PENNSYLVANIA'S BLACK BEAR SEASON SHOULD BE OUTSTANDING

HARRISBURG - Over the past three years, Pennsylvania has recorded its three best bear seasons ever. If the weather cooperates during the upcoming three-day bear season, which begins Nov. 24, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials believe there's a great chance hunters will be participating in another season that will rank as one of the state's best ever.

"Over the past three years, hunters have taken more than 8,800 black bears in Pennsylvania," said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director. "That three-year harvest total represents more bears than were taken in the Commonwealth through the entire decades of the 1960s and 1970s, and is indicative of our state's incredible black bear population. We truly have become one of the nation's top black bear hunting states.

"What's remarkable about our black bear population is that it has continued to grow, while our bear harvests have steadily increased. Right now, we believe the statewide population is about 15,000 bears."

Agency field officers south of Interstate 80 again this year are telling hunters that there are plenty of opportunities to hunt bears. Meanwhile, those officers north of I-80 are urging hunters to visit their counties to help reduce large bear populations that have led to increased bear complaints.

"The bear population continues to increase and we need more hunters in this county," said Armstrong County WCO Barry Seth. "If we had the hunting pressure, our bear harvest could double without any problem."

For the second consecutive year, WCO Mike Doherty asked hunters to concentrate on the forested areas north of Harrisburg. "We have more bears than you can shake a stick at. You don't need to go upstate to hunt bears; come here to Dauphin County," he said.

Of course, the situation is a little different in the state's northern tier. In Tioga County, WCO Bob Minnich said, "Bears are everywhere. Almost everyone I talk to has seen a bear, or several, this year. Several large bears and cinnamon-phase bears are being seen. If we had the hunting pressure, we could have the highest kill in the state."

Clearfield County WCO Dave Stewart said, "Based on sightings and the number of complaints this year, if I had one more bear in the district, I would have to add a room onto my house!"

About two-thirds of the Game Commission's Wildlife Conservation Officers (WCOs) and Land Management Group Supervisors (LMGS), who are stationed in every county of the state, rate bear hunting opportunities as good or excellent. Field officers reporting only fair or poor hunting prospects were mostly in counties without bears or with small bear populations.

Mark Ternent, Game Commission bear biologist, said a harvest of 2,500 to 3,000 would be typical for the upcoming season.

"Four factors will largely determine the size of this year's harvest," Ternent said. "They are bear abundance, natural food availability in fall, number of hunters, and weather conditions during the season. We're sure the bears are out there, and license sales indicate hunters are buying bear licenses. We also believe food conditions are better this year than in 2002, based on a fall foods survey of field personnel in the Game Commission and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The weather, of course, is still up in the air.

"Weather can move the bear harvest in either direction. Cool temperatures and several inches of snow could set the stage for another record harvest. Rain, fog or warm weather likely will reduce the harvest from the pace established in recent years."

The Game Commission Fall Foods Survey, now in its second year, is spearheaded by Ternent.

"Apples, which are an important fall food for black bears, received the highest production rating of any food in the survey, so they'll be an important consideration during preseason scouting," Ternent said. "Almost all berry-producing plants had average or better crops this year, but acorns and beechnuts were rated only as average.

"Fall is a critical time of year for bears because they are building fat reserves to sustain them through winter denning. If food supplies are reduced in fall, bears respond by traveling more to find what is available. When food supplies are poor, at some point bears give up searching for food and enter dens earlier than usual. Early denning almost always triggers a reduced bear harvest. We don't, however, anticipate widespread early denning this year based on food survey results."

Hunters are advised that the availability of fall foods varies from county to county - even from township to township. Preseason scouting for food sources and bear sign is the surest ways to ensure your hunting efforts are targeting the right area.

Hunters interested in taking a record-book bear in the Commonwealth have reason to hope, according to Ternent.

"Last year 41 bears were taken with estimated live weights exceeding 500 pounds and 21 counties had at least one bear taken that was that size or larger. Bears weighing more than 700 pounds exist in Pennsylvania, but they are uncommon."

In 2002, bears were harvested in 49 of the state's 67 counties. During the regular three-day bear season, Lycoming led the state with a bear harvest of 224, followed by Clinton, 179; Pike 143 (excluding 82 additional bears taken in a six-day season extension); Centre, 114; Tioga, 109; and McKean, 108.

