When is pa deer hunting season?

When is PA Deer Hunting Season?

Pennsylvania is one of the top deer hunting states in the country, with over 1.5 million acres of public land open to hunting. The Keystone State is known for its abundant white-tailed deer population, making it a paradise for hunters. If you’re a deer hunter in Pennsylvania, you’re probably wondering when the hunting season is.

When is the Rifle Season?

The most popular deer hunting season in Pennsylvania is the rifle season, which typically runs from the last Saturday in November to the last Sunday in December. This season is divided into two parts: the first segment, known as the "early gun" season, and the second segment, known as the "later gun" season.

Here are the dates for the rifle season in Pennsylvania:

• Early Gun (Nov 28 – Dec 5): 1st segment of the rifle season, with an 8-day season for antlered deer (bucks) and antlerless deer (does) in certain Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs).
• Later Gun (Dec 12 – 19): 2nd segment of the rifle season, with an 8-day season for antlered deer (bucks) in all WMAs, and antlerless deer (does) in certain WMAs.

When is the Archery Season?

The archery season is a popular alternative to rifle hunting, allowing hunters to pursue deer with bows and arrows. The archery season in Pennsylvania typically runs from mid-September to mid-January, with some restrictions and regulations:

• Archery (Sep 14 – Nov 14): 30-day season for antlered deer (bucks) and antlerless deer (does) in WMAs.
• Late Archery (Dec 29 – Jan 17): 20-day season for antlered deer (bucks) in all WMAs, and antlerless deer (does) in certain WMAs.

When is the Muzzleloader Season?

The muzzleloader season is a unique and exciting way to hunt deer with black powder rifles. In Pennsylvania, the muzzleloader season typically runs for 5 days in late October and early November:

• Muzzleloader (Oct 31 – Nov 5): 5-day season for antlered deer (bucks) and antlerless deer (does) in WMAs.

Antlerless Deer Season

Antlerless deer, also known as does, are an important part of deer management in Pennsylvania. The antlerless season is designed to help maintain a healthy deer population, and it typically runs simultaneously with the rifle season:

• Antlerless (Nov 28 – Dec 5): 8-day season for antlerless deer (does) in certain WMAs.
• Additional Antlerless (Dec 12 – 19): 8-day season for antlerless deer (does) in certain WMAs.

Youth Deer Hunting Weekend

Pennsylvania offers a special youth deer hunting weekend, designed to introduce young hunters to the sport of deer hunting. The Youth Deer Hunting Weekend typically runs on the first weekend of November:

• Youth Deer Hunting Weekend (Nov 7-8): 2-day season for youth hunters, aged 12-17, to hunt antlered deer (bucks) and antlerless deer (does) in WMAs.

Important Points to Remember

Before you head out to hunt in Pennsylvania, make sure you remember the following important points:

• License and Permit Requirements: Make sure you have the required hunting license and permits for the season and type of hunt you’re participating in.
• Bag Limits and Regulations: Familiarize yourself with the bag limits and regulations for the type of deer you’re hunting, and the specific WMAs you’ll be hunting in.
• Hunting Hours: Make sure you understand the hunting hours for your specific hunt, and avoid hunting during closed hours or in areas where hunting is prohibited.
• Safety: Always prioritize safety when hunting, and make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and the other hunters around you.

Table of Pennsylvania Deer Hunting Seasons

Here is a table summarizing the deer hunting seasons in Pennsylvania:

In conclusion, Pennsylvania’s deer hunting seasons offer something for every type of hunter. Whether you’re an experienced rifle hunter or an archery enthusiast, you’ll find a season that fits your style and preferences. Remember to always follow the regulations and guidelines, and prioritize safety above all else. Happy hunting!