Pennsylvania 2026-27 Hunting Season Dates
Quick answer
Pennsylvania's listed 2026-27 firearm deer season runs Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026.
Archery White-tailed Deer opens Sep 19, 2026 and closes Jan 24, 2027.
Spring Gobbler - Junior/Mentored Special Wild Turkey opens Apr 24, 2027 and closes Apr 25, 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
- Sep 19, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
- spring turkey
- Apr 24-25, 2027
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Key seasons by species
What changed for 2026-27
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.
Proposed 2026-27
federal openings
in Pennsylvania
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing hunting and fishing access changes at 2 stations in Pennsylvania. Public comment closes June 26, 2026.
Deer
20 listed rowsWhite-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, New Cumberland Army Depot, Fort Detrick Raven Rock Site
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 20, 2025-Jan 24, 2026
Season runs in multiple segments: Sept 20 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 26 2025 – Jan 24 2026
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 4, 2025-Jan 19, 2026
Season runs in multiple segments: Oct 4 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 26 2025 – Jan 19 2026
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Muzzleloader (Antlerless)
Oct 19-25, 2025
Antlerless only
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Special Firearms (Antlerless)
Oct 23-25, 2025
Antlerless only
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Nov 29-Dec 13, 2025
Antlered or Antlerless. Season runs Nov 29, Sunday Nov 30, Dec 1–13
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Flintlock
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 19, 2026
Antlered or Antlerless
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Extended Regular Firearms (Antlerless)
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 24, 2026
Antlerless only
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Flintlock
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 24, 2026
Antlered or Antlerless
Zone: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B
White-tailed Deer
Extended Regular Firearms (Antlerless)
Jan 2-19, 2026
Antlerless only
Zone: WMUs 4A, 4D, and 5A
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless - Agricultural Deer Control
Aug 1, 2026-Apr 15, 2027
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Sep 19, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Season runs Sept. 19-Nov. 27 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24, 2027. Antlered and Antlerless. Fluorescent orange not required.
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
Show 8 more deer rows
White-tailed Deer
Archery
Oct 3, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Season runs Oct. 3-Nov. 20 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24, 2027. Antlered and Antlerless. Fluorescent orange not required.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Muzzleloader
Oct 17-25, 2026
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Special Firearms
Oct 22-25, 2026
Only Junior and Senior License Holders, Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Regular Firearms
Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026
Antlered and Antlerless.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms
Dec 26, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back.
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms - DMAP
Dec 26, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back.
Zone: DMAP properties statewide
White-tailed Deer
Flintlock Muzzleloader
Dec 26, 2026-Jan 24, 2027
Antlered or Antlerless. Fluorescent orange not required.
Zone: Statewide
White-tailed Deer
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms
Dec 26, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
Date listed as Jan. 18, 2026 in source - may be a typo for 2027. Fluorescent orange required: 250 sq. in. on head, chest and back.
Zone: WMUs 4A, 4C, 4D and 5A
Turkey
19 listed rowsWild Turkey
Fall Firearms
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
Closed
Zone: WMUs 5C and 5D
Wild Turkey
Fall - General
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
Zone: WMUs 5C and 5D
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler
May 3-31, 2025
Bearded only. Two segments: May 3–17 and May 19–31, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Nov 1-28, 2025
Male or Female birds. Two segments: Nov 1–21 and Nov 26–28
Zone: WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Nov 1-28, 2025
Male or Female birds. Two segments: Nov 1–15 and Nov 26–28
Zone: WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, and 3C
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Nov 1-4, 2025
Male or Female birds
Zone: WMUs 5A and 5B
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Nov 1-8, 2025
Male or Female birds
Zone: WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, and 4E
Wild Turkey
Fall Firearms
Nov 1-15, 2025
Male or Female birds
Zone: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B, and 4D
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Junior/Mentored Special
Apr 25-25, 2026
Special season for eligible junior hunters (with required license) and mentored hunters 16 and under. Hunting hours end at noon. 2025-26 season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - General
May 2-16, 2026
Bearded bird only. May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon. Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license. 2025-26 season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - General (Extended Hours)
May 18-30, 2026
Bearded bird only. May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license. 2025-26 season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Fall - General
Oct 31-Nov 3, 2026
Male or female. No single-projectile firearms; shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 5A and 5B
Show 7 more turkey rows
Wild Turkey
Fall - General
Oct 31-Nov 27, 2026
Male or female. Season runs Oct. 31-Nov. 20 and Nov. 25-27. No single-projectile firearms; shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D and 2E
Wild Turkey
Fall - General
Oct 31-Nov 27, 2026
Male or female. Season runs Oct. 31-Nov. 15 and Nov. 25-27. No single-projectile firearms; shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3C
Wild Turkey
Fall - General
Oct 31-Nov 8, 2026
Male or female. No single-projectile firearms; shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C and 4E
Wild Turkey
Fall - General
Oct 31-Nov 15, 2026
Male or female. No single-projectile firearms; shotguns and archery gear only.