Last year, a record 122,046 hunters purchased bear licenses. In 2001, 109,250 hunters bought bear licenses. The premiere of Pennsylvania's extended six-day bear season in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties, which ran concurrently with the first week of the firearms deer season, is believed to have prompted the increase in bear license sales.

CHANGES TO EXTENDED BEAR SEASON IN THE POCONOS

This year, the extended bear season in the Poconos will be held throughout all of Wildlife Management Unit 3D, rather than just Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties, from Dec. 1-6.

"The boundaries of the extended bear season in our northeastern counties have been redefined," noted Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director. "The special bear season, which will run concurrently with the first week of the firearms deer season, will now be held in Wildlife Management Unit 3D, which includes all or part of eight counties. The core area of the hunt remains in Pike and Monroe counties, and includes portions of Wayne, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Carbon, Lehigh and Northampton counties.

"The purpose of extending bear season in this WMU is to address the growing conflicts between bears and people. The increase in bear conflicts is a direct result of the Poconos booming human population, which has increased by about 50 percent over the last 10 years."

Last year, hunters took 443 bears, including 174 in the extended season, in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties. Research data indicate that the harvest removed about 22 percent of the bear population in the three counties. It compares with a harvest rate of about 17 percent for the remainder of the state.

Consult page 50 of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations for more detailed information about the boundaries of WMU 3D, or visit the agency's website at www.pgc.state.pa.us and click on "Wildlife Management Units" at the bottom of the right-hand column.

LYCOMING COUNTY RECLAIMS THE TOP SPOT

After three years of playing second fiddle, Lycoming County reclaimed its position as the state's top bear harvest county with a harvest of 224 during the statewide three-day bear season in 2002. Clinton followed distantly with a harvest of 179.

For the past 27 years, either Clinton County or Lycoming County has led the state in bear harvest, except in 1997, when Potter County surprised this relatively historic two-county competition with a harvest of 175 bears. It beat Lycoming by three bears that year. It's recognized that Clinton and Lycoming counties have been the heart of Pennsylvania's historic bear range, have large numbers of hunting camps and thousands of acres of public lands. Bear hunting has always been a big deal in these counties.

Last year, even though he had seen his county serve as the top bear producer for three years, Clinton County Wildlife Conservation Officer John Wasserman said in his preseason forecast that he expected bears to den early because fall foods were limited. "Because of this, Clinton County may not lead the state in bear harvested as it has for the last three years," Wasserman wrote.

Turns out, Wasserman was right on the mark. For 2003, he is more optimistic, although he didn't mention where he thought his county would place. "We have a high population of black bears here, and prospects are excellent for a high number of bears to be harvested during the upcoming season," Wasserman said.

Fellow Clinton County WCO Ken Packard also believes the county has potential this year. "An abundance of food and excellent reproduction, coupled with too low hunting success last year, should lead to excellent hunting in the upcoming season," he said.

Lycoming County WCO Richard Macklem has already started to defend the county's reclaimed title. "Black bear populations continue to be abundant. Cummings Township is usually one of the top areas for bears. Lycoming County made it back on top in 2002 for most bears harvested during the three-day traditional season, and I look for it again this year. Sorry Clinton County."

WCO Jonathan Wyant echoed his fellow officer's comments. "As always, the bear outlook is excellent. If nuisance complaints are any indication of the upcoming season I believe that Lycoming County will be at the top of the bear harvest this year."

Land Management Group Supervisor Tom Smith offered hunting advice for Lycoming County hunters. "Any public land north of Route 220 is worth checking out as they all hold bears. Most areas are heavily forested and mountainous and the best chance of harvesting a bear is hard driving with large well-organized groups."

BEAR HUNTING TIPS

BEAR CHECK STATIONS

Hunters who harvest a bear in Pennsylvania must have it processed at one of the Game Commission's check stations within 24 hours. With certain exceptions, check stations will be in operation from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the Nov. 24-26 season. After 9 p.m. on Nov. 26, hunters with bears to be checked should contact any of the Game Commission's regional offices for assistance.

