I have never hunted for bear but have friends that do. Bear up here are plentifull with the biggest last year in this area went and tipped the scales at 612lbs. How do you plan on hunting them? Are you baiting them? If so they love sweet stuff with berries in it. Some use just a pile of jelly donuts that have been left over from a donut shop if they can get them. Which part of the state are you traveling to? Maine is actually a pretty big size state.. Good luck to you and your friend and i hope you both get one.