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Bear numbers steady; staff recommends a one‑week archery season and starts multi‑year survival study
Summary
Staff reported a largely stable black bear population (approx. 19,000, 16–23k CI), a 2024 harvest of 2,642 bears (10% decline from 2023), and recommended a one‑week archery season structure while launching a survival study that will run through 2029.
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…
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