Black Bear News Updates Now Available on Twitter

Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is using the popular micro-blogging website, Twitter, to reach out to its customers. "MDblackbear" is the name for the account being used to now give messages to black bear hunters and prospective hunters every few days. Those checking out MDblackbear or those "following" the name can find out about the history of black bear hunting in Maryland, read testimonials from hunters in the 2008 hunt, and even get a handy guide to hunting black bear.

"What is new and exciting this year is that the account will be managed by our DNR Black Bear Project Leader just prior to the hunt and during the hunt,” said Gene Deems, eGov and Online Services Manager. “Hunters will be able to receive the messages using their phones and mobile devices."

Harry Spiker, DNR Black Bear Project Leader, will be tweeting tips, status reports and actual hunting results each day directly from the field.

"Even though twitter is a relatively new online service, it has been growing in popularity and we hope that it will help us in our quest to grow business models that allow us to connect with our customers in an efficient and timely way," Deems said.

You can sign up to follow MDblackbear by going to http://twitter.com/mdblackbear

Those wishing to enter the lottery may do so by going to http://blackbear.dnr.state.md.us  now through September 1, 2009 until 11:59 p.m. Those applying earn a preference point for the following year, if they are not selected thereby increasing the odds of their receiving a permit in the following years.

A $15 application fee must be submitted via credit card, check, or money order by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, September 2, 2009. Checks and money orders should be made payable to MDDNR Black Bear and mailed to MDDNR Black Bear, P.O. Box 360, Frostburg, MD 21532.
For more information, visit http://www.dnr.state.md.us/huntersguide/BlackBearGuide.asp.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages more than 461,000 acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries, and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic, and cultural resources attract 12 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov