[Greg Koziol]

Anyone hunt in the catskill/hudson valley area?I'm looking to bag a catskill bear this year! I've never shot a bear before but there are some big ones. Just read in new york game and fish some guy during bow season last year shot a 650 pounder in orange county in his development eating trash!! Definately wouldn't want my kids playin with the dog in the yard with those kind of monsters lurking!!

I plan on hunting the town of neversink, town of denning, and the town of shandaken on all DEC land and DEP land.

Just wondering if there are any other catskills hunters on here besides me!! or new yorkers!!

 

[CAROLINAHOAN]

I am not a New Yorker, but I have hunted NY quite a few times. In fact, I learned
how to turkey hunt and bow hunt for deer in NY State, but where I hunt is in the extreme
western part of the state between Jamestown and Erie, PA. That's quite a ways away from where you are talking about. hmmm.... come to think
of it black bears are on the increase there too. I know they are around these parts
because I see plenty of sign. Last year was the first time I had a black bear mess up
a spring gobbler hunt on public gameland.... that was quite exciting. Anyway, I'll give my NY buddy a call to see if he has any info to help you out.... good luck

 

[Greg Koziol]

They've spread into my county too.... I live in putnam county... which is on the border of connecticut and they've spread into my county and dutchess county and columbia county too.. its crazy! Their starting to turn into racoons... hanging out near people for the garbage. An old friend of my mine from college lives in Warren PA... I think thats near you!

 

[Daveboone]

From what I understand, most Catskill bears are bears of opportunity to deer hunters. I would look for orchards and crops in the area, bordering heavy swamps and rough country. Inquire with farmers if they see them. No dogs or baiting make it tough.