Bear
2009-10 Season Dates
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Season Description
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Bear Zones
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Season Dates
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Archery
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Zone 1 |
October 1-November 30, 2009 |
| Zone 2 |
September 15-November 30, 2009 |
| Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7 |
Closed |
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Muzzleloader
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Zones 1 and 2
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October 17-25, 2009 |
| Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7 |
Closed |
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Modern Gun
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Zones 1 and 2 |
November 9-30, 2009 |
Zone 5
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December 5-13, 2009
(closes earlier if quota is reached) |
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Zone 5A
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November 28-December 13, 2009
(closes earlier if quota is reached)
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| Zones 3, 4, 6 and 7 and Arkansas lands lying east of the Mississippi River are closed. |
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Special Youth
Modern Gun
Bear Hunt
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Zones 1 and 2 |
November 7-8, 2009 |
| Excludes WMAs that require a deer permit to harvest a bear. Only youths, 15 years of age or younger, may harvest a bear. Youths who have completed a hunter education course must be accompanied by an adult mentor who is 18 years of age or older. Youths who have not completed a hunter education course must be under the direct supervision of an adult mentor who is 21 years of age or older. |
| Zones 3, 4, 5, 5A, 6 and 7 |
Closed |
Baiting
Bait, foodstuffs or the use of any kind of lure to attract bears is not allowed except on private lands in zone 1 from Sept. 1 until Nov. 30, in zone 2 from Aug. 15 until Nov. 30, in zone 5 from Nov. 6 until Dec. 14 and zone 5A from Oct. 30 until Dec. 14. Bears may be hunted over bait where baiting is legal. Baiting ends when either the quota is reached in zones 5 and 5A or the season ends.
Seasonal Bag Limit
Season bag limit is one in bear zones 1, 2, 5, and 5A by any method.
Harvest Quota
35 bears may be taken in zone 5, and 15 bears may be taken in zone 5A. Bear hunters hunting in zones 5 and 5A must call (800) 440-1477 the evening before hunting the next day to inquire whether the quota has been reached.
Special Bear Regulations
- It is unlawful to take a denned bear or one that is being pursued by dogs.
- Hunting equipment legal for taking bear is the same as that legal for taking deer except that shotguns must be 20-gauge or larger and use rifled slugs. Click here for more information.