CCARE, A Pro-Hunting Organization, Uncover Drastically Declining Black Bear Numbers in Michigan

HANCOCK, MI - Wednesday, March 2, 2011 - According to Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the black bear population is approximately one-half the 2008 estimate. "This is unacceptable" according Charles Markham, spokesman for Concerned Citizens Against Resource Exploitation (CCARE), a watchdog group whose primary focus is to insure Michigan's bear population remains stable.

CCARE represents many hunters and trappers who also expressed concern. In March 2010, the Natural Resource Commission established black bear harvest goals for 2010 and 2011. Markham explained that historically, the NRC set the harvest quota annually. "It is deplorable that the 2011 license quota exceeds the total estimated bear population in Michigan," said Markham.

The 2008 approved Bear Management Plan cited on Page 9 that Michigan's Black Bear population was 19,000, excluding cubs. In a January 2010 report to CCARE, DNR Bear and Furbearer Specialist, Adam Bump stated the bear population was 11,100 (pre 2009 hunting season), excluding cubs. In a recent Associated Press article, Mr. Bump was quoted as saying the State's bear population was 9,000-11,000. However, while bears are expanding their range within the Lower Peninsula, bear hunters across the U.P. are reporting fewer and smaller bear.

Last year, CCARE joined other organizations from across the State expressing concern over the mismanagement of the bear population. "We have repeatedly asked DNR officials to cut harvest quotas, instead the Natural Resource Commission raised the number of tags", Markham continued.

The Natural Resource Commission will be meeting March 10th. CCARE is urging all hunters and outdoor enthusiasts to contact Deb Whipple at whippled1@michigan.gov). Once again, ask the NRC to reduce the number of black bear harvest tags to insure bear hunting remains a tradition for future generations.