I'm not sure the bear population is down here. I'm in Rockingham Co. were the bear kill has lead the state for years. I often here a lot of folks commenting on seeing bears, but they are also on the move this time of year. My MIL has one eating her apples off the tree in her backyard!!
IMO the bear dog "training" season is a big problem! The deer population is way down on public land/national forest. I believe due to bear dogs chasing deer. I have seen it many times while hunting, but most dog owners will tell you their dogs don't chase deer. BS!!
Now DGIF is expanding the areas for this "training" season.
Wonder how many DGIF directors belong to the bear association or have benefited from it?? It's political.....