How many bears were taken total last year. I don't believe it was over 1300 total. As of December 5 the number on F&G i mean fish and wildlife's websight is 1234. I have my suspicion as to why the number as high as it is. In my opinion it is extremely high for a state that (has outlawed bear hunting with hounds). Does anyone have any input on what exactly is going on. My thoughts are.
!. People are still running and gunning with dogs and getting away with it.
2. Fish and game is counting depridation and road kills towards the count. (the last i heard all nuisance bears that were trapped were destroyed and had no chance for relocation)
3. A far less likely answer is that since the Ban of hunting bears with hounds has happened the number of bears has increased so drastically that people can simply drive out in the woods and spot a bear just likethey were deer hunting and shoot one.
I do believe the bear population is increasing and in the next few years its going to really start showing. I have seen more bears just driving around in the last two years than ever before while driving around deer scouting and such. Take into account though only 1 out of 15 bears i see in the woods actually present a chance to be shot. You would really have to be on your game to take a bear as most are running like mad when i see them.
4. Maybe people have resorted to illeaglly using bait and stands to kill bears.
5. A combination of everything above.
Feel free to add input. All comments are appreciated
