Black bear hunting may expand in Catskills, part of Hudson Valley

Daily Freeman story: Concerned about the growing number of black bears in New York, the state Department of Environmental Conservation has drawn up a plan that includes enhanced hunting opportunities in the Catskills and part of the Hudson Valley to manage the population. The department’s draft plan for bear management can be viewed online at bit.ly/LxbsAt. The public can comment on the plan until Feb. 21. Comments can be mailed to NYSDEC Bureau of Wildlife, Bear Management Plan, 625 Broadway, Albany, N.Y., 12233-4754 or emailed to fwwildlife@gw.dec.state.ny.us with “Bear Plan” in the subject line.