West Virginia’s Late Bear Season

Bruce Ryan walked the edge of the Monongahela National Forest yesterday and found a familiar sign—fresh bear tracks. This large bear has lived in this area for many years and has often been seen in camera pictures. I hunted this spot several times last fall, but the smart bruin stuck to its nocturnal routine and didn’t show up in daylight.

Why Aren’t Bears Asleep

Here’s the perfect example of the Eastern black bear’s change in behavior.  This image came from Western Maryland, adjacent to West Virginia, and shows a sow and two cubs active in early December when the temperatures are below freezing and in the face of a 25 mph northwest wind.  These bears should be hibernating.  Rather than burrow into a cave, large bores curl up in a fallen treetop or pocket of leaves, sleep when temperatures get frigid, and become active when temperatures moderate.

WV Bow Season through December 31

The “Big Mo” is nearly a million acres of mostly walk-in access with an abundant deer and bear population.  This area is blanketed in snow this season, making tracking a bear reasonably easy if you don’t mind walking.  Bears and deer often concentrate on acorn stands for winter food and are frequently found in the same areas.

Bear/Ski Vacation

The Monongahela National Forest borders many recreational areas where skiing, tubing, snowshoeing, and other winter sports abound.  If your friends enjoy winter activities or relaxing in front of a roaring fireplace, a winter bear hunt is a great adventure in which you don’t have to leave your family behind.  For lodging, consider renting an Airbnb like the one shown above.  It is available from Rocky’s Rustic Cabins. For full details on hunting in West Virginia, visit www.WVDNR.gov.  Good luck.