Bear Hunting Starts Saturday

Pennsylvania's bear population has expanded dramatically over the past several decades, so much that special bear seasons outside the regular firearms season that lasts from Nov. 21 through Nov. 24 this fall have been established. The first of these statewide seasons actually begins this Saturday, Oct. 17. This is the statewide archery season for bears that lasts from Oct. 7 until Nov. 7. This is the season that exists in our local wildlife management area. The archery bear season lasts even longer in other WMAs.

In addition to archery hunting, the statewide muzzleloader season for bears comes...