The Pennsylvania Game Commission has released their report on the 2024 bear harvest. 201,280 licensed hunters were afield and took 2,624 bears. The take ranks among the top 25 years ever.

2024 marks the sixth year in a row that bear license sales have been over 200,000. The Executive Director of the Game Commission, Steve Smith, said that he isn’t surprised by the high level of interest because PA offers many exciting prospects for bear hunters.

Pennsylvania is home to some truly huge bears and a few real bruisers were taken this past season. Three of the top ten were over 700 pounds, with the largest, taken by Scott Price in Monroe County, tipping the scales at 774 pounds. Congratulations, Scott!

The next two largest were 714 and 700 pounds respectively. The next six were all over 600. The tenth largest came in at 597 pounds, just missing the 600 mark. It was taken with a crossbow.

There were 823 bears taken in the regular firearms season, 756 harvested in the regular archery season, and 425 in the extended season. There were 634 taken in the muzzleloader and special firearms season. The early archery season accounted for just 4 bears.

There were 805 bears taken in the Northeastern part of the state, with Pike County making the top 10 list of counties by reporting a harvest of 85 bears. Wayne came in at 63.

Congratulations to all of the successful bear hunters across the river in PA. And to those that weren’t successful, I wish you all the best of luck for next year. Although it’s nice to get one, remember that the true joy is really being outdoors hunting. Harvesting an animal is just icing on some really good cake.

Before I close, I want to give an update on Camp DeBruce. The efforts of Carl Lindsley and others have been successful, and I’m happy to report that DeBruce will be open for the season. Jackson Patterson, the director of the program for the DEC, reports that the Camp is fully staffed. As I pen these words, he said that there are still a few openings for campers to attend. If you know any young folks, don’t let them miss out on this wonderful opportunity!

Let’s all enjoy the outdoors!