Black bear hunters reminded of identification challenges

Black Bear hunters are reminded of a number of important hunting regulations as the spring black bear season continues:

--Hunters should take some time reviewing the identifying characteristics of black and grizzly bears; all black bear hunters must have passed the “Black Bear Identification Test” found on the FWP website in order to purchase a black bear license.

--It is illegal to harvest black bear cubs (bears less than one year old).  It is illegal to harvest a female black bear with cubs.  Hunters are advised to observe a bear carefully to be sure it is not a female with cubs.  Bears  in northwest Montana went into dens in good condition, which may result in a high number of cubs coming out of dens this year.  Hunters are asked to be extra vigilant this season to reduce the chance of harvesting a female with cubs.

--Hunter orange requirements: Black bear hunters must wear 400 square inches of hunter orange above the waist when hunting during the black bear rifle season.

--Reporting requirements: within five (5) days of harvesting a black bear (or within five days of arriving at a trailhead in backcountry areas) the successful hunter must present to a FWP official the complete bear hide with proof of sex attached and skull for inspection and aging purposes.

Hunters should pick up a copy of the 2015 black bear hunting regulations and review them carefully before heading out to the field.