Politics & Government
Malloy to Review Bear Hunt Lottery Proposal
The plan drafted by state wildlife officials may allow hunters the chance to hunt a portion of Connecticut's bear population.
State wildlife officials are reportedly drafting plans for a that will be reviewed by Gov. Malloy's administration this week, according to the Hartford Courant.
Bill Hyatt, chief of the DEEP's wildlife division, told the Courant this week that while the proposal, which would allow the chosen hunters to kill a limited number of animals, won't actually seek a bear hunt, but would be used to formulate a plan in case hunting was necessary in the future.
Similar lotteries are used in Maine, where hunters pay a non-refundable fee to enter. DEEP will recommend that hunters pay $25 to enter the bear-hunt lottery. The chosen hunters would then be required pay for a hunting permit and license.
Find out what's happening in Shelton-Derbywith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Bears haven't been legally hunted in Connecticut since 1840 and the state now has between 500 and 1,000 bears, according to the Courant.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
