I've just heard that our first archery bear hunt resulted in73 bears. Personally I think thats amazing considering the timing and length of the season.

To you PA archers who participated in this first bear hunt and to all who hope to participate in the future, thank the United Bowhunters of PA for this opportunity. They have lobbied and worked very patiently for this for years. If you're a member, thanks for your support. If you're a bowhunter and arent a member you ought to think hard about throwing this organization your support.

On the first Friday of the deer firearms season, I spoke to one of Game Commision officers from Western PA. He advised me that this was a terrible year for bear hunters in our area, and he anticipates quite the nuisance problem next spring. He also told me that he would have liked to have inspected the areas where the archery bears were taken. He believed you would have found the best fifty or so bait piles you have ever seen. I'm sure some of the bears were taken with the subtle help from baits/lures, but not all. Any comments?

With no baiting allowed.....I am somewhat shocked to hear of 73 bears being killed.

I believe I read that the one archery bear reported in the southwest was confiscated for baiting. I hate to be cynical here and would rather not make a mass accusation but that number is amazing.

Yep a big thumbs up to the United bowhunters and an even bigger thumbs up to the guys that scored under those conditions.They're the guys that should have their own TV show.I was very surprised when I found out how many bears were killed in that season.

I agree with you and all so this would warrant an investigation on these 73 bears taken with a bow. Now if anything should be searched on suspicious it should be these bow killed bears. They should ofbeen made to take the PGC to the area where the bear laid dead at. I don't believe 75% of them was taken legally.

I think in PA you canbait up to 30 days before the season. If you are hunting with a bow it is very easy with the right terrain and knowing which way the wind blows to get the bears to come in from a certain location without being on top of a pile but still get bears to frequent 30 day old bait stations.

Lead poisoner you sound upset 73 bears were taken with the bow. Judging by your handle you don't hunt with a bow. Are you a little biased towards bowhunters? No body in your camp get one opening day? An investigation? Its people like you that cause all the in-fighting within the hunting community.

All residue must be gone 30 days prior.That means if you had a salt lick out,you better bring a shovel with you when you remove it.

Open your mind up some there.Come out from your little circle there and see what my concern was.Them bear would have to be damn close and most likely stationary for them to shoot with a bow.73 with bows is kinda unrealistic without bait.People get check on suspicion less than this.Just for walking thru the woods with a gun.It has nothing to do with bow hunters it's about PGC doing their job and make sure these bears was taken legally.This should of raised some concern about this many bears taken with a bow.They should of contacted these hunters and ask to see the place they took these bears from.I didn't start on you,

EDITED FOR FLAMING, NAME CALLING AND RULE VIOLATION, warning.

What, eagle chickie isn't on here boasting of arrowing a 30 lb.'er....cause the meats so good.?[&:]