Lawmaker to drop proposed spring bear hunt

By The AP
Friday, April 22, 2011

DENVER — A Colorado legislator says he’ll change his bill on hunting bears to drop a provision that would allow killing bears in the spring.

Rep. J. Paul Brown of Ignacio told the Durango Herald Thursday that he’ll amend the bill to outlaw hunting bears in March, April and May.

The bill proposed extending the season to address growing conflicts between people and bears. It would have overturned restrictions on hunting the animals, a move opposed by wildlife advocates who say conflicts occur because people are moving into bears’ territory.

Voters in 1991 prohibited hunting bears in the spring because that’s when female bears are taking care of their cubs. Voters also banned using dogs and baiting bears.

Brown says state wildlife officials have indicated they’ll likely push for limited bear hunting in August.