Black Bear Bonanza
Bring the whole family out for a hands-on, community-focused day centered on black bears, conservation, and living responsibly in bear country.
The Washington Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers is teaming up with the Wenatchee River Institute, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service, and the City of Leavenworth to host an all-ages educational event rooted in safety, stewardship, and collaboration.
The Black Bear Bonanza will feature practical bear conflict-prevention education, bear biology and population insights from local experts, live demonstrations, youth activities, and conversations about the cultural, ecological, and conservation role of regulated bear hunting. Whether you’re a hiker, hunter, parent, or simply curious about the wildlife we share this landscape with, there’s something here for everyone.
Join neighbors, educators, and conservation partners to learn, connect, and help reduce bear-human conflict while building a better understanding of Washington’s black bears.
More info and RSVP at the Backcountry Hunters and Anglers page.
Also join us Friday night, April 10th for a Red Barn Event featuring a film screening of Valley of the Bears, followed by a panel discussion.
Agenda
- 9am: Exhibition Tables and Stations open throughout the day
- 10am: Seminars
- 10am: Opening and Introduction: Ryan Niemeyer (WA BHA)
- 10:10am: Black Bear Status Update: Rich Beausoleil (WDFW)
- 10:40am: Bear life stages/habitat requirements: Rich Beausoleil (WDFW)
- 11:10am: Bear Conflict and Relocation: William Smith and Joseph Bridges (WDFW)
- 11:40am: Bear Conflict Prevention Education In Town: Kara Raftery (City of Leavenworth) and Nicole Jordan (WDFW)
- 12:10pm: Bear Safe Hiking: Virginia Shoup (Wenatchee River Institute)
- 12:30 pm - 2:30pm: Lunch (on your own), demonstrations, passport
- 2:30pm: Seminars
- 2:30pm: Changes in Bear Hunting Regulations: William Smith (WDFW)
- 3:00pm: Bear Hunting: Zack Ellis (PNWild)
- 3:30pm: Bear field processing and cooking safety: Clarence Rushing (WA BHA)
- 4:00pm: Bear Cooking: Jesse Garcia (Rack and Flame)
- 4:20pm: Closing Remarks
- 7:00-8:00pm: Bear Storyteller Event at Wenatchee River Institute
