> > the last thing in the world I want to do is cut it down. But possibly
> > I'll be able to catch a swarm with a bait hive placed nearby.
> >
> > Thanks,
I wrote an account of a bee hunt and submitted it to Va Wildlife mag
last summer, but haven't heard from them - I doubt if they are
interested in publishing it.  Mine is not an experts procedure; just the
way a couple of guys find bee trees.
We use bruised honey comb as bait in a clearing and wait a day or two
and replinish - then sit and watch.  The first few visitors do some
spiraling before they head out so you have to watch carefully.
Sometimes a flour dusting helps you keep up with them.  Also, you can
forget about "bee line" among the trees.  It's not uncommon to see sharp
flight adjustments.  When you lose one, try to fix your eyes on the spot
and catch sight of the next one.  After you get the general direction,
locate a couple more bait sites for trianglation.
Don't lose faith in yourself when you approach the tree or cluster of
trees and fail to see a "Pooh Bear" size opening with an antimated cloud
on the trunk.  Most likely the entrance could even be the end of a
stubby branch with all activity hidden by distance and/or tree parts.
For this reason, the best time to hunt is on a warmish day before or
after foliation.
You can watch a watering hole (that's how my wife finds me).
I see no problem in cutting an old tree when there's proper permission
and has not been previously claimed by another hunter.  The plethadont
salamander need the rotting wood as much as the piliated woodpecker and
the bees could use the care and protection.  Now, the cutting and
retrieval is another story.
Jack Turner
Wise, VA