Helpful Tips for Bear Identification

This year's archery opener takes place a week earlier than previous years, and the earlier opening day is something archery bear hunters have been requesting from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission for a number of years. The earlier opening date benefits hunters who use bait to attract bears on private land because bears are more likely to be attracted by bait before acorns start dropping in the coming days and weeks. But the earlier opener also has the potential to expose more female bears to harvest. For the earlier opening date to remain sustainable, hunters must target more male bears than female bears. This video from AGFG large carnivore program coordinator Myron Means and Meateater's Clay Newcomb of the Bear Grease Podcast explains how to use visual cues and body characteristics to identify bears in the field and helps hunters differentiate male and female black bears.