Is it legal to hunt bears in California?

Asked by: Mike Brown

In 1917, California black bears were classified as furbearers with no restrictions on how, when or number of animals taken. Since 1948, California black bears have been classified as game animals with an established hunting season.

Where can you hunt bears in California?

The highest specific densities are in northwest California in the Klamath National Forest, the Marble Mountain Wilderness and the Trinity Alps. Because these areas have huge expanses of land between roads, the hunt lends itself to the hunter with a pack on his back.

Is bear meat legal in California?

Under current law, black bears are classified as game animals. Therefore, bear hunters are required to retain meat from hunted bears. The black bear hunt is not a trophy hunt; it is a well-regulated, traditional hunt that has tremendous community benefits.

Are black bears legal to shoot in California?

In California, it’s illegal to shoot a black bear because they’re considered a game mammal and require permission to kill.

Can you hunt and eat bear?

Grizzly Bears/Brown Bears
Brown bears in Alaska and North America have long been hunted for their meat, which is said to taste similar to black bear meat. Many people enjoy bear hunting and some hunt grizzlies and browns for their flesh. Most trophy hunters want to shoot these animals for their size or pelts.

How much is a California bear tag?

Valid JULY 1, 2021 through JUNE 30, 2022

What state has the best bear hunting?

Alaska is the holy grail of black bear hunting. Not only can you shoot up to three bears per year, as long as they’re in the appropriate designated areas, but also you can hunt spring and fall – with dogs, over bait, even from a boat or a snow machine provided that you’re at a complete stop before shooting.

Can you sell a bear skin rug in California?

California – No sales of black bear skins, claws, teeth, or products. It is legal to possess black bear products but we cannot sell/ship to California.

Is eating bear legal?

Some people view eating bear as unethical. Until recently, in many states, it was not only that but illegal. Killing black bears, once brought to the edge of extinction in this country by overhunting, could land a guy a hefty fine or even a jail sentence.

Does bear meat taste good?

Bear meat tastes very similar to venison. It’s significantly sweeter, though and may differ in taste depending on the age of the bear. For instance, younger bears have a milder flavor. The season also plays a role in how a bear will taste.

Why is bear meat poisonous?

Bear meat should be thoroughly cooked as it can carry a parasitic infection known as trichinella and is potentially lethal to humans. It is the single biggest vector of trichinosis in North America.

Is black bear meat good?

Black bear corns up about as nicely as any meat. It’s also a surefire way to know that it’s going to be both delicious and cooked well enough for safe eating. The nice thing about corning is it’s flexible. You don’t have to have specialty cuts of meat, and it lends itself to being a low-waste method of cooking.

Does bear meat stink?

All the bear meat I have tried has been very mild and somewhat sweet. There is a distinct (not off-putting) smell to the meat, the same way raw lamb meat has a unique smell.

What part of a bear can you eat?

Bear backstraps do make for some good steaks, but you have to cook it well done, unlike venison or elk. More on that later. For this reason, I will cut my backstraps into steaks, keep big hunks for roasts, and grind the rest. You can also cube up those roasts and use them for bear stew, which is fantastic.

Can bears smell fear?

Bears can detect a carcass of an animal, in perfect conditions, up to 20 miles away. Polar bears have followed seals for up to 40 miles. Think how easily a bear can smell your fear… your uneasiness …even your busy, babbling mind.