Regulations and Harvest Reporting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check to make sure the hunt area is open. Once you harvest a black bear, you will need to report your harvest and then schedule a time to check it in. Report your black bear harvest online<\/a>, or by phone. You will be contacted at the phone number you provide to schedule the physical inspection of your black bear.<\/p>\n\n\n 800 970-BEAR (2327) to report your harvest, or report online<\/a> To hunt black bear in Arizona, you need a valid hunting license and a black bear tag. For most black bear hunts, a nonpermit-tag can be obtained from a license dealer. For some spring black bear hunts, a permit-tag is required. See the hunting regulations for more information regarding specific hunts and season dates. Apply online<\/a> for a hunt.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One black bear per calendar year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When the number of female bears (sows) equaling the female harvest limit for a particular hunt has been reported, the unit will be closed at sundown the Wednesday immediately following. When the annual female harvest limit for a unit has been reported, the unit will close at sundown the following Wednesday and will be closed for the remainder of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Before each hunting trip, make sure you verify that the unit is still open. View black bear female harvest limit information and unit status<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Report your black bear harvest information to the Arizona Game and Fish Department in person or by telephone at 1-800-970-2327 within 48 hours of taking the black bear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need to report the following information: hunter\u2019s name, hunting license number, tag number, sex of the black bear taken, management unit where the black bear was taken, and telephone number at which the hunter can be reached to obtain additional information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Report online<\/a>, or call 800 970-BEAR (2327) to report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n See FAQ below for identification information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Present the black bear\u2019s skull and hide with attached proof of sex to a designated Arizona Game and Fish Department employee for inspection within 10 days of taking the black bear. <\/p>\n\n\n\n An appointment is required.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n -Prop jaw open so that the tooth behind the upper canine can be pulled and aged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n -If the skull is frozen, it should be defrosted prior to presenting for inspection as a premolar tooth will be removed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n -If the hide is frozen, ensure that the attached<\/strong> proof of sex is accessible and identifiable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n -Successful hunters are encouraged to contact the nearest Department office by telephone to coordinate inspections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Black bear species information<\/a> Assess the body of the bear. If the body is large and round, it probably is a male. Black bear females are usually smaller and leaner than males. Adult female black bears (sows) in Arizona typically weigh up to 250 pounds while adult male black bears (boars) weigh up to 350 pounds. Standing on its hind feet, a male black bear can reach 7 feet tall. Males have large, boxier heads and larger shoulders. Bear tracks may also give an idea of the size of a bear, and therefore, sex of the bear. Unfortunately, due to overlap in sizes between young males and adult females, sex and age can be difficult to determine from tracks alone, but some general observations can be made. Both the length and width of adult male front feet typically measure 4 \u2013 5 \u00bd+ inches and females usually measure 3 \u215c \u2013 4 \u00bc inches. Length and width of adult male hind feet typically measure 7 \u215c \u2013 9+ inches and 4 \u215b \u2013 5+ inches, respectively. Length and width of adult female hind feet usually measure 6 \u215b \u2013 7 \u00bd inches and 3 \u215c \u2013 4 inches, respectively. The presence of cubs or cub tracks would indicate that the adult bear is female. Mating season is late spring \u2013 early summer. 1-2 cubs are born during December-January. Cubs are born weighing \u00bd pound and almost naked. Cubs stay with their mother for 2 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look at the face and head of the bear. If the ears seem to be large in proportion to the head, and the face seems narrow instead of round, it is likely a female. A male usually has a wider and rounder head, making its ears appear smaller in proportion to its head.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Observe the bear when it urinates. If the urine appears to come from underneath the bear\u2019s belly, it is most likely a male. If the bear squats and\/or the urine appears to come from its back end, it\u2019s probably a female. A boar\u2019s testicles may be visible if you have the right viewing angle, especially in spring. But in autumn when a bear\u2019s winter coat is more lush and thick, it\u2019s tougher to see genitalia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The following link from the Wyoming Game and Fish Department offers good information on identifying the sex of bears in the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.azgfd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Black-bear_555-541x400.jpg\")
\n <\/div>\n black bear harvest reporting<\/h3>\n\n \n
Black bear season status:
View female harvest limits and season closures<\/a><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\nblack bear regulations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tag required<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Bag limit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Harvest limits<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Mandatory reporting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Sex identification<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Mandatory physical inspection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Preparing for the physical inspection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Age results<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Living with Black Bears<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\nBlack Bear FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n
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Black bear sex identification<\/h3>\n <\/summary>\n