How to Hunt over Bait
May 02, 2024
Baiting prey is one of the oldest and most effective hunting strategies known to man. Anthropologists have hypothesized that the gardens of early humans may have served a dual purpose as both a food source for people and a bait pile for wild animals. Thousands of years later, animals still fall for the “free food” trap and mankind is only too happy to exploit it.
However, when it comes to hunting off a bait pile, educated hunters should know that baiting on public land in most states is illegal, and will get you in trouble with your local game warden.
This is because it's seen as an unfair advantage and can disrupt natural wildlife behaviors. Plus, it can contribute to the spread of diseases among animals congregating around the bait.
However, while baiting with actual, edible food is banned on public land, scent lures are a viable alternative in some states. These lures are typically made from natural or synthetic substances that mimic the scent of a particular animal, such as deer or boar, or are otherwise strong-smelling substances that mimic the scent of food.
Using scent lures involves strategically placing them in areas where your target species is likely to pass by. For example, you might choose to place a deer scent lure near a well-traveled deer trail or a boar scent lure near a watering hole frequented by wild pigs.
The idea is to attract the animal by appealing to its sense of smell, rather than relying on a physical bait pile. It's important to note that while scent lures can be effective, they're not a guaranteed method of attracting game. Animals can be cautious and may approach cautiously or even ignore the scent altogether.
When using scent lures on public land, it's essential to check the regulations beforehand. Some areas may have restrictions on the types of lures you can use or where you can place them. Additionally, hunters should always be mindful of the potential impact of their activities on the local ecosystem and wildlife populations.
However, in some areas such as private land, baiting with real food is allowed under certain conditions. For instance, hunters may be required to use specific types of bait, keep the bait a certain distance from their hunting stand, or adhere to strict season dates. These regulations are in place to ensure that hunting over bait is done responsibly and ethically.
Types of Bait
There are several kinds of bait you can use to attract your prey, but the one thing it must do more than anything else is stink to high heaven. For example, diesel fuel is inedible to us humans, but its strong scent is a potent attractant to wild hogs. If you intend to use it yourself, remember that it should never touch the ground, as it could contaminate the soil and kill any plant life. Instead, it’s best used as a scent cover. Simply put a diesel-soaked piece of cloth in a plastic sandwich baggie to prevent it from seeping into the soil and place it at your feet to both camouflage your scent and attract any nearby prey.
Mixing sweet feed and beer makes another sweet, stinky scent bait. Sweet feed is a mixture of grains and molasses commonly used as livestock feed. When combined with beer, it creates an enticing aroma that can attract deer, wild pigs, and other game. To use this combination in a bait pile, mix the sweet feed with the beer to create a moist, aromatic mash. Spread this mixture in the desired location, preferably near natural travel corridors, bedding areas, boar/buck rubs, or tree stumps. The sweet scent of the mixture, along with the fermenting aroma of the beer, can lure in animals.
Likewise, vanilla extract has a sweet, enticing scent that can be used to attract deer, particularly during the rut when bucks are seeking out does. To use vanilla extract in a bait pile, soak a rag or sponge in the extract and hang it near your hunting stand. You can also mix vanilla extract with other bait ingredients like corn or sweet feed to enhance their aroma. Be cautious not to spill vanilla extract directly on the ground, as it may evaporate quickly.
When it comes to edible bait, you can never go wrong with corn. It's readily available, relatively inexpensive, and highly attractive to a variety of species. Scatter corn around the bait site to create a feeding area. You can also use a DIY gravity feeder or trough to contain the corn and concentrate the animals' activity in one spot. Corn can be particularly effective during the colder months when natural food sources are scarce.
Hunting Over Bait
After successfully baiting an animal and attracting it to the feeding area, proper shot placement becomes crucial, especially when the animal is distracted and feeding. Achieving a clean, ethical kill requires precise aim, and using a Kopfjäger tripod can significantly enhance stability for accurate shooting.
Set up your Kopfjäger tripod in a stable position, ensuring that it provides a clear line of sight to the baited area. Adjust the height and angle of the tripod to match your shooting stance and the terrain. The tripod's adjustable legs and swiveling head allow for versatile positioning, maximizing stability and comfort during the shot.
Once the animal is within range and distracted by the bait, take your time to ensure a steady aim. Use the tripod's smooth pan and tilt adjustments to track the animal's movements and line up your shot with precision. Avoid rushing the shot, as accuracy is paramount for a humane kill.
Proper shot placement is essential for a quick and ethical kill. Aim for the animal's vital organs, such as the heart and lungs, to maximize the chances of a clean kill and minimize suffering. Consider the animal's posture and angle relative to your position to determine the best point of aim.
With the animal distracted and feeding, take advantage of the opportunity to execute your shot with precision. Control your breathing, steady your aim using the tripod's support, and squeeze the trigger smoothly to release the shot. Maintain focus and follow through with your shot placement to ensure optimal results.
After taking the shot, carefully observe the animal's reaction to assess the effectiveness of your shot placement. A well-placed shot will typically result in a quick and humane kill, with the animal rapidly succumbing to its wounds. Be prepared to follow up with a second shot if necessary to ensure a humane outcome.
Whether using scent lures or edible bait, proper shot placement is paramount for a humane kill. Utilizing tools like the Kopfjäger tripod can enhance stability and accuracy, resulting in cleaner kills and minimizing unnecessary suffering. By combining effective baiting techniques with ethical hunting practices, hunters can enjoy successful and fulfilling experiences in the field while respecting wildlife and the environment.
