Any additional mortality would exceed the current management objective."

There has always been interest in the fall brown bear hunt. In 1999, Fish and Game issued 154 permits for it. In 2000 it was 147, and in 2001 it was 98. In 2002 and 2003, the hunt was canceled as a result of the high number of brown bears killed before hunting season opened.

In 2004, the hunt opened with more than 250 hunters registered. However, it closed by emergency order after only two days in an effort to not exceed the management objective.

Officials have said an over-harvest of even one animal could significantly affect the brown bear hunt for several years.

The brown bear registration hunt was scheduled for Oct. 15-31 in Game management Units 7 and 15.
Fish and Game officials issued an emergency order Friday announcing that the hunt will not open this season.