The state Natural Resources Board approved the Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) recommendation to offer more than 8,500 bear harvest permits for the 2013 Wisconsin black bear season.

“We will issue 8,560 permits for the upcoming season, with a harvest goal of 4,000 bears,” said Kevin Wallenfang, DNR big game ecologist. “These numbers are slightly reduced compared to 2012, but will offer above average harvest opportunities.”

According to Wallenfang, four years of increased permit levels was successful in reducing bear numbers in the North, but populations remain high in other parts of the state. Therefore, Zones A and B will see a reduction of permits, but there will be an increase of permits in Zones C