The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) reminds hunters that this year's new two black bear hunting bag limit can only be filled in western Washington and four game management units (GMUs) in Chelan County.

A hunter who wants to take two bears must purchase a "damage bear tag" for the second bear and can only use that damage tag on a bear in western Washington and in GMUs 304, 306, 308 and 316 which mostly lie in central Washington's Chelan County. This specification is described under "tag information" on page 21 of WDFW's 1998 Big Game Hunting Seasons and Rules pamphlet.

The intent of the second bear allowance is to remove bears that are causing damage to trees in western Washington and the Chelan County area.

According to calls made to WDFW's eastside offices, many bear hunters are misinterpreting the new two bear bag limit.

Black bear hunting season opens Aug. 1 statewide except for areas described in the pamphlet.