EARLY BEAR SEASON WILL REDUCE POPULATION

(09/19/2008)
Hunters can kill black bears early in some West Virginia counties this year in an attempt to reduce a growing bear population.

The early season began Thursday in Raleigh, Fayette, Boone and Kanawha counties and will run through September 27.

An early hunting season will be held September 22 through September 27 in Barbour, Grant, Greenbrier, Hardy, Nicholas, Pendleton, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Tucker and Webster counties.

Division of Natural Resources wildlife biologist Larry Berry says DNR officials hope to increase the number of female bears killed to stabilize the population.

The bear archery season begins October 18 and the firearms season begins December 8.