DuPont State Forest Game Land Black Bear Hunts Canceled

Three N.C. special-permit black bear hunts for the coming 2007 season

October 23, 2007

HENDERSON COUNTY NC NEWS -- UPDATE: The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has cancelled the special-permit black bear hunts scheduled for DuPont State Forest Game Land on Oct. 29-31, Nov. 5-7 and Nov. 12-14.

"This comes as the result of our agency's failure to clearly communicate the rules regarding the use of dogs for this hunt," said Lisa Hocutt, the section chief for customer support services of the Wildlife Resources Commission. "The Commission is working to address this through the rule-making process for the upcoming season."

Applicants are being notified and will receive a full refund of their application fee. Bear hunting is not otherwise allowed on this game land, located in Transylvania and Henderson counties.

ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE DATED 8/4/07:

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has expanded hunting opportunities on DuPont State Forest Game Land, located in Henderson County and Transylvania County, will offer three special-permit black bear hunts for the coming 2007 season. With a $5 application fee, interested parties can apply for bear hunts From October 29 through 31, November 5 through 7 and again from November 12 through 14, 2007. The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission has expanded hunting opportunities in the western part of the state for black bear, deer and feral hogs.

The Permits will be awarded to parties of five to ten hunters. Only two parties will be granted a permit for each time period. In addition, the Commission has increased all deer permit hunts on the DuPont State Forest Game Land from two days to three. Regardless of which animal they pursue, hunters on the DuPont State Forest Game land will also have the chance to harvest feral hogs. These animals, which are not native to the area, can devastate ecosystems. Their recent population increase is seen as a troubling trend.

Joffrey Brooks, a biologist for the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission said, "Increasing development of private property surrounding DuPont State Forest and a growing bear population in the area have resulted in more nuisance bear complaints from surrounding home owners and developers. Although these hunts will not eliminate nuisance problems, they do provide an opportunity to lessen damage complaints."

The new black bear, deer and feral hogs hunting opportunities were not included in the 2007-08 "Special Hunt Opportunities in North Carolina" publication due to pending approval. Furthermore, statewide and county regulations apply to black bear and deer bag limits and big game harvest reporting requirements. For bears, there is a daily and season bag limit of one. Deer hunters have a daily bag limit of two. No bag limits or harvest reporting requirements exist for feral hogs.

The DuPont State Forest is located in both Henderson County and Transylvania County. In 1997, an agreement was negotiated by the national non-profit organization, The Conservation Fund, between DuPont and North Carolina officials which helped bring about the public purchase of the forest. Funding for the State Forest was granted by the North Carolina Natural Heritage Trust Fund. Hunting safety zones have been established within the forest around heavily used areas and areas overlooking private land. It is unlawful to shoot into or from a hunting safety zone.

To apply for a hunting party permit, visit a wildlife service agent or call (888) 248-6834. The deadline for applications is Sept. 1,2007.