Pennsylvania Bear Season 2026
Pennsylvania bear season dates start with Sep 19-Nov 27, 2026. The table below keeps every listed bear row together with zones and notes where available.
Quick answer
Pennsylvania's listed 2026 bear season runs Sep 19-Nov 27, 2026.
Archery Black Bear opens Oct 3, 2026 and closes Nov 20, 2026.
Archery Black Bear opens Oct 17, 2026 and closes Oct 25, 2026.
The tables below keep the rest of the listed seasons together by species, with source links back to Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Bear
Black Bear
Archery
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D
Black Bear
Archery
Zone: WMUs 3C, 3D and 5B
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, 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
Zone: Statewide
Black Bear
Firearms - Extended
Zone: WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E and 5A
Black Bear
Firearms - Extended
Zone: WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D
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Nearby bear seasons
Pennsylvania Bear Season FAQ
When does bear season open in Pennsylvania?
September 19, 2026 is the earliest listed bear opener in Pennsylvania — archery black bear runs Sep 19-Nov 27, 2026. Confirm zone and permit details with Pennsylvania Game Commission.
What are the 2026 bear season dates in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania lists 8 bear season windows: Archery Black Bear (Sep 19-Nov 27, 2026); Archery Black Bear (Oct 3-Nov 20, 2026); Archery Black Bear (Oct 17-25, 2026); Muzzleloader Black Bear (Oct 22-25, 2026); Special Firearms Black Bear (Oct 22-25, 2026); Firearms - Statewide Black Bear (Nov 21-24, 2026); Firearms - Extended Black Bear (Nov 28-Dec 6, 2026); Firearms - Extended Black Bear (Nov 28-Dec 13, 2026). Always verify against Pennsylvania Game Commission before hunting.
Are there different bear seasons in Pennsylvania?
Yes — Pennsylvania lists separate bear seasons for Archery Black Bear, Muzzleloader Black Bear, Special Firearms Black Bear, Firearms - Statewide Black Bear, Firearms - Extended Black Bear. Each can carry its own dates, zones, and weapon rules; see the table above and Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Do I need a license to hunt bear in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania generally requires the appropriate hunting license, and bear hunting may also require tags, permits, stamps, or zone authorizations. Confirm requirements with Pennsylvania Game Commission.