The PA Game Commission stated that the final bear hunting results are not complete at this time but stated, in the early bear archery season a 879- lb. black bear was taken in the Poconos just north of the Fernwood Resort in Pike County.

David Price of Barrett Township, a bow hunter, harvested a 17-year old bruin, which had an estimated live weight of 879 lbs. This is the heaviest black bear taken and recorded in Pennsylvania.

Price's bear was 15 pounds heavier than the state's previous record holder, a 864-lb. bear was taken in 2003 and it was also taken in Pike County. Tim Conway, spokesman for the PA Game Commission, said that Price's bear could be the largest black bear ever taken in the world.

The preliminary 3-day bear harvest results reported by the Game Commission stated that so far 1,498 bears have been taken, compared to a 3-day bear report for 2018 when 1,833 bear were taken.

However, this year's new and expanded early bear seasons for muzzleloader, firearms and archery along with the fourth day of the General Bear Season, have not been factored in yet. This will certainly make a big difference. I will report on it when the final bear take figures come in.

PA's Sunday hunting bill signed into law!

It has just been announced that PA Governor Tom Wolf has signed into law Senate Bill 147, which permits additional hunting on three Sundays per calendar year, one within the archery deer season, one within the firearms deer season and one to be selected by the Game Commission.

The law will take effect on February 25, 2020, and the first new Sunday hunting opportunities will be identified by the Game Commission thereafter.

Senate Bill 147 was introduced by state Senator Dan Laughin and passed the House of Representatives by a 144-54 vote and then passed the state Senate by a 38-11 vote.

Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans stated, “People today tend to lead busy lives, and hunters are no exceptions. No matter how badly a hunter might want to get out and enjoy the outdoors during hunting season, other responsibilities might take priority and make it difficult. Providing opportunity to experience hunting on previously closed Sundays has game-changing potential for hunters with tight schedules and in many cases will make a difference by enabling those hunters to hunt alongside their children, setting them on a path they will follow the rest of their lives. To Senator Dan Laughin and all those who supported the bill and helped make it a reality, please accept a heartful thank you on behalf of the Game Commission and hunters statewide.”

jack danchak is the President of the Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs of Sullivan County.