Record Number Apply For Maryland Black Bear Hunting Permits
CUMBERLAND, Md. (AP) -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reports that a record-high number of hunters have applied for bear hunting permits.
The Cumberland Times-News reported Tuesday that the agency received 4,307 applications by Monday's deadline. The agency will hold a drawing for the 500 permits Friday.
The season runs Oct. 26-29 in Allegany and Garrett counties only.
The number of applicants is the highest since 2012, when 4,207 people applied for 340 permits.
Hunters killed 69 bears during last year's hunt. That was down from a peak of 94 in 2013.
This year's season will be the twelfth since Maryland ended a 50-year moratorium on bear hunting in 2004.
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