Hunting the Wild Honey Tree

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BEFORE THE STRIKE

Timing flights and establishing bee lines will still give you only the approximate location of a colony, but the final search for the tree itself can be speeded up if you keep the following facts in mind: Wild bees tend to make their homes in the rotted-out centers of living trees that (normally) range from 18" to 60" in diameter. The preferred tree type is highly variable and will depend largely on where you live. In the South and Southwest, black gum trees and live oaks are popular nesting places. Farther north you'll find that oaks, poplars, and maples are the most common choices for bee dwellings.

Once the insects' home base is identified, most folks remove the honey by cutting the tree down. That means, of course, that—unless it's on your land—you'll have to get permission from the owner . . . maybe offering a share of the honey and/or firewood in exchange. (In very big trees, the colony may inhabit only a hollow limb that can be cut off, leaving the rest of the woodland giant intact . . . but before doing so, make sure that the branch isn't being used merely as an entryway into the trunk.)

Don't start chopping, though, until you're sure the area has plenty of other old, large, dead or dying trees that can be used for nests and dens by birds, animals, and bees. The natural processes that create a usable hollow tree are mighty slow compared to the workings of a chain saw! If there are no substitute wildlife homes in the area—or if the bees have taken up residence in a rock formation—it's better to use a nondestructive method.

One such technique involves coaxing the bees to take up residence in a "real" hive, then inducing them to rob their old home of its honey so that you can take your share. This rather involved procedure is detailed in my book Hunting Wild Bees (available for $11.95 plus $1.10 shipping and handling from Winchester Press, Inc., Dept. TMEN, P.O. Box 1260, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74101).

If you do encounter a situation where you can cut down the tree to lay larcenous hands on the bees' precious, hard-earned golden treasure (and/or capture the bees), remember that these relatively mild-mahnered little creatures can be transformed into raging demons . . . so, before you begin any such operation, cover up! Bees can sting right through slacks, so put on two pairs (made of sturdy material) and tie them snug at the bottom.

You should also wear several shirts, a pair of gloves that cover the wrists, and a head net. Commercially made "bee bonnets" can be purchased at apiary supply houses, but I've gotten by with a turkey hunter's camouflage head net. Care must be taken, however, that the veil doesn't come in contact with the face, because bees have an uncanny way of finding such places. Make sure, too, that your headgear is sealed around the neck. Finally, it's wise to avoid dark fabrics (including denim) and clothing made of animal fibers such as wool or felt . . . these materials seem to incite bees to attack.

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