Pennsylvania 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Pennsylvania's 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026.
Archery deer season opens between September 19, 2026 and October 3, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 24, 2027.
Duck season opens between October 10, 2026 and November 2, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 18, 2027.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Pennsylvania Game Commission.
- firearm deer
- Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026
- archery deer
- opens Sep 19-Oct 3, 2026 by zone
- duck
- opens Oct 10-Nov 2, 2026 by zone
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Key seasons by species
How to read Pennsylvania's seasons
Wildlife management units drive the final answer
Pennsylvania hunters should treat statewide season dates as the first pass. WMU rules, antlerless allocations, and special firearms opportunities often decide the real plan.
Use the linked Pennsylvania Game Commission source before choosing a unit, buying tags, or setting a camp schedule.
We summarize official agency information and link to the source for verification. Regulations can change, and zone details matter. Always confirm final dates, bag limits, permits, and legal requirements with Pennsylvania Game Commission before hunting.
New 2026-27
federal openings
in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened or expanded hunting and fishing access at 2 stations in Pennsylvania. The final rule took effect August 31, 2026.
Deer
13 listed rowsWhite-tailed Deer
Antlerless Agricultural Deer Control
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Fluorescent orange required: None
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Fluorescent orange required: None
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back. Source lists close date as Jan. 18, 2026; likely a typo for Jan. 18, 2027.
Zone: WMUs 4A, 4C, 4D, and 5A
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Fluorescent orange required: None
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back
Zone: DMAP properties statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlered or Antlerless Flintlock
Fluorescent orange required: None
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Fluorescent orange required: None
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless (Military Bases)
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army
Zone: Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Muzzleloader
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| White-tailed DeerAntlerless Special Firearms · StatewideOnly Junior and Senior License Holders, Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard | Closed |
Turkey
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C and 4E
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3C
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3C
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E
Spring Gobbler (Bearded bird only)
Junior/Mentored Special
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored hunters 16 and under. Hunting hours end at noon.
Zone: Statewide
Spring Gobbler (Bearded bird only)
Spring
May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon
Zone: Statewide
Spring Gobbler (Bearded bird only)
Spring
May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Zone: Statewide
Fall Wild Turkey (Male or Female)
Fall
No single-projectile firearms may be used in the fall turkey seasons. Hunters may use shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMU 5A and 5B
Bear
Black Bear
Archery
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
Black Bear
Archery
Zone: WMUs 3C, 3D and 5B
Black Bear
Firearms
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Extended Firearms
Zone: WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E and 5A
Black Bear
Extended Firearms
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D
Black Bear
Archery
Zone: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Special Firearms
Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Permit Holders ages 7 and older, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706.
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Elk
Regular Firearms - Second
Antlered or Antlerless
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Regular Firearms - Third
Antlered or Antlerless
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Archery
Antlered or Antlerless
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Regular Firearms - First
Antlered or Antlerless
Zone: Statewide
Waterfowl
35 listed rowsBrant
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: All Zones
Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Exception: See hunting digest.
Zone: Resident Population Goose Zone (RP) - All of Pennsylvania except Atlantic Population zone
Ducks
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks. Scaup: 1 daily Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 daily Nov. 26-27. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession.
Zone: Northwest Zone
Ducks
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks. Scaup: 1 daily Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 daily Nov. 25-Dec. 17. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession.
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Light Geese (Snow Geese and Ross' Geese)
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Conservation Order will not be offered for 2026/27 license year.
Zone: Atlantic Population Zone
Light Geese (Snow Geese and Ross' Geese)
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Conservation Order will not be offered for 2026/27 license year.
Zone: Resident Population Zone
Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Open to junior hunters and mentored youth hunters, when properly accompanied; veterans; and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks. Scaup: 1 daily Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 daily Dec. 18-Jan. 9. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks. Scaup: 1 daily Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 daily Dec. 26-Jan. 18. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession.
Zone: South Zone
Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Exception: See hunting digest.
Zone: Atlantic Population Zone (AP)
Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited. Exception: See hunting digest.
Zone: Atlantic Population Zone (AP)
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Regular · Atlantic Population Zone (AP)Sunday hunting prohibited. AP zone: area east of SR 97 from Maryland State Line to SR 194, east of SR 194 to US Route 30, south of US Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to I-81, east of I-81 to I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey state line. Exception: See hunting digest. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Regular · Resident Population Goose Zone (RP) - All of Pennsylvania except Atlantic Population zoneSunday hunting prohibited. Exception: See hunting digest. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Junior Days · StatewideOpen to junior hunters and mentored youth hunters when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, brant, and Canada geese as permitted. Hunting hours to close at sunset. Sunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · Northwest ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · Lake Erie ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · North ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Regular · Resident Population Goose Zone (RP) - All of Pennsylvania except Atlantic Population zoneSunday hunting prohibited. Exception: See hunting digest. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · North ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · Lake Erie ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · Northwest ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · South ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| Canada Geese (includes White-fronted Geese)Regular · Resident Population Goose Zone (RP) - All of Pennsylvania except Atlantic Population zoneSunday hunting prohibited. Exception: See hunting digest. | Upcoming | |
| DucksJunior Days · StatewideOpen to junior hunters and mentored youth hunters when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, coots, gallinules, brant, and Canada geese as permitted. Hunting hours to close at sunset. Sunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| DucksJunior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · Northwest ZoneOpen to junior hunters and mentored youth hunters, when properly accompanied; veterans; and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| DucksRegular · South ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks. Scaup: 1 daily Oct. 10-17. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession. | Closed | |
| DucksRegular · North ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks (no more than 3 eiders, no more than 1 female eider, 3 long-tailed ducks, 3 scoters). Scaup: 1 daily Oct. 10-24. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession. | Closed | |
| DucksJunior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · Lake Erie ZoneOpen to junior hunters and mentored youth hunters, when properly accompanied; veterans; and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| DucksJunior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days · North ZoneOpen to junior hunters and mentored youth hunters, when properly accompanied; veterans; and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Closed | |
| DucksRegular · Northwest ZoneSunday hunting prohibited. Total Duck Bag Limits: 6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except: no more than 4 mallards including no more than 2 hen mallards, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 3 pintails, 4 sea ducks. Scaup: 2 daily Dec. 21-Jan. 9. Mergansers: 5 daily, 15 in possession. Coots: 15 daily, 45 in possession. | Upcoming | |
| DucksVeteran and Active Duty Military Days · Lake Erie ZoneVeterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| DucksVeteran and Active Duty Military Days · Northwest ZoneVeterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| DucksVeteran and Active Duty Military Days · North ZoneVeterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming | |
| DucksVeteran and Active Duty Military Days · South ZoneVeterans and members of the Armed Forces on active duty, including National Guard and Reserves on active duty (other than for training). Sunday hunting prohibited. | Upcoming |
Dove
Doves
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Doves
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular
Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except as authorized by executive order.
