2024 bear season harvest rebounds

4,285 bears harvested, a 46.6% increase from 2023

The 2024 five-week bear hunting season saw a steep incline from the 2023 harvesting numbers, where 4,285 bears were harvested in 2024 compared to only 2,922 last fall.

The season ran from Sept. 4 to Oct. 8. 

Wisconsin DNR officials say that several factors played a role in the increased success this fall season.

“Several factors likely led to this season’s increase in harvest. In 2023, we saw an incredible amount of acorns and other natural food production. This reduced the effectiveness of baits and translated to a historically low harvest,” said Randy Johnson, DNR large carnivore specialist. “This year, anecdotes from bear hunters and harvest data suggest less natural food availability than last year. Additionally, last year’s low harvest, coupled with bears entering dens in excellent body condition last fall, likely contributed to an increase in the number of bears on the landscape this fall.”

In zones A and B, which is where Vilas and Oneida counties reside, there was a target harvest of 1,075 and 850 bears, respectively. With over 1,500 licenses given out in each of those two zones, zone A saw 71.5% hunter success with 1,237 bears. Zone B harvested 898 bears with a 59% hunter success rate. 

“On average, we expect to see about half of the total bear harvest within the first five days of the season,” stated Johnson. “This year, nearly 57% of the total harvest occurred in those first five days, with over 1,000 bears taken on opening day alone.”

Officials also highlighted the importance of bear hunting with a thriving population of roughly 23,000 bears throughout the state. 

The harvest target number is adjusted each year to increase and decrease or stabilize population trends. 

“Regulated bear harvest is the primary tool we use to manage bear populations and ensure bear numbers remain balanced with their habitat and public preferences,” said Johnson.

The DNR also reminds hunters about next fall’s season. Anyone wishing to get a license or preference must apply in Go Wild before the Tuesday, Dec. 10, deadline. Any further information about the bear hunting season can be found at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/bear.