Black Bear Season

State Wildlife & Fisheries Secretary Bob Barham says it may be time for Louisiana sportsmen to start hunting the black bear again. Barham says efforts to bring the black bear back from the federal "threatened species" list have been very successful, and he's seeking U.S. Fish & Wildlife approval of a future bear season.  At one time, there were only a few hundred left statewide. Barham says the black bear population has grown tremendously, and he's now seeking to show that to federal authorities--to get clearance for a renewed bear season.  Black bears are spotted frequently around the state, but Barham says the first black bear season in over 50 years is still likely to be years away.