Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons Information and Regulations
*All information listed below is disclosed based on research we have conducted. We do our best to ensure that all information is up to date and accurate. However, rules and regulations are changing every day. Please make sure to verify your state-specific regulations prior to your hunt.
In Pennsylvania, hunting season typically begins in the fall and lasts throughout the winter months. Depending on the species of game being hunted, Pennsylvania hunting season can begin as early as September and last until late December or January. Hunting seasons are regulated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) to ensure that resources remain abundant for future generations. The PGC sets season dates, bag limits and shooting hours for different species. Pennsylvania hunters must obtain their state hunting license before they can participate in the hunt.
Hunting licenses are available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission or authorized hunting retailers, such as sporting goods stores. Pennsylvania also offers a mentored youth hunting program which allows young hunters to learn about responsible and safe hunting practices
Pennsylvania Deer Seasons
| Archery and Crossbow | Sept. 17 – Nov. 25 Dec. 26 – Jan. 28 |
| Regular Firearms | Nov. 27 – Dec. 10 |
| Special Firearms (Junior/Senior License Holders, Youth, Disabled Hunters, Military) | Oct. 20 – Oct. 22 |
| Flintlock Firearms | Dec. 26 – Jan. 28 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 12 – Oct. 22 |
*Pennsylvania divides its firearms hunting seasons regionally, with additional dates available for select areas. To learn more about the opportunities in your area or elsewhere in the state, head to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
Pennsylvania Elk Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 10 – Sept. 24 |
| General Season | Oct. 31 – Nov. 5 |
| Late Season | Dec. 31 – Jan.7 |
| Special Conservation Tag Season | Aug. 31 – Nov. 5 |
*Dates for the season vary by zone. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website to learn more about specific season start and end dates in your area.
Pennsylvania Black Bear Seasons
| Archery | Sept. 17 – Nov. 25 |
| Special Firearms (Junior/Senior License, Youth, Disabled Hunters, Active Duty Military) | Oct. 20 – Oct. 22 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct. 15 – Oct. 22 |
| General Season | Nov. 19 – Dec. 10 |
*Dates for the season vary by zone. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website to learn more about specific season start and end dates in your area.
Pennsylvania Wild Turkey Seasons
| Fall General Season | Oct. 29 – Nov. 25 |
| Spring 2023 Season | Apr. 29 – May 30 |
| Spring 2023 Youth Season | Apr. 22 |
*The start and end dates of hunting seasons differ based on the region. To find precise dates for your area, check out the Pennsylvania Game Commission website. Additionally, special hunts have been scheduled especially for youths, active service members, seniors aged 65+, and those with disabilities.
Pennsylvania Small Seasons
| Squirrel | Sept. 10 – Nov. 25 Dec. 12 – Dec. 23 Dec. 26 – Feb. 27 |
| Rabbit | Oct. 15 – Nov. 25 Dec. 12 – Dec. 23 Dec. 26 – Feb. 27 |
| Pheasant | Oct. 22 – Nov. 25 Dec. 12 – Dec. 23 Dec. 26 – Feb. 27 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Oct. 22 – Nov. 25 Dec. 12 – Dec. 23 Dec. 26 – Feb. 27 |
| Grouse | Oct. 15 – Nov. 25 Dec. 12 – Dec. 23 |
| Woodchucks (Groundhogs) | Open Season, excluding Sundays and the regular firearms deer season |
*Dates for the season vary by zone. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website to learn more about specific season start and end dates in your area.
Pennsylvania Crossbow Regulations
Crossbow Specific Regulations: All hunters may legally harvest game with crossbows during archery season bear season and the archery deer season. This requires an archery stamp and a general hunting permit along with the proper licenses for the season such as a bear and/or antlerless deer license.
Pennsylvania Hunting License
In Pennsylvania, hunters are required to obtain a hunting license before they can begin hunting. A Pennsylvania hunting license is valid for up to one year, and the hunting license year typically runs from January 1st to December 31st, allowing hunters to pursue game such as antlered deer hunting, bear, fall turkey hunting, and small game. With hunting permitted, Pennsylvania offers a variety of licenses for different types of hunting activities, such as archery, youth hunters, and seniors, as well as additional permits that may be needed to hunt certain game species. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website to learn more.
If you want to check out the next state on our list, click here to see Rhode Island.
Or, you can check out the last state on our list, Oregon.
