Bear Trapping

[Minkman]

I was over joyed to learn that I'll have a chance to bear trap next year in Maine. I tried a search on GBO for bear trapping and didn't get much. Did anyone from GBO ever try this? Is it possible to do this on your own w/o a guide? Where do I find out more about how to trap bears (I have a video and book)? Thanks for the help. Jerry

[Bogmaster]

Jerry,while Minnesota has one of the largest bear populations in the country,we don't trap them.Only one or two states allow bear trapping.
 Contact the Maine Trappers Association,I am sure someone will be able to give you more information.
 Tom

[woodtick]

Footholds for bears are illegal up here, but we can snare them with the Aldrich type Foot snare. The hardware may be different but the sets themselves are basically the same. As for trapping a bear without a guide: Sure you can, as long as it is legal for a nonresident to do so without a guide.
If you have any specific questions, I'll try to help the best I can.

[Asa Lenon]

I don't know what the law reads in Maine concerning sets made for bear but over the years i've caught literally scores and scores  of bear in dirt hole sets made for coyote and lured with my Coyote Super Range All Call.  They just can't pass that lure!  Smaller bear up to 100 lbs or so were many times still in the trap when I arrived but would make one big lunge and tear out the trap jaws.  Larger bear of course either pulled the jaws out right away or straightened out the grapple hooks and dissapeared with trap and all.  I've also had some encounters with irate Mother bear whose cubs were in the coyote traps.   Anyway, the point is that if it is legal, dirt hole sets will take every passing bear.  All one needs is a sufficient sized trap if that is legal.  Ace

[TraplineMusher]

Minkman,
  Plan on using snares if you come to Maine. Looks like we are going to lose the footholds to keep the anti's happy.
   You dont need a guide to trap bears. But getting land might be hard if your from out of state. If you email me at Mainebass66@hotmail.com
     I can give you more information.
          John Porter

[blackpowder man 0106]

Sure losing footholds will keep the anti's happy for two days or so- then they'll start trying to ban snaring them, then go to ban any kind of trapping. One victory only raises their spirits and lets em move on toward something else... ya can't vote to ban trapping bears with footholds...

[Bogmaster]

BPM,you are absolutely right.Giving in  on any one thing,is just a stop gap measure.Give up your 220s--your 160s are next.
 Lets face it---those opposed to trappers and trapping----want total elimination--and NOTHING ELSE.
 Tom