Mounting a bear bait barrel to a tree can be an effective way to keep it secure and minimize interference from smaller animals while still attracting bears. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Materials Needed

• A 55-gallon drum or smaller barrel (plastic or steel) check your state regulations regarding barrels and use.

• Heavy-duty chains or ratchet straps

• Eye bolts or U-bolts

• Drill and drill bits

• Lag screws (if attaching directly to the tree)

• A sturdy tree, preferably 8–12 inches in diameter

• Optional: A swivel system to allow some barrel movement (read on for more info)

2. Prepare the Barrel

1. Drill Holes:

• FEEDER BARREL- For a feeder barrel you can drill several small holes (1-2” inches in diameter) around the barrel to allow bait and scent to escape on to the ground. The bears will hunt and peck for days and days.

• STANDARD BARREL- Make an opening large enough for a bear to access the bait (6–8 inches in diameter) near the bottom of the barrel. Ensure the hole isn’t too big to prevent bears from easily emptying it and also prevent cubs from sticking their head inside and getting stuck.

2. Install Mounting Points:

• Attach eye bolts or U-bolts to the back of the barrel for securing it to the tree.

3. Optional Lid:

• Use a removable lid or secure the top of the barrel to allow for easy refilling.

3. Attach the Barrel to the Tree

1. Choose a Suitable Tree:

• Select a sturdy tree in a well-trafficked bear area (apply BoarMasters spray scents to draw bears to your area).

• Avoid trees that are too small, as they may not support the weight or could be easily damaged.

2. Mounting Height:

• Position the barrel about 3–4 feet off the ground if you want to keep cubs out, This height allows bears to access the bait while also keeping it out of reach of smaller animals. You can also just set it on the ground as well and easier to mount this way.

3. Secure the Barrel:

• Use heavy-duty chains or ratchet straps to attach the barrel to the tree through the mounting points. Wrap the chain around the tree and through the eye bolts/U-bolts on the barrel.

• Tighten the chains or straps to ensure the barrel is stable but not so tight that it damages the tree.

4. Optional Swivel System:

• For added durability and challenge, install a swivel mount by attaching the barrel to a chain or cable anchored to the tree. This will allow the barrel to move and roll around slightly, making it harder for bears to empty quickly.

4. Fill the Barrel

• Add your chosen bait (sweet foods, grains, or meat scraps, candies, BoarMasters feed additives etc)

• Spread some bait on the ground around the area to help draw bears to the site.

5. Maintenance

• Check the barrel regularly to refill bait and ensure it remains securely mounted and try to keep barrel from being empty more than 2 days.

• Minimize human scent at the site by wearing gloves and limiting time spent near the barrel.

Tips for Success

• Use natural scent attractants like bacon grease or anise oil to lure bears from a distance, or use BoarMasters scents and attractants for a proven extremely strong scent aroma to attract bears quick.

• Avoid overfilling the barrel, as spilled bait can attract unwanted animals and birds like the annoying ravens.

Follow @boarmasters on Instagram and You Tube or our online website boarmasters.com for more baiting tips and tactics.