Bear hunting in Pennsylvania for the lone hunter is quite an experience. This kind of hunter (Me) has no person to follow, but his instincts. That is the way I like it. However, as I age I may need to rethink still-hunting to more stand hunting.
Pheasant track
Last Friday, the 20th, I scouted the area I planned to hunt bear, the opener fell the following morning of the 21st of November. I planned to concentrate in, and around, a recently clear cut hollow on a local state game lands. I found several piles of bear droppings. I knew bear had been in this area two to three days ago. Maybe a bear would still be sticking around.
Puffball
I walked about a mile on the first morning (Second morning here)while darkness still was the norm. I reached an area as the sky became colored as the sun crept higher. It was a beautiful sunrise. However, prior to my arrival I was serenaded by a pair of Great-horned Owls. I stopped several times just to take their soothing hoots in. I smiled. 
A flock of Canada Geese fly over minutes after the skies became bright. I always enjoy seeing, and listening to geese. I saw four hen pheasants in the autumn olive thickets as well as one rooster. The next morning I saw this same rooster perched high in a tree. 
I left the woods earlier than I had planned due to severe knee issues.
I still-hunted most of the morning finding a total of fifteen piles of bear dung. They, too, were not “smoking fresh”. I talked to one hunter as he was coming in to hunt, and I was leaving.
My Jeep was parked behind the higher hill, in shadow, on the right.
The second morning (Third morning hunting)I moved in to one area where the bear sign was most numerous. the food supply was still present, and I hoped they might be cycled back around. They were not around and no new sign was present.
The corn had been harvested.
Again, I saw geese. I patrolled around until after noon before leaving for home. I never saw another hunter.
The morning of the 24th found me in another area and game lands. I was near Mahoning, and could often see Mahoning Creek. This hunt consisted of still-hunting a steep northern exposed hill. I had hoped to find a bear in this habitat.
Bye!
I heard the sounds of a screech owl this morning as I maneuvered into the early woods. Around 7:30, I heard bear hunters way across the Mahoning putting on a drive. Five shots rang out…bear, coyote?
These hills spell Pennsylvania! They are big, and steep. No wonder I hurt so bad anymore. A lifetime of scrambling up, and down such terrain takes a toll! I returned back to the jeep around noon. 
I saw a number of deer, a grouse, and squirrels on these days afield. I feel blessed to be able enjoy times like these.
Larry A. Smail's Blog 