Game Commission officials across the state are predicting this year’s bear season could be historic.
It’s a perfect storm of sorts- Pennsylvania’s black-bear population is up 2,000 this year to 20,000 bears…the number of hunters buying bear licenses is on pace to break a record…and the red-oak acorn crop statewide is one for the ages. All of the pieces are in place for a historic bear season in Pennsylvania.
Bear archery season across the state opened on Monday and will close Friday. The four-day general season will open on Saturday.
Pennsylvania’s eight largest bear harvests have all occurred within the past decade. Last year’s harvest was the third-largest on record, with hunters taking 3,748 bears. Sixty eight of those topped the 500-pound mark…and 18 of them topped 600 pounds.
Bear biologist Mark Ternent said years where acorns are abundant, like this year, bear harvests are usually up. That’s because with food readily available, bears have less reason to hibernate before bear season.
To participate in bear hunting in Pennsylvania, a hunter needs a general hunting license, as well as a bear license. Bear hunters must follow fluorescent orange requirements.
Hunting licenses can be purchased online at the Game Commission’s website or from an authorized licensing agent.
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