Oklahoma Reports Record Bear Harvest Amidst Growing Population
Oklahoma experienced its largest bear hunting season on record, with hunters harvesting 147 bears. This record harvest comes as the state's bear population continues to grow, primarily in the southeastern part of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City, OK, November 3, 2026 — Oklahoma’s recent bear hunting season concluded with a record-breaking number of harvested bears, marking the largest on record for the state. Hunters reported a total of 147 bears during the season.
This significant increase in the bear harvest is directly linked to the observed growth of the state’s bear population. Wildlife officials have noted a continuing upward trend in the number of bears within Oklahoma.
The primary area experiencing this population expansion is the southeastern region of the state. This geographical focus suggests that conservation efforts and habitat conditions in this part of Oklahoma are particularly conducive to bear reproduction and survival.
The record harvest of 147 bears indicates an active and successful hunting community that is participating in wildlife management through regulated seasons. The exact dates of this record season were not provided.
Further details regarding specific hunting zones, permit numbers, or management strategies were not included in the provided information. The data points to a dynamic ecological situation where wildlife populations are increasing, leading to adjustments in hunting regulations and outcomes.
Story summarized from the original created by Graycen Wheeler, OPMX on www.kgou.org, see more information here.
Media gallery
