Spot and stalk won't work, generally. There are berries -- and cherries -- out during early bear. But not for the whole period. IF you see lots of purple poop with pits, and the cherries are not on the trees in numbers, likely won't see much repeat business. During early bear, the bears are likely nocturnal, as well.
Later in the fall, near when snow flies, bears start eating in earnest (hyperphagia) to get ready for dormancy. They may be eating up to 20,000 kcals/day, and it can take them 20 hrs/day to get that much calories into them. THAT is the best time to be looking for them. Lands near corn fields are a good bet. Old apple orchards are also a good bet -- if you have access. Working apiaries (if they're still active when you're hunting) may be good -- but not so likely during later seasons. Its all about food...
If you're in the woods, lots of the 'Dacks don't have oaks that produce significant acorns (found the oaks and some of the excuses for acorns in poor areas -- usually on southern slopes if you can find 'em). Beechnuts don't produce as much as they used to due to beechnut bark disease -- hits both oldest and youngest beechnut trees; middle growth trees produce, but not so much, following a 2-yr cycle.
I've known several guys who hunted the 'Dacks for years, and saw only two or so bears during legal hunting time in their entire experience. For myself -- never saw more than poop, torn logs, claw marks, bear nests, but no bears.
There is a planning process in progress to extend hunting range and seasons, defining northern and southern zones, ultimately. They are still collecting public input. You can see more on the DEC website.
Dan
