I had hung two bait hives in a state park, admittedly without prior permission, but up high, in no one’s way. This was a spot where a tall bee tree was located. Each week I would visit, check the box and dab a little lemon grass oil on the outside near the entrance. I had been doing that for three weeks and on the fourth week the hives were gone. I was astonished. Who could have taken them? Only another beekeeper would really want them, but the size was for my Warre Hive and Log hive, not a common ‘Lang.’ Would vandals completely remove them? They’re a little heavy and you need a ladder to reach up to them. I walked around and around trying to puzzle it out when I noticed a business card laying on the ground. It had the name of a park ranger. I emailed him and, you guessed it, HE removed the hives. It turns out that you (me) are not allowed to hang bait hives in a state park.
“…we cannot set the precedent to collect any species for private use.” “We also don’t want to add a liability in regards to a swarm of bees at a park.”
So I consulted my beekeeper sources who advised me to hang a bait hive across the road in some trees. I took their advice…

Bait hive in small tree east of feral bee hive in state park. Maybe a better location because it’s more hidden.
The other bait hive went to a private party. I had talked to a pest control person, giving him my solarbeez.com business card and asking him to tell me of any bee swarms that he might be called for. He told me of a bee tree in a small town that I was familiar with. I contacted the owner who let me hang a bait hive on the very tree where the bees were flying in and out.

Feral Bee Tree on Private Land. Bees loaded with pollen. Wife and I standing near the flight path with no unfriendly bee problems. I would really, really like to get a swarm from this tree.
My log hive is eagerly awaiting some bees and I’m eagerly anxious to accommodate.
Footnote: The bees from this tree are now populating my Bee Beard log hive!
I’m looking forward to asking you for advice on bees in the future:)
I’m a real newbee with bees. Last year I didn’t even make it into November. This year I’m thrilled the bees are still flying as of today Dec. 6, AND bringing in pollen. While I’m flattered someone might want to ask advice on the bees, I’m not really qualified to give it. Here’s a couple of places to ask advice of more experienced bee keepers… http://www.biobees.com/forum/ (UK)
http://www.beesource.com/forums/forum.php (US)
On a different note…anyone who likes The Doors has to take a look at his clever title… http://winkos.wordpress.com/2012/11/30/live-from-pstrongowa-the-doors/
Thanks for the links and link 🙂 I reakon we are about two years off bees; so I’ll keep following your progress; you will be an expert by then:)