Zone: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - Junior/Mentored Special
Apr 24-25, 2027
Special season for eligible junior hunters (with required license) and mentored hunters 16 and under. Hunting hours end at noon. 2026-27 season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - General
May 1-15, 2027
Bearded bird only. May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon. 2026-27 season.
Zone: Statewide
Wild Turkey
Spring Gobbler - General (Extended Hours)
May 16-31, 2027
Bearded bird only. May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset. 2026-27 season.
Zone: Statewide
Bear
16 listed rowsBlack Bear
Archery
Sep 20-Nov 28, 2025
Multiple segments: Sept 20 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D
Black Bear
Archery
Oct 4-Nov 21, 2025
Dates: Oct 4 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–21
Zone: WMU 5B
Black Bear
Archery
Oct 18-25, 2025
Zone: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A
Black Bear
Special Firearms
Oct 23-25, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Oct 23-25, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Firearms
Nov 22-25, 2025
Dates: Nov 22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–25
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Extended Firearms
Nov 29-Dec 13, 2025
Dates: Nov 29, Sunday Nov 30, Dec 1–13
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C, and 5D
Black Bear
Extended Firearms
Nov 29-Dec 13, 2025
Dates: Nov 29, Sunday Nov 30, Dec 1–13
Zone: WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E, and 5A
Black Bear
Archery
Sep 19-Nov 27, 2026
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
Black Bear
Archery
Oct 3-Nov 20, 2026
Zone: WMUs 3C, 3D and 5B
Black Bear
Archery
Oct 17-25, 2026
Zone: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A
Black Bear
Muzzleloader
Oct 22-25, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Show 4 more bear rows
Black Bear
Special Firearms
Oct 22-25, 2026
Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Permit Holders ages 7 and older, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, PA residents on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or Coast Guard, and persons reaching 65th birthday in license year only.
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Firearms - Statewide
Nov 21-24, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Firearms - Extended
Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026
Zone: WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E and 5A
Black Bear
Firearms - Extended
Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D
Elk
Elk
Archery
Sep 13-27, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Elk
General Firearms
Nov 3-8, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Late Season
Dec 27, 2025-Jan 3, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Elk
Archery
Sep 12-27, 2026
Antlered or Antlerless.
Zone: Elk Range
Elk
Regular Firearms - First
Oct 3-11, 2026
Antlered or Antlerless.
Zone: Elk Range
Elk
Regular Firearms - Second
Oct 31-Nov 8, 2026
Antlered or Antlerless.
Zone: Elk Range
Elk
Regular Firearms - Third
Jan 9-17, 2027
Antlered or Antlerless.
Zone: Elk Range
Waterfowl
27 listed rowsBrant
Regular
Oct 11-Nov 14, 2025
Zone: Both Goose Zones
Canada Geese
Regular
Sep 1, 2025-Feb 21, 2026
Multiple segments: Sept 1–25, Oct 25 – Nov 28, Dec 15 2025 – Jan 17 2026, Jan 30 – Feb 21 2026
Zone: Resident Population Zone
Canada Geese
Regular
Sep 1, 2025-Jan 19, 2026
Multiple segments: Sept 1–25, Nov 25–28, Dec 20 2025 – Jan 19 2026
Zone: Atlantic Population Zone
Ducks (including sea ducks, coots and mergansers)
General
Oct 10, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Season runs Oct. 10-Nov. 27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9. Sunday hunting prohibited. Scaup: 1 daily Oct. 10-Nov. 25; 2 daily Nov. 26-27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9.
Zone: Northwest Zone
Ducks (including sea ducks, coots and mergansers)
General
Oct 10, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Season runs Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Jan. 9. Sunday hunting prohibited. Scaup: 1 daily Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Dec. 17; 2 daily Dec. 18-Jan. 9.
Zone: North Zone
Ducks (including sea ducks, coots and mergansers)
General
Oct 10, 2026-Jan 18, 2027
Season runs Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Jan. 18. Sunday hunting prohibited. Scaup: 1 daily Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Dec. 25; 2 daily Dec. 26-Jan. 18.
Zone: South Zone
Ducks (including sea ducks, coots and mergansers)
General
Nov 2, 2026-Jan 9, 2027
Sunday hunting prohibited. Scaup: 1 daily Nov. 2-24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 9; 2 daily Nov. 25-Dec. 17.
