North Dakota Game and Fish Department Studies Bear Population for Potential Hunting Season
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is conducting studies, including collecting bear hair for DNA analysis, to determine the feasibility of establishing a bear hunting season in the Walhalla area of northeast North Dakota. This research aims to establish…
Fargo Valley City, ND, September 19, 2026 — The North Dakota Game and Fish Department is undertaking research initiatives to evaluate the possibility of introducing a bear hunting season in the northeastern part of the state. These studies are focused on the Walhalla area and are designed to gather essential data regarding the local bear population.
A key component of this ongoing research involves the collection of bear hair samples. These samples will undergo DNA analysis, which is expected to provide crucial genetic information about the bears in the region. This scientific approach aims to establish comprehensive baseline population data.
The department’s objective is to thoroughly understand the bear population dynamics before any decisions are made concerning the establishment of a hunting season. This preparatory phase is critical for responsible wildlife management.
If the studies indicate that a hunting season is feasible and appropriate, the earliest possible timeframe for such a season would be the fall of 2027. The department emphasizes that the decision will be based on the scientific findings and an assessment of the population’s health and sustainability. Further details regarding the specific methodologies of the study and the expected timeline for data analysis have not been provided.
The focus area for these studies is the Walhalla region, situated in northeast North Dakota. Officials are looking to build a robust understanding of the species’ presence and distribution within this specific geographic zone.
The North Dakota Game and Fish Department has not specified the exact duration of the research period or the criteria that will ultimately determine the feasibility of a hunting season. The process is currently in its data-gathering stages, with a potential season contingent on the outcomes of these comprehensive studies.
Story summarized from the original created by Andrew Weeks on www.inforum.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
