~ Black Bear Hunting ~

Angelo Nogara took this California Black Bear at 23 yards in the Trinity National Forest.

2009-2010 Season BEAR TAGS ARE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST SERVED BASIS by mail from the DFG's License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento, or in person at the DFG Offices.

General Season: The general season for black bears opens with the general deer seasons in deer zones A, B, C, D, X8, X9A, X9B, X10, and X12, and extends through December 27, 2009. In the remaining X zones, the season opens October 10, 2009 and extends through December 27, 2009. One adult bear per season. Archery Season: The season opens on August 15, 2009 and runs through September 6, 2009. Archery hunting is also allowed during the General Bear Season. One adult bear per season. Change in Season Closure Date: The existing DFG regulation requiring the general bear season to close early when the DFG receives notification that 1,700 have been taken by hunters has been eliminated. The 2009 bear season will run through December 27, 2009 with no exception that it could close early.

Average Size & Weight: Length: 5-6 ft. Shoulder Height: 2-4 ft. Weight: 200-400 lb.

Habitat: Forests, Swamps, Mountains

Bear Tag Applications: To apply for a bear tag, you must be at least 12 years of age and possess a valid California hunting license. Bear season shall be closed when the department determines that 1,700 bears have been taken pursuant to the reporting requirement. Licensed tagholders will be notified by mail if this occurs.

Resident Tag Fees: Resident bear tag fee is $40.45.

Nonresident Tag Fees: Nonresident bear tag fee is $243.75.

Validation of Bear Tags: Only Department of Fish and Game employees and other authorized agents may validate bear tags. Bear tags must be countersigned before transporting such bear except for the purpose of taking it to the nearest person authorized to countersign the license tag, on the route being followed from the point where the bear is taken.

Return of Bear Tags: (1) Successful Bear Hunters: Every person who takes a bear shall immediately return the report card portion of the bear license tag, after having the tag countersigned as required above. The tag may be presented to a department office/officer or returned through the United States Mail to the Department of Fish and Game, License and Revenue Branch in Sacramento. (2) Unsuccessful Bear Hunters: Every person who is unsuccessful in taking a bear shall return the report card portion of the bear license tags by February 1 of the current license year. The tag may be presented to a department office/officer or returned through the United States Mail to the Department of Fish and Game, Wildlife Management Division in Sacramento. If you fail to return your bear tag, even if you did not kill a bear, you will be in violation of Section 367, Title 14, CCR.

Presentation of Bear Skull: Any person who takes a bear shall present the skull (even if damaged) to a department office/officer within 10 days of taking the bear. The skull shall become property of the department. That portion of the skull not needed for scientific purposes shall be returned.

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