ThermaCell And Bear Hunting

PA Reb

PA Reb

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I used a ThermaCell once while sitting on a baited stand for black bear (in Maine on a spring hunt). I have read article after article that pretty much says a ThermaCell will not deter a bear from coming in. I mention this only because the first evening in the stand I didn't use it, was eaten alive by bugs and two small bears came in which I passed on. The next night I used the ThermaCell because of how badly I was punished the first night - no bear at all. The third evening I braved the bugs again and the bait had obviously been hit sometime after I (and the ThermaCell) had left the stand the previous night. I had two bear come in on this evening with no ThermaCell on and I took the second one - a 275# boar.

Does anyone have any comments pro or con on this topic? If so, I'd love to hear them.
 
I use a Therma Cell regularly out on my deck in St Louis county. I have never seen a bear while using it.

Sorry G, I couldn't resist!
 
Last edited:
RonJ said:
I use a Therma Cell regularly out on my deck in St Louis county. I have never seen a bear while using it.
Click to expand...

Odd, I've never used one in St. Louis Co. and I've never seen a bear. This needs some further research I guess.

Sorry PA Reb I couldn't resist.
 
There's places (like where you were at) that eliminating the use of a Thermacell simply equates misery due to mass mosquito attacks.
I use them alot in early season deer hunting - have literally about saved my life.
IIRC, Thermacell has come out with an 'Earth Scent' pad that goes in there with the heating element and has a more natural scent. I'd check on it.
 
The earth scent packages smell pretty authentic, just like damp dirt. Mine came with that scent and I ordered more of the same.
Maybe they'd make a good bear repellent!
 
Never used the Therma cell specifically, but I hunted a couple bear camps in Canada where the guides gave a little spray off Deep Wood Off near the bait pile when checking them. They said it was because most all spring hunter used it, and that way the bears were used to the scent.

I have always preferred a knit bug suit, as I have found when the skeeters are really bad, any patch of skin you miss with the bug spray becomes fair game.

Larry
 
THERMACELL

I use 1 and don't really care as long as it keeps the skeeters at bay. If you are moving/swatting skeeters the motion will give you away. if the wind is from you to the game and they can smell the thermacell, then they can smell you also. at times I think I can smell it so I'm sure they can also. you still have to follow the basics of playing the wind.
 
I've been using Thermacell for years while deer and hog hunting and have seen three black bears from my stand while using it. The bears did not react to the Thermacell at all, but I have had a hog act as though he smelled it one time. Play the wind direction right and you will have no problem at all.
 
Thanks all. I understand the "play the wind" routine but that's kind of tough to do when your hunting with an outfitter that has preseason hung stands and a situated bait sight. Since the bugs can pretty much eat you alive in the spring, I'll probably just go with using it again.
 
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