Md. Bear Hunt Opens With Expanded Quota
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) -- Maryland's black bear season is opening with rule changes that could push the tally over 100 for the first time since a 51-year ban on bear hunting was lifted in 2004.
The season opens Monday in Allegany and Garrett counties. It continues through Saturday but will be stopped if the number of bears killed reaches the state quota of 95 to 130.
Last year's quota was 80 to 100 bears. The Department of Natural Resources ended the hunt at 92.
The state issued 380 bear permits. Each permit allows up to two hunters on public land, or three, including the landowner, on private land.
The DNR says hunters will most likely find bears near acorns or nut-bearing trees such as hickory, hazel and beech.
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