FREDERICK, Md. — Black bear hunting is underway in Maryland.
The 20th annual season began Monday with a record breaker.
Melissa, of Garrett County, shot a 643 pound male bear, which is the largest on record in the state's history.
NEW STATE RECORD: Melissa of Garrett County harvested a behemoth of a bear on the first day of the season. The bear weighed 643 lbs. This Garrett Co. male bear is the largest bear ever harvested during Maryland black bear season and is a new state record. Congratulations Melissa! pic.twitter.com/dLJzxYrxkS
— Maryland DNR (@MarylandDNR) October 25, 2023
A hunter named Justus from Frederick County snagged the first bear this year, a 197 pounder.
In total 24 bears were killed during the first day — 19 of which were reported in Garrett County.
Allegany and Frederick Counties each had two, with one in Washington County.
The season lasts six days, ending October 28.
Last year 103 bears were killed, the heaviest weighing in at 427 pounds.
Bear hunters must possess a permit that was awarded during a lottery earlier this year. Each is limited to one bear.
