If you dont live close to, or in bear country, it gets difficult without a guide. It is one of those things you have to put plenty of time into, be it scouting for spot and stalk or bait shooting. Even though NY has a healthy bear population, they are very seldom shot other than incidental to deer hunting, with no baiting or dogs allowed, and the terrain isnt generally conducive to spotting/ stand hunting over prospective terrain. You can find very reasonably priced bait hunts in Maine and Canada. I have paid 1600.oo (license, processing, etc. not included) the last 4 years, have shot 3 bears and passed on many more. Generallly baiting is very high succsess rate, and for the money is well spent. I would love to try dogs, but no where in a reasonable driving distance does it.