Mantis:
I have shot three black bears in the state of Maine, all with handguns and over bait.
First thing to remember is that the best defense of a black bear is its sense of smell. They have an uncanny olfactory system and it can be hard to beat. So you have to remain as scent free as possible.
So. Wash your hunting clothes in that special hunting detergent that removes scent. Keep your hunting clothes in a plastic bin, scent free bag or some container separate from other clothing. Use that scent killing spray or baking soda in a clean sock. Also, wash your underwear in that scent killing soap as well.
One of the things that I would do is hang my clothes up away from any smoke, vehicle smells,ect and let them air out overnight. Then I would spray them with the scent killer and then I am off to the hunt.
Before you go hunting, shower up with the scent killing soaps and I use that body gel that kills scent. Scent free deodorant. No cologne( you are hunting, not getting a date) and no spicy foods , especially garlic. I'll take clorophyll pills for a couple of weeks before the hunt.
Bear hunting is an afternoon game. You can sleep until noon and then go hunt. Early season can bring out insects so what I do is wear clothing that is a bit baggy and a good head net. I know some will state that insect repellent won't do anything but I don't trust it. What I will do is smear on a thin layer of Vaseline on my face. This acts as a natural fly dope for the infamous no see um midge. They seem to be able to get through most head nets so take a small container with you while hunting. Apply before and touch up while in the stand.
When you do go to the stand, follow your guide very well. The bear knows the scent of the guide and associates it with food. If there is an added scent in that area, the bear may decide something is wrong and never show up or hide in the background and come out after dark. So follow him in his footsteps to the stand. Ask him, as he refreshes the bait, to go to the stand and then to the bait. DO NOT GO NEAR THE BAIT. As he goes to the stand, I will climb into it and he will be off. Also, wear rubber bottomed boots or all rubber boots. Again the scent is the issue.
You must be comfortable while hunting bear. You will be sitting and trying not to move for hours on end. I take a nice thick seat cushion for boating that is camoflage for bear hunting. Your butt will be digging into the seat for a long time and it will be painful. The seat cushion helps out a lot. What I will do is sit and try to be as still as possible. I will scan the area around the bait with my eyes and slowly turn my head as if I am a living manequin.
A bear will come in very silently . They have padded feet and rarely will you hear them. I have heard of two bear but one was scratching the tree that I was sitting in, behind me. The other was the largest bear and I sort of hear and saw him in the corner of my eye.
Most of the shots will be under 25 yards so keep that in mind when you hunt so something like a .300 Win mag with a 4-12 x scope will not be needed. My favorite bear gun is a TC Contender with a 16" 45-70 barrel. Pacmayer gripper grips to soften the recoil of that round and a sling. Again, shots will be close. I had a 2x Burris and now have a 1.5-4 x Burris . The 1.5 is probably perfect for the bait set up. You may have bears come in late and it may be dim.
If you have any questions, feel free to PM me.