Tennessee’s Longest Bear Hunting Season to Run December 2-15

GATLINBURG, Tenn. --- The longest portion of Tennessee’s 2010 bear hunting season is set to begin. The season will run from Dec. 2-15.

 

The counties allowed for the statewide bear season include Blount, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Jefferson (east of Hwy. 411), Johnson, Monroe, Polk (east of Hwy. 411 and north of Hwy. 64), Sevier, Sullivan, Unicoi, and Washington. All bear reserves are closed to bear hunting.

 

For bear hunting on specific Wildlife Management Areas, hunters should consult the 2010 regulations as they pertain to the specific WMA. The regulations can be found in the 2010 Tennessee Hunting and Trapping Guide found at any license agent, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency regional office, or online at the TWRA website, www.tnwildlife.org.

 

The 2009 season was an all-time record for bear harvest in the state with 573 animals harvested. TWRA officials expect another good year as the bear population continues to be healthy.

 

The limit on bear for any person participating in statewide or WMA hunts or both shall not exceed one bear per calendar year. This bear may be either sex.

 

Cubs or female bears with cubs may not be taken at any time. A cub is defined as a bear weighing 75 pounds or less. Bears may be whole or field dressed but must weigh 75 pounds or more when checked in.

 

The reproductive organs must remain attached to each bear has been officially checked in at an official TWRA checking station. Bears may not be checked in via the internet.

---TWRA---