Published: July 26, 2008 05:24 pm      

Bear harvest quota up

CUMBERLAND — Maryland black bear season, version five, is geared to remove 55 to 75 bruins from Garrett and Allegany counties in October. The small harvest quota increase from a year ago makes it the largest annual harvest quota since the season was resumed in 2004 after being closed for 51 years.

The harvest quota in 2004 was 30 and the hunt ended after one day when 20 were killed.

In 2005, the quota was 40 to 55 and the hunt was stopped after four days when 40 bears were checked in.

In 2006, the quota was 35-55 and 41 bears were bagged in two days, ending the hunt.

In 2007, the hunt lasted four days and ended when 51 bears were taken, with the quota being 50 to 70.

The 2008 season takes place Oct. 20-25.

“If for some reason we wouldn’t reach the quota range, we could reopen the hunt in December,” said Harry Spiker of the Maryland Wildlife Service. “But we have a lot of bears and they are moving and available to hunters in October.”

Hunters may pay $15 via credit card and apply online (http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us) from Aug. 1 through Sept. 1 for the 220 available permits. The fee is not refundable. In 2007, 2,804 hunters applied for the 220 permits.

As in the past, hunters may name another person to hunt with them and the landowner may hunt as well, though only one bear may be killed per team. Applications and payments via telephone will be accepted Aug. 25-29 at 1-888-579-6768.

A year ago, DNR established a preference point system for permit applications, which provides one additional entry in future lottery drawings for each consecutive year an applicant does not receive a bear hunting permit. New this year is the ability for hunters to purchase a preference point, even if they do not intend to apply for the 2008 hunt.

As during past seasons, hunters will be required to call a phone number at night to see if the hunt will continue the next day.

This year, only the successful applicant will be required to attend a bear hunting seminar before the season. Subpermittees need not attend, according to Spiker.

Additional information is available at www.dnr.maryland.gov/wildlife/bbregs.asp.