.. virtually all of the bait sites are set up for close shooting
as many of our clients are archers. 15 to 20 yard shots are
planned. Rifle hunters can usually see significantly longer
distances as bears approach on trails or move through clearings.
.. Saskatchewan hunting regulations require all centerfire
rifle hunters to wear a red, yellow or blaze orange hat and
a complete outer covering of white, blaze orange, red or yellow.
.. Saskatchewan hunting regulations allow archers and muzzleloader
hunters to wear camo during their hunts.
.. Baitmasters has a complete selection of treestands. The
hunter can have his choice of ladder stands, hanging stands
and self-climbing stands. Our stands are in perfect condition.
Safety is our first concern. Safety belts are highly recommended
and provided for each hunter's use.
.. baits are checked and maintained to ensure the presence
of bears and hunters are only placed on active baits. Guides
check and replenish baits daily.
.. all bears are skinned and prepared for shipment to a taxidermist.
Hides are frozen immediately.
.. Baitmasters recommends a minimum caliber of .270 Winchester
and we highly suggest the use of heavy, premium grade bullets.
.. all hunters are instructed on optimum shot placement prior
to their hunt.
.. fishing season is open during the spring hunt and there
is lots of opportunity to catch northern pike and walleys.
.. waterfowl season opens during the fall hunt and hunters
can book combination hunts, hunting ducks and geese in the
mornings and bears in the later part of the day.
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Read the following little story - slowly - because this is
hunting with Bait-Masters.
A branch snaps somewhere, but you were daydreaming and can
not decide which direction the sound came from. Another sound,
was that a branch being brushed aside? Nothing for almost
a minute, then another branch snaps and this time you know
it is from the main trail, and close. Without moving your
head you shift your vision to scan as much of that trail as
possible.
You force an exhale as you realize that you have been holding
your breath.
The forest is still. No little birds flitting about. No squirrels
scampering up and down trees and chattering and scolding unseen
dangers. Even the ever-croaking frogs have shut up.
Shadows have been changing shapes and density as the sun's
feeble rays try to illuminate the forest. Night is taking
over. But there is still enough light to see colors, to watch
the trails that approach the bait site, and to see your crosshairs.
You slowly move one arm and bend the hand downward, exposing
your wristwatch. Fifteen minutes of legal hunting time remain.
Fifteen minutes that can justify sitting in a tree for four
hours.
Suddenly a black shadow transforms into bear and a huge bruin
walks silently to the bait drum. Small head and big butt,
almost no ears! Those are the signs of a big one and you check
each criteria. To top it off he has a small diamond shaped
white patch at the bottom of his throat and his coat shines
as he passes through a beam of sunlight crossing the trail.
He is a dandy. Without any hesitation he stands beside the
drum and tips it over with both paws. Then he drops to all
fours and tries to tear the lid off with his powerful claws.
Giving up he rolls the barrel a short distance until the heavy
cable stops its movement. He peers into the holes in the side
of the drum and picks scraps up from the ground. Suddenly
his hackles rise and he peers over to one side. Low murmurs
warn another bear that this is his spot, and you hear a sudden
crash as the intruder rushes off.
Your heart pounds as your find the safety. He looks away
and you slowly bring the rifle to your shoulder, slip off
the safety and concentrate on placing the crosshairs perfectly.
Through the scope he is even bigger than you imagined! He
turns broadside - offering a perfect shot at the heavy muscled
shoulder.
How does this all turn out? Come up to Bait-Masters to find
out for yourself!
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