• Bear hunting is a major sport in Maine.bear image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Bear hunting is major outdoor activity in Maine in the fall as thousands of hunters will head to the forest in search of these large animals. Hunters need a license, a weapon and warm clothing no matter where they hunt in the Northeast, but Maine hunters will need a special check list for the state.
  
  

Bring a Call

• Maine allows hunters to use what are known as predator calls. These are the devices that mimic the noises of wounded or distressed animals. Get an electronic device that can be mounted away from the hunter. The reason for that is a bear will head toward the signal and not the hunter. Set up the device in an area that is easy to shoot at.
  
  

Rope for Bait

• If using bait, which is legal in Maine, tie it from a tree so it is hanging 6 feet from the ground. If the bear can reach the bait when on two feet, it is big enough to shoot under Maine law.
  
  

Rubber Boots

• Rubber-soled boots are best when hunting bear because they leave almost no scent. Bears have an amazing sense of smell, which helps them detect human odors. Also avoid smoking while hunting or smoking near your hunting clothes before heading out.
  
  

Coolers and Bags

• The majority of hunters will dress their animal in the wild. Bring a cooler to keep the meat safe and bags for the bear's remains. Hunters will have to show proof they shot an adult male and not a female or younger bear.