Black bear hunters reported 2,626 bears during the 2024 season, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission preliminary harvest totals. Black bear hunting is one of the most popular in the state, with less than 10 of its 67 counties not reporting a harvest.
The preliminary harvest reports show five bears killed during the early archery season, 1,379 in the combined seasons for archery, muzzleloader and special firearms season, 821 in the general firearms season and 421 in the extended seasons that overlapped with rifle deer season. Hunters thinking about a hunt during the 2025 season may want to look at these counties and their harvest reports: 161 in Tioga, 156 in Clinton, 148 in Lycoming, 131 in Bradford, 108 in Potter, 95 in Luzerne, 93 in Monroe, 85 in Pike, 78 in McKean and 74 in Sullivan County. Pennsylvania has ample public game lands for the DIY hunter.
Scott Price of Madison Township killed a 774-pound bruin. That was the heaviest reported for the season. He was hunting in Monroe County. Two others topping the 700-pound mark came from Clarion County (714) and Potter (700). Seven bears 600 pounds or greater came from Clinton, Luzerne, Potter, Bradford and Westmoreland counties. Game Commission officials estimate more than 18,000 bears in the state.Blac
