Bear experiment to end after '05; turkey-permit applications ready

The year 2005 will be the last of a five-year experiment to see if hunting black bears in the spring results in hunters taking fewer female bears in Utah. To make sure biologists look at data that's consistent, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources will recommend about the same number of black bear hunting permits be issued for 2005 as were for 2004.

"The data we have also indicates the number of black bears in Utah is stable, or is increasing slightly, which is another reason we're recommending permit numbers that are similar to this past season," said Kevin Bunnell, mammals coordinator for the DWR.

Information on the 2005 hunt will be presented at the five Regional Advisory Councils meetings. Information gathered from public comment will be presented at the Jan. 4 to the Utah Wildlife Board for a final decisions.

The DWR will also present a River Otter Management Plan at the meetings.

Meetings will be held :

Dec. 13 — Northeastern Region at 7 p.m. in the Vernal City Office, 447 E. Main.

Dec. 14 — Southeastern Region at 6:30 p.m. in the John Wesley Powell Museum, 885 E. Main St. in Green River.

Dec. 15 — Southern Region at 7 p.m. at Beaver High School, 195 E. Center St.

Dec. 16 — Central Region at 6:30 p.m. at Department of Natural Resources in Salt Lake City, 1594 W. North Temple.

Dec. 16 — Northern Region at 6 p.m. at Brigham City Community Center, 24 N. 300 West.

The Utah Wildlife Board approved the five-year experimental spring bear hunt in 2000. Bunnell said since the spring hunt started in 2001, fewer female bears have been taken on the four units where spring hunting is allowed compared to four similar units where hunting is allowed in the fall.

He added that there are two main reasons fewer females are usually taken in the spring.

"Male bears usually emerge from their dens earlier in the spring than females do, and the spring hunt dates have been set to increase the chance of hunters encountering male bears," he said.

"Also, a female's cubs tend to stay closer to her in the spring than they do later in the year, and harvesting females with cubs is prohibited."

The DWR is recommending a total of 236 public permits for 2005 compared to 226 in 2004.