Kentucky: Bear Hunting Changes Approved by Subcommittee

Yesterday, the Administrative Regulation Review Subcommittee met to consider modifications to expand the bear hunting season, quotas, and geographic range that may be hunted.  The changes that were recommended by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources passed the Subcommittee without issue.

As previously reported, the current quota of 25 bears harvested per year would be increased to 35.  Also under the proposed changes, the number of females bears taken per season would not change and would stay at the current allowable harvest number.  This means that if at any point during a legal hunting season this threshold was met, then the legal hunting season for ALL bears would be concluded.  The KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources shows through data and scientific research that the increase in harvest numbers are supported by a significant increase in a healthy black bear population. 

This proposal will now be referred to the Natural Resources Interim Committee on August 5th. The Committee will then have 30 days to hold a hearing to adopt the new regulations.  Without a hearing within those thirty days, the regulations will automatically be adopted.

Despite the unfounded and baseless claims expressed by HSUS in opposition to this expanded hunting season, the KY Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources’ science-based evidence to expand this season was victorious.  Thank you to all of our NRA members and hunters across Kentucky who voiced their support for this proposal.