California may soon see a significant change in how black bears are managed. Assembly Bill 1038, introduced by Assembly Member Hadwick, proposes reinstating the use of hounds in bear hunting, a method banned in 2013 under Senate Bill 1221. With the state’s bear population now estimated at 60,000 to 80,000—more than double previous estimates—the bill aims to address growing challenges associated with bear management.
Why the Bill Was Introduced
California’s bear hunting regulations currently allow the sale of over 30,000 bear tags per year, but the state sets an annual harvest cap of 1,700 bears. Since the hound hunting ban took effect, this quota has not been met, with the 2024 harvest totaling just 808 bears. Supporters of the bill argue that the decline in bear harvest numbers has contributed to several challenges, including:
- Increased bear-human encounters – Reports of bears entering suburban and urban areas have risen as bear populations expand beyond their traditional habitats.
- Impacts on other wildlife – Studies indicate that black bears frequently displace mountain lions from their kills, which in turn increases mountain lion predation on deer.
- Declining deer numbers – Research suggests that black bears are a major predator of deer fawns, with some studies estimating that up to 80% of fawns in certain areas are killed in their first month.
Key Provisions of AB 1038
The bill proposes two key changes:
- Allowing hound pursuit of bears – The Fish and Game Commission would establish a season during which dogs could legally pursue bears, but not be used for harvest.
- Potential reinstatement of hound hunting – If the Department of Fish and Wildlife finalizes its updated Bear Management Plan, the Commission would have the authority to allow hound hunting for bear harvest in designated areas.
How Other States Manage Bear Hunting
Several states currently allow hound hunting as part of their wildlife management strategy. Maine, Wisconsin, and Idaho all use regulated hound hunting to maintain bear populations and reduce human-wildlife conflicts. In these states, hound hunting is considered an effective tool for tracking bears in dense forests and helping hunters selectively harvest animals.
What’s Next?
AB 1038 is currently under review, and its future will depend on legislative support and public input. The bill seeks to reintroduce hound pursuit under a regulated framework, with the potential for further changes once the updated Bear Management Plan is completed.
California’s approach to bear management has remained largely unchanged for over a decade. This bill represents an effort to revisit past policies in light of updated population estimates and wildlife interactions. As the discussion continues, stakeholders—including hunters, conservationists, and policymakers—will play a role in shaping the future of bear management in the state.
