Bear numbers steady; staff recommends a one‑week archery season and starts multi‑year survival study
April 12, 2025 | Game Commission, TOURISM & RECREATION, Executive Departments, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
Pennsylvania Game Commission staff delivered a black‑bear status update showing a generally stable population and outlined a proposed adjustment to the season structure alongside a new survival study.
Staff reported 2024 bear harvest at 2,642 bears, the 24th highest harvest on record, and noted statewide license sales remained above 200,000—the sixth‑highest level on record for bear licenses. The 2024 harvest represented a roughly 10 percent decline from 2023, with increases in archery and muzzleloader/special firearms seasons offset by decreases during extended firearm and general seasons. The average weight of harvested bears was reported at about 183 pounds, and adult females made up 47 percent of adult bear harvest.
On harvest rates, staff said the general season’s harvest rate declined and that the overall harvest rate across all seasons for 2024 was about 13.6 percent based on tag returns. Staff proposed returning to a simpler season structure that emphasizes a one‑week archery season overlapping muzzleloader and general seasons to refocus participation on the general season and to provide a stable baseline for season setting going forward. The staff noted that the proposal differs from a previously approved structure and would require a floor amendment to the board’s earlier decision.
Staff also announced a multi‑year statewide survival project to estimate survival of adult and juvenile bears in different regions and hunting seasons. Data collection for that project has started; staff reported 49 bears collared so far and said the project will run through 2029. Separately, staff said they are working on a season‑setting framework that will incorporate population trends, hunter and public opinion, conflict data, and survival and harvest estimates to produce clearer recommendations to the board.
Commissioners asked whether the general firearm season timing (Thanksgiving week) could be moved; staff said that was under consideration but that the current recommendation is to keep that week unchanged.
No formal board action occurred during the briefing; staff said any season changes would be implemented through the normal regulatory process.
Staff reported 2024 bear harvest at 2,642 bears, the 24th highest harvest on record, and noted statewide license sales remained above 200,000—the sixth‑highest level on record for bear licenses. The 2024 harvest represented a roughly 10 percent decline from 2023, with increases in archery and muzzleloader/special firearms seasons offset by decreases during extended firearm and general seasons. The average weight of harvested bears was reported at about 183 pounds, and adult females made up 47 percent of adult bear harvest.
On harvest rates, staff said the general season’s harvest rate declined and that the overall harvest rate across all seasons for 2024 was about 13.6 percent based on tag returns. Staff proposed returning to a simpler season structure that emphasizes a one‑week archery season overlapping muzzleloader and general seasons to refocus participation on the general season and to provide a stable baseline for season setting going forward. The staff noted that the proposal differs from a previously approved structure and would require a floor amendment to the board’s earlier decision.
Staff also announced a multi‑year statewide survival project to estimate survival of adult and juvenile bears in different regions and hunting seasons. Data collection for that project has started; staff reported 49 bears collared so far and said the project will run through 2029. Separately, staff said they are working on a season‑setting framework that will incorporate population trends, hunter and public opinion, conflict data, and survival and harvest estimates to produce clearer recommendations to the board.
Commissioners asked whether the general firearm season timing (Thanksgiving week) could be moved; staff said that was under consideration but that the current recommendation is to keep that week unchanged.
No formal board action occurred during the briefing; staff said any season changes would be implemented through the normal regulatory process.
View full meeting
This article is based on a recent meeting—watch the full video and explore the complete transcript for deeper insights into the discussion.
View full meeting