For the Dec. 1-6 Northeast Bear Season in Wildlife Management Unit 3D, three local check stations - Beltzville State Park maintenance building, State Game Lands 127 building and State Game Lands 180 building - will process bears Dec. 1, 2 and 6 (noon to 8 p.m.); Southeast and Northeast Region Offices, Dec. 1-6 (10 a.m. to 8 pm.); and Southcentral, Northcentral, Southwest and Northwest region offices, Dec. 1-5 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.). After stations close on Dec. 6, hunters with bears to be checked should contact any of the Game Commission's Regional Offices for assistance. Toll-free numbers for each are listed on page 3 of the Digest. Locations and directions to all check stations can be found in the following regional breakdowns.

Check station processing includes: conducting a thorough examination of the bear; collecting a tooth for aging; and placing a permanent tag on the carcass. Successful hunters must present their regular hunting license, bear license and another form of identification at the check station. Hunters should be prepared to describe where they harvested the bear, including the county, township and Wildlife Management Unit where the bear was taken and the location's proximity to a prominent terrain feature or community.

For a complete listing of bear check stations, consult page 37 of the 2003-2004 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is presented to each license buyer. Hunters should note that the Clinton County check station located for years in Renovo has been relocated to nearby North Bend.

REGIONAL BEAR FIELD REPORTS

Northwest Region - Last year, 188 bears were taken in the region making it the lowest harvest in at least six years. In 2001, hunters shot 304 bears. For the second straight year, Warren County led the region with a bear harvest of 47; followed by Jefferson, 40; Venango, 37; Forest, 33; and Clarion, 21. Field officers rate bear hunting in counties with established bear populations as good to excellent. Forest County WCO Mario Piccirilli is petitioning for bear hunters. "We need bear hunters! Forest County has lots of bears, and big bears. Good areas to hunt are SGL 24; along the Clarion River in Barnett Township; and on the vast Collins Pine property near Marienville. Hunters could set a new harvest record for the county this season." Warren County WCO Don Daugherty said, "People seem to forget Sugar Grove, Freehold and Columbus townships when it comes to bear hunting. SGL 197 and SGL 306 are hard to hunt because of the swamp land, but there are a lot of bears on these Game Lands." Clarion County WCO Rod Bimber said, "Black bear populations are excellent, especially around agricultural areas." Jefferson County WCO Roger Hartless reported, "I think it's safe to say that bear populations have never been this good. Bears are being commonly seen in all areas of the district, from the northern big woods areas to the more populated areas along I-80. I have not had a year when so many people have told me about seeing bears. And this is in a year when natural foods have been extremely abundant." Crawford County WCO John McKellopp III said, "Bear numbers are the highest, and should offer some good hunting, in the areas around Spartansburg, north of Titusville, and Centerville. Big bears also have been seen in the Canadohta Lake area." Erie County WCO Darin Clark said, "Your best bet to harvest an Erie County bear is to concentrate on marshes and stream bottoms." Mercer County WCO Jim Donatelli said, "The bear population is on the eastern edge of the county." Butler County WCO Chip Burnst said, "I have seen more bears in my district than bear hunters. Bear sightings and complaints have been at an all-time high this year. The Armstrong County border and SGL 164 are the best places to start."

Southwest Region - The region posted its largest bear harvest in six years in 2002 when hunters took 288. It compares with 275 in 2001. The top harvest counties were: Somerset, 88; Fayette, 56; Indiana, 51; Westmoreland, 38; and Armstrong, 28. Field officers in counties with established bear populations rate hunting prospects as good to excellent. Somerset County WCO Brian Witherite said, "There are large tracts of public lands that provide excellent bear hunting. They include SGLs 50, 82, 111, 231 and 271, and the Mt. Davis area of Forbes State Forest. There are several trophy class bears roaming the southern end of the county that I have seen this year." Somerset County WCO Scott Tomlinson said, "Hunters should look in nontraditional areas off the mountain ranges. Food supplies of acorns are low, which will put bears in agricultural areas." Fayette County WCO Steve Leiendecker said, "Hunters will find bears throughout SGL 51 and there seems to be a good number of bears on SGL 138. The Quebec Wild Area always holds potential for those willing to cover lots of ground and organize drives." Indiana County WCO Jack Lucas said, "The higher bear numbers appear to be in the mountain areas, such as SGL 79, SGL 153 and SGL 276." Westmoreland County WCO Tom Fazi said, "Bears are available in good numbers and very respectable sizes." Cambria County WCO Shawn Harshaw said, "We have large bear populations on all of the mountainous Game Lands; SGL 26 and SGL 198 are largely under-hunted for bears and hold many large animals." Armstrong County WCO Richard Weaver said, "Do some preseason scouting, gather 24 of your hunting partners, and head for Armstrong County. Concentrate on the major creek and river drainages that provide heavy escape cover and an adequate food supply. Be persistent and you could harvest a trophy."

