If you’re planning a hunting trip in Central PA this year, it’s worth checking the season dates and regulations before heading into the woods. Pennsylvania has a long list of hunting seasons, and the dates, licenses, bag limits and safety requirements can vary depending on what you’re hunting and where you’re hunting. For the 2026-27 license year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has made several changes, including opening most hunting seasons to Sunday hunting. Migratory game birds are the exception and cannot be hunted on Sundays during the 2026-27 season.
If you’re looking for Pennsylvania hunting season campsites, Breezy Hill Campground puts you close to the outdoor recreation around Prince Gallitzin State Park and Glendale Lake, making it a convenient place to stay while enjoying hunting season in Central Pennsylvania.
When Is Pennsylvania Hunting Season in 2026?
There isn’t one single Pennsylvania hunting season. Different game species have their own dates, and some seasons vary by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU). Here are some of the major 2026-27 dates to know:
Deer Hunting
- Archery deer: Oct. 3-Nov. 20, 2026, and Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027 statewide
- Archery deer in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 19-Nov. 27, 2026, and Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027
- Regular firearms deer: Nov. 28-Dec. 13, 2026
- Flintlock: Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027
Antlerless deer licenses are separate from the general hunting license, and hunters must have the appropriate antlerless license or permit to take an antlerless deer. For 2026-27, Pennsylvania residents who purchased their hunting license before the first round of nonresident antlerless license sales were guaranteed an antlerless license in the Wildlife Management Unit of their choice. Additional antlerless licenses became available in later rounds, depending on availability.
Turkey Hunting
Fall turkey season varies by WMU, with most open seasons beginning Oct. 31. For spring turkey, the 2027 season will run from May 1-May 31, with different legal hunting hours during the first and second halves of the season. The spring season has a limit of one gobbler for the 2026-27 license year.
Bear Hunting
Black bear hunting also has several seasons depending on the method used and the WMU. Some important 2026 dates include:
- Archery bear: Begins Sept. 19, Oct. 3 or Oct. 17 depending on WMU
- Muzzleloader bear: Oct. 22-25
- Special firearms bear: Oct. 22-25 for eligible hunters
- Regular firearms bear: Nov. 21-24
- Extended firearms bear: Nov. 28-Dec. 6 or Dec. 13 depending on WMU
Hunters may take only one bear during the license year.
Small Game
- Squirrel: Sept. 12-Dec. 24, 2026, and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027
- Ruffed grouse: Oct. 17-Dec. 24
- Cottontail rabbit: Oct. 17-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027
- Pheasant: Oct. 24-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027
- Woodchuck: July 1-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-June 30, 2027
Several small game seasons remain open during Pennsylvania’s firearms deer season, giving hunters additional opportunities throughout the fall.
Elk Hunting
Elk hunting requires a separate elk license and is limited to designated areas and hunters selected through the state’s licensing process. The 2026-27 elk seasons are:
- Archery: Sept. 12-27, 2026
- First regular firearms: Oct. 3-11
- Second regular firearms: Oct. 31-Nov. 8
- Third regular firearms: Jan. 9-17, 2027
Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
Do You Need a Hunting License in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Most people hunting in Pennsylvania need a valid hunting license, along with any additional permits or tags required for the species they are hunting. The 2026-27 Pennsylvania hunting license year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. General hunting licenses went on sale June 22, 2026. The current general license cost is:
- Pennsylvania resident adult: $20.97
- Nonresident adult: $101.97
Additional licenses and permits may be required for antlerless deer, turkey, elk, bear and other species. First-time hunters also need to complete Pennsylvania’s Basic Hunter-Trapper Education course before purchasing a hunting license. Pennsylvania offers both in-person and online options, and hunter education certifications from other states are also accepted.
Pennsylvania Hunting Safety Requirements
Knowing the dates is only part of preparing for hunting season. Pennsylvania also has specific safety requirements hunters need to follow.
Wear Fluorescent Orange When Required
For seasons where fluorescent orange is required, hunters generally must wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material, visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A fluorescent orange hat and vest are a simple way to meet the requirement. Orange requirements can vary depending on the season and hunting method, so check the current Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest before heading out. Even when orange isn’t required, the Pennsylvania Game Commission strongly recommends wearing it, particularly when moving through the woods.
Know Your Target
Always positively identify your target before taking a shot. Never shoot at movement or a sound you cannot clearly identify. This is especially important during busy hunting seasons when multiple hunters may be in the same area.
Use a Safety Harness in Tree Stands
If you’re hunting from an elevated stand, use a safety harness and make sure your equipment is secure before climbing. The Game Commission also recommends using a haul line to bring unloaded firearms and other equipment into a tree stand rather than carrying them while climbing.
Check the Rules for the Area You’re Hunting
Pennsylvania is divided into Wildlife Management Units, and regulations can differ from one unit to another. Before your trip, check the specific WMU where you’ll be hunting for current season dates, bag limits, legal hunting methods and any additional restrictions. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s annual Hunting & Trapping Digest is the best place to check the complete regulations for the current season.
Planning a Hunting Trip to Central Pennsylvania?
For hunters spending several days in the area, having a comfortable place to stay can make the trip much easier. Breezy Hill Campground is located in Fallentimber, Pennsylvania, about 1.3 miles from Prince Gallitzin State Park and Glendale Lake. The campground offers full-hookup RV sites with 30- and 50-amp service, along with bath facilities, laundry, a camp store and other amenities.
Its location in the Alleghenies puts you close to a variety of outdoor activities, including the hunting opportunities surrounding Prince Gallitzin State Park and the area’s extensive wooded terrain. Whether you’re coming for deer season, small game or simply want to spend some time outdoors, having a nearby campsite like Breezy Hill gives you a convenient home base for the trip.
Find Your Pennsylvania Hunting Season Campsite
If you’re planning to hunt in Central Pennsylvania this fall, book your campsite before the busiest parts of hunting season arrive. Our campground offers nightly, weekly and monthly RV stays, as well as seasonal sites from May through October. Before your trip, make sure your hunting license and any required permits are current, review the regulations for the Wildlife Management Unit you’ll be hunting in, and check the weather before heading into the woods. For the most current Pennsylvania hunting regulations, always refer to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s official season dates and Hunting & Trapping Digest.