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Ducks (Junior/Veteran/Military)
Youth/Veteran/Active Duty Military
Sep 27-27, 2025
Junior, Veteran, and Active Duty Military hunt day
Zone: Northwest Zone
Ducks (Junior/Veteran/Military)
Youth/Veteran/Active Duty Military
Oct 25-25, 2025
Junior, Veteran, and Active Duty Military hunt day
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Ducks (Junior/Veteran/Military)
Youth/Veteran/Active Duty Military
Nov 1-1, 2025
Junior, Veteran, and Active Duty Military hunt day
Zone: North Zone
Ducks (Junior/Veteran/Military)
Youth/Veteran/Active Duty Military
Nov 8-8, 2025
Junior, Veteran, and Active Duty Military hunt day
Zone: South Zone
Ducks (Veteran/Military)
Veteran and Active Duty Military
Jan 17-17, 2026
Veteran and Active Duty Military only
Zone: Northwest Zone
Show 15 more waterfowl rows
Ducks (Veteran/Military)
Veteran and Active Duty Military
Jan 17-17, 2026
Veteran and Active Duty Military only
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Ducks (Veteran/Military)
Veteran and Active Duty Military
Jan 17-17, 2026
Veteran and Active Duty Military only
Zone: North Zone
Ducks (Veteran/Military)
Veteran and Active Duty Military
Jan 24-24, 2026
Veteran and Active Duty Military only
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Sea Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular
Oct 11, 2025-Jan 19, 2026
Two segments: Oct 11–18, 2025 and Nov 19, 2025 – Jan 19, 2026
Zone: South Zone
Ducks, Sea Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular
Oct 11, 2025-Jan 10, 2026
Two segments: Oct 11–25, 2025 and Nov 18, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
Zone: North Zone
Ducks, Sea Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular
Oct 11, 2025-Jan 10, 2026
Two segments: Oct 11 – Nov 28, 2025 and Dec 22, 2025 – Jan 10, 2026
Zone: Northwest Zone
Ducks, Sea Ducks, Coots, Mergansers
Regular
Nov 3, 2025-Jan 10, 2026
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Light Geese
Regular
Oct 1, 2025-Jan 24, 2026
Zone: Atlantic Population Zone
Light Geese
Regular
Oct 21, 2025-Feb 21, 2026
Zone: Resident Population Zone
Light Geese
Conservation Order
Jan 26-Apr 25, 2026
Raw text showed April 254 which appears to be a typo for April 25
Zone: Atlantic Population Zone
Light Geese
Conservation Season
Feb 23-Apr 24, 2026
Zone: Resident Population Zone
Scaup
Regular
Oct 11, 2025-Jan 19, 2026
Three segments: Oct 11–18, Nov 19 – Dec 26, Dec 27 2025 – Jan 19 2026
Zone: South Zone
Scaup
Regular
Oct 11, 2025-Jan 10, 2026
Three segments: Oct 11 – Nov 26, Nov 27–28, Dec 22 2025 – Jan 10 2026
Zone: Northwest Zone
Scaup
Regular
Oct 11, 2025-Jan 10, 2026
Three segments: Oct 11–25, Nov 18 – Dec 18, Dec 19 2025 – Jan 10 2026
Zone: North Zone
Scaup
Regular
Nov 3, 2025-Jan 10, 2026
Two segments: Nov 3 – Dec 18 and Dec 19 2025 – Jan 10 2026
Zone: Lake Erie Zone
Dove
Mourning Dove
Regular
Sep 1, 2025-Jan 3, 2026
Two segments: Sept 1 – Nov 28, 2025 and Dec 20, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Pheasant
Junior Hunt
Oct 11-18, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Pheasant
Regular
Oct 25, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Multiple segments: Oct 25 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 15–24, Dec 26 2025 – Feb 28 2026
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant
Junior/Mentored Special
Oct 10-18, 2026
Special season for eligible junior hunters (with or without required license) and all mentored hunters regardless of age.
Zone: Statewide
Ring-necked Pheasant
General
Oct 24, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Season runs Oct. 24-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027. Dec. 25 excluded. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. No open season in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas except as authorized by executive order.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Bobwhite Quail
General
Sep 1, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Season runs Sept. 1-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-March 31, 2027. Dec. 25 excluded. No open season in the Letterkenny Army Depot Bobwhite Quail Recovery Area.
Zone: Statewide
Quail
Regular
Sep 1, 2025-Mar 31, 2026
Multiple segments: Sept 1 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 15–24, Dec 26 2025 – Mar 31 2026
Zone: Statewide
Grouse
Ruffed Grouse
Regular
Oct 18-Dec 24, 2025
Multiple segments: Oct 18 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23 (listed as Nov 3 in source, likely typo), Nov 24–28, Dec 15–24
Zone: Statewide
Ruffed Grouse
General
Oct 17-Dec 24, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Rabbit
Cottontail Rabbit
Junior Hunt
Oct 4-18, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Cottontail Rabbit
Regular
Oct 18, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Multiple segments: Oct 18 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 15–24, Dec 26 2025 – Feb 28 2026
Zone: Statewide
Cottontail Rabbit
Junior Special
Oct 3-18, 2026
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license.
