REPORT: Thousands Of Bears Taken In New York State

As we start the early bear hunting season in portions of New York State, there is a report out related to the number of bears that were killed in 2023.

The warm weather is still holding on here in New York State. Much of the state is going to see dry conditions with the temperatures in the 80's. The fall will officially arrive on the 22nd.

But as we wait for the cooler air, and the leaves start to change, the wildlife is still doing what it normally does. Hunters who are looking to score a deer or bear this season have been doing their homework and, according to the report from last season, the hard work has paid off.

READ MORE: New York State Deer SMOTHERED In Bugs

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has released the final, estimated, numbers of bears that were killed last season in New York State.

On the NYS DEC website, it was noted that: "During New York’s 2023 big game hunting seasons, hunters harvested an estimated 1,356 black bears with 485 bears harvested in the Northern Zone and 871 bears harvested in the Southern Zone. This was a slight increase in bear harvest from the 2022 seasons".

The early bear season has started (as of 9/14) in designated areas in New York State. Although I have seen many bears in the woods, and on the trail cameras on our property in Western New York, I have never actually hunted for bear. I like seeing them. However, hunting bears has never really interested me. I have all the respect for those who do. I just prefer chasing whitetail bucks in the rut over a bear hunt.

Good luck this season and stay safe!