Hunting Seasons in Pennsylvania
A Guide to Key Dates and Regulations
This Article is Part of Our Hunting Seasons Guide for All 50 US States
Pennsylvania offers a diversity of hunting seasons throughout the year to both experienced and new hunters. Each season is carefully scheduled and regulated to maintain balance in wildlife populations and to offer hunters the opportunity to participate in the tradition. The state ensures that hunters are properly educated and licensed, which not only maintains safety standards but also conserves wildlife resources.
Hunters in Pennsylvania must abide by the bag limits and the dates that govern their specific game choice. These regulations are designed to sustain animal populations and ensure that the hunting ecosystem remains healthy and accessible for future generations. Special licenses are also available, such as those for youth hunters, which highlight Pennsylvania's commitment to mentorship and the ongoing preservation of hunting heritage.
Hunting methods in Pennsylvania vary, extending across archery, muzzleloader, and conventional firearms. This provides hunters with a range of options to engage with the sport across the different seasons. The state is recognized for its white-tailed deer hunting, and the management of seasons and licensing is instrumental in upholding Pennsylvania as a destination for hunting enthusiasts.
General Hunting Regulations
In Pennsylvania, hunting regulations are established to manage wildlife sustainably while ensuring the safety and fairness of the sport. Regulations are set by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners and include specific hunting hours, license considerations, and rules for various hunting programs.
Legal Hunting Hours
Hunting hours are established for the safety of hunters and the effective management of game. Generally, the hours are from half an hour before sunrise until half an hour after sunset. These hours may vary for different game species and during special seasons, such as spring turkey when hunting hours conclude at noon.
Hunting License Year
The hunting license year in Pennsylvania runs from July 1 to June 30 of the following year. Hunters must have a current, valid license to legally hunt game. Licenses are available for residents and non-residents. New licenses become available in mid-June each year.
Sunday Hunting Provisions
Sunday hunting is a topic of ongoing discussion and regulation changes. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has the authority to permit hunting on specific Sundays during the hunting license year. The board announces approved dates when Sunday hunting is permissible based on the species and seasons.
Mentored Youth Programs
Pennsylvania encourages young hunters to learn and participate safely in hunting through its Mentored Youth and Mentored Adult Hunting Programs. These programs allow experienced hunters to take youths and new adult hunters to the field, under specific regulations. Participants must purchase a Mentored Youth Permit or a Mentored Adult Permit, and these permits have clear bag limits and species regulations to follow.
Deer Season Overview
Pennsylvania's deer season draws hunters from across the state with its well-defined schedule catering to various hunting methods. The Pennsylvania Game Commission establishes specific seasons for white-tailed deer, encompassing archery, regular firearms, muzzleloader, and special firearms seasons, with distinct periods dedicated to antlered and antlerless deer hunting.
White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are the primary species of deer hunted in Pennsylvania. The state's diverse terrain offers ample opportunities for this popular game animal, making it a key focus of local hunting regulations and seasons.
Regular Firearms Season
The regular firearms deer season in Pennsylvania typically commences on November 25, continuing through to early December, with a tradition that excludes hunting on the first Sunday following the opening day. It is a period when hunters can pursue both antlered and antlerless deer using conventional firearms.
Archery Season
Archery season allows bow hunters to engage in a longer and quieter hunt. This season includes several weeks with opportunities typically starting in October. It overlaps with the antlerless only muzzleloader season for a period in mid-October, during which hunters are allowed to use both their bows and muzzleloaders.
Muzzleloader and Special Firearms Seasons
Muzzleloader season for antlerless deer runs in mid-October, giving a unique hunting experience aimed at hunters preferring this traditional firearm method. Additionally, there are special firearms seasons designated for junior and senior license holders, disabled person permit holders, and active-duty military personnel. These often take place over a few days in mid-October.
Antlered and Antlerless Deer Rules
Pennsylvania separates its deer hunting season into antlered and antlerless categories, with specific dates and licenses required for each. Antlerless deer may be hunted during the designated muzzleloader season and antlerless special firearms season. Meanwhile, both antlered and antlerless deer may be pursued during the regular firearms season, subject to holding the appropriate licenses.
