Black bear season is just about over in Pennsylvania, and with a few areas in Pennsylvania still allowing bear hunting, the harvest so far is slightly behind the final numbers from last year.
With four Wildlife Management Units still holding bear hunts, the total harvest across the state totals 3,603 bears, which is 18 shy of last year’s final total of 3,621 bears. 2021 was the sixth highest bear harvest of all time, according to the PA Game Commission. 1,314 bears have been taken in firearms season so far, with 1,197 taken during the combined seasons of archery, muzzleloader and small firearms. Seven others were taken during early archery season and 1,085 have been taken so far during the extended bear season.
There is no change in the numbers for Indiana County, as the commission reports 12 bears have been taken. Six were taken during the early seasons, and the other six were taken during the firearms season. Cambria County was next highest in the region with 16 bears taken. Westmoreland County saw 41 bears taken for the whole season so far, with Armstrong County checking in with 57 bears. Jefferson County had 72 bears taken, while Clearfield reported the highest bear harvest in the region with 94.
Four WMU’s are still open for bear season, and those are 2B, 5B, 5C, and 5D. The last day for bear season for those units is this Saturday.
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