When is Bear Hunting Season in Pennsylvania?

When Is Bear Hunting Season in Pennsylvania?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) regulates bear hunting in the state. The 2023-2024 bear hunting season will run from September 10 to November 27. Hunters are allowed to take one bear per season, and the bag limit is two bears per lifetime.

The PGC sets bear hunting seasons based on a number of factors, including bear population numbers, habitat conditions, and hunter success rates. The agency also uses a variety of management tools to maintain a healthy bear population, including hunting, trapping, and habitat management.

Bear hunting is a popular sport in Pennsylvania, and it generates millions of dollars in revenue for the state’s economy. Hunters spend money on licenses, equipment, and travel, and they also contribute to local businesses.

The PGC works to ensure that bear hunting is conducted in a safe and ethical manner. Hunters are required to follow all state laws and regulations, and they must also be aware of the safety risks associated with bear hunting.

Bear hunting is a complex issue with a variety of viewpoints. However, the PGC is committed to managing Pennsylvania’s bear population in a way that is both sustainable and fair to all stakeholders.

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Season	Dates	Notes
Black Bear	November 26 – December 11	Antlerless only
Black Bear	December 12 – January 2	Any bear
Grizzly Bear	Not allowed	Grizzly bears are not native to Pennsylvania

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Bear Hunting Season Dates

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) regulates bear hunting in the state. The general bear hunting season is held in the fall, from mid-September to early November. The black bear hunting season is held in the spring, from late May to early June. There are also a few special bear hunting seasons throughout the year.

General Bear Hunting Season Dates

The general bear hunting season in Pennsylvania is held from September 15 to November 30. The season is divided into two parts: the early season, which runs from September 15 to October 15, and the late season, which runs from October 16 to November 30.

The early season is open to all hunters, while the late season is only open to those who have purchased a bear license. The bag limit for the early season is one bear, while the bag limit for the late season is two bears.

Black Bear Hunting Season Dates

The black bear hunting season in Pennsylvania is held from May 15 to June 15. The season is open to all hunters, and there is no bag limit. However, hunters are required to have a black bear license.

Special Bear Hunting Seasons

In addition to the general and black bear hunting seasons, the PGC also holds a few special bear hunting seasons throughout the year. These seasons are designed to target specific populations of bears, such as bears that are causing problems for people or bears that are considered to be a threat to public safety.

The following is a list of the special bear hunting seasons in Pennsylvania:

• The late bear season in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 5C is held from December 1 to December 15. This season is open to all hunters, and there is no bag limit.
• The late bear season in WMU 5D is held from December 1 to December 31. This season is open to all hunters, and there is no bag limit.
• The late bear season in WMU 5E is held from December 1 to January 15. This season is open to all hunters, and there is no bag limit.
• The late bear season in WMU 5F is held from December 1 to January 31. This season is open to all hunters, and there is no bag limit.

Bear Hunting Regulations

In addition to the general hunting regulations that apply to all game animals in Pennsylvania, there are a number of specific regulations that apply to bear hunting. These regulations include:

• License requirements: All hunters who want to hunt bears in Pennsylvania must have a valid Pennsylvania hunting license. Hunters who want to hunt bears in WMU 5C, 5D, 5E, or 5F must also have a bear license.
• Bag limits: The bag limit for bears in Pennsylvania is one bear per hunter per season. However, hunters who have a black bear license may take two bears during the black bear hunting season.
• Hunting methods: Hunters may use any legal method to hunt bears in Pennsylvania, including archery, firearms, and trapping. However, hunters are not allowed to use dogs to hunt bears.
• Other regulations: Hunters must follow all other applicable hunting regulations, including the regulations on baiting, trapping, and transporting game animals.

Bear hunting is a popular sport in Pennsylvania, and the state offers a variety of hunting opportunities for bears. Hunters should be familiar with the general hunting regulations as well as the specific regulations that apply to bear hunting. By following these regulations, hunters can help to ensure that bear hunting remains a safe and enjoyable activity for years to come.

When Is Bear Hunting Season In Pennsylvania?

Bear hunting season in Pennsylvania typically runs from late September to early November. The exact dates vary from year to year, so be sure to check the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for the most up-to-date information.

Bear Hunting Tips

• Scouting for bears is an important part of bear hunting. Bears are typically found in dense forests, near water sources, and in areas with abundant food sources. By scouting these areas, you can increase your chances of finding a bear.
• Baiting bears is another popular way to hunt bears. Baiting involves placing food in an area where bears are likely to find it. This can be a very effective way to attract bears, but it is important to follow all the rules and regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
• Hunting bears over bait is a common method of hunting bears. This involves setting up a blind or stand near a bait pile and waiting for a bear to come to the bait. This can be a very effective way to hunt bears, but it is important to be patient and still.
• Hunting bears with dogs is a traditional method of hunting bears. Dogs are used to track and tree bears. This can be a very exciting way to hunt bears, but it is important to be aware of the risks involved.
• Hunting bears with archery equipment is a challenging but rewarding way to hunt bears. Archery hunting requires a great deal of skill and patience, but it can be a very rewarding experience.

Bear Hunting Safety

Bear hunting can be a dangerous activity, so it is important to take precautions to stay safe. Here are a few tips for bear hunting safety:

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Bears can be unpredictable, so it is important to be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for anything.
• Never approach a bear. If you see a bear, do not approach it. Back away slowly and give the bear plenty of space.
• Do not shoot at a bear unless you are certain you can make a clean kill. A wounded bear is a dangerous bear.
• Handle bear carcasses with care. Bears can carry diseases, so it is important to handle bear carcasses with care.
• Dealing with bear attacks. If you are attacked by a bear, fight back with everything you have. Bears are strong animals, but they can be killed if they are attacked with enough force.

Bear hunting can be a challenging and rewarding experience, but it is important to be prepared and to take precautions to stay safe. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of having a successful and safe bear hunting experience.

When is bear hunting season in Pennsylvania?

Bear hunting season in Pennsylvania runs from September 15 to November 30.

What are the bag limits for bear hunting in Pennsylvania?

The bag limit for bear hunting in Pennsylvania is one bear per hunter per year.

What are the legal methods for hunting bears in Pennsylvania?

The legal methods for hunting bears in Pennsylvania are:

• Baiting
• Hounding
• Still-hunting
• Spotting and stalking

What are the safety precautions that should be taken when hunting bears in Pennsylvania?

When hunting bears in Pennsylvania, it is important to take the following safety precautions:

• Wear blaze orange clothing.
• Carry a firearm that is appropriate for the size of the bear.
• Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to react quickly if a bear charges.

Where can I find more information about bear hunting in Pennsylvania?

For more information about bear hunting in Pennsylvania, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

bear hunting season in Pennsylvania is a complex and controversial topic. There are a number of factors to consider, including the impact of hunting on bear populations, the safety of hunters and the public, and the ethical implications of hunting. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to hunt bears is a personal one. However, it is important to be informed about the facts before making a decision.