As the crisp fall air returns and you dust off your gear, it’s time to get up to speed with Pennsylvania’s 2025-26 hunting seasons, licenses, and safety rules. Whether you’re staying at Breezy Hill Campground and heading into nearby woods, or planning distant trips, knowing the legal seasons, bag limits, license dates, and safety requirements is essential. Below is a guide including all you need to know to stay legal and safe.
Key Dates & Season Windows
Here are some of the most important seasons and periods for 2025-26 in Pennsylvania:
| Species/Season | Open Dates |
| General Hunting & Trapping License Validity | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 *note: Licenses go on sale June 23, 2025. (Pennsylvania.gov) |
| Antlerless Deer Licenses | Multiple “rounds” of availability; guaranteed for residents if purchased before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025. (Pennsylvania.gov) |
| Elk Licenses | Drawing only; archery season Sept. 13-27; general season Nov. 3-8; late season Dec. 27-Jan. 3, 2026. (Pennsylvania.gov, HuntWise) |
| Archery Deer | WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D: Sept. 20 – Nov. 15, 2025 (plus some associated Sundays, dates and later archery extension) • Statewide archery: Oct. 4 – Nov. 15, 2025 etc. (HuntWise, Pennsylvania.gov, Nxtbook Media) |
| Regular Firearms Deer Season | Nov. 29, 2025 – Dec. 13, 2025 (plus Sunday Nov. 30 & Dec. 7 as part of added Sunday hunting) (Pennsylvania.gov, HuntWise) |
| Black Bear (Firearms) | Nov. 22-25, 2025 statewide; Extended in some Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) starting Nov. 29 – Dec. 6 etc. (Pennsylvania.gov, HuntWise) |
| Wild Turkey – Fall Season | Varies by WMU; many WMUs have Nov. 1-Nov. 15, but others have shorter windows or closures. (Pennsylvania.gov, HuntWise) |
Licensing & Permits
Before you head out, make sure you have the correct license(s) and any extra permits required. Here’s the rundown:
- General Hunting & Trapping License
Valid from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. Must be purchased before hunting. Pennsylvania.gov+1 - Antlerless Deer Licenses
These are sold in rounds. For 2025-26, all residents will be guaranteed an antlerless license in any WMU if purchased before 7 a.m. July 14. After that, remaining licenses may be first-come, first-served, including to nonresidents. Pennsylvania.gov - Elk Licenses
Available by drawing. Even if you apply and are selected, you still need a general hunting license and the appropriate elk tag. Pennsylvania.gov+1 - Licenses for Hunters with Disabilities / Mentored Hunters
Special permits exist; there are provisions for hunters with disabilities and for mentored hunters. E.g. mentored hunting permits allow unlicensed hunters (of certain age or conditions) to hunt under supervision. Pennsylvania.gov - Where & How to Purchase
Licenses can be purchased online (via HuntFishPA) or from License Issuing Agents in person. Note: when purchased online, delivery may take ~10 business days (longer during busy periods). Digital proof & paper follow-ups as needed. Pennsylvania.gov
Sunday Hunting & Game Law Changes
A big change for 2025: Sunday hunting is now allowed under certain conditions.
- As of September 7, 2025, Pennsylvania law (Act 36 of 2025) repealed the longstanding prohibition on Sunday hunting. Pennsylvania.gov
- All Sundays that fall within established hunting seasons (excluding migratory game bird seasons) will be open for hunting. Some Sundays are explicitly listed: starting Sept. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 5, etc., up through the second Sunday in the firearms deer season (Dec. 7) Pennsylvania.gov
Bag & Possession Limits (Selected)
Here are a few of the limits to keep in mind:
- Squirrels (red, gray, black, fox combined): 6 per day, 18 in possession. Pennsylvania.gov
- Ruffed grouse: 2 daily, 6 in possession. Pennsylvania.gov
- Rabbits (cottontail): 4 daily, 12 in possession. Pennsylvania.gov
- Pheasants: 2 daily, 6 in possession. Pennsylvania.gov+1
- Black bear: Only one bear per license year. Pennsylvania.gov+1
Safety & Regulations You Can’t Ignore
Being legal is only part of the game. For safety, ethics, and compliance, here are essential rules and practices:
- Hunter Education: If you were born on or after a certain date, you must have completed a hunter-education course before buying a license. Always check PA Game Commission requirements.
- Fluorescent orange (or pink) requirement: During firearms seasons (especially deer season), the law requires hunters to wear daylight fluorescent orange or equivalent visible color in certain situations. Check state rules for what’s required.
- Know the Wildlife Management Units (WMUs): Seasons, tag allocations, and rules vary by WMU. If you’re hunting near Breezy Hill, make sure you find out which WMU you’re in, and follow those specific dates & limits.
- Firearm safety & shooting direction: Always know what’s beyond your target; be aware of landowner boundaries; comply with no-shoot zones.
- Reporting harvests: For certain species (elk, turkeys, deer in some cases), you must report harvests by required deadlines via PGC’s reporting system. Non-compliance can lead to fines.
- Mentored hunters & minors: Special rules apply. If you’re mentoring someone, or hunting under someone’s mentorship, ensure both mentor and mentee have the proper permits, supervision, and understand safe practices.
- Respect private property & signage: Breezy Hill campers should always check with local landowners and posted signs before entering private land.
- Sunday hunting restrictions: Even though many hunting seasons now allow Sundays, some species or seasons (especially migratory game birds) are not open on Sundays. Always verify per species.
What This Means for Breezy Hill Campground Visitors
If you’re staying at Breezy Hill and want to hunt nearby, here are some practical tips:
- Check which WMU Breezy Hill lies in; this determines which season windows & limits apply to you.
- Get your licenses early (online or in-person) so you avoid delays, especially for special tags like antlerless deer.
- Keep clear records: tags, harvest reporting, carry physical/digital license.
- Plan your hunting trips around Sunday hunting dates if that’s part of your calendar. September to early December includes many Sundays now legal under the new law.
- Make sure you have proper safety gear—high visibility, first aid, map, GPS, etc.
- Be aware of changing conditions: weather, daylight, legal start/end times (sunrise/sunset), specific local rules.
