May 21, 2024

Bear-tagging program enters second year

Scott Keepfer Featured Story, Other Hunting

Money from the SCDNR bear-tagging program is earmarked for flack bear management and research.

Bear tags debuted last year, marking the first time that South Carolina’s bear hunters had to pay anything more than the cost of a Sportsman’s License to harvest a bear.

Bear tags, which cost $25 for residents and $100 for non-residents, generated more than $22,000 last year, but the number of people participating in the dog or “party” hunt for bears declined considerably.

Two years ago, the S.C. Department of Natural Resources registered 100 parties that included 1,535 total hunters. Last year, those numbers dropped to 79 parties and 846 hunters.

“Obviously, the tag requirement had something to do with that,” said Richard Morton, a wildlife biologist for SCDNR.

Still hunters must have a tag, but not all party “hunters” are required to possess a tag if their intention is to simply socialize or listen to the dogs run. But if you’re toting a gun, it’s a good idea to have a tag, Morton said.

“If I’m a hunter on a party hunt, I would like to have the ability to harvest a bear if the opportunity presents itself,” Morton said. “I would want that tag in my possession. If not, and I shoot a bear, I’m in violation of the law.”

Money generated through the sale of bear tags is earmarked for black bear management and research.
Pickens’ Robert Chapman, president of the South Carolina Bear Hunters Association, said he’s in favor of anything that benefits the bear, but he questioned why only bear hunters must purchase tags.

“We don’t mind paying because we love to bear hunt,” Chapman said. “But I deer hunt, too, and don’t have to buy a $25 tag to do that. Everyone that uses the resource should be on the same page — bikers, four-wheelers, everybody. It seems like bear hunters are being singled out for some reason.”

Editor’s note: This article is part of the Bragging Rights Bruins feature in the October issue of South Carolina Sportsman. Digital editions can be downloaded right to your computer or smartphone.

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