Northcentral Region - In 2002, hunters took 1,116 bears in the region; it was the lightest harvest in the region since 1999. In 2001, hunters took 1,418 bears in the region. Lycoming County posted the region's largest harvest with 224 bears, followed by: Clinton, 179; Centre, 114; Tioga, 109; and McKean, 108. All but two officers reporting in the region rated bear hunting prospects as excellent. Centre County WCO Eric Seth said, "Many large bears are being sighted. Hunters would do well to scout in the farm and valley areas and move down from the traditional big woods areas as good numbers and good-size bears are being found in farm areas. Many farmers welcome bear hunters." Centre County WCO Terry Wills said, "Try the laurel-covered ridges on the Bald Eagle State Forest near Livonia, as well as the Poe Valley area. The thick, south-facing slopes of SGL 92 also are a good bet. SGL 295, between Lamar and Madisonburg, has some huge bears in the areas off Route 445." Clearfield County WCO Dave Carlini said, "Come hunting season, look on the ridges that are holding good acorn and beechnut crops and the bears will be there. Try the Medix Run and Shaggers Inn Road areas in the Moshannon State Forest." Elk County WCO Doty McDowell said, "Elk County still boasts a very large bear population, but still doesn't get the influx of bear hunters during the season. McKean County WCO Rose Luciane said, "Bear hunting in McKean County will be excellent, in fact, too excellent, judging from the number of bear complaints I've been receiving." Potter County WCO Mark Fair said, "I encourage everyone to make southwest Potter County his or her bear-hunting destination. Excellent hunting prospects can be found in the state forest region from Austin to Keating Summit." Potter County WCO Denise Mitcheltree reported, "Hunters familiar with the following areas should not have any trouble observing lots of bear sign: state forest land between Hungry Hollow Road and the village of Oleona; the East Fork valley between Nelson Run Ridge and McConnell Ridge; and the Cherry Springs vicinity."

Southcentral Region - Last year, 226 bears were taken by hunters in the region, which is down from the 269 taken in 2001, but stands as the region's second best harvest in the past six years. Huntingdon County led the region with a harvest of 78 bears, followed by Bedford, 60; Blair, 30; Mifflin, 25; and Snyder, 17. Field officers in the northern and western counties rate bear hunting as good to excellent. WCO Bob Einodshofer said, "Huntingdon County is still one of the best kept secrets of bear hunting. Sightings of bears are heard or talked about almost on a daily basis. There are some real bruisers in this under-hunted county." Bedford County WCO Jim Trombetto said, "Bears can be found throughout the district, with some really huge ones out there. Look for them mostly in the more mountainous areas, but sightings around the valley farming areas are not uncommon anymore. Bedford County is becoming one of the better spots to hunt bears in the Southcentral Region." Bedford County WCO Dan Yahner said, "Bear numbers continue to rise. SGL 97 supports a good number of bears and has not been hunted heavily in the past." Snyder County WCO Harold Malehorn said, "The last two seasons have seen record harvests for the county. This year should compare. Hit the ridges with smaller drives. The bears are there. Just remember to be mindful of safety zones." Mifflin County WCO Jeff Mock said, "Armagh and Brown townships have the county's highest bear densities, but bears can be found in all townships. There are a lot of 400-pound-plus bears out there." Perry County WCO Steve Hower said, "Bear numbers are gradually increasing each year." Juniata County WCO Dan Clark said, "The highest concentrations of black bears still appear to be in the eastern portion of the county in the ridge and valley sections. Group hunting and organized drives should prove most successful." WCO Travis Pugh reported, "There are plenty of bears to hunt in Fulton County. Most sightings and complaints seem to be concentrated around the Harrisonville and Scrub Ridge areas, which are directly adjacent to SGL 53, locally known as the Meadowgrounds." Blair County WCO Richard Joyce said, "The bear population continues to rise."

