Pennsylvania offers diverse hunting opportunities. Understanding the state’s hunting season dates and regulations is key to a successful experience. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) manages all hunting activities. Seasons are set for various game animals, including white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and small game.
Pennsylvania Deer Season
White-tailed deer are the most popular game animal in Pennsylvania. Seasons are split into archery, rifle, and muzzleloader. Specific dates vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) and weapon type.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | September 13, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | Statewide archery deer season. Bows, crossbows, and compound bows permitted. Antlered or antlerless deer. |
| Regular Firearms | November 29, 2025 | December 13, 2025 | Two-week regular firearms season. Pennsylvania's most popular and traditional hunting season. All legal firearms permitted. |
| Flintlock Muzzleloader | December 26, 2025 | January 24, 2026 | Flintlock muzzleloader season. Flintlock ignition muzzleloaders only. Concurrent with late archery. |
| Late Archery | December 26, 2025 | January 24, 2026 | Late archery season. Concurrent with flintlock season. Bows and crossbows permitted. |
| Muzzleloader | October 18, 2025 | October 25, 2025 | Early muzzleloader season. In-line and flintlock muzzleloaders permitted. Select WMUs only. |
| Youth | October 25, 2025 | October 26, 2025 | Mentored youth deer hunt. Junior license holders accompanied by adult mentor. Antlered or antlerless. |
Archery Deer Season
Archery deer season typically starts September 13, 2025 through November 14, 2025. It often reopens in late December for a few weeks. Hunters must use a bow or crossbow. Broadheads must meet specific legal requirements for width. Tree stands are commonly used during this season.
Rifle Deer Season
The general rifle deer season is a highly anticipated period. It usually begins . This season sees the highest hunter participation. Antler point restrictions apply in many WMUs. They are designed to manage the deer herd and promote a healthy age structure. Always check the current year’s digest for specific antler regulations in your hunting area 1.
Muzzleloader Deer Season
Muzzleloader season (approximately October 18, 2025 through October 25, 2025) often overlaps with or follows parts of the rifle season. It provides another opportunity for deer hunting. Flintlock or percussion cap muzzleloaders are permitted. Hunters typically use black powder or a safe substitute.
Pennsylvania Bear Season
Pennsylvania is known for its large black bear population. Bear season is relatively short and highly regulated. There are often multiple bear seasons, including an archery season, a general rifle season, and sometimes an extended season in specific WMUs.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Archery | September 13, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | Bear archery season concurrent with deer archery. Bear archery stamp required. |
| Regular Firearms | November 22, 2025 | November 26, 2025 | Extended bear firearms season. 4 days prior to regular deer firearms. High harvest period. |
| Muzzleloader | October 18, 2025 | October 25, 2025 | Early muzzleloader bear season. Concurrent with deer muzzleloader in select WMUs. |
Archery Bear Season
Archery bear season often runs September 13, 2025 through November 14, 2025. This season requires hunters to draw a bear tag in addition to their general hunting license.
Rifle Bear Season
The general rifle bear season typically occurs , often preceding the rifle deer season. It lasts for a few days. Bear hunting requires careful planning and scouting. Knowing bear habits and food sources is important. It is also important to understand specific tagging and reporting requirements for bears 2.
Pennsylvania Turkey Season
Wild turkey hunting is also popular in Pennsylvania. There are distinct spring and fall seasons.
| Season Type | Opens | Closes | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | May 3, 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Spring gobbler season. Bearded turkeys only. Shotgun and archery. One bird per day, season limit 2. |
| Fall | November 1, 2025 | November 14, 2025 | Fall turkey season. Either sex. WMU-specific season lengths. Some WMUs have extended seasons. |
| Youth Spring | April 26, 2026 | April 26, 2026 | Youth spring gobbler day. Junior license holders with licensed adult mentor. |
Spring Gobbler Season
Spring gobbler season is for bearded turkeys only. It usually runs May 3, 2026 through May 31, 2026. Hunters often use calls to attract gobblers. Hunting hours are restricted, typically ending at noon.
Fall Turkey Season
Fall turkey season (November 1, 2025 through November 14, 2025) dates vary by WMU. Some WMUs may have a longer season, while others may be shorter or closed. Hunters can take turkeys of either sex during the fall.