Turkey Hunting Details
Pennsylvania offers two distinct turkey hunting seasons—spring and fall—each with its own regulations. Hunters should familiarize themselves with the specific dates, bag limits, and license requirements to ensure a legal and successful hunt. All hunters are reminded to observe safety protocols and respect wildlife conservation practices during these seasons.
Spring Gobbler Season
The Spring Gobbler Season in Pennsylvania allows hunting from May 4 through May 18, 2024, with permissible hunting hours from ½ hour before sunrise to 12 noon. This timeframe is extended from May 20 to May 31, 2024, during which hunting is allowed from ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset. The daily bag limit for this season is one bearded turkey, with a total season limit of two. However, the second spring gobbler can only be harvested by those possessing a valid special wild turkey license. There is also a special season for eligible junior hunters, which is scheduled for April 27, 2024. During this special hunt, the hunting hours end at noon and only one spring gobbler may be taken.
Fall Turkey Season
The Fall Turkey Season typically spans from late October to late November. The season dates and regulations can vary by Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), with some units may be closed to fall turkey hunting. In the fall, the season often accommodates both sexes of turkey, unlike the spring season which focuses on bearded birds only. During the fall, hunters can engage in turkey shooting seasons, adhering to the specific bag limits set for the autumn period.
Wild Turkey License Requirements
For anyone aiming to hunt turkey in Pennsylvania, securing a wild turkey license is mandatory. This license is in addition to your general hunting license. A special wild turkey license is necessary for those intending to take a second spring gobbler. Junior hunters and mentored youth under 16 must also possess the required license to participate in the designated special seasons. Adherence to these licensing requirements is crucial for the conservation of the species and the legality of the hunt.
Small Game and Furbearer Seasons
In Pennsylvania, specific seasons are designated for hunting small game, such as squirrels and rabbits, and for the hunting and trapping of furbearers like coyotes and foxes. Regulations are in place to ensure sustainable wildlife populations and ethical hunting practices.
Squirrel and Rabbit Hunting
Squirrels: Including Red, Gray, Black, and Fox varieties, the hunting season typically spans several months, ensuring ample opportunity for hunters.
Red, Gray, and Fox Squirrels: Season starts in September and runs through to February.
Black Squirrels: Follow the same regulations as other squirrel types, owing to their color variant originating from Gray Squirrels.
Rabbits (Cottontail): The season generally opens in mid-October and runs through to February, providing a lengthy period for hunting this small game species.
Furbearer Hunting Season
Furbearer Hunting: Targets species such as coyotes, foxes, opossums, striped skunks, and weasels. Each species has a specific season and regulations:
Coyotes: May be hunted year-round with no closed season.
Foxes (Red and Gray): The season is open from mid-October to February of the following year.
Opossum, Striped Skunk, Weasel: Hunting seasons for these species often align with other small game seasons, though more detail can be found through official state resources.
Trapping Season Regulations
Trapping Seasons are also carefully regulated, and key dates are set for various species to ensure responsible wildlife management.
A detailed schedule: Trapping dates vary by species but are generally concurrent with the hunting seasons for respective furbearers.
License Requirements: Trappers must possess the appropriate furtaker license, and adherence to all trapping regulations is enforced.
Note: Regulations can change annually, so it’s important for hunters and trappers to verify current seasons and rules with the Pennsylvania Game Commission before participating.
Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds
In Pennsylvania, the hunting seasons for waterfowl and other migratory game birds are defined and regulated with specific dates and bag limits. These rules ensure both the sustainability of the species and the enjoyment of hunters.
Duck and Goose Seasons
For the ducks, hunters in the North Zone can mark their calendars for the seasons from October 7-21 and November 14 to January 6, 2024. As for geese, significant updates include an extension of the Canada goose season in the Atlantic Population Zone, now lasting 45 days with a daily bag limit increased to three geese per hunter.