Northeast Region - In 2002, the region's bear harvest totaled 796, which is the second largest harvest (818 in 1999) in the last six years. Hunters took 706 bears in 2001. Readers are reminded that the region's 2002 harvest was padded by 174 bears taken during an extended season in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties that ran concurrently with the first week of the firearms deer season. Pike County led the region with a harvest of 225, followed by Monroe, 116; Carbon, 102; Wayne, 75; and Bradford, 70. Most field officers rate bear hunting prospects as good to excellent. Pike County WCO Bob Johnson said, "There is still a large population of bears in Pike County. Apparently they're thriving in Westfall Township given the unusually high number of bear complaints from Westfall residents." Monroe County WCO Pete Sussenbach said, "SGL 127 has a large beechnut crop this year that ought to keep bears active through hunting season. SGL 38 and the Bethlehem Water property have large acorn crops." Bradford County WCO Carl Szymanski said, "SGL 12, SGL 36 and Tioga State Forest in Armenia Township are hot spots for bear hunting." Bradford County WCO Matt Grebeck said, "The hot spots are in Ridgebury, Athens and Sheshequin townships. Look for the areas that provide cover and good food sources." Lackawanna County WCO Dan Figured said, "The best bear hunting opportunities are in Fell, Archbald, Jefferson and Carbondale townships. Hunters should seek out blueberry swamps and patches of scrub oak." Luzerne County WCO Gerry Kapral said, "The Shickshinny Mountain and Red Rock areas still hold ample supplies of bears, but bears are becoming more common in populated areas." Carbon County WCO Ray Lizzio said, "Despite nine days of countywide bear hunting last year, I have been trapping and seeing many untagged and young bears. The population still seems to be increasing." Columbia County WCO George Wilcox said, "More bear complaints have come in this past summer than in the 17 years I've been in the district." Susquehanna County WCO Chuck Arcovitch said, "Although there are bears in every township, Ararat and Herrick usually provide the best harvests." Wyoming County WCO Bill Wasserman said, "The black bear population is way up in Wyoming County. Last year's low harvest resulted in bears most everywhere." Wayne County WCO Jim McCarthy said, "Organized drives will stand the best chance of bagging a bruin. Hunters will do well in and around the large swamps of southern Wayne County."

Southeast Region - In 2002, the region's bear harvest totaled 72, down from the record 94 taken in 2001, but in line with the gradual bear population growth that appears to be occurring here. Bear hunting in this region is primarily pursued in the northern mountainous counties. Few bears are taken south of the Blue Mountain. As usual, Schuylkill County led the region with a bear harvest of 49, followed by Dauphin, 9; Lebanon, 7; Lehigh, 5 and Northampton 2. Officers in most northern counties rate bear hunting prospects as fair to good, with the exception of Schuylkill County. "Even with two back-to-back record harvests in Schuylkill County, the bear population continues to swell," reported WCO John Denchak. "Bears in the 600-pound range are not uncommon and there's a very good chance to see a record book bear in this region." Also in Schuylkill County, WCO Will Dingman said, "This should be a banner year for bear hunting. Even with last year's record harvest in Schuylkill County, the bear complaints and sightings have been numerous." LMGS Matt Belding, who works in Berks and Schuylkill counties, said, "Get into the thick swampy areas and participate in drives to get bears moving." Dauphin County WCO Jason DeCoskey said, "Black bear numbers are high in Dauphin County. The Second Mountain area is a hot spot." LMGS Dave Mitchell, who works in Lehigh and Northampton counties, said, "Try SGLs 168 and 217, but take the time to scout if you want to increase your chances." Berks County WCO Bill Vroman said, "Bear hunting should be good along the Blue Mountain. Hunters who do some scouting where there is thick cover on SGL 106 should find bear sign." WCO Gary Smith said, "Bears are present in Lebanon County, but well spread out."

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