Zone A guided or semi-guided suggestions?

Hey guys, I finally drew a zone A tag after 6 years and I'm considering just doing a guided hunt. I live in Eau claire and drew that zone because I have a cabin in bayfield county and know of some good bears around my deer stands. I grew up in birchwood and know of some great areas to bait around there too. My problem is not having the time or connections to be able to bait my own stands and considering my wife and I are expecting our second child in late april means it's going to be tough to put the time in to scout and bait. I'm either thinking of paying someone to run my baits for me or simply booking a fully guided hunt. I saw one online with good gallery pics for only $1000? I'm thinking between my time, gas, and cost of bait that seems like a better route to go...I would like the best opportunity at harvesting a large bear...not really interested in just shooting one for the fun of it. So if you guys know of someone that could help me out for a reasonable price ($1000-$1500) I would really appreciate it. Thanks, Adubs

I hunted with Jim a couple years ago, you won't be disapointed!

thanks for the info from a few of you guys via PM's. I put my time in calling several guides and several of their past clients and decided to book my hunt with Jim Leahy with hayward area guide service. Jim really sounds like a great guy and I am really excited for my hunt this fall! Hopin' for a biggin' but should be a great experience either way. Adubs

From the cost perspective it's usually cheaper to just hire a guide. Bait isn't cheap plus the cost of gas, lodging if neccessary and the fact that you most likely can't bait every other day like a guide will really makes a guided trip look better. Plus if you bait yourself figure on spending every weekend driving up and running baits all summer long.

Sent you a pm. Tom