Pennsylvania Game Commission bear check stations recorded a preliminary harvest of 2,004 bears during the recently completed three-day season (Nov. 19-21), and an additional 23 bears during the two-day archery bear harvest (Nov. 14-15).
So far, the total bear harvest of 2,027 for the two seasons preliminarily ranks as the 11th highest statewide harvest. However, Mark Ternent, Game Commission bear biologist, noted that with the extended bear season in certain Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) continuing through Dec. 1, the total preliminary harvest will increase.
Last year, hunters harvested 3,122 bears during all three seasons, which is the second highest harvest in Pennsylvania history. The current record was set in 2005, when hunters harvested 4,164 bears in three seasons.
Preliminary total bear harvest figures - including the ongoing extended bear seasons that end Dec. 1 - are expected by Dec. 5. Official total bear harvest figures for all three seasons won't be available until early 2008, after a thorough review of all bear harvest reports.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=173064
