Bear problems in Del Rio

[bentlimbs]

We have had black bears the past 2 yrs showing up on our lease between Del Rio/Bracketville. Bruce (Archery1st) knows exactly where I am talking about. We have 5000 acres of bowhunting only. We have a protein feeding program that we feed yr round and apparently the Black Bear feel like they are part of this feed program.
We are having big time issues now that they seem to have set up home around camp and on several feeders now. There have been several feeders litterally destroyed (corn/protein) fences/gates tore down, buildings broke into and feed destroyed. There is evidence everywhere as well as pics to prove it is Black Bear. My question is: What can we legally do about it? Calling TPWD is an option I think. They may come fly the ranch and try and dart them for relocation. Are there any other options that the GS knows of? Thanks for any help that you can share.

[locoengineer]

You will have better luck with sheep rancher getting the goverment trapper to relocate

[Mayhem]

Not really sure there is anything you can do but let them be.

[Marco]

If they are costing me large repairs to my equipment. I know what i would do............

[Death from Above]

DO NOT SHOOT ONE...

That's just silly. You think they are costing you know. Ssshoot one and let TPWD find out ...

[huntinfool]

Bears are protected in Texas.

Have you tried an electric fence? I know there are now some solar options. I think this might be your best option.

[Pedernal]

DO NOT SHOOT ONE...

That's just silly. You think they are costing you know. Ssshoot one and let TPWD find out ...

^^^This^^^

[Wudstix]

It is good to see the bears coming back to their native habitat, but that brings the rest. They are protected and non-lethal means to deal with the situation will be required.

[mjhaverkamp]

If they are tearing things up I bet the land owner can shoot them, you have the right to protect your property. Maybe TPWD will try and relocate them.

[bsills]

Lets see some pics. I think the electric fence idea is the best so far. Also post pics on your fence lines to help keep the travelers out

[SurroundedbyAGs]

I like that there making a come back... even better that its on your place not mine

[Rodney Bauer]

Don't think gw is not watching them I hunt north of del rio and a gs stopped at our camp and told us they were on back of our lease. What ever we did do not shoot one. Some have collars on them when they stop moving they coming to find the bear if he is on your lease the land owner would not be happy. I am new to our lease but the seven other members been hunting it for 20 years they wouldn't be happy if owner pulled lease for shooting black bear.

[rubydog]

If they are tearing things up I bet the land owner can shoot them, you have the right to protect your property. Maybe TPWD will try and relocate them.

And you would bet wrong.... The only reasonable and legal way to shoot one is if the land owner finds a bear depredating his live stock. If that is the case and a landowner shoots a bear he better have his I's dotted and T's crossed. Additionally, if shot the landowner had better be in contact with the game warden before and after this event and leave every part of that animal in tact at the kill site. TPW isn't playing around with the black bear issue and neither are the judges.

[Stupid]

The big fires in Mexico a couple of years ago brought the bears down from the mountains. Huge problem!

[bentlimbs]

Yeah I agree with contacting TPWD. We wouldn't shoot one but I think that I would if I felt I was in any danger. We had TPWD come in and fly the place but they didn't find any last yr but now it seems more bear as well more damage is occuring. Also they are coming into camp and that itself poses a real threat! I will contact my rancher and see if we can get TPWD back out and see about relocation.