Regulators, Sport Groups To Discuss Bear Hunting Regulations
ST. IGNACE (AP) - Michigan wildlife regulators are beginning talks with government agencies and sporting groups about possible changes to bear hunting regulations.
A public meeting of the state's Bear Forum is scheduled for Wednesday at 10 a.m. at the Little Bear East Arena in St. Ignace.
The Department of Natural Resources says the 17-member forum represents sporting clubs, the U.S. Forest Service, the agricultural community and nonaffiliated bear hunters around the state.
Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason says the next bear hunting regulation cycle comes in 2017, but it's not too early to discuss proposed rule changes.
He says opinions vary about the DNR's bear management policies, with some user groups believing there aren't enough bears and others saying there are too many.
Hunters are currently allowed to kill about 1,500 each year.
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