Pennsylvania has a significant hunting culture, welcoming hunters with various knowledge levels. The newest season brings thrilling opportunities for different game kinds, from the impressive whitetail deer to the hard-to-find wild turkey. If you’re a tried-and-true outdoorsman who knows their way around or a beginner on your initial trip, knowing the future season’s times and rules is vital for a fruitful and secure hunt.
Let’s walk you through the Pennsylvania game schedule for 2024-2025. This easy guide prepares you to arrange an enjoyable hunt!
PA Game Commissions Schedule
Big Games
Deer
Archery:
- WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D: Sept 21 – Nov 16, Nov 18-23, Dec 26 – Jan 25, 2025
- Statewide: Oct 5 – Nov 16, Nov 18-22, Dec 26 – Jan 20, 2025
Firearms:
- Regular: Nov 30 – Dec 14
Flintlock:
- Statewide: Dec 26 – Jan 20, 2025
- WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D: Dec 26 – Jan 25, 2025
Muzzleloader (Antlerless Only):
- Oct 19-26
Extended Firearms (Antlerless Only – WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D):
- Dec 26 – Jan 25, 2025
Special Firearms Season (Oct 24-26):
- Open to:
- Junior and Senior License Holders
- Mentored Youth Permit Holders
- Disabled Person Permit Holders
- Active Military (PA residents)
- Hunters 65+ years old
Military Base Hunts:
- Dates set by U.S. Department of Army.
- Locations: Letterkenny Army Depot (Franklin Co.), New Cumberland Army Depot (York Co.), Fort Detrick (Adams Co.)
Deer Bag Limit:
- One antlerless deer per valid antlerless license.
- One antlered deer per entire hunting license year.
Elk
- Archery: Sept 14-28
- Regular: Nov 4-9
- Late: Dec 28 – Jan 4, 2025
Bag Limit: One elk per license year.
Bear
- Archery Seasons:
- WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D: Sept 21-Nov 16, Nov 18-23, Nov 25-29, Dec. 1 (Sunday)
- WMU 5B: Oct 5-Nov 16, Nov 18-22, Dec. 1 (Sunday)
- Other WMUs: Oct 19-Nov 9
- Muzzleloader: Oct 24-26 (Statewide)
- Statewide: Nov 23 (Saturday), Nov 24 (Sunday), Nov 25-26
- WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E, 5A: Nov 30 (Saturday), Dec 1 (Sunday), Dec 2-7
- WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C, 5D: Nov 30 (Saturday), Dec 1 (Sunday), Dec 2-14
Special Firearms Season (Oct 24-26):
- Open to a wider range of hunters including:
- Junior and Senior License Holders
- Disabled Permit Holders
- Active Military (PA residents)
- Hunters 65+ years old (or turning 65 this year)
- License/Fee Exempt Individuals
Bear Bag Limit:
- One bear permitted per license year.pen_spark
Turkey
Pennsylvania has separate fall and spring turkey hunting seasons. Here’s a breakdown of the dates for each:
Fall:
- WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B, and 4D: Nov. 2 – 16
- WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, and 3C: Nov. 2-16 and Nov. 27-29
- WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, and 4E: Nov. 2-9
- WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E: Nov. 2-22 and Nov. 27-29
- WMUs 5A and 5B: Nov. 2-5
- WMUs 5C and 5D: Closed
Spring:
- Spring Gobbler (Youth): April 26, 2025
- Spring Gobbler: May 3-31, 2025
Bag Limit:
- Daily: 1 gobbler
- Season: 2 gobblers (with special authorization)
Restrictions:
- Only bearded turkeys allowed (must have a visible beard).
- Hunting licenses required.
- Noon hunting hour cut-off.
Special Note:
- For the initial fortnight (May 3rd to 17th), you can only take one gobbler. For a second bird, you’ll need different permission.
