Pennsylvania Hunting Guide 2026
Complete Pennsylvania hunting guide for 2026: seasons, license costs, draw odds, GMU boundaries, bag limits, and regulations. Compare every game species at a glance.
Wildlife Agency
Pennsylvania Game Commission
Hunter safety course required for first-time buyers
Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons
Whitetail Deer
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 16 | Nov 25 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 14 | Oct 21 |
| Rifle | Nov 27 | Dec 9 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1 antlered, 1+ antlerless (with tags)
Antlerless deer require separate tags. CWD Disease Management Areas may have special rules. Sunday hunting now allowed on specific dates.
Turkey
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | May 1 | May 31 |
| Archery | Nov 4 | Nov 18 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 2 (spring), 1 (fall)
Spring season is bearded turkeys only. Fall season varies by Wildlife Management Unit.
Bear
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Sep 16 | Nov 25 |
| Muzzleloader | Oct 14 | Oct 21 |
| Rifle | Nov 18 | Nov 22 |
Bag limits: daily: 1, season: 1
Bear license required in addition to general hunting license. Extended seasons in some WMUs.
Pheasant
| Season Type | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Shotgun | Oct 21 | Nov 25 |
Bag limits: daily: 2, season: No limit
Pheasant stamp required. Wild bird populations supplemented by stocking program.
Planning Tools
- Tag-to-Trail Planner — interactive map: public land, harvest records, water, burns
- Hunt Cost Calculator — budget your full hunt cost
- Application Timeline — never miss an application deadline
- Preference Point Tracker — track points across all your states
