Authorities in Maryland have cited nine hunters for illegally using bait during the recent five-day black bear season.
But it was the size of the lure and the variety of items that stood out in a news release issued Friday by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
One hunter received two citations after admitting to hunting from a stand overlooking an area covered in bacon fat, chicken fat, corn, molasses, vanilla glaze and licorice.
As if that wasn't enough, the hunter also had an illegal “bear bomb” spray to lure bears into shooting range.
In another case, two hunters were cited after hunting from separate stands over an area full of cracked corn kernels and fat or lard spread on a log near their stands.
Two other hunters, including an 84-year-old, hunted over a spot full of corn spread just 10 yards from their raised blinds.
Another hunter was found to have used bacon grease, corn, apple peels and apple processing waste placed between 75 and 150 feet from his blind.
In yet another case, two Pennsylvania hunters were cited for using a site stocked with dog food, animal carcasses, apples, syrup, strawberry jam and shucked corn.
Before this year's hunt, which concluded on October 26, it was made clear that using bait or hunting near areas previously hunted with bait was prohibited. (The use of bait while hunting whitetail deer is legal on private property in Maryland.)
According to the Maryland DNR, 950 hunters were randomly selected through lottery to participate in the annual black bear hunting season.
The nine cited face fines of up to $1,500 for a first offense, and up to $4,000 if a second offense occurs.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Maryland hunters are doing everything they can to illegally lure bears