Key Season Dates for Ducks and Geese:
Ducks (North Zone):
First Split: Oct 7 - Oct 21
Second Split: Nov 14 - Jan 6, 2024
Canada Geese (Atlantic Population Zone):
Season Length: 45 days
Daily Bag Limit: 3 geese
Migratory Game Bird Regulations
Hunters must adhere to the regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which includes season dates, bag limits, and other considerations for migratory game birds. All hunters are required to obtain the necessary permits and follow the guidelines provided in the annual Hunting & Trapping Digest. Input from the public is sought annually to adjust and set the next season's regulations.
Regulatory Highlights for Migratory Game Birds:
Permits: Required for hunting migratory game birds
Hunting & Trapping Digest: Official source for detailed regulations
Hunting regulations are in place to manage wildlife populations responsibly and to provide a fair opportunity for hunters during the season.
Bear and Elk Hunting Seasons
In Pennsylvania, the hunting seasons for black bear and elk are distinct and highly regulated to ensure population management and conservation.
Black Bear Hunting
The black bear season in Pennsylvania allows hunters to engage in pursuing one of the state's most formidable game animals. Black bear hunting requires adherence to established dates that typically involve several hunting phases, including an archery season and a general firearms season.
Archery: Specific dates for archery hunting black bears are designated and usually precede the firearms season.
General Firearms: This season spans a few days and hunters must follow the regulations set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Hunters should check the latest updates from the Pennsylvania Game Commission for the exact dates and additional regulations, including those relating to the use of bait, which is strictly prohibited.
Elk Season Regulations
Elk hunting in Pennsylvania is a carefully managed process, due to the fact that elk are considered large game animals with a significant size, which includes adult bulls weighing between 600-1,000 pounds and adult cows ranging from 400-600 pounds.
Limited Tags: Elk tags are limited and are distributed through a lottery system.
Check Stations: Successful hunters must take any harvested elk to an official check station as specified by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The dates and zones for the elk season also vary and are contingent on state wildlife management needs. It is essential that hunters review the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest for detailed information on the season's schedules and requirements for participating in the elk hunt.
Special Hunting Opportunities
Pennsylvania offers diverse special hunting opportunities tailored to the conservation of wildlife and the enhancement of the hunting experience. These opportunities include designated Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) for targeted species management, exclusive Falconry Seasons that allow hunting with trained birds of prey, and access to Military Bases with controlled but unique hunting experiences.
Wildlife Management Units
WMUs are strategic sections of land divided across the state for wildlife habitat management and regulations. Wildlife populations and habitats vary by unit, influencing specific hunting regulations, seasons, and bag limits. Hunters should consult the Pennsylvania Game Commission to understand the rules that apply to each WMU.
Falconry Seasons
Falconry, the practice of hunting with trained raptors, possesses its own set of seasons in Pennsylvania. Falconers must abide by both state and federal regulations, including the possession of a valid falconry license. These special seasons are set to ensure sustainable wildlife resources while providing a unique method of take.
Example of a falconry season timeline:
Squirrels: September 1 - March 31
Rabbits: September 1 - March 31
Pheasants: October 24 - February 22
Military Bases Hunting
The U.S. Department of the Army offers controlled hunting programs on select military installations. Both Letterkenny Army Depot and Fort Indiantown Gap provide managed hunting seasons for eligible participants. Raven Rock Site (also known as Site R), while under the jurisdiction of the Department of Defense, may also have hunt programs, administered to balance ecological health with military training needs. The Fort Detrick area, another prominent military site, may offer similar opportunities under strict regulations. Access to these programs requires adherence to special rules and registration through the respective military base protocols.
Game Bird Seasons
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBdGVt6zQjI&embed=true
Pennsylvania offers a variety of game bird hunting opportunities including seasons for grouse, pheasant, and quail (What wine goes well with quail?). These seasons are designated to manage populations sustainably while providing hunting opportunities.
Grouse, Pheasant, and Quail
Ruffed Grouse: The Ruffed Grouse, a popular game bird among hunters, has specific hunting seasons that vary by location within Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Game Commission provides updated seasons annually.
