Sterling Forest Regs - I need some help

[NorthJerseyMike]

Do any of you bear hunt in Sterling Forest? I am trying to get some concrete info on whether or not bear hunting with bow is legal in Sterling on Oct. 4th.

Last year, I recall seeing signs posted about no early bear hunt. I feel like I've read the NY Digest and websites several times, and I am not sure if this is the case this year. I believe that early season is over, but I am deer hunting a stretch tomorrow morning where seeing a bear is very possible - and having a tag, I'd like to take the shot. 

On a webpage, it states, "When you see the term "early" muzzleloader or archery season, it means before the regular deer season for that particular zone. "Late" means after the regular deer season for that zone." 

One may interpret this to mean that a hunter cannot hunt bear there until NY's "Regular" Season, whereas another hunter may interpret this as not during the early bow season which is labeled as 9/12-9/27 (http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/28605.html#deer) , but after Oct.1st. during regular bowhunting season. 

I'd appreciate any help. Thanks in advance.

[shawnhu]

Many of sterling forest rules stems from no firearms and hunting before a certain date. There are quite a bit of hikers and such that visit the park and they do not allow it.

I would think that when you are allowed to hunt with a bow for deer, bear is also fair game. I would check in with local DEC as they patrol that area quite often.

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