I am going to be bear hunting for the first time this year. I am picking up four 55 gallon drums of bear bait this weekend, as I plan on starting to bait as soon as the law allows. Here in Wisconsin that is April 14th. The bait consists of granola as a base coated in syrup with candies such as candy hearts and gummies mixed in. I plan on spraying the trees with some type of attractant/cover scent each time that I bait and when I begin hunting in early September. I have found gallon jugs of anise extract, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract. Which of these have you used and how successful have you been. Also I wouldn't mind some tips about how to go about baiting. I plan on baiting about once a week up until a month before season, twice a week for the next two weeks, and every day from two weeks before and through the season. I plan on putting out between two gallons and five gallons each time. I have a spot in mind that has swamp, a creek near by, woods, and corn fields near by. Last year I got pictures of bear in this spot hitting my deer corn during the day.
The questions I have are...
Which scent should I use or have you used?
Does this bait sound OK?
How does my baiting time frame and quantity sound?
Is it necessary to wear rubber gloves and boots when baiting?
Can I drive my 4-wheeler right to the bait sight or should I walk in the last 100 yards or so?
Thanks for any help and advice you can give me.