Pheasants: Hunters can pursue both male and female pheasants during the established season, which the state game commission announces each year, taking into account population status and conservation needs.
Bobwhite Quail: Hunting for Bobwhite Quail is generally limited to areas with sustainable populations, with seasons set in line with ecological research and population monitoring.
Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas
In an effort to restore pheasant populations, Pennsylvania has established Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas (WPRAs). Hunting in these areas is highly regulated:
Hunting Rules: Only certain areas are open to hunting, often with a focus on youth engagement and conservation.
Population Management: Hunting is allowed based on the success of the recovery efforts, with adaptive management strategies to ensure the sustainability of the pheasant population.
Hunting Season Dates and Bag Limits
In Pennsylvania, the hunting seasons are carefully scheduled, including specific season dates and bag limits, to manage wildlife populations sustainably. These regulations ensure hunters can participate in the sport while contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.
Deer Season Dates
Archery (Statewide): September 30 to November 11; November 13 to November 17; December 26 to January 27, 2024
Regular Firearms (Statewide): November 27 to December 9
Extended Regular Firearms (Selected WMUs): December 26 to January 27, 2024
Turkey Season Dates
Spring: April 27 (Youth Hunt), April 29 to May 31, 2024
Fall: October 28 to November 11; November 23 to November 25 for specific Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)
Small Game and Furbearer Dates
Squirrel: September 9 to November 25; December 11 to February 28, 2024
Rabbit: September 16 to November 25; December 11 to February 24, 2024
For each season, hunters should be aware of daily and season bag limits, which outline the maximum number of game animals they can legally take. Regulations may vary by WMU, so it's essential to review the specific rules for the area where hunting will take place.
Licensing and Senior Hunters
In Pennsylvania, hunters must navigate a comprehensive system of licensing which varies by age group and includes specific benefits for senior license holders. Licenses are crucial for legal hunting throughout the seasons, ensuring that wildlife management and conservation efforts are supported.
Hunting Licenses and Fees
A general hunting license is required for all hunters, which includes the privilege to participate in various hunting seasons throughout the year. In the state of Pennsylvania, hunting licenses provide authorization for individuals to engage in the hunting of game species as defined by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year, aligning with the state's hunting and trapping seasons.
Resident Hunting License Fees:
General Adult: $20.90
Senior Resident: $13.97
Senior Lifetime: $51.90
Non-Resident Hunting License Fees:
General Adult: $101.90
Senior: Different rates may apply
Senior License Holders Benefits
Senior residents of Pennsylvania enjoy certain benefits when it comes to hunting licenses. Those who are 65 years or older, or those who will turn 65 by June 30 of the current license year, are eligible for the senior resident hunting license at a reduced cost. Senior lifetime licenses are also available, providing a cost-effective way for seniors to hunt for the remainder of their lives.
Included with Senior Resident License:
General hunting license
Furtaker license
Archery and muzzleloader privileges
Senior hunters should also note that the Pennsylvania Game Commission has issued updates to the antlerless deer license purchasing process, allowing licenses to be bought conveniently online or at any in-store hunting license issuing agent.
Hunting on Sundays
Pennsylvania offers limited opportunities for Sunday hunting, providing hunters with additional days in the field. Statewide regulations and specific dates must be adhered to.
Statewide Sunday Hunting Rules
In Pennsylvania, Sunday hunting is permitted under certain conditions. Hunters may pursue specific game on designated Sundays, which vary by season and game type. It is critical for hunters to understand these regulations to ensure lawful hunting practices.
Sunday Hunting Dates
For the 2023-2024 hunting season, the following Sundays are open for hunting specific types of game:
Sunday, Nov. 12: Open for archery deer hunting and, in select Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C, and 5D, archery bear hunting is also allowed.
Sunday, Nov. 19: Hunters can take advantage of another day designated for hunting; however, the specific game allowable for this date has not been detailed in the given information.
Hunters should consult the Pennsylvania Game Commission for any updates or changes to these dates and for information regarding additional open Sundays throughout the season.
