
HAGERSTOWN, Md. (AP) The state Department of Natural Resources says it is accepting applications from those hoping to participate in this year's black bear hunt in western Maryland.
The agency said Monday it is increasing its harvest goal to a range of 65 to 90 bears. That's five more than last year's quota.
The state will award 260 permits by lottery. The season opens Oct. 25 and ends Oct. 30 unless hunters reach the harvest quota before then.
Hunting is limited to Allegany and Garrett counties.
Hunters killed 68 bears during last year's season.
This will be Maryland's seventh bear season since hunting resumed in 2004 after a 50-year ban.
(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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