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?

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.