The 21st annual black bear hunt in Maryland has come to an end, with a total of 125 bears killed during the six-day hunt from October 21-26. This number is 22 more than last year’s total. The majority of bears were hunted in Garrett County, with 53 males and 73 females harvested. Additional bears were also harvested by farmers with agricultural damage permits. Only 950 bear hunting permits were issued out of 4,507 applicants, and the average weight of each bear this season was 169 pounds. Most of the bears were hunted on private lands. This year’s hunt saw an increase in the number of bears killed compared to previous years. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources oversees the annual black bear hunt, which aims to manage the bear population and mitigate conflicts between bears and humans. The hunt is tightly regulated, with a limited number of permits issued and strict rules in place to ensure sustainability. Participants in the hunt must follow all guidelines set by the Department of Natural Resources to ensure the safety and success of the hunt. The annual black bear hunt in Maryland continues to be an important tool for wildlife management in the state.
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