The bear population in the Quachita Mountains is growing and, in some cases, causing some problems. The hunting proposal at this time is only to limit that growth by allowing a few hunters, who live in that area, to hunt.
If left unchecked, the public outcry would be to eradicate them completely. The Black Bear was a part of that area long before the first house was built or town originated. They are not ordinarilly aggressive unless directly confronted. That is one of a very few places where the original wilderness “Indian Territory” can still be seen and to spend a few hours there is unforgettable. If the current proposal is approved, I, nor any of my family, would qualify to hunt. I’d settle for one good camera shot.

Good comments. Thanks for your input!

Do not hunt bears. Leave them alone and they will leave you alone. When it comes to hunting, the bears will hunt you.
I live in Anchorage Alaska and we have bears all over town. The only time they attack, is when you get in their path.

Interesting. Do you all have black bears in Alaska, or primarily grizzly bears? Just wondering if there are behavioral differences between the two species.

Bob, nice to have the two way conversation. I guess We are really discussing who invaded whose home and who has squatter’s rights. I hope We can find a reasonable path to co-existance and be able to get away to that beautiful area and listen to the breeze in the treetops and the scurry of little creatures feet in the night. I once had a male squirrel say some very mean things to Me because I was sitting under his hickory tree.

Yeah, I could share some marmot stories. Cute, yes, but meddlesome!

I’ll need to do some research, but the hunt itself is not just limited to 20 bears, but also to archery and black powder. So that makes things WAAAAYYYYY different in terms of challenge. But it may not change the ethical debate.

Having no experience, I’m not sure of the kill effectiveness with bow or even black powder against the massiveness of some bears. With the plentiful food supply of the Quachita, a bear can put on a very thick fat layer. That’s something to be considered.

To Bob D: Alaska has all kind of bears, black, brown, white (polar) and in between.

Talking without no experience on this, I prefer be against on the activities that was been practiced by most of the hunters. But this things would be in a great consideration if doing such things, for always take the responsibility of a good hunter. It will be much respected.

Bob, the Picture is absoletly gorgeous! Did you take it? Could I get a copy of the pic or a copy of the nagative? We are building a cabin in the White Mtns in Northern AZ – We have Black Bears up there – and my thought on the subject No Hunting, so they can be in picture’s like this one!

Please advise,
Thank you Brenda

I didn’t take that picture. I think we may have gotten that from the Oklahoma Wildlife Department. Thanks for your input, and know I’m a little jealous of your cabin project!