Small Game
Squirrel
There are two main squirrel hunting seasons in Pennsylvania:
- Regular Season (all squirrel species):
- Sept 14 – Nov 16 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 and 24)
- Nov 25 – 29
- Dec 16 – 24
- Dec 26 – Feb 28, 2025
- Falconry Season (all squirrel species):
- Sept 2 – Nov 16 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 and 24)
- Nov 25 – 30 (closed Sunday, Dec 1)
- Dec 2 – March 31, 2025
Junior Squirrel Hunt:
- Sept 14-28 (combined species)
- 6 daily bag limit, 18 in possession after the first day
Rabbit Season (Cottontail):
- Regular: Oct 19 – Nov 1 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 & 24)
- Nov 18 – 23 (closed Sunday, Nov 24)
- Nov 25 – 29
- Dec 16 – 24
- Dec 26 – Feb 28, 2025
- Falconry: Same dates as Squirrel Falconry Season
- Junior Hunt: Oct 5-19 (4 daily, 12 possession limit)
Snowshoe Hare:
- Regular: Dec 26 – Jan 1, 2025 only
- Falconry: Same dates as Squirrel Falconry Season
Woodchuck
- Open season: July 1 – November 16
- Closed: Sundays (except November 17 & 24)
- Open season resumes: November 25 – 29
- Open season: December 16 – June 30, 2025
Upland Birds
Ruffed Grouse
- General Season: Open Sept 2 – Nov 30 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 & 24, and Dec 1)
- Falconry Season: Follows the same dates as the General Season
- Extended Season: Dec 2 – March 31, 2025 (falconry and general hunting allowed)
Pheasant (General and Falconry)
Same dates apply for both General and Falconry seasons. Here’s a breakdown:
- Sept 2 – Nov 16 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 & 24)
- Nov 18 – 30 (closed Sunday, Dec 1)
- Dec 2 – March 31, 2025
Quail (General and Falconry)
Both General and Falconry seasons follow the same schedule:
- Sept 2 – Nov 16 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 & 24)
- Nov 18 – 23 (closed Sunday, Nov 24)
- Nov 25 – 29
- Dec 16 – 24
- Dec 26 – March 31, 2025
Migratory Birds
Crow
Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays only from Aug 22, 2024 to Mar 23, 2025 (No bag limit).
English Sparrow & Starling
No closed season and no limit (except during Deer Gun Season).
Doves:
Sept 2 – Nov 29, 2024 and
Dec 21, 2024 – Jan 4, 2025 (Daily bag limit: 15, Possession limit: 45).
Waterfowl
Ducks
North Zone:
- Duck Season: Oct 12-26 & Nov 19 – Jan 11
- Scaup Limit: 1 daily (Oct 12-26 & Nov 19-Dec 19), 2 daily (Dec 20-Jan 11)
South Zone:
- Duck Season: Oct 12-19 & Nov 19 – Jan 18
- Scaup Limit: 1 daily (Oct 12-19 & Nov 19-Dec 26), 2 daily (Dec 27-Jan 18)
Northwest Zone:
- Duck Season: Oct 12-Nov 29 & Dec 23-Jan 11
- Scaup Limit: 1 daily (Oct 12-Nov 27), 2 daily (Nov 28-29 & Dec 23-Jan 11)
Lake Erie Zone:
- Duck Season: Nov 4 – Jan 11
- Scaup Limit: 1 daily (Nov 4-Dec 19), 2 daily (Dec 20-Jan 11)
General Bag Limit:
- 6 ducks daily, 18 in possession (various species restrictions apply)
Mergansers
- Season open throughout duck season zones
- 5 daily bag limit, 15 in possession
Coots
Same dates as Duck Season for all zones (refer to Duck Hunting Seasons for specific dates).
Bag Limit: 15 daily, 45 in possession
Youth, Veterans and Active Duty Military
- Special hunting days available (verify zones for exact dates)
- The bag limit is similar to the normal season.
