Pennsylvania Hunting Guide 2025-2026 – Seasons, Licenses & Game Lands
Welcome to your complete guide for Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 game calendar! Whether you’re a seasoned Keystone State outdoorsman or planning your first visit to Pennsylvania’s abundant wildlife areas, this comprehensive schedule covers everything you need to know about dates, species, permits, management units, and essential regulations for the upcoming year.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has finalized all dates for the 2025-26 license year, which brings some exciting changes including expanded Sunday opportunities and adjusted bag limits for certain species. Both resident and visiting sportsmen should review these details carefully before planning their outdoor adventures, as several modifications have been made from previous years.
📅 Quick Highlights
Here’s your at-a-glance summary of Pennsylvania’s major game species and their primary opportunities for 2025-2026:
Major Big Game Species:
- White-tailed Deer: Archery (Oct. 4-Nov. 28), Regular Firearms (Nov. 29-Dec. 13), Flintlock (Dec. 26-Jan. 19)
- Black Bear: Archery (Oct. 18-25 statewide), General Season (Nov. 22-25), Extended in select WMUs
- Wild Turkey: Fall season varies by WMU (Nov. 1-28), Spring gobbler (May 2-30, 2026)
- Elk: Limited lottery tags across three distinct periods
Youth Opportunities: Special early periods for squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, and spring turkey with extended or exclusive access dates.
Sunday Options: Three Sundays now available – November 16, 23, and 30 – marking a historic change in Pennsylvania’s game regulations.
Big Game Overview
Pennsylvania’s big game opportunities remain robust for 2025-2026, with some notable adjustments to previous year formats:
| Species | Season Type | Dates | Bag Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White-tailed Deer | Archery (Statewide) | Oct. 4-Nov. 15, Nov. 17-21, Dec. 26-Jan. 19 | 1 antlered per year, antlerless with tags | WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D have extended dates |
| White-tailed Deer | Regular Firearms | Nov. 29-30, Dec. 1-13 | 1 antlered per year, antlerless with tags | Nov. 30 is first Sunday of firearms season |
| White-tailed Deer | Antlerless Muzzleloader | Oct. 18-25 | Antlerless only with required tags | Statewide opportunity |
| White-tailed Deer | Flintlock | Dec. 26-Jan. 19, 2026 | 1 antlered or antlerless with tags | Extended to Jan. 24 in WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D |
| Black Bear | Archery (Statewide) | Oct. 18-25 | 1 bear per license year | Shortened from previous 3-week format |
| Black Bear | General Season | Nov. 22-25 | 1 bear per license year | Nov. 23 Sunday opportunity |
| Black Bear | Extended Firearms | Nov. 29-Dec. 13 (select WMUs) | 1 bear per license year | WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C, 5D get longest period |
The Game Commission allocated 1,312,000 antlerless deer tags for 2025-26, representing a significant increase from the previous year’s 1,186,000 allocation. This expansion reflects healthy deer populations across most management units.
Turkey Dates
Wild turkey opportunities vary considerably by Wildlife Management Unit, with some areas offering extended fall periods while others focus on spring gobbler action:
| WMU Group | Fall Turkey Dates | Bag Limit | Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B, 4D | Nov. 1-15 | Check daily limits | Male or female |
| WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, 4E | Nov. 1-8 | Check daily limits | Shorter season |
| WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3C | Nov. 1-15, Nov. 26-28 | Check daily limits | Split season format |
| WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E | Nov. 1-21, Nov. 26-28 | Check daily limits | Longest fall opportunity |
| WMUs 5A, 5B | Nov. 1-4 | Check daily limits | Very limited window |
| WMUs 5C, 5D | CLOSED | No fall turkey | Spring only areas |
Spring Gobbler Season: May 2-30, 2026 (statewide)
- Daily limit: 1 bearded bird
- Season limit: 2 (second bird requires special wild turkey license)
- Hours: One-half hour before sunrise until noon (May 2-16), then full day (May 18-30)
- Youth Special Day: April 25, 2026 (hunting ends at noon)
Furbearer Opportunities
Pennsylvania offers extensive furbearer harvesting throughout the year, with several species having no closed periods:
| Species | Season Dates | Bag Limit | Method Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coyote | No closed season | No limit | May hunt during any big game season with proper license |
| Opossum, Striped Skunk, Weasel | No closed season (except firearms deer) | No limit | No Sunday opportunities except Nov. 16, 23, 30 |
| Fox | Oct. 25-Feb. 21, 2026 | No limit | Sunday opportunities available |
| Raccoon | Oct. 25-Feb. 21, 2026 | No limit | Closed during firearms deer season |
| Bobcat | Jan. 10-Feb. 4, 2026 | 1 per license year | Limited WMUs, permit required |
| Porcupine | Oct. 11-Jan. 31, 2026 | 3 daily, 10 season | Various closed periods |
Trapping seasons generally run longer than corresponding game seasons, with most furbearers available from late October through February. Cable restraint certification is required for coyote and fox cable restraint methods.
