New special permit hunt gives bear enthusiasts another option

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has expanded hunting opportunities in the western part of the state for bear, deer and feral hogs.

Straddling the Transylvania/Henderson county line, the DuPont State Forest Game Land will offer three specialpermit black bear hunts for the coming 2007 season. With a $5 application fee, interested parties can apply for bear hunts on Oct. 29-31, Nov. 5-7 or Nov. 12-14. Previously, bear hunting was not allowed on this Game Land.

"Increasing development of private property surrounding DuPont State Forest and a growing bear population in the area have resulted in more nuisance bear complaints from surrounding home owners and developers," said Joffrey Brooks, a wildlife biologist for the Commission. "Although these hunts will not eliminate nuisance problems, they do provide an opportunity to lessen damage complaints."

Permits will be awarded to parties ranging in size from five to 1 0

hunters. Only two parties will be granted a permit for each time period. In addition, the Commission has increased all deer permit hunts on the DuPont State Forest Game Land from two days to three.

Regardless of which animal they

pursue, hunters on

the DuPont land will also have the chance to harvest feral hogs. These animals, which are not native to the area, can devastate ecosystems. Their recent population increase is seen as a troubling trend.

Statewide and county regulations apply to bear and deer bag limits and big game harvest reporting requirements. For bears, there is a daily and season bag limit of one. Deer hunters have a daily bag limit of two. No bag limits or harvest reporting requirements exist for feral hogs.

These new hunting opportunities were not included in the 2007-08 Special Hunt Opportunities in North Carolina http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg01_Licen se/pg1b.htm#specialhunts publication due to their pending approval at press time.

To apply for a permit, visit a wildlife service agent http://www.ncwildlife.org/pg01_Licen se/pg1D.asp or call (888) 248-6834. The deadline for applications is Sept. 15.

For more information on the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, other special hunt opportunities or to locate a wildlife service agent, visit www.ncwildlife.org.

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