Lawmakers consider flexible Colo. bear hunt

By The AP
Monday, April 18, 2011

DENVER — Colorado lawmakers worried about the growing bear population are considering giving wildlife officials more say over when bears can be hunted.

A proposal set for its first hearing today would repeal a 1992 voter-approved initiative that prohibits hunting bears from March 1 to Sept. 1. The state Division of Wildlife would have authority to expand hunting dates.

Voters overwhelmingly approved the initiative amid concern that female bears were being hunted in the spring, when they are taking care of their cubs. The initiative also banned hunting bears with dogs and baiting bears with food to kill them.

The bill would not eliminate those provisions.