The archery bear season will kick off on Monday, Nov. 14, and continue through Nov. 18, with a rifle season to follow.
BY KEVIN WOODRUFF
Saturday marks the opening of the fall archery black bear season in the region and hunters will take to the woods scouring for a prized bruin.
PGC Wildlife Conservation Officer Vic Rosa, who servesWyomingCountyand parts ofSusquehannaCounty, said that the outlook for this year’s season looks promising.
Mainly because of an increased opportunity for hunters in Wildlife Management Units 3B (parts ofWyomingCounty) and 3C (SusquehannaCountyand parts ofWyomingCounty).
The increased season will feature an archery season from Monday, Nov. 14, until Friday, Nov. 18, followed by a rifle season on Nov. 19 and Nov. 21-23 and then a second rifle season from Nov. 28 through Dec. 3 in WMU 3C and parts of 3B.
“There will be more time to hunt than there ever has been,”Rosasaid. “The increased season is new this year to address an ever-expanding bear population.”
Rosasaid there have been increasing bear and human interactions, and the increased season is to address problem areas.
“The expanded season is a good thing for hunters,”Rosasaid. “Just by the increased time to hunt, we believe this will be a record harvest year.”
In 2010, the bear harvest in WMU’s 3B and 3C were record breaking as there were 234 bears taken in 3B and 188 in 3C.
Rosasaid that also going by the number of bear complaints the Game Commission has received this year, it suggests an increase in black bear population.
“Going by the calls, the number of calls I’ve responded to suggests there are more bears,”Rosasaid.
When heading out into the woods,Rosasaid there are some considerations that hunters need to keep in mind.
He said that hunters are required to wear 250 square inches of orange while hunting in the woods.
Rosasaid that other safety considerations include positively identifying your target.
“Just because you don’t see orange, doesn’t mean to shoot,”Rosasaid. “Only bad things can happen when you don’t identify your target.”
As far as finding places to hunt, its suggested that hunters look into the farm-game cooperative program the PGC has with local landowners to give hunters more places to hunt.
To find a local landowner who is willing to let you use their land, visit the game commission’s website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
Rosanoted that many farmers’ corn crops get damaged by bear, and that many of the farmers are looking for help in getting rid of them.
Be the first to comment on "Bear season opens Saturday"