Dutchess County NY

[Dom]

Does anyone know if there is a legal size or sex a bear has to be to be taken/harvested in the area?I ask because I have seen many bear in the area's I hunt and if giving the chance I want to shoot one.

[papabear]

none you see it you can take it 

there are a few things you should know 

before you shoot you should wate about 10 minuets to make shore if it a sow she has no cubs with her 

try and see how are ears are if the big it young if there small and on the side it is a good size bear 

if you have an idea where it might be mark the trees with some tape or paint one foot apart this will give you an estimated  size on the bear also if the eyes look small its should be a nice size bear they can be very tricky to size up

Good luck  

[Andy 3F]

I'll help ya carry it out. 

[Critter4321]

as a rule of thumb  the further apart the ears the bigger the bear I do think its illegal to shoot a bear thats in a group though but I could be mistaken on that 

[Dom]

I'll help ya carry it out. 

That's cool. There are and I have seen many if given a clean/clear shot I will be needing a little help.

[ATbuckhunter]

I think its still illegal to shoot a cub. 

[Critter4321]

I think its still illegal to shoot a cub. 

 

I cant say for sure its illegal but its unethical to shoot a cub

 

[Dom]

I have only seen 1 sow with cubs the others are the size/height of the hood of my Jeep grand 

[Zem18]

Just so everyone is clear on the rules, I found this link

www.dec.ny.gov/docs/wildlife_pdf/bbhunting10.PDF

It states, In the Southern Zone, you may not shoot a cub, shoot a bear from a group of bears, or shoot a bear in its den.

I'd hate to see a happy moment turn sour quickly if you hadn't read up first. Good luck out there.

[Andy 3F]

From the DEC web site

 

Bear

Resident and Nonresident hunters may take one bear by gun or bow each license year. 

In the Southern Zone, you may not shoot a cub or a bear that should be known to be a cub, shoot any bear from a group of bears, or shoot or take a bear from its den.