ANNAPOLIS, Md., Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Maryland's first day of black bear hunting yielded 41 bears, the most productive first day in the 10-year history of the hunt, the state wildlife director said.
The previous first-day record of 38 was broken Monday, and the quota of 95 to 130 black bears should not be difficult to achieve.
"This is not a surprise," said Paul Peditto, director of wildlife and heritage services for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
The first bear taken was also the biggest, a 315-pound female shot by Robin Cook, 19, of Westernport, Md., the Baltimore Sun said.
Maryland's black bear hunting season is six days long, with the state Wildlife and Heritage Service permitted to stop the hunt if the quota is reached. It was revived in 2004 after a 51-year hiatus.