- Require proper licenses (Junior/Migratory Game Bird)
Canada Goose
Resident Population Goose Zone (RP):
- Sept 2-25 (8 daily bag limit)
- Oct 26-Nov 29, Dec 16-Jan 18, Jan 31-Feb 22 (5 daily bag limit)
- Check hunting digest for exceptions
Atlantic Population Zone (AP):
- Sept 2-25 (8 daily bag limit)
- Nov 23-29, Dec 23-Jan 18 (3 daily bag limit)
- Check hunting digest for exceptions
Youth, Veterans and Active Military:
- Special hunting days available (check zones for dates)
- Same bag limits as regular season
- Require proper licenses (Junior/Migratory Game Bird)
Light Geese (Snow & Ross’ Geese)
Atlantic Zone:
- Regular: Oct 1-Jan 25 (25 daily, no limit)
- Conservation Order: Jan 27-April 25 (25 daily, no limit)
Resident Zone:
- Regular: Oct 22-Feb 22 (25 daily, no limit)
- Conservation Order: Feb 24-April 25 (25 daily, no limit)
Brant
All Zones: Oct 12-Nov 15 (1 daily, 3 possession)
Other Waterfowls & Small Game
- Woodcock: Oct 19-Nov 29 & Dec 16-24 (3 daily, 9 possession)
- Wilson’s Snipe: Same dates as Woodcock (8 daily, 24 possession)
- Gallinules: Sept 2-Nov 21 (3 daily, 9 possession)
- Virginia & Sora Rails: Sept 2-Nov 21 (3 daily, 9 possession combined)
- Clapper & King Rails: No open season
Furbearer
- Season Dates: Sept 2- Nov 16 (closed Sundays except Nov 17 & 24)
- Open Sundays: Nov 17, Nov 24 & Dec 1
- Extended Season: Dec 2 – March 31, 2025
- Species: Mink, Muskrat, Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk, Weasel
- Bag Limit: No Limit
Trapping
- Mink & Muskrat: Nov 23 – Jan 12, 2025 (No Limits)
- Coyote, Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Skunk, Weasel: Oct 26 – Feb 23, 2025 (No Limits)
- Coyote & Fox (Cable Restraints): Dec 26 – Feb 23, 2025 (No Limits, Certification Required)
Trapping for Specific Species:
- Beaver: Dec 21 – Mar 31, 2025 (Limits Vary by Zone)
- Bobcat (WMUs 2A-4E): Dec 21 – Jan 12, 2025 (1 per License Year)
- Fisher (WMUs 1B-4E): Dec 21 – Jan 12, 2025 (1 per License Year)
- River Otter (WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 3B-3D, 4E): Feb 15-22, 2025 (1 per License Year)
PA Hunting License Fees
| License Type | Resident Fee | Non-Resident Fee |
|---|---|---|
| General Hunting** | $20.97 – $51.97 | $101.97 |
| Senior Licenses** | $13.97 – Free | Not Available |
| Military/Landowner/Other Discounts | $2.97 – $4.97 | Not Available |
| Additional Licenses | ||
| Archery/Muzzleloader | $11.97 – $16.97 | $21.97 – $26.97 |
| Migratory Game Bird | $3.97 | $6.97 |
| Bear Permit | $16.97 | $36.97 |
| Furtaker | $20.97 | $81.97 |
| Special Permits | $6.97 – $26.97 | Varies |
| Federal Duck Stamp | $28.97 |
Regulations
Here’s a summary of key hunting regulations in Pennsylvania:
Licenses:
- Needed for hunting all year.
- Post-Christmas hunting of deer without antlers is permitted with flintlock muzzleloader licenses.
- Most seasons permit one buck yearly (extra licenses needed for doe).
- For deer hunting seasons, you need archery and muzzleloader permits.
- There are distinct licenses for Bear, Furtaker, and different games.
Deer Tagging:
- Hunters are required to jot down the harvest date on deer ears using a regular ballpoint pen.
- The tag remains attached to the head until it’s time for processing or mounting.
Deer Hunting:
- Archery: You can use different weapons. They include longbows, recurves, compounds, and crossbows with broadheads.
- The broadhead size should be at least 7/8″ wide, 3.25″ long.
- Crossbows can also feature magnifying lenses and red-dot sights.
- Wear Orange clothing.
- Firearms: You’re allowed to use rifles, pistols, and shotguns. The shotguns should be pump or single-shot only.
