Bear Hunting in Pennsylvania

The black bear management plan is on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. Bears are an important part of the Pennsylvania wildlife and a valuable resource to the states tourism industry. Searching, watching and photographing bears in the wilds is a fun way to spend the weekend. Bears are also serve as recreation for hunters in the State of Pennsylvania. At one time the bear population was dangerously low but today the bears numbers are growing throughout the state. The main goals of the bear hunting regulations is to make sure that the bears in PA are healthy, reproducing at acceptable levels and living with a high quality of life. The Game Commission is responsible for managing the black bear population in Pennsylvania. Black bears are the main species of bear in the State of Pennsylvania. Hunting season for bears in PA can be as short as three days and may change by year depending on the population and the Pennsylvania Game Commissions decision.

PA Game Commission Regulations:

The Season and daily bear limit is one bear per license whatever the age of the hunter. While hunting bear in Pennsylvania hunters must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange. After a successful bear hunt the hunter must attach a completed tag to the animals head before the bear is moved. Within 24 hours the hunter must take the bear and hunting license to a Game Commission check station.

Bear Hunting Section of the 2006-07 Digest
Pennsylvania Game Commission
PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources: Hunting Section
Bob Stellfox Hunting Pennsylvania: Nice article on hunting bear in PA.
Little General Hunting Lodge: Great Hunting outfit providing services and trips in the Moshannon State Forest.

If killing a bear is not your thing, then go out and stalk one with your camera. Keep in mind bears can be very dangerous and have killed people in the past. When in bear areas visit and talk to local Pennsylvania authorities about bear conditions, get good advice, use your brain, and good judgment. The responsibility for your life is your's alone.