we can bait bear in Maine but not deer. I have never tried but plan to in the future. Many good people in maine make their living guiding hunters for bear over bait. About two years ago their was a referendum on the ballot to outlaw baiting bear. Alot of money from out of state came in to help pass the law. The referendum failed, but by a very little margin. It wasn't until then did i realize how important this practice is and how many people provide for their families baiting bear.In MAine we have big woods and even baiting is no guarantee you are going to harvest a black bear.