Efforts by Jacob Westbrook V to cover his trail did not help.
The mother bear had a radio collar so state wildlife officials could track her.
The device signaled that the bear was dead on New Year's Day. But biologists were surprised that the animal was still moving.
Westbrook admitted in Stillwater Township municipal court on Wednesday that he sent the collar drifting down the Paulinskill River.
Westbrook, who pleaded guilty to two counts of unlawfully killing a black bear and other charges, is to be sentenced on March 26. He faces fines up to $7,000 and could have his hunting license revoked.
