The state Department of Environmental Conservation announced Tue., Sept. 6, the start of the early bear hunting seasons, beginning September 10 in southeastern New York, and Sept. 17 in the northern part of the state. During the early season, hunters are permitted to use a bow, crossbow, muzzleloader, handgun, shotgun or rifle where allowed. According to the DEC, black bear hunting is regulated as an effort to manage the bear population and to limit "bear nuisances." Information about black bear hunting in New York, including season dates and regulations, is available at www [dot] DEC [dot] NY [dot] gov.