The
general black bear season in New Hampshire begins September 1, 2008; hunting
with dogs begins September 22 where permitted. End dates vary by method and WMU,
so click here for specific season dates by WMU, or refer to the NH
Hunting Digest for specific rules for the area of the state
you plan to hunt (click here and on the orange publication cover). Hunters took 614 black bears in New Hampshire during 2007, respresenting the third highest harvest on record. The black bear population
in New Hampshire is estimated at 4,600 animals; the statewide
population appears to remain relatively stable.
2007 Season By Andrew Timmins, Bear Project Leader
New Hampshire boasts a strong and stable black bear population,
estimated at about 4,600 animals. Bears may be hunted in all regions
of the state, although seasons do vary by region. The success rate
of bear hunters in New Hampshire is consistent with hunter
success rates in most northeastern states, and averages 3% per
year. During an average fall, 11,000 hunters will take 500 bears
using three methods of harvest -- stalking, hounding and
baiting.
Bear harvest tallies and hunter success rates tend to fluctuate
on an annual basis because the vulnerability of bears to hunter
harvest is closely associated with the distribution and abundance
of fall foods. During years with abundant food (such as acorns,
beechnuts and berries), bears tend to feed in more remote areas
and become localized, thereby decreasing their contact with hunters,
which results in a lower harvest tally. Poor food conditions cause
bears to travel further while foraging, concentrate bears around
local food sources and cause bears to travel out of more remote,
higher elevation areas into valleys closer to human-occupied areas.
These factors all increase the vulnerability of bears to hunter
harvest and results in an increase in the harvest tally. For example, bear harvest increased dramatically during 2003 and 2004 due to a low abundance of natural foods in those years. Conversely, plentiful food sources during 2005 and 2006 resulted in a low bear harvest.
The New Hampshire 2007 bear hunting season is shaping up to be a good one. Recent mast surveys indicate that there will be several abundant fruit crops throughout the state this fall. Specifically, raspberry, blackberry, chokecherry and apple have produced excellent crops. Bears have been feeding heavily in areas where these species are typically found including field edges, old clear cuts and along old woods roads. Acorn production also looks encouraging for this fall. Most oak stands appear to have some nuts and hunters are encouraged to scout out local stands of oak for evidence of recent feeding activity by bears. At the start of the season in September, bears should be feeding predominantly on fruits and berries. As late September and October approach, bears typically being seeking out those areas where acorns are present. Although it is not anticipated to be a great year for beechnuts, hunters are encouraged to check beech stands in their area for bear activity.
The anticipated fall mast crop should create some exciting opportunities
for bear hunters during the upcoming season. The key to success
will be to scout out areas with the above-mentioned food sources
and look for evidence of recent bear-feeding activity. If active
bear sign is found in an area where available food remains, patience
and persistence often equal success. An abundant bear population
in many regions of the state has resulted in overlap between bear
season and the archery, muzzleloader and regular firearms seasons
for deer. This creates the opportunity to combine a bear and deer
hunt this fall.
N.H. bear density estimates
and 2006 harvest distribution:
Region
Bears per square mile
2006 Harvest
North
0.6
64
White Mountains
1.1
108
Central
0.3
99
Southwest-1
0.5
49
Southwest-2
0.3
23
Southeast
0.1
8
Statewide - TOTAL
0.5
351
2007 N.H. Bear Harvest Tally, Compared to Previous 6 Years
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