Matt Heinaman couldn't hide his enthusiasm after taking his first-ever black bear.
Matt Heinaman couldn't hide his enthusiasm after taking his first-ever black bear.
SHARE
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-12.jpg
Two drivers discuss strategy before heading through a clearcut on the second day of the Pennsy bear season. CHECK OUT DAY 1 HERE!
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-13.jpg
Drivers line up on a ridge bench before heading toward standers.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-14.jpg
A second group of drivers heading into position. Terrain in this area of northwestern Pennsylvania is certainly steep and because bears seem to love to hole up in grown up clearcuts, the driving is both treacherous and rigorous. In addition, safety is of the utmost importance due to the close-quarters shooting opportunities.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-15.jpg
When all else fails, it’s time to pull out the good-luck charms–two bear canine teeth.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-16.jpg
Hunters head back to their vehicles to re-group after the conclusion of the first drive of the morning.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-17.jpg
Others take a moment to reflect upon the action of the morning.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-18.jpg
The day’s first big drive pushed five bears out of a big clear-cut including this nice sow.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-19.jpg
Matt Heinaman couldn’t hide his enthusiasm after taking his first-ever black bear.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-1.jpg
Meanwhile, at the Coudersport checking station, biologists were checking in bears at a record pace. Here’s the biggest bear of Opening Day–a 366-pound boar.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-2.jpg
A happy group of Northwestern PA hunters with their bear. It was a group effort.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-3.jpg
Biologists unload a bear for inspection at the Coudersport fire house.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-4.jpg
Dressed-weight is 208.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-5.jpg
Exact weight is critical information in order to judge the health of the bear herd and to properly manage the harvest.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-6.jpg
Milk teeth are also extracted in order to age the animals. Biologists examine cross-sections of teeth similar to how foresters age trees.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-7.jpg
Extraction complete
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-8.jpg
Biologists also find surprises at times such as these intestinal worms pulled from a harvested boar. They did not seem to cause the bear any digestive problems–he was a healthy animal.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-9.jpg
The Day 1 statewide tally becomes official: 1,897 total bears, easily beating the 2008 mark.
httpswww.outdoorlife.comsitesoutdoorlife.comfilesimport2014importImage2009photo6Day_2-10.jpg
PA officials discuss the harvest placement map.
The end of the day bear tally for Steve Trupe's Ridgerunner Hunting Club was six bears. More to come on Outdoorlife.com

Bear Truck

The end of the day bear tally for Steve Trupe’s Ridgerunner Hunting Club was six bears. More to come on Outdoorlife.com

Day 2 in the western Pennsylvania bear woods pays off for Steve Trupe’s Ridgerunner Hunting Club.

MORE TO READ