Zone: Statewide
Cottontail Rabbit
General
Oct 17, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Season runs Oct. 17-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027. Dec. 25 excluded.
Zone: Statewide
Snowshoe Hare
Regular
Dec 26, 2025-Jan 1, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Squirrel
Regular
Sep 13, 2025-Feb 28, 2026
Multiple segments: Sept 13 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 15–24, Dec 26 2025 – Feb 28 2026
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel
Junior Hunt
Sep 13-27, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel (Red, Gray, Black and Fox Combined)
General
Sep 12, 2026-Feb 28, 2027
Season runs Sept. 12-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027. Dec. 25 excluded.
Zone: Statewide
Squirrel (Red, Gray, Black and Fox Combined)
Junior Special
Sep 12-27, 2026
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license.
Zone: Statewide
Furbearer
Beaver
Trapping
Dec 19, 2026-Mar 31, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Bobcat
Trapping
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
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
Bobcat
Hunting
Jan 9-Feb 3, 2027
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
Coyote and Fox
Trapping - Cable Restraints
Dec 26, 2026-Feb 21, 2027
Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
Zone: Statewide
Coyote, Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk and Weasel
Trapping
Oct 24, 2026-Feb 21, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Fisher
Trapping
Dec 19, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
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
Fox
Hunting
Oct 24, 2026-Feb 21, 2027
May be hunted any hour, day or night, Oct. 24-Nov. 27 and Dec. 14-Feb. 21, 2027. During Nov. 28-Dec. 13 (regular firearms deer season), may only be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Mink and Muskrat
Trapping
Nov 21, 2026-Jan 10, 2027
Zone: Statewide
Opossum, Striped Skunk and Weasel
Hunting
Jul 1, 2026-Jun 30, 2027
No closed season except during the firearms deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 13). May be hunted any hour day or night July 1-Nov. 27 and Dec. 14-June 30, 2027. During Nov. 28-Dec. 13, may only be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
Porcupine
Hunting
Oct 10, 2026-Jan 31, 2027
Season runs Oct. 10-Nov. 27, Dec. 14-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 31, 2027. May not be hunted at night.
Zone: Statewide
Raccoon
Hunting
Oct 24, 2026-Feb 21, 2027
May be hunted any hour, day or night, Oct. 24-Nov. 27 and Dec. 14-Feb. 21, 2027. During Nov. 28-Dec. 13 (regular firearms deer season), may only be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise.
Zone: Statewide
River Otter
Trapping
Feb 13-21, 2027
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
Zone: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E
Small Game
Snowshoe Hare / Varying Hare
General
Dec 26-31, 2026
Zone: Statewide
Woodchuck
Regular
Jul 1, 2025-Jun 30, 2026
Multiple segments: July 1 – Nov 15, Sunday Nov 16, Nov 17–22, Sunday Nov 23, Nov 24–28, Dec 15 2025 – June 30 2026
Zone: Statewide
Woodchuck (Groundhog)
General
Jul 1, 2026-Jun 30, 2027
Season runs July 1-Dec. 24 and Dec. 26-June 30, 2027. Dec. 25 excluded.
Zone: Statewide
Migratory Birds
Gallinule
Regular
Sep 1-Nov 20, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Rail
Regular
Sep 1-Nov 20, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Snipe
Regular
Oct 18-Dec 24, 2025
Two segments: Oct 18 – Nov 28 and Dec 15–24, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Woodcock
Regular
Oct 18-Dec 24, 2025
Two segments: Oct 18 – Nov 28 and Dec 15–24, 2025
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
Coyote
Year-round
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No closed season
Zone: Statewide
Coyote
General/Furbearer Hunting
dates not listed
Exact dates not listed in the current data.
No closed season. Outside of any big game season, coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or furtaker license. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.
Zone: Statewide
Other
Crow
General
Aug 20, 2026-Mar 21, 2027
Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.
Zone: Statewide
Starlings and English Sparrows
General
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?
August 1, 2026 is the first listed deer opener for Pennsylvania; it is antlerless - agricultural deer control white-tailed deer Aug 1, 2026-Apr 15, 2027.
When is Pennsylvania's firearm deer season?
Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026 is the listed firearm deer window for Pennsylvania. Check zone and permit details with Pennsylvania Game Commission before hunting.
When does spring turkey open in Pennsylvania?
April 24, 2027 is the first listed spring turkey opener for Pennsylvania; the listed window is Apr 24-25, 2027.
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.