Pennsylvania black bear hunters can look forward to another record setting season according to reports by the state’s game commission.

“Pennsylvania’s black bear population has numbered near 15,000 for almost a decade,” Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director, said. “Because our bear population now covers more than three-quarters of the state – and includes a number of world-class trophy bears – Pennsylvania is recognized as one of the top states for bear hunters. Every year, we have a number of bears exceeding 500 pounds included in the harvest.”

Last year’s black bear harvest set the second highest record in the state’s history since 1915 at 3,458 kills. In 2005, hunters harvested the highest number of black bears with 4,164.

“Our black bear population is a remarkable resource,” Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist, said. “Every year since 2000, more than 100,000 hunters have headed afield in pursuit of bears, with harvests exceeding 3,000 bears most years, yet many local bear populations across the state have remained stable or increased. It’s a good time to be a bear hunter.”

The three-day black bear season begins at the end of the month on the 23rd until the 25th.  Archery hunter will also be able to hunt in Wildlife Management Units 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D for two days on Nov. 18 and 19th.

The state will also have an extended season running concurrently with the opening week of deer firearms season on Nov. 30 to Dec. 5 in portions of wildlife management areas 3B, 2G and 4E, and again starting on Dec. 2 through Dec. 5, in the entire units 4C, 4D, 4E, 5B and 5C.