PA Black Bear

R

rmocarsky

New member
Gunners,

Everyone knows about Maine and Canada for black bear.

But I was reading on the web that there are biguns' in PA.

So my question is, has anyone been on a guided black bear hunt in PA, and if so any suggestions or recommendations?

Rmocarsky
 
Pennsylvania does not allow baiting which is a common hunting technique across Canada and many American states. Hunting with dogs is also banned. Local hunters have fairly good success with organized drives.

I suggest look into hunting within Maine where baiting is entirely legal. Many guides to choose from.

My boss took a 375 lb bear with this outfitter: www.rosslakecamps.com

Good hunting to you.

Jack
 
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Jack is right, and I should add that with thousands of acres of State Forest and Gamelands, there's no issue in finding a place to hunt. Bear are expanding their range in PA (been seen in Pittsburgh) and yes, one or two 600 pounders are killed every year. Most are much smaller, of course. However, it's a low success rate given the terrain and the dense laurel on mountain tops. Record kill is something over 4,000 in 2011. A guide would not be of much help. Last year, the bear hunters from our camp were relaxing before supper, and one of the guys opened the back door to find a fair sized one standing on his hind legs on the porch. He is reported to have "squealed like a girl" (the guy, not the bear). The bear departed quickly.
 
ligonierbill said:
and yes, one or two 600 pounders are killed every year.
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You underestimate!

PGC

2012 news release said:
According to final reports, 45 bears weighing 500 pounds or more were legally harvested during the four seasons, and 5 bears surpassed the 600 pound mark…. Joseph A. Spano, of East Stoudsburg, has harvested the largest bear so far this season. Taken Nov. 21, in Middle Smithfield Township, Monroe County, the male bear weighed an actual live weight of 709 pounds.
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Other large bears (all but one, are estimated live weights) included:
706-pound male, Pike County,
699-pound male, McKean County,
652-pound (actual live weight) male Monroe County,
620-pound male, Potter County,
598-pound male, Clinton County,
586-pound male, McKean County
576-pound male, Bedford County,
573-pound male, Forest County,
562-pound male, Huntingdon County,
Click to expand...
 
About 10 years ago somebody totaled a full size Chevy Blazer hitting a bear on 309 on the Blue Mt. The newspaper reported 800+ pounds. Jack is right. The season, laws and conditions are not good for out of state hunts. Where I live one of the best ways to hunt them is to shoot from Mt. to Mt. across the river. Some clubs still drive, but that is slowing down in this area.
 
I just got my first tag to hunt black bear this yr. I'm looking forward to it . Think it will be a good time! I'm going solo cause no e of my friends hunt bear Smh.
 
big

I worked with some black bear biologists in VA, and listened to a very good lecture somewhere (maybe PSU) and in both instances, those guys claimed it very possible that the biggest blackies in the country may well reside in PA.

Now, that was about 25 years ago but there's that to think about.
 
I don't remember what State was involved, but there was a poaching incident solved a few years ago because of bear size. The bear was shot in Pa. and taken to another state. The Game Department in the other state knew that the bear was too large for their State and started investigating. They did get a conviction.
 
Yes he is mounted up there in there display. Its label "2nd largest black bear, illegally take in pa on loan from gaming commission". I cant remember if it had its weight listed tho.
 
What area are you going in? Around here it is steep and rocky, but easier to get a shot on one. Pike county hunting is rough. Mostly swamp, Rhodedendron , and laurel. I would try to stay away from farm areas, because the Game Commission has a habit of trapping them out for crop damage right before bear season. Anyway, good luck. It is fun when you are younger. I used to climb like a mountain goat, now more like an old goat.
 
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