Bear hunting law passes the Oklahoma Senate | NewsOK.com
February 20, 2009 · Print This Article
BY JULIE BISBEE – Capitol Bureau
Published: February 18, 2009
A bill that would allow hunting of black bears passed the Senate on Wednesday.
Senate Bill 450, filed by Sen. Kenneth Corn, D-Poteau, would allow hunters to get a permit to hunt black bears.
Corn said the Department of Wildlife requested a bill as a way to manage the growing black bear population in southeastern Oklahoma. A study of the population done by researchers at Oklahoma State University said there are about 700 to 800 bears in the area. The population is growing by about 12 percent each year.
The Department of Wildlife would set the requirements and seasons for bear hunting. Corn said the department has proposed limiting the number of bears killed each year to 20. Click Link Below for Full Story!
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I think that having a bear season with a limited number of bears taken (no more than 10% of population per year) is an excellent idea. Also having a pursuit only season, where dogs are used to run and tree bear, would keep the bear wild and more respectful of humans. The bears are not killed or injured in this manner. This pursuit only season is practiced in Utah and some other states. It generates a large amount of money from out of state hunters buying license to come and train their dogs and enjoy the great outdoors.