MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources announced the results for the 2025 bear hunting season in the state on Wednesday.

Overall, the DNR reports 3,724 bears were harvested during the 35-day bear season hunt this year. This is standard for the state, as the five-year average stands at about 3,800 bears each year.

Though the target for this year was higher, at 4,075 bears, large carnivore specialist Randy Johnson said the number is within the expected range for the year.

Johnson said some hunters found success, while others faced challenges with the below-average temperatures at the beginning of the season and abundant acorns and corn reducing bait effectiveness.

“Overall, hunter success rates ended up slightly below average, translating to overall bear har

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