bear den

[david]

Just bought ten acres in Comins Township this past weekend. At the end of the property is a bear den.

1) will this affect the deer hunting coming up?

2) what concerns should I have regarding my kids when I bring them up? will the bear(s) leave the area with human intrusion, or stick around for the winter?

3) should I let someone with a bear tag hunt the property before deer season?

need everyone's advice.

thanks,

david
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[Oct.1]

David,
Welcome to the home of the Knot hole.
The owners of the property I hunt have the same problem. In fact they have photos of the Sow and cubs on their deck. The lady of the house thinks they're cute. Someday the bear may join them for Breakfast. I don't know how to tell you to stop the problem. There may be a way to discourage them from using that den again this year. Hopefully by the noise you will make being there will drive them out.
If they haven't become trusting of humans they may leave their den and find a feeding area after spring. Don't keep any bird feeders around. They have learned that these things carry some tasty seeds.
I think a post to Boehr or a call to the wild life division may help to see if they know of a way to discourage the bear from using that den again. Just remember for your kid's sake, you're in bear country, so act as though Bear are around all the time.

[Neal]

Many people would consider it bonus to have a den on their property. Black bear attacks on people are very rare, but caution must be used, especially when they're with cubs. My guess is you will never see that bear. It shouldn't effect the deer hunting either.

I would think a rag or peice of wood with a little human smell (I'll be happy to send you one of my socks) would discourage the bear and move him to a different location.

If you're determined to get rid of the bear, hunting would probably work. A hunter over bait or running him with dogs would probably get rid of that bear......but if the den remains another will be sure to move in.

Good luck and Tell "Red" at the Knot Hole bar Neal said HI.

Neal

[goose hunter]

WelCome to the north woods. I have 80 acres just north of Comins. We have found 3 dens on it in the last 5 years. I have kept the place clean and now am unable to bait the area. We have been going to this area for my entire life. It is not a problem unless you run across the females with young ones. If you are lucky enough to even see a bear, just enjoy it, they will give you a short look and will most likely get out of there as soon as they know you are around. If they have a hard time finding any food they may come near your camp but it hasnt seemed to be much of a problem in all the years we have gone to this area. When we used bait they would come to the baited site and would not den up as early in the fall due to the easy dinner we put out. The dens dont get used every year. They seem to move them around. I feel you wont be bothered by the bear as much as you bother the bear. Remember that is why you got a place in the north country to enjoy the wildlife, and not just at the Knot hole. Good luck and good hunting.