Question about bear hunting PA

Hey guys! I was deer hunting this morning and I had a nice sized bear come under my stand, I have seen this bear in the general area but never when I am actually out there. What I wanted to know is, once you take a bear, can I just call up Game Commission and report a harvest or do I have to drive the carcass somewhere. And am I allowed to field dress it/skin it. Also, does the game commission come out to your stand and check the kill site? I understand you can get into serious trouble if you dont follow the bear hunting requirements to the letter and I am just trying to get some information. Thanks!

 

Yes you field dress it yourself before taking it in. You must take it to a check station within 24hrs of harvest.

Go here to find a list of check stations by region.

They generally will not come out to the kill site unless they suspect something out of sort with your reporting, the kill itself, etc., I've only ever heard of it happening to one person I know and it was during the first year we had an archery season for bear. A guy at our cabin harvested one, and when he brought it to the check station, they asked to see the kill site. Sure enough, he took them out and showed them where he shot, where he field dressed, etc., They were satisfied.

 

Thanks for clearing that up! now I just have to wait and hope for the best come bear season

 

What county will you be hunting in?

 

Lackawanna county