I am a dedicated (and addicted) bear hunter, and I usually hunt over bait. Up here in New England, the only method more effective than bait is hounds. The difference is substantial - 80% success on hounds is not unheard of. Baiting seems to be more in the 25% success area.

Spot and stalk or still hunting bear in the thick woods is an exercise in futility. Most of the people who tag bears this way are deer hunters who happen upon a bear by chance.

For your first bear hunt, give baiting or hounding a try.