Black Bear season begins in Michigan

Today marks the opening of black bear hunting season in our home state of Michigan. I recently came across the website of the Michigan bear hunters association, and learned some interesting things. It seems that less than 25 years ago, the black bear was officially considered a "pest" or "vermin" species in Michigan, with no special status or protection, meaning there was no bag limit, no system in place to regulate the hunting or killing of these animals.

The Michigan bear hunters association apparently exerted their influence and let their voice be heard, and they got the status of this creature elevated in Michigan. The Black Bear is an amazing animal that has been native to the region throughout our history. Additionally, the black bear poses little threat to humans, certainly compared to some of its larger more aggressive cousins. (none of which are present in the wild in Michigan)

So I applaud what the Michigan Bear Hunters Association has done and is doing to protect and maintain the existence of this species. You can say whatever you want to about the ethics of hunting animals, but the truth is these people were fighting for the conservation of the Black Bear in Michigan long before any environmental or animal activist groups were.

The Black Bears are still facing a lot of problems here in Michigan, though, as urban sprawl continues to take its toll on both our inner cities and our wilderness. But the sport of bear hunting has a strong foothold in Michigan, and it's an intense and difficult sport indeed. Just a little something to think about, and maybe get you other game hunters thinking about the upcoming seasons, and what you can do to prepare for a great year in the world of hunting, in terms of wildlife scouting and the gear you'll need with you for the perfect hunt...

Take care out there, everybody,

- Dennis