For new and experienced hunters alike, going on a bear hunt is a great way to enjoy nature, get some exercise, and spend quality time outdoors with friends and family.?The season starts in late August, offering experienced hunters extra time to scout for other species such as deer or moose while enjoying warmer temperatures.

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Successful hunters are rewarded with wholesome, locally sourced, free-range, hormone-free lean protein which, if handled properly, is excellent to eat!

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Bear hunting also helps manage the population. Maine has a healthy and stable population of black bears ? the largest in the eastern United States, in fact. Since black bears do not have any natural predators, it would be very easy for the population to grow to an unsustainable level, leading to starvation, disease, and death. Bear hunting helps keep the population at a number where bears and their environment stay healthy.

Delicious game meat starts in the field

When properly cared for, bear meat is very tasty and is a good source of lean protein providing hunters with another source of healthy food for their families. Bear meat is excellent in soups and chilis, barbecued (pulled bear and BBQ ribs), roasted in the oven, or grilled (backstrap rubbed in spices).?Click here for a black bear steak fajita and meatball recipe!

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Always have a plan to cool your bear and get it out of the woods ASAP!?The insulation from a bear?s fat layers and thick hide can cause bear meat to spoil more quickly than other large game. Find tips on how to cool your bear, skin it, and get it out of the woods as quickly as possible at mefishwildlife.com/bearhunt