Small Game Section
Small game provides excellent opportunities for new participants and experienced sportsmen alike:
| Species | Season Dates | Daily Bag | Possession Limit | Youth Opportunities |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrels (Combined) | Sept. 13-Feb. 28, 2026 | 6 | 18 after second day | Youth special: Sept. 13-27 |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Oct. 18-Feb. 28, 2026 | 4 | 12 | Youth special: Oct. 4-18 |
| Ruffed Grouse | Oct. 18-Dec. 24 | 2 | 6 | No special youth season |
| Pheasant | Oct. 25-Feb. 28, 2026 | 2 | 6 | Youth/mentored: Oct. 11-18 |
| Bobwhite Quail | Sept. 1-March 31, 2026 | No limit | No limit | Extended season length |
| Woodchuck | July 1-June 30, 2026 | No limit | No limit | Nearly year-round |
| Snowshoe Hare | Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2026 | 1 | 3 season | New reduced season limit |
The most significant change affects snowshoe hares, where hunters now face a three-hare season limit rather than the previous unlimited possession after reaching daily limits.
Complete Waterfowl Seasons
Important Note: Federal waterfowl frameworks are still being finalized for 2025-2026. Pennsylvania typically offers:
Historical Pattern (Subject to Federal Approval):
- Duck Season: Two-split format with North and South zones
- Canada Goose: Early September season plus regular fall periods
- Teal Season: Special September opportunity
- Snow Goose: Extended periods with liberal bag limits
Required Permits for Migratory Birds:
- Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License
- Federal Duck Stamp (ages 16+)
- HIP Certification (Harvest Information Program)
Waterfowl seasons must comply with federal frameworks, which typically allow 60-day duck periods in the Atlantic Flyway. Specific dates will be announced once federal regulations are finalized, usually by late summer. Unlike other game species, migratory bird opportunities do not include the new Sunday options due to federal restrictions.
Other Available Game
Pennsylvania offers several specialty opportunities beyond the major species:
| Species | Season Period | Limits | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Crow | Aug. 21-March 22, 2026 | No limit | Thursday-Sunday only |
| Starling & English Sparrow | Year-round | No limit | Closed during firearms deer season |
| Mourning Dove | Federal dates pending | Check regulations | Migratory bird license required |
Agricultural Deer Control: Special extended antlerless deer opportunity (Aug. 1-April 15, 2026) for qualifying agricultural operations dealing with crop damage issues.
Military Base Opportunities: Special arrangements at Letterkenny Army Depot, New Cumberland Army Depot, and Fort Detrick provide additional access for qualified personnel.
Wildlife Management Units & Zones
Pennsylvania divides into 23 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) numbered from 1A through 5D. Each unit has specific regulations, bag limits, and sometimes unique season dates:
Northern Tier (WMUs 1A, 1B): Generally more restrictive seasons, fewer deer tags
North-Central (WMUs 2A-2G): Heavy timber country with good bear populations
South-Central (WMUs 3A-3D): Agricultural areas with high deer densities
Southeast (WMUs 4A-4E): Heavily populated regions with careful management
Southwest (WMUs 5A-5D): Coal country with diverse habitat types
Essential Map Resource: Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for detailed WMU boundary maps and specific regulations for each unit. Understanding your specific WMU is crucial, as seasons and bag limits can vary significantly between adjacent areas.
