Ask Fish and Game

Q. I heard something about placing a rock or stick in the mouth of a bear as soon as it's shot so Fish and Game people can remove a tooth more easily. Is this required? A. Nope, not required. However, this practice would save some time and sweat when it comes time to check your bear in with the department. A premolar is taken to help biologists keep track of the age of bears taken in Idaho hunting seasons. It's a matter of scientifically managing bear populations. Age information is shared with the hunter. Hunters could help out a little by keeping their bears' mouths open. Freezing and rigor mortis can make it difficult to take a tooth.