Moose Droppings

DuPont State Forest Bear Hunt Is A No Go Once Again

Mar 20, 2008 @ 07:15 am by Moose

This past year in response to concerns over nuisance calls about bears in and around Dupont State Forest the Wildlife Commission attempted to have a limited draw hunt. That hunt was canceled because of issues around the use of dogs and the rules prevented the NCWRC from enacting such a hunt. Well the NCWRC got those rules changed and plans were being made to hold a limited draw hunt on bears and feral hogs.
The Division of Forestry Resources citing public opposition has rejected the NCWRC plans and instead has decided to “study” the bear population within the park. Opposition to the hunt cites a state forest rule that requires dogs to be on a leash but a rule that is not enforced.

Transylvania County resident Charles Parris, who represents sportsmen on the advisory committee, favored allowing the bear and raccoon hunts. Parris said dogs already roam freely in DuPont because it is hard to enforce the leash law.

He said he was not surprised by the decision, but was not happy about it.

“I still think there’s plenty of bear. I know there are,” said Parris, who hunts deer but not bear. “I still think really and truly they should have listened to the wildlife resources on it. They know the population.”

Blue Ridge

Bears and other wildlife are a renewable resource that has to be properly managed and hunting is one of the best tools to control the population. We’ll continue to follow this story.

On another note this week is bear week on Moose’s Wild America so stop by and see some of my bear photos.