Public Land Access: Pennsylvania offers extensive State Game Lands totaling over 1.5 million acres. Some areas require special permits or have restricted access during certain periods. Always verify current access rules before visiting any public property.
License Types & Fees
Pennsylvania offers various permit options to accommodate different participant needs:
| License Type | Resident Fee | Nonresident Fee | Validity Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult General | $20.97 | $101.97 | July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026 |
| Junior (12-16) | $6.97 | $41.97 | Same as adult |
| Senior (65+) | $13.97 | Not available | Lifetime options available |
| Furtaker | $20.97 | $101.97 | Required for trapping |
| Antlerless Deer | $6.97 each | $26.97 each | Per tag |
| Migratory Bird | $5.97 | $5.97 | Required for waterfowl/doves |
Special Discount Programs:
- Military Active Duty: Reduced $2.97 general licenses for PA National Guard/Reserves
- Disabled Veterans: Various exemptions and reduced fees available
- Mentored Youth: Special provisions for supervised young participants
Purchase Options: Buy online at HuntFish.PA.gov or visit any licensed agent. Online purchases receive mailed licenses and tags, while agent sales provide immediate possession.
Key Dates:
- General Licenses: On sale June 23, 2025
- Antlerless Deer (Residents): June 23 – July 13 (guaranteed availability)
- Antlerless Deer (Nonresidents): Starting July 14 at 8 AM
Pennsylvania Quick FAQ
Q: Can I hunt on Sundays in Pennsylvania now?
A: Yes! The 2025-26 year includes three Sunday opportunities: November 16 (archery deer), November 23 (bear season), and November 30 (firearms deer). This marks a historic change from Pennsylvania’s longtime Sunday prohibition.
Q: Do I need orange during archery seasons?
A: No fluorescent orange is required during archery-only periods when targeting deer, bear, or elk. However, you must wear orange during any firearms seasons, even while using archery equipment.
Q: How many antlerless deer tags can I buy?
A: There’s no specified limit in most WMUs, but you’re restricted by the total allocation in each unit. Popular areas may sell out, so purchase early.
Q: Can nonresidents hunt Pennsylvania’s elk seasons?
A: Yes, but elk licenses are awarded through lottery systems with separate drawings for each season period. Applications close July 13, and each entry costs $11.97.
Q: What’s changed with snowshoe hare limits?
A: The 2025-26 year introduces a three-hare season limit per individual, down from the previous unlimited possession format. This protects isolated population segments from overharvest.
Q: Are there any free options for young people?
A: Eligible junior participants can hunt squirrels and rabbits during special early periods without purchasing a license, though they must follow all other regulations and safety requirements.
Q: Where can I find current WMU boundaries?
A: The Pennsylvania Game Commission website provides detailed interactive maps showing exact boundaries for all 23 Wildlife Management Units, plus special regulation areas and public land access points.
Related State Opportunities
Pennsylvania’s abundant wildlife opportunities make it a premier destination, but neighboring states also offer excellent options for expanding your outdoor adventures. Consider exploring game calendars in Ohio for additional waterfowl opportunities, or check out New York for extended archery periods that might complement your Pennsylvania plans.
Conclusion
Pennsylvania’s 2025-2026 game year offers outstanding opportunities across diverse species and landscapes, from the endless forests of the northern counties to the agricultural areas of the south-central region. The historic addition of Sunday access, increased antlerless deer allocations, and refined regulations for specialty species like snowshoe hares demonstrate the Game Commission’s commitment to both wildlife management and participant satisfaction.
Key takeaways include the importance of understanding your specific Wildlife Management Unit regulations, taking advantage of the guaranteed resident antlerless deer tag program, and planning around the new Sunday opportunities that provide additional flexibility for working sportsmen and families.
Whether you’re pursuing your first Pennsylvania whitetail, trying for a once-in-a-lifetime elk tag, or introducing young people to small game traditions, this schedule provides the framework for memorable outdoor experiences throughout the Keystone State.
Remember to purchase your licenses early, verify current regulations before each outing, and always practice safe, ethical participation practices. The 2025-2026 year promises to be one of the most accessible and opportunity-rich periods in recent Pennsylvania game management history.
Bookmark this guide and check back for updates as federal waterfowl frameworks are finalized and any regulatory adjustments are announced throughout the year.
