SB1221 was passed back in september which banned the use of hounds for hunting bear and bobcats. If you haven't read the 2011 Bear Take Report, I attached it.
Hunters using hounds took 47% of the bears harvested last year. Now that this type of hunting is illegal, my theory is that the bear population with go up, NOT that it was lacking in any way. If anything, I am completely apposed to SB1221. California is actually towards the top as far as total black bear population. I was only curious what your thoughts were on the subject.
Obviously there are carrying capacity issues but I still think the bear population will bump up well over the 30,000 number we are reported to currently have.
Hunters using hounds took 47% of the bears harvested last year. Now that this type of hunting is illegal, my theory is that the bear population with go up, NOT that it was lacking in any way. If anything, I am completely apposed to SB1221. California is actually towards the top as far as total black bear population. I was only curious what your thoughts were on the subject.
Obviously there are carrying capacity issues but I still think the bear population will bump up well over the 30,000 number we are reported to currently have.