Registrations highest in 25 years

REGIONAL— Bear hunters have had a phenomenal season this year, despite relatively abundant natural foods in many locations. Through Oct. 12, hunters in the state have registered 4,079 bears, including 56 percent males and 44 percent females. That’s a 1,200-bear increase, or about a 30 percent, over last year’s registrations.
It was the highest number of bear registrations in the state since 2001 and was the fourth highest harvest on record. The bear season officially ends on Sunday, Oct. 18, so the final totals are likely to be slightly higher than Monday’s results. Those will be reported when the DNR issues its annual bear harvest report later this winter.
According to DNR bear biologist Dan Stark, some of the increase in registrations is likely reflected in the increased number of permits issued in areas to the south and west of the Arrowhead. Closer to home, registrations were up by four-19 percent depending on the permit area. Hunters in PA 25, which covers the northern third of St. Louis County (outside the BWCAW) and the eastern half of Koochiching County, registered 270 bears, or 31 more than last year. Hunters in PA 31, which covers most of the rest of the Arrowhead (outside the BWCAW), registered 262 bears, or 50 more than last year. Meanwhile, hunters in PA 24, which covers the bulk of central St. Louis County, registered 69 bears, or four more than last year.