PGC: Bear Season is Promising

HARRISBURG – Last year’s black bear harvest was the second highest on record, and weather permitting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission expects hunters to have similar opportunities afield in the upcoming bear seasons.

“Pennsylvania’s black bear population has numbered near 15,000 for almost a decade,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Because our bear population now covers more than three-quarters of the state – and includes a number of world-class trophy bears – Pennsylvania is recognized as one of the top states for bear hunters. Every year, we have a number of bears exceeding 500 pounds included in the harvest.”

The 2008 bear harvest of 3,458 is second only to the 2005 bear harvest, in which hunters took a record 4,164 bears.

“Our black bear population is a remarkable resource,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist. “Every year since 2000, more than 100,000 hunters have headed afield in pursuit of bears, with harvests exceeding 3,000 bears most years, yet many local bear populations across the state have remained stable or increased. It’s a good time to be a bear hunter.”

Pennsylvania’s primary bear season is three days, statewide, just prior to Thanksgiving, Nov. 23-25.

You can go to the game commission's Web site for more information, tips and reminders.

(Game Commission photo)