The 2013-14 editions of Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses are now required to do any type of hunting in the Commonwealth.

The first round of antlerless deer license applications started this week and there should be ample opportunity for hunters who want a doe license to obtain one. In our area the 2D, 1A and 2B have been allotted 172,000 licenses for deer hunting antlerless deer.

From what I have personally observed and from the reports of others the deer population is very strong in these areas. The entire harvest report for the statewide 2012-13 season was 209, 250 antlerless deer and 133,860 antlered deer for a total of 343,110 deer.

The key to finding these deer is in locating a suitable hunting spot early in the season. Talking to landowners or farmers the day before the season opens is not a responsible way to conduct business. Offering to help out on the farm or property in sweat equity can turn a no into a yes as this is a busy time for farmers in the hay fields or with fence projects.

Just think: You can get your gym workout, make a friend and secure a hunting place with one kind gesture. Once the deer start getting pushed around we all know they head for areas that are either difficult to hunt or have no hunting access.

There are many opportunities to hunt black bear as these big game animals continue to expand their range and have become more commonplace in every locale. There have been regular sightings in our neighborhood all summer and the residents of the area have learned quickly that they must bear proof their homes and property.

One big male bear has shown that he has a taste for dog food as he dragged out a 25-pound bag of dog food for his daily meal. Being omnivores allows these bruins to be opportunist with human food, agricultural products like corn and apples, mast and berries and even meat and carrion from road killed deer and such. I know that PennDOT will have some deer removed from the road but I believe that bear and coyotes take care of many as well.

The PGC has set a generous bear hunting season for the 2013-14 license year. The first date that opens is the statewide archery season for bear on Nov. 18. Then a muzzleloader season in specified WMU’s takes place Oct. 19-26. Then the regular firearms season runs from Nov. 23-27 statewide. To take advantage of all the special seasons check out your Hunting & Trapping Digest for more information. Remember that you must purchase a bear license to hunt bear at the cost of $16.70 and add it to your general license. According to WCO Chip Brunst and what the residents of Butler County have seen for themselves there is no better time to hunt bear in Butler County.

Remember to read through the Digest to catch up on all the new regulations and requirements for all the hunting seasons in Pennsylvania. Dates change, seasons that once were closed are now open and new opportunities for youth and senior hunters are being offered.

The Hunter-Trapper Safety Course has had a significant overhaul in the way it is being offered in 2013. Part of the testing and education takes place online and finishes up with a group at a physical setting throughout the county.

Taking part one or two without the other will be a disappointment for the new hunter when they try to obtain their first license. For more H-T-E information check it out on the PGC website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.

Until we meet again, get your licenses updated and start looking around for your deer and bear hunting spots while lending a hand to your neighbors.

Jay Hewitt is an outdoors columnist for the Butler Eagle.