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 | October 3, 2026 | November 20, 2026 | Statewide archery season (antlered and antlerless), plus a late segment Dec. 26, 2026 - Jan. 24, 2027. WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D open earlier: Sept. 19 - Nov. 27, 2026. No fluorescent orange required. |
| Archery Extended Wmus | September 19, 2026 | November 27, 2026 | Archery season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, plus Dec. 26, 2026 - Jan. 24, 2027. |
| Muzzleloader | October 17, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | Statewide antlerless muzzleloader season. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. 250 sq. in. fluorescent orange required. |
| Youth | October 22, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | Antlerless special firearms season (statewide) for junior and senior license holders, disabled-person permit holders and residents on active military duty. There is no separate youth-only deer season; mentored youth hunt under a mentor's tags during regular seasons. |
| Regular Firearms | November 28, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | Statewide regular firearms season (antlered and antlerless). One antlered deer per license year plus an antlerless deer with each antlerless license. |
| Firearms | November 28, 2026 | December 13, 2026 | Statewide regular firearms season (antlered and antlerless). |
| Flintlock Muzzleloader | December 26, 2026 | January 24, 2027 | Statewide flintlock season, antlered or antlerless. No fluorescent orange required. |
| Late Archery | December 26, 2026 | January 24, 2027 | Statewide late archery season, antlered and antlerless. |
| Extended Regular Firearms Antlerless | December 26, 2026 | January 24, 2027 | Antlerless extended regular firearms season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D and on DMAP properties statewide. WMUs 4A, 4C, 4D and 5A run Dec. 26 - Jan. 18. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2026-27 Seasons and Bag Limits on September 5, 2026.Source: pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/regulations/seasons-a … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Archery Deer Season
Archery deer season typically starts October 3, 2026 through November 20, 2026. 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 November 28, 2026 through December 13, 2026. 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 (October 17, 2026 through October 25, 2026) 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 | October 17, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | Archery bear season in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A. WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 19 - Nov. 27; WMUs 3C, 3D and 5B: Oct. 3 - Nov. 20. Bear license required; one bear per license year. |
| Muzzleloader | October 22, 2026 | October 25, 2026 | Statewide muzzleloader bear season. Also the statewide special firearms bear season for junior and senior license holders, mentored permit holders 7+, disabled-person permit holders and active-duty residents. |
| Regular Firearms | November 21, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | Statewide general firearms bear season. Extended firearms season Nov. 28 - Dec. 6 in WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E and 5A, and Nov. 28 - Dec. 13 in WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D. One bear per license year. |
| Firearms | November 21, 2026 | November 24, 2026 | Statewide general firearms bear season. |
| Extended Firearms | November 28, 2026 | December 6, 2026 | Extended bear firearms season in WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E and 5A; WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D run Nov. 28 - Dec. 13. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2026-27 Seasons and Bag Limits on September 5, 2026.Source: pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/regulations/seasons-a … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Archery Bear Season
Archery bear season often runs October 17, 2026 through October 25, 2026. This season requires hunters to purchase a bear license in addition to their general hunting license.
Rifle Bear Season
The general rifle bear season typically occurs November 21, 2026 through November 24, 2026, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | October 31, 2026 | November 15, 2026 | Fall turkey (either sex) in WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D. WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, 4E: Oct. 31 - Nov. 8; WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3C: Oct. 31 - Nov. 15 and Nov. 25-27; WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E: Oct. 31 - Nov. 20 and Nov. 25-27; WMUs 5A, 5B: Oct. 31 - Nov. 3; WMUs 5C and 5D closed. Season limit 1; shotguns and archery only. |
| Spring | May 1, 2027 | May 31, 2027 | Spring gobbler season, bearded birds only. Hours 1/2 hour before sunrise to noon May 1-15 and to 1/2 hour after sunset May 16-31. Season limit 1. |
| Youth Spring | April 24, 2027 | April 25, 2027 | Special spring gobbler season for eligible junior hunters with a license and mentored hunters 16 and under. One gobbler; hours end at noon. |
2026-2027 seasonVerified against Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2026-27 Seasons and Bag Limits on September 5, 2026.Source: pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/regulations/seasons-a … Confirm dates in the current regulations before you hunt.
Spring Gobbler Season
Spring gobbler season is for bearded turkeys only. It usually runs May 1, 2027 through May 31, 2027. Hunters often use calls to attract gobblers. Hunting hours are restricted, ending at noon during the first half of the season.
Fall Turkey Season
Fall turkey season (October 31, 2026 through November 15, 2026) 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 October 24, 2026 through December 24, 2026 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 Adult Hunting License (ages 17-64) | Resident | $20.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Resident Adult Hunting License (ages 17-64) | Resident | $20.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Nonresident Adult Hunting License (ages 17+) | Nonresident | $101.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Nonresident Adult Hunting License (ages 17+) | Nonresident | $101.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Resident Junior Hunting License (ages 12-16) | Resident | $6.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Resident Senior Hunting License (ages 65+) | Resident | $13.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting License (ages 65+) | Resident | $51.97 | lifetime hunting, antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag, small game |
| Resident Archery License | Resident | $16.97 | archery deer seasons |
| Nonresident Archery License | Nonresident | $26.97 | archery deer seasons |
| Resident Muzzleloader License | Resident | $11.97 | muzzleloader and flintlock deer seasons |
| Nonresident Muzzleloader License | Nonresident | $21.97 | muzzleloader and flintlock deer seasons |
| Resident Bear License | Resident | $16.97 | all bear seasons |
| Nonresident Bear License | Nonresident | $36.97 | all bear seasons |
| Antlerless Deer License | Any | $6.97 | one antlerless deer |
| Resident Migratory Game Bird License | Resident | $3.97 | migratory game bird hunting, HIP registration |
| Adult Pheasant Permit | Any | $26.97 | pheasant hunting |
| Nonresident 7-Day Small Game License | Nonresident | $31.97 | small game |
| Mentored Youth Permit (under 12) | Any | $2.97 | antlered deer tag, fall turkey tag, spring turkey tag |
| Federal Duck Stamp | Any | $25.00 | migratory 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: September 5, 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 ↩︎
For reference only. This page summarizes agency publications and is not legal advice or an official source; confirm dates, limits and fees with the state wildlife agency before you hunt. Regulations change mid-season. Send a correction if you spot an error. Disclaimer.