- Notice there are ammo restrictions, no full metal jacket bullets.
- Remember that during some seasons, you can also use crossbows and archery gear.
- Wear Orange clothing.
Fluorescent Orange:
- All deer hunting seasons require this (including archery)
- Must You need to showcase at least 250 square inches of noticeable orange. This should be worn on your head, body, and back.
Turkey Hunting:
- Blinds: Allowed, yet they need to be of natural materials or store-bought blinds.
- Tagging: It’s a necessity right after the catch. The tag should stay on the bird’s leg until it’s used or showcased.
- Reporting: Hunters must let us know their harvest within a ten-day period through the website, over the phone, or using a harvest card.
- Live decoys, hunting drives, and electronic calls: These are off-limits during the spring and fall seasons.
Additional Resources:
- Pennsylvania Game Commission Laws and Regulations Summary: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Law/pages/default.aspx
- Hunter Safety Courses: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunter-TrapperEducation/Pages/default.aspx (completing a hunter safety course is mandatory for first-time hunters in most cases)
Top Pennsylvania Hunting Locations
| Species | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Whitetail Deer | Allegheny National Forest (Elk County) | Famous for its large forests and plentiful whitetail deer. QDM methods guarantee an increased amount of full-grown bucks. |
| State Game Lands 311 (Huntingdon County) | This vast area of state game land is a true wonder. Imagine wide open fields, mixed forests, and flowing streams.- ideal landscape for whitetail deer,. | |
| Tuscarora State Forest (Juniata, Mifflin, Perry Counties) | Many different places can be home to a lot of deers. For hunters, they can use methods like still hunting, stalking, or driving techniques. | |
| Wild Turkey | Fort Indian Gap National Guard Training Center (Lebanon & Dauphin Counties) | Controlled public opportunities for experienced hunters. Perfect turkey habitat is formed by open landscapes mixed with chunks of woods. |
| Bald Eagle State Forest (Centre County) | A large forest, full of wild turkeys. It’s overflowing with grown trees, which are perfect for making nests and providing shelter. | |
| Susquehanna River Valley (Multiple Counties) | Gentle slopes and broken woodlands provide excellent areas for turkeys. You could get lucky during either the spring or fall turkey hunting seasons. | |
| Small Game (Rabbits, Squirrels, Pheasants) | Pymatuning State Park (Crawford & Mercer Counties) | Grasslands, woodlands, and wetlands call in many different small game species. These diverse habitats are quite attractive to them. |
| Small Game (Grouse, Woodcock, Rabbits) | Delaware State Forest (Monroe County) | Anticipate walking through thick shrubs. You’d notice plentiful supplies of acorns and nuts. Perfect home it gives, wouldn’t you say, to grouse, woodcock, and rabbits! |
| Small Game (Pheasants, Rabbits, Doves) | Southeastern Pennsylvania Farmlands (Lancaster, Chester, Berks Counties) | A blend of farmland, small forests, and shrubby fences create superb living spaces for pheasants, rabbits, and doves. Hunting enthusiasts have the option of classic methods or escorted hunting trips. |
| Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, Swans) | Lake Erie (Erie County) | A large lake, along with its marshes, serves as a safe stop for traveling waterbirds. Areas open to hunting and locations for boat deployment provide entry. |
| Waterfowl (Ducks – Mallards, Wood Ducks, Teal) | Allegheny River (Multiple Counties) | There’s some great duck hunting along the river corridor. You’ll find public entry spots and hunting shelters placed just right. |
| Waterfowl (Ducks, Geese, Snipe) | Presque Isle State Park (Erie County) | Various types of waterfowl hunting awaits you – from ducks to geese, even snipe in the soggy marshland. Come and stay; our camping facilities are ready for those long hunting adventures. |
Author & Chief Editor at AskHunting.com
Eric Hale, a veteran hunter with more than a decade of experience, imparts his knowledge via AskHunting.com. He offers guidance for hunting, adding strategies, and delivers in-depth guides for the novice and the old hand. He loves family camping sessions, watching Marvel films with his spouse, and going on thrilling road journeys.
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