Introduction:
The chill of November 18th nearly deterred seasoned hunter Jack Thompson from venturing into the woods of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. It took a persuasive call from his son, Chris, to change his mind. Little did he know, this decision would lead to a remarkable experience in Pennsylvania’s black bear season.
A Rewarding Experience:
Jack, a Salina resident with a couple of Canadian bear hunts under his belt, had never bagged a black bear in Pennsylvania. That afternoon, hunting alongside Chris, Jack’s perseverance paid off. He successfully harvested his first Pennsylvania black bear, a moment made all the more special by his son’s presence.
At the check station, they discovered Jack’s bear weighed an estimated 280 pounds. It was the second bear he had spotted that day, and he now plans to commemorate the achievement with a mount.
Statewide Bear Hunting Trends:
While Jack’s success story is heartening, Pennsylvania’s overall bear harvest shows a different trend. The 2022 season’s total harvest stands at 3,170 as of November 29, a decrease from 2021’s 3,621, yet still ranking as the 14th largest in history. The all-time record was set in 2019, with 4,653 bears.
Interestingly, this year’s four-day statewide firearms season saw a harvest of 1,071 bears, slightly higher than 2022’s 1,051. However, other segments of the season, like the archery/muzzleloader seasons, witnessed a drop in numbers.
Factors Influencing the Harvest:
Emily Carter, a Black Bear Program specialist, suggests that the early season’s low harvest, especially for muzzleloader, may be attributed to inclement weather, including heavy, cold rain, deterring hunters.
Most of this year’s harvest occurred in the north-central and northeastern regions, with negligible numbers in the southeast. Tioga County led the harvest count, followed closely by Lycoming, Potter, and Bradford counties.
Pennsylvania’s Bear Population and Hunter Statistics:
Pennsylvania is home to an estimated 15,000 bears, with a relatively small percentage of bear license holders successfully harvesting a bear each year. A recent survey by the Game Commission revealed varied levels of success among hunters, with many bagging only one bear in their lifetime.
Looking Ahead:
Jack Thompson, invigorated by his success, already looks forward to next year’s season, encouraged by the bear activity in Westmoreland County. His story, coupled with state hunting trends, paints a comprehensive picture of bear hunting in Pennsylvania – a blend of personal triumphs and broader ecological dynamics.