Pennsylvania Small Game and Furbearer Seasons
Pennsylvania offers seasons for various small game and furbearers.
Small Game
This category includes species like rabbit, pheasant, squirrel, and grouse. Seasons usually open and extend through winter. Bag limits apply to many small game species. Some species, like pheasant, may require an additional permit.
Furbearers
Hunters can pursue furbearers such as coyote, fox, raccoon, and bobcat. Coyote and fox seasons are open much of the year. Bobcat hunting requires a special permit drawn through a lottery system. Trapping seasons are also available for many furbearers.
Licensing and Permits
All hunters in Pennsylvania must possess a valid Pennsylvania hunting license.
| License/Permit | Residency | Fee | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident General Hunting License | Resident | $20.97 | hunting |
| Non-Resident General Hunting License | Nonresident | $101.97 | hunting |
| Resident Archery License | Resident | $6.97 | archery hunting privilege |
| Non-Resident Archery License | Nonresident | $26.97 | archery hunting privilege |
| Resident Muzzleloader License | Resident | $6.97 | muzzleloader hunting privilege |
| Non-Resident Muzzleloader License | Nonresident | $26.97 | muzzleloader hunting privilege |
| Bear License | Resident | $16.97 | bear hunting |
| Non-Resident Bear License | Nonresident | $36.97 | bear hunting |
| Spring Turkey Tag | All | $6.97 | spring turkey hunting |
| Antlerless Deer License | All | $6.97 | antlerless deer tag |
| Junior Hunting License | Resident | $6.97 | hunting |
| Senior Lifetime Hunting License | Resident | $51.97 | hunting |
| Migratory Game Bird License | All | $2.97 | migratory bird hunting |
| Federal Duck Stamp | All | $25.00 | waterfowl hunting |
This can be purchased online through the PGC website or from license issuing agents statewide 3. Additional permits may be required for certain species, such as bear, antlerless deer, and bobcat. It is important to buy licenses and permits before heading into the field.
Hunter Education Requirements
Anyone born on or after January 1, 1982, must complete a hunter-trapper education course to purchase a hunting license in Pennsylvania. This course teaches vital safety information, ethics, and regulations. Online and in-person courses are available.
Regulations and Safety
Always consult the current Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest. This digest is published annually by the PGC. It contains all the necessary season dates, bag limits, and regulations. It is available online and where licenses are sold. Following safety rules is paramount. Always know your target and what is beyond it. Wear required fluorescent orange when applicable.
Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)
Pennsylvania is divided into 23 Wildlife Management Units. Seasons, bag limits, and specific regulations can vary significantly between WMUs. Before your hunt, identify your WMU and check its specific rules. This is especially important for deer and turkey seasons.
Public and Private Land Access
Pennsylvania has extensive public hunting land. State Game Lands, State Forests, and some State Parks offer hunting opportunities. Respect private property. Always obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private land. Using resources like GIS maps can help identify land ownership.
Pennsylvania offers a rich hunting tradition. Careful planning and adherence to regulations ensure a safe and successful hunt. Always check the latest PGC regulations before heading afield for any season.
Last verified: February 13, 2026 — Official sourceMore Pennsylvania Hunting Resources
- Pennsylvania hunting regulations
- How to get a Pennsylvania hunting license
- Public and private land access in Pennsylvania
- Hunting locations in Pennsylvania
References
Pennsylvania has extensive public hunting land. State Game Lands, State Forests, and some State Parks offer hunting opportunities. Respect private property. Always obtain permission from landowners before hunting on private land. Using resources like GIS maps can help identify land ownership.
Pennsylvania offers a rich hunting tradition. Careful planning and adherence to regulations ensure a safe and successful hunt. Always check the latest PGC regulations before heading afield for any season.
Check state regulations, and plan your hunt.
Pennsylvania Game Commission. “Deer Hunting.” https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/Pages/DeerHunting.aspx ↩︎
Pennsylvania Game Commission. “Bear Hunting.” https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunting/Pages/BearHunting.aspx ↩︎
Pennsylvania Game Commission. “Buy a License.” https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/LicensesandPermits/Pages/BuyALicense.aspx ↩︎
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