The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) received over 4,300 black bear lottery applications this year, which is a 19 percent increase over last year.
“We are excited to kick-off the 2015 bear hunt in western Maryland, which is an important management tool used to slow the growth of the state’s black bear population,” said Harry Spiker, DNR bear biologist.
From the total applicant pool, DNR will issue 500 permits valid for the four-day black bear hunting season, taking place October 26-29, 2015 in Garrett and Allegany counties.
Permit winners will be announced here on Friday, September 4.