California allows hunters two bear tags per year while maintaining the statewide cap of 1,700. Officials also reviewed marine protection proposals.

CALIFORNIA, USA — The California Fish and Game Commission approved changes to black bear hunting rules and reviewed marine protection proposals during its April 15–16 meeting in Sacramento.

Commissioners voted to increase the number of bear tags an individual hunter may hold from one to two per year. 

The statewide harvest cap remains at 1,700 bears, and the season will close if that limit is reached. The cap was last met in 2012.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife estimates the state’s black bear population at about 60,000. 

Agency scientists said the regulatory changes could result in an additional 100 to 200 bears harvested annually. The commission also approved updated hunt boundaries to include all of Lassen and Modoc counties.

Commissioners also reviewed 10 petitions related to marine protected areas (MPAs), part of a broader set submitted in 2023. 

The proposals include expanding protected boundaries, restricting certain fishing activities, and, in some cases, allowing limited recreational or commercial fishing in designated areas.

CDFW recommended either denying the petitions or pursuing some goals through non-regulatory approaches. Public input will continue at regional meetings scheduled in San Mateo, Goleta and San Clemente.

The commission also received recommendations on potential updates to sportfishing rules in the Central Valley and Klamath River Basin. A decision on those changes is expected at a May 6 hearing.

In addition, LeConte’s thrasher and Bendire’s thrasher were designated as candidate species under the California Endangered Species Act, triggering a one-year review to determine if protections are warranted. 

Officials cited population declines linked to habitat loss, disease and climate change.

Consideration of protections for the western spadefoot frog was delayed until June to allow further discussions between environmental groups and industry representatives.

The commission’s next meeting is scheduled for June 17–18 in Sacramento.

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