DEC releases Bear harvest stats for 2022

Over 1,300 bears in total were harvested statewide during the 2022 hunting season, according to the DEC.

Here in our Northern Zone, over 450 bears were taken this-year, up from 2021’s total. "Regulated bear hunting is a necessary tool for population management, especially with numbers increasing in recent years,” Commissioner Seggos said.

“I'm pleased to see hunters across the state logged another successful and safe bear hunting season."

Reflecting similar trends in previous seasons, the Catskill Mountains produced once again the greatest bear densities.

The heaviest bear taken in 2022 weighed in at 520-pounds and was claimed in Broome County.

Black bear harvest data are gathered from two main sources: harvest reports required of all successful bear hunters; and the physical examination of bears by DEC staff and cooperating taxidermists.

Harvest estimates are made by cross-referencing these two data sources and determining the rate at which hunters report bear harvests in each zone.

Image via the New York State DEC.