Craig Butler of Laconia took this 465-lb.bear in central New Hampshire in 2009. To give some scale to the bear's actual size, Butler himself is 6 feet tall and 280 pounds.
Hunting: Black bear
The
general black bear season in New Hampshire began September 1, 2009; hunting
with dogs began September 21 where permitted. End dates vary by method and WMU,
so click here for specific season dates by WMU, or refer to the NH
Hunting Digest for specific rules for the area of the state
you plan to hunt (click here and on the publication cover).
New Hampshire’s bear hunting season comes to a close on November 24. The season across the majority of the state has ended, however, the White Mountains region remains open to bear hunting through November 24. As of November 2, a total of 708 bears had been registered by hunters in the state. Bait hunters harvested 370 bears; still hunters/stalkers had taken 256 bears; and hound hunters had registered 82 bears. So far, this year’s bear harvest is 48% above the 5-year in-season average of 477 bears for this time period. Fish and Game bear biologist Andy Timmins estimates that this year’s bear harvest
will be the second highest in history. (The current record harvest of 803 bears was achieved in 2003.) Recent reports indicate that deer hunters have been taking a fair number of bears while deer hunting. Hunters have been encountering bears mostly in oak stands where acorns remain available in some locations.
In 2008, hunters took 439 black bears in New Hampshire. Although this represented a decrease (-24%) from the previous 5-year average, the harvest was consistent with target bear harvest objectives. During the preceding five years, the average annual harvest (577 bears) was inflated, given that three record bear harvests have occurred since 2003. During most years, hunters typically harvest 8-10% (400-500 bears) of the state's bear population. The black bear population
in New Hampshire is estimated at 4,800 animals; the statewide
population appears to remain relatively stable.
2009 N.H. Bear Hunt Season By Andrew Timmins, Bear Project Leader
The approaching fall bear season is looking very promising for hunters throughout New Hampshire. September 1 marks the start of the bear hunting season in New Hampshire. Bears may be hunted over bait or by stalking during the first part of the season (refer to the 2009 Hunting Digest for specific season dates). The statewide bear population is estimated at 4,800 animals. The population is strong throughout the state and abundant hunting opportunities exist is most areas. Bear densities are relatively consistent with population management objectives in all of the state's six bear management regions.
Late summer and early fall represent a busy time for black bears. As cooler fall weather pushes out the hot summer heat, bears become more active during daylight hours as they search for food. Late summer marks the time when bears spend considerable time feeding on some of their favorite food sources in order to acquire essential fat reserves for winter. During late July and early August, bears focus their attention on patches of blueberries, raspberries and pin cherries. Due to prolonged cool, wet weather this summer, this year was a relatively "average" year for these crops. During August and early September, blackberries and chokecherries become essential food sources. During the time period when bears are focusing on these species, bear activity is frequently found along roadside openings and logged over areas with regenerating forests. Additionally, if you venture into these habitats you will find where bears have torn apart stumps and rotted logs as they feed on susceptible colonial insects which are high in protein.
While it is difficult to predict fall mast production, early indications suggest that soft mast species may produce better than hard mast this fall. Good crops of blackberries, cherries (i.e., choke and black), apples and mountain ash have been observed. However, the varied weather conditions from this past summer may cause these crops to be spotty in their production and abundance. Many areas of the state saw abundant oak and beech crops last fall, therefore their production may decrease this fall compared to last. Hazelnuts do look abundant this year; however these nuts are typically depleted by a multiple of species by mid-September. Additionally, corn crops may act as bear magnets especially if other fall foods are limited.
Hunters should scout the areas they plan to hunt and look for areas with the food sources mentioned for bear activity. Many factors impact annual mast production therefore food abundance can be spotty on the landscape. Midday offers a perfect time for hunters to take a walk and check their favorite oak ridge or abandoned apple orchard for food production and bear sign. The local abundance of mast will dictate bear behavior and activity during fall. Daytime temperatures often remain warm during September and October so hunters need to plan accordingly when attempting to take a bear. Proper care is necessary to avoid spoiling of meat during this early season.
N.H. bear density estimates
and 2008 harvest distribution:
Region
Bears per square mile
2008 Harvest
North
0.5
113
White Mountains
0.9
136
Central
0.5
136
Southwest-1
0.5
35
Southwest-2
0.4
18
Southeast
0.1
1
Statewide - TOTAL
0.5
439
2008 N.H. Bear Harvest Tally, Compared to Previous 7 Years
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