Guide to Black Bear Hunting in Maryland

Comments from Maryland's Black Bear Hunters

Mike Sawyers with his black Bear
Mike Sawyers

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Maryland Black Bear Hunters

Those who have participated in Maryland Black Bear Hunts have had a lot to say…

The following are comments DNR received from sportsmen who participated in the 2011  Maryland Black Bear Hunt. It says a lot about the quality of the experience and the support the DNR staff provides.

  • Great talk by Harry Spiker Sunday 10/23. Very informative. I liked the phone call in status line. In general, I was very impressed by how organized the whole hunt was.
  • I have applied each year since 2004 my hunting Partner received a permit in 08 + 09. Although I was a subpermittee I didn't hunt bear with him I decided to hunt deer w/bow because I felt it was only right, that he had the permit and should be the one to kill it. This year was my first permit and I’m very happy that I finally got a permit, and very thankful of killing a bear.
  • In my inexperience, I chose a very difficult area to access: Section A on Dans Mtn. Everything was managed in a very professional area. I appreciate everyone's involved, time and effort.
  • DNR and the entire black bear staff did an outstanding job. The citizens of MD are fortunate to have such a professional staff working for them. The entire process is clear, concise, and operates smoothly. Staff at the check in station were great with providing information.
  • It was a privilege to participate in your MD hunt this year. Thank you.
  • Great hunt even though none were seen. I learned a lot with scouting and talking to other 2 hunters and a local landowner. Hope to draw again soon!
  • As much as I did not care to go to the pre-meeting, it was very informative and my boys and I learned a lot. It was most definitely worth going and understanding the process. I will re-apply and go hunting again.
  • Outstanding Program. Very Knowledgeable Staff. Very Friendly + Enthusiastic About their jobs.
  • We had a good time, Thank you for the opportunity.
  • I would not change anything, had a great time and 3 days with my son, and no work. Saw one bear the first day coming out for lunch, he disappeared real fast. Some rain last day but that’s hunting. Also had a chance to go to a checking station and saw first hand the great work your people do. So keep up the great work and hope to do this again. Thank you.
  • I feel the hunt was well organized. I actually passed on a cub that was 25 yrds from my tree stand. I had my cross hairs on him but morally couldn't pull the trigger. It was early in the day and was hoping to come across a larger bear. Many thanks to DNR for answering all my questions via phone calls. Looking forward to next year's lottery. Enjoy the holidays!
  • Prehunt meeting was set up well, very good info, Check station set up well less than 30 min, outstanding job!
  • I loved the opportunity to hunt bears in my backyard. I was just unable to spend the necessary time to be successful, but that's hunting! Great job in the past and present w/ the bear program!
  • Prehunt meeting very informative and not to long. You need to select me next year for the hunt. Ha Ha
  • No all was good and I liked going to the meeting it was educational.
  • The program is very professional.
  • I felt the process went very smoothly. The lottery system is fair and reasonably priced. I was treated well by all DNR personnel.
  • Application process and prehunt meeting were executed flawlessly. Great job! Very informative meeting. Next time I will devote more time to scouting. Food (mast) was probably the reason we didn't see a bear. Should have hunted Allegany County definitely will next time! Thanks for a great experience anyway!
  • Thanks for the opportunity
  • Had a great time hunting bears and will re-apply next year, Thank you!
  • Everything is well organized and informative, possibly increase permits allowed.
  • This application and registration process was easy, and the post card and email reminders helpful. The prehunt meeting was very educational and I believe directly influenced the outcome of my hunt. The hunting regulations were easy to follow and it is nice to know the quota is based on science and not public sentiment. The check station staff and all other staff affiliated with the process were very positive and helpful. I don't know what was better, getting my first bear or receiving all of the pats on the back and hand shakes followed with 'good job'. Thanks to everyone!
  • I think you all do a great job, from the registration, the meeting, all the way through to the checking stations. My many thanks go out to all your hard work.
  • I enjoyed hunting bear in MD. I feel that if you draw the tag you have a better chance of getting a bear than in most any other state. Thank you I can't wait to go again.
  • The bear hunt is really run in a professional manner, well organized and easy to understand. In addition, the lottery system seems a very fair way to decide who gets permits. Thank you so much for holding a bear hunt in MD!!
  • It was a great experience from beginning to end. My nephew and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you
  • Everything was well organized and went smoothly
  • Prehunt meeting was excellent. The gentleman who instructed the meeting was well prepared, quick and to the point. Quota should be higher. I saw 6 different bears while bow hunting. Look at the number of bears killed on the roadways. I would like to see a bow hunt for bears as an additional season. I have applied for a tag since the hunt began. I finally got one. Subpermittee was my 70 yr old father who killed his first bear. I can't tell you how excited he was. He has hunted all his life and taught me to hunt and I’ve never seen him so excited! Keep it up great job DNR! Checking the bear in was so easy and the people involved were extremely polite, professional and caring!
  • I enjoyed the prehunt meeting because I found it very informative. I would love to have a second chance of black bear hunting in MD.
  • It was fun
  • Everyone involved with DNR was very nice and helpful. Procedures seemed to work fine. Hunted Potomac State Forest and saw no sign of bears. Not a lot of food source - hardly any. Had a great time and did not see any other hunters.
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