We just put our baits out on Sunday.Bears love beaver carcasses,pastries,dry dog food,oats ,breadand molassas.We layer the contents and douse it with a gallon jug of molassas.I hope you chainedyour barrels to the tree with a lrg. washer and a 6" lag screw.It's amazing how strong these animals are.It usually takes about 2 weeks for baits to become active[depends on bear densities -time of year.....etc].I've shot more than one while restocking a bait sight so be on guard.When they've found an easy food source they hole up nearby so keep talking to a minimum.I cut a 6" sqare hole in the top of the barrel so the bear can only reach in far enough to empty 1/2 the payload unless you like packing bait.I have two boys that are itching to get a bear[12 + 14 year olds] so I'll just be guiding and riding shotgun.Good luck on your hunt.......Harold Alberta Canada