Well PA has put in place a 5 day archery only black bear season new for this year. They've had an archery bear for a few years but it was only a couple days. Well I looks like I'll be laid off again by fall so I'm gonna go give it a shot. I know what 3 counties I'm looking at and where the public game lands are in those counties. Next I'll look at the topos and find likely areas in the GLs. Since there is no baiting in PA I'll have to approach this kinda like deer. Does anyone have any tips on locating bear? What to look for? And some strategies that you've used for bear not over bait?
Hunt natural food sources like acorns on oaked ridgelines or call for them like any other predator if you know they're in the area.
look for big crap!! Sorry I'm not much help, never been bear hunting. But I have seen a lot of big bear crap in the woods. Which come to think of it does answer the age old question...Yes a bear does $h!^ in the woods!
Drive dirt roads and look for bear droppings, look at airal maps for water with thick cover. Water ways are bear highgways. When you find a good set of tracks put a camera up to get some times hes comein through the area.
Thanks all! Everything mentioned is what I was thinking, even the big crap lol! I saw a lot of big piles a month ago in Quebec, some of it was even white in color, lol. The areas I'm looking at are about 2-2.5 hours away so I'll have to do the best I can with little time. Been looking at topos and arials both. Would like to find some berry laden benches that have a swap below with a good pinch point up out of it. Can find the bench, swamp, and pinch point of the maps but I'll have to go scout on foot for the rest.
