Bear Hunting Approved

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Posted: 11:30 PM Jan 13, 2009
Last Updated: 11:30 PM Jan 13, 2009

8 comments

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Lawmakers have given their blessing to open a hunting season on Kentucky's bear population.

The hunting season was approved Tuesday by the legislature's
Administrative Regulation Review Committee. With the panel's
approval, Kentucky becomes one of 28 states where bear hunting is
allowed. The season is set for next December.

Wildlife Commissioner Jon Gassett said the season will be
limited to two days and will not negatively impact the bear
population, which has been estimated to be between 130 and 350.

The Humane Society of the United States argued that the bear
population is too small to sustain hunting.

Bears thrived in Kentucky more than a century ago, but
over-hunting and habitat loss led to their disappearance. Over the
past 20 years, they have been venturing back into Kentucky from
neighboring states like Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

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Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.

Posted by: Ashley Location: Leatherwood on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:46 PM
I can say i have lived in Leatherwood For 18 years...Since i was 7 i have been hunting...Bears in Ky are Popular U jus have to know were they are...To tell u the truth i cant wait till this season comes in it will be Fun!!

Posted by: mike Location: whitesburg on Jan 14, 2009 at 05:48 PM
its about time those who say not enuff to hunt are not having to pick up garbage and have pets dissapear also i can without a doubt say theirs more 300 bears in harlan county alone

Posted by: Larry Location: Prestonsburg on Jan 14, 2009 at 04:50 PM
I doubt that the bear population will be hurt with only a two day season. For those of you that haven't seen a bear, there is a good reason for that. Most bears do not want to be seen and live in very remote areas. Some that even live close to people move at times when they are not likely to be seen. If you want to see bears in Kentucky, take a ride on the Little Shepherd Trail in Letcher County and visit the park on the Harlan County end of the trail.

Posted by: Tina Location: Topmost, Ky on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:28 AM
I love to hunt but, People need to have something to hunt for first. If they are so many why do we not see them. Look at the deer and elk they are everywhere..I haven't seen not one bear..And i'm in the hill's all the time and I live back on top of a mountain..I dont think this is a good idea. And I am a hunter..thats just not fair to the bear's.

Posted by: Bubba Location: Pike County on Jan 14, 2009 at 11:07 AM
The Humane Society is the outsdoors men and women's worse enemy. They want you to think they care only for pets but actually they are anti- hunting. do not be fooled.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jan 14, 2009 at 09:37 AM
I haven't even seen a bear in Kentucky yet! I don't think an animal should be killed unless you're going to eat it!

Posted by: Chris Location: Avon on Jan 14, 2009 at 07:56 AM
I like hunting......a lot, but Bear hunting is like shooting fish in a barrel. You hunt the dumps or put out food and stand there until a hungry Bear comes along and then you shoot him/her. Not very sporting in my opinion and we don't even have a big enough population to be hunting them.

Posted by: Jessica on Jan 14, 2009 at 07:55 AM
We only have a few---leave them alone.

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