I'm still new to the sport of bear hunting, but have been making some progress. My first year I didn't even see one, and last year I saw two, but they were out of bow range. Here in Mass it's illegal to bait too, so I have approached bear hunting like it is deer hunting. I scouted a bit, and found a few areas with sign, then set up either a tree stand or ground blind in the area. I attempted to further up the ante by using some commercially available bacon scent in a spray bottle, and by burning incense sticks that smell like anise. The bears visited the area while I wasn't there, and the anise seemed to hold the attention of some does,so I know I need to refine my tactics a bit. Anyway, perhaps this method might work better for you. Good luck.