Bear hunting season begins Wednesday

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MADISON, WI (WSAU-WXPR) – Wisconsin’s bear hunting season opens today (Wednesday).

DNR large carnivore specialist Randy Johnson says the popularity of bear hunting in Wisconsin is increasing. He says a growing number of hunters apply for bear licenses or preference point each year.

You do need to be familiar with the rules for the bear management zone where you’re hunting.

Wisconsin has a thriving bear population estimated at more than 26,000 animals. The resident bear population covers more than half the state, primarily in the forested regions of northern and central Wisconsin.

There has been a continued trend of bear slowly moving further south.