HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission has released the final report on the 2024 bear hunting season, revealing an impressive total harvest of 2,642 bears, placing it among the top 25 on record. The data showcases the state’s exceptional bear population and the continued popularity of bear hunting, with nine of the top 10 bears weighing over 600 pounds, including three exceeding 700 pounds.
Scott Price of Madison Township, Lackawanna County, harvested the largest bear of the season, a 774-pound specimen taken in Monroe County during the statewide firearms season. Other notable harvests included a 714-pounder from Clarion County and a 700-pounder in Potter County. Venango County hunter Heath Bromley’s 597-pound crossbow harvest in October rounded out a list of remarkable entries.
“Pennsylvania is home to lots and lots of great bear-friendly habitat, areas with abundant and varied food sources and thick cover,” said Brandon Snavely, the state’s black bear biologist. “That allows us not only to support lots of bears, but plenty of very, very big ones, too.”
The harvest spanned 56 counties and all but one of the state’s Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), highlighting the widespread distribution of bears across the Commonwealth. Tioga County led all regions with 163 bears harvested, followed by Clinton County (157) and Lycoming County (148). The expansive traditional statewide firearms season accounted for the largest share of kills at 823 bears, followed by archery (756), muzzleloader (425), and extended firearms seasons.
The enduring popularity of bear hunting was evident in the sustained interest among Pennsylvania hunters, with over 201,000 licenses sold for the sixth consecutive year. Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith attributed this enthusiastic participation to the unique appeal of bear hunting.
“Bear hunting combines so many of the elements that keep hunters coming back,” Smith said. “For some, there’s the camaraderie of going to camp or hunting with family and friends. Others might venture out alone. But no matter how you hunt, there’s always the anticipation of seeing a bear and making the most of your opportunity. And that opportunity, literally, might be extremely big.”
As the Game Commission looks forward to 2025, the state’s bear population continues to thrive thanks to Pennsylvania’s abundant habitat and effective wildlife management programs. With new hunting opportunities and the possibility of encountering record-size bears, the tradition of bear hunting in Pennsylvania remains strong and deeply rooted in the sporting culture.
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