The September season is geared toward cutting down on agricultural damage, especially to corn crops. Hunters are traditionally more successful during the September hunt, but some large male black bears are taken each November.

Baiting in Massachusetts became illegal in 1970. Hunting with hounds was ruled out in 1996. These days, success depends on tree-stand hunting near popular food supplies or trying to sneak up on a wary bruin in a berry patch or apple orchard. Stand hunting accounts for 75 to 80 percent of the harvest each year.

Either way, hunters will need to scout out natural food sources before opening day. In years when acorns, beech and cherries are plentiful, bears will be more dispersed as they take advantage of all these sources.

If natural mast is scarce, hunters should focus on local cornfields and apple orchards. Find paths beaten down by bears heading for cornfields, bedding areas, tracks, scat and telltale claw marks on beech trees.

Pay special attention for sign around areas that feature thick cover.

Some farmers concerned about crop damage do welcome hunters, so consider knocking on a few doors this year. When you take into account crop harvests, livestock and landowner's wishes, a friendly farm visit may result in excellent hunting for many years to come.

Currently there are about 3,000 black bears in Massachusetts, with the highest concentrations in the western region.

"The long-term trend has been upward," Cardoza said. "Of several factors contributing to a population increase, the most recent are likely an increase in adult female survival, and an increase in the number of females producing their first litter at three years of age."

In recent years, bear behavior has changed in response to human actions and activities, the biologist said, resulting in problems with suburban bears. Since 1970, season length and timing have been revised upward several times.

Cardoza noted that limitations on hunting methods have a stifling effect on hunter success, and that public response to suburban bear woes poses a real challenge for the Bay State's wildlife management team.

For more bear-hunting information visit the MassWildlife Web site at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw, or phone (617) 626-1590.

For general Bay State travel information, visit www.massvacation.com, or call (617) 973-8500.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
For several years, the Granite State's population of black bears has hovered around 4,600 animals.

"The New Hampshire bear population is managed based on objectives stated in the Big Game Management Plan that spans the period from 2006 to 2015," said Andrew Timmins, Bear Project leader for the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department. "The bear-population objectives stated in this plan were formulated with input by the public.

"During this time period, bear management decisions will attempt to meet the population objectives stated in the plan.

"The annual, regulated bear harvest is the primary tool we use to meet our population management objectives," Timmins explained. "Bear seasons are set bi-annually, and the season structure is manipulated to maintain regional bear populations at levels consistent with our goals.