Arkansas Sportsman: Last year's bear season was one of the best ever. What factors account for this being such a good season?

Eastridge: Last season's bear harvest was the second highest recorded by the Game and Fish Commission since modern bear hunting began in 1980. Hunters killed 340 bears in 2004. That's second only to the 2001 season when 372 bears were killed.

The 2001 season was the first season that allowed baiting on private land. I think more Arkansas hunters are showing interest in bear hunting, especially with the use of bait on private lands. Hunters are learning how to bait effectively, and learning how to hunt over bait. There was a moderate mast crop last year and that made baiting more effective than it would be during a year of abundant natural foods such as acorns.

Last season also stood out because of the numerous reports of very large bears being killed. Bear hunters are infamous for inflating the size of the bears they see and kill. However, there were a few notable exceptions. One hunter who was hunting north of Russellville killed a bear that reportedly weighed 570 pounds … This is probably the heaviest bear that's been killed in Arkansas in modern bear hunting. Another bear, about 540 pounds, was killed by a hunter in the Ouachitas. I heard several other unconfirmed but believable reports of bears weighing over 300 pounds killed last year.

What are the current bear population estimates for Arkansas?

In Bear Zone 1, the Ozarks, the Game and Fish Commission estimates a population of about 2,000 bears. This population is stable to slightly increasing. In Bear Zone 2, the Ouachitas, we estimate about 1,000 bears. This population is definitely growing and expanding its range. In bear zones 5 and 5A, the Delta, we estimate a population of about 500 bears. We have stabilized this population through harvest and translocation of bears to Felsenthal National Wildlife Refuge.

What should hunters expect for the upcoming season? Do you think it will be a good one?

I expect us to have another great bear season. Hunters are becoming more interested in pursuing Arkansas bears, and we encourage that participation to reach our bear management goals. Also, more hunters are taking advantage of baiting on private lands and are becoming more proficient at baiting. The one part of the equation we cannot control is natural food abundance. In years of abundant natural foods, especially acorns, bears prefer to feed on these acorns as opposed to visiting bait sites. The opposite occurs in years of poor natural food abundance. In years of abundant natural foods, our public areas can be real hotspots for bear hunting.

On a side note, I'd like to comment about the practice of bear baiting for the purpose of harvesting bears. It has been my experience that: