Dec 6, 2014 3 min read

The bear harvest in Pennsylvania was down slightly during the recently completed season, with hunters killing 2,444 during the four-day hunt compared to 2,473 last year.

Those totals will change slightly with the extended season in the northeast portion of the state, which could put this year’s overall total above last season’s total of 3,510 following the late harvest.

The top 10 bears to go through check stations this year all weighed in at more than 557 pounds, with the top being a male that weighed 677 pounds, which was taken in Pittsfield Township, Warren County on opening day.

While the northeast and northcentral parts of the state hold a higher bear population, many of the larger bears were taken in the southwest region.

Topping that list was a 598-pound male killed in Muddy Creek Township, Butler County.

There was also a 574-pound make shot in Tyrone Township, Blair County, a 560-pound male killed in Black Township, Somerset County, and a 557-pound male harvested in Portage Township, Cambria County.

• As bad as the past week was for deer hunting, the upcoming week could be the exact opposite.

Long-range forecasts show no upcoming rain with temperatures in the 30s and 40s. Heck, there’s even a chance of a snow shower Tuesday that would help with tracking and dragging if there is any accumulation.

The better weather will definitely be needed. Judging from what I’ve heard and seen while out and about, the only successful hunters in the first week were the ones able to stay dry.

• The West Virginia Division of Natural Resources is conducting public meetings to gauge interest in the restoration of elk in the state.

West Virginia’s last native elk was killed around 1875.

The state’s plan is to bring elk in from Kentucky, which has a healthy herd. This past season’s elk hunt in Kentucky produced a harvest of 261, of which 208 were bulls. The state distributes its licenses through a lottery system, much like the one here in Pennsylvania.

Given the terrain and large wooded areas in West Virginia, it would seem like a no-brainer for the state to reintroduce elk back into the wild. And there are already some elk crossing the border from Kentucky, so the state might not have a choice.

• The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission began offering fishing licenses online Dec. 1 at reduced prices. The prices will remain in place until the end of the month.

Three- and five-year licenses can be purchased at $3 and $5 off their regular prices. Go to the commission web site at www.fish.state.pa.us to purchase the reduced licenses.

As previously announced, a one-year license will be $1 cheaper throughout the 2015 fishing season.

Outdoors Editor F. Dale Lolley can be reached dlolley@observer-reporter.com.