Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons, 2023-2024
Bag game large and small during the Pennsylvania hunting seasons. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers a variety of hunting seasons, youth hunt days and special seasons for regular firearms, archery and muzzleloaders. Pennsylvania offers some of the best deer hunting on the East Coast. For more information on purchasing hunting permits, regional regulations and other hunting needs, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
Pennsylvania Deer Seasons
Archery and Crossbow | Sept. 30-Nov. 11 Nov. 12-17 Dec. 26-15 |
Regular Firearms | Nov. 25-Dec. 9 |
Special Firearms (Junior/Senior License, Youth, Disabled Hunters, Military) | Oct. 19-21 |
Flintlock Firearms | Dec. 26-Jan. 27** |
Muzzleloader | Oct. 14-21 |
**Pennsylvania regulates its firearms hunting seasons by region. In addition, further hunting dates separate from the statewide hunting season are available in countless areas across the state. For more information on hunting within your region or in another area, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
Pennsylvania Elk Seasons
Archery | Sept. 16-30 |
General Season | Oct. 30-Nov. 4 |
Late Season | Dec. 30-Jan. 6 |
Pennsylvania Black Bear Seasons
Archery | Sept. 16-Nov. 24** |
Special Firearms (Junior/Senior License, Youth, Disabled Hunters, Military) | Oct. 19-21 |
Muzzleloader | Oct. 14-21 |
General Season | Nov. 18-21 |
**Season dates vary by zone. For specific dates within your region, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Seasons
Fall General Season | Oct. 28-Nov. 24** |
Spring Season | May 4-18 May 20-31 |
Spring Youth Season | Apr. 27 |
**Start and end dates vary by region. For specific dates within your region, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. Special seasons are reserved for youth hunts, senior hunters 65 and older, persons with disabilities and active military personnel.
Pennsylvania Small Seasons
Squirrel | Sept. 1-March 30 |
Rabbit | Sept. 1-March 30 |
Pheasant | Sept. 1-March 30 |
Bobwhite Quail | Sept. 1-March 30 |
Grouse | Sept. 1-March 30 |
Woodchucks (Groundhogs) | Open Season, excluding Sundays and the regular firearms deer season |
Bag limits, special seasons and hunting regulations for Pennsylvania hunting seasons do vary based on animal and seasons. Baiting is not allowed in the state, and firearms used to hunt are regulated by game type. For more information on obtaining licenses, permits and regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for precise information.