Arkansas hunters can hunt black bears as season begins

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Grey Information) – Officers in Arkansas say hunters will every have the ability to legally hunt and harvest a black bear in prolonged areas of the state beginning this week.

In accordance with Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the state is damaged down into completely different zones, together with the Gulf Coastal Plain and parts of the Delta in south Arkansas.

Arkansas officers say they’re enthusiastic about this announcement whereas sharing a number of key factors for hunters.

The black bear season for sure zones is from Dec. 10-16 however the authorities group mentioned the window might shut earlier if the quota is reached.

“We’ve set the quota at 25 bears for Zone 4 and 5 bears for Zone 3,” Myron Means, with the AGFC, mentioned.

Hunters can use fashionable weapons, muzzleloaders, or archery tools, and the statewide restrict is one bear per season, officers mentioned.

In accordance with AGFC, hunters must name the wildlife hotline 800-440-1477 earlier than they begin their hunt to verify the harvest quantity and ensure the quota hasn’t been reached.

“I’ll be updating that hotline day by day. The season will finish within the respective zone if the quota is reached or Dec. 16, whichever comes first,” Means mentioned.

Hunters profitable in killing a bear should instantly verify their bear via the AGFC’s cellular app, and website or name 877-731-5627 to report their harvest. Extra info on what’s wanted to be can be accessible online.

In accordance with Means, hunters ought to keep away from taking pictures any feminine bears with cubs.

“It’s authorized to shoot one, however these cubs are the way forward for the inhabitants and they’ll den with their mom for an extra 12 months,” Means mentioned. “In case you can inform that it’s a feminine, actually it might be greatest to let her move.”

Means additionally cautions that there are some analysis bears in south Arkansas that he’d favor hunters move on taking pictures. As a part of the brand new season, biologists and employees have outfitted a number of feminine bears with special satellite-tracking collars to offer detailed details about their actions all year long, together with searching season. To this point 13 of the devoted 15 collars have been positioned.

“Once more, it’s authorized to reap a collared bear, however we actually would favor folks give them a move,” Means mentioned. “These bears are giving us some very invaluable details about the inhabitants and searching season, and that is new territory that we actually need to get some good information to assist proceed these hunts and preserve our bear inhabitants wholesome.”

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