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant (Male or Female Combined)
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant
Regular
Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except as authorized by executive order.
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant
Junior/Mentored Special
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and all mentored hunters, regardless of age. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except as authorized by executive order.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Bobwhite Quail
Regular
There is no open season for the taking of bobwhite quail in the Letterkenny Army Depot Bobwhite Quail Recovery Area.
Zone: Statewide
Bobwhite Quail
Regular
There is no open season for the taking of bobwhite quail in the Letterkenny Army Depot Bobwhite Quail Recovery Area.
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Ruffed Grouse
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Cottontail Rabbits
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit (Cottontail)
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Snowshoe or Varying Hares
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Hares (Snowshoe Rabbits) or Varying Hares
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit (Cottontail)
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit (Cottontail)
Junior Special
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Squirrels (Combined)
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Squirrels, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined)
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Squirrels, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined)
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Squirrels, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined)
Junior Special
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
15 listed rowsCoyotes, Foxes, Opossums, Raccoons, Striped Skunks and Weasels
Trapping
Zone: Statewide
Foxes
Regular
May be hunted any hour, day or night, from Oct. 24-Nov. 27 and Dec. 14-Feb. 21, 2027. May only be hunted from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise from Nov. 28-Dec. 13.
Zone: Statewide
Mink, Muskrat, Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk and Weasel
Falconry
Zone: Statewide
Porcupines
Regular
May not be hunted at night
Zone: Statewide
Raccoons
Regular
May be hunted any hour, day or night, from Oct. 24-Nov. 27 and Dec. 14-Feb. 21, 2027. May only be hunted from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise from Nov. 28-Dec. 13.
Zone: Statewide
Minks and Muskrats
Trapping
Zone: Statewide
Porcupines
Regular
May not be hunted at night
Zone: Statewide
Beavers
Trapping
Zone: Statewide
Bobcats
Trapping
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each
Zone: WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A
Fishers
Trapping
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each
Zone: WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E
Coyotes and Foxes
Cable Restraints Trapping
Participants must pass cable restraint certification course
Zone: Statewide
Porcupines
Regular
May not be hunted at night
Zone: Statewide
| Season | Dates | Status |
|---|---|---|
| BobcatRegular · WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5ALicensed furtakers may obtain one permit each | Upcoming | |
| Opossum, Striped Skunks and WeaselsRegular · StatewideMay be hunted any hour, day or night, from July 1-Nov. 27 and Dec. 14-June 30, 2027. May only be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise from Nov. 28-Dec. 13. No closed season, except during the firearms deer season. | dates not listed | Closed |
| River OttersTrapping · WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4ELicensed furtakers may obtain one permit each | Upcoming |
Small Game
Woodchucks (Groundhogs)
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Woodchucks (Groundhogs)
Regular
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Gallinules
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Virginia and Sora Rails
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Wilson's Snipe
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Statewide
Gallinules
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: South Zone
Gallinules
Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Northwest Zone
Gallinules
Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Gallinules
Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: North Zone
Gallinules
Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: South Zone
Gallinules
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Northwest Zone
Gallinules
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Gallinules
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days
Sunday hunting prohibited.
Zone: North Zone
Coyote
Coyote
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crows
Regular
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only
Zone: Statewide
Starlings and English Sparrows
Regular
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No closed season, except during the regular firearms deer season
Zone: Statewide
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Pennsylvania Hunting Season FAQ
When does deer season start in Pennsylvania?
Archery deer season opens between September 19, 2026 and October 3, 2026 depending on zone; the last zone closes January 24, 2027. Firearm deer season runs Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026. Dates can differ by zone and permit; confirm with Pennsylvania Game Commission.
When is Pennsylvania's firearm deer season?
Firearm deer season runs Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026. Check zone and permit details with Pennsylvania Game Commission before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Pennsylvania?
Spring turkey season runs May 1-15, 2027, and May 16-31, 2027. Youth and other special hunts, where listed, open earlier.
Do I need a license to hunt in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Hunters generally need the appropriate Pennsylvania hunting license, and some seasons may require tags, permits, stamps, or zone-specific authorizations. Confirm final requirements with Pennsylvania Game Commission.
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