December 27, 2017

Pennsylvania Deer Hunting Seasons

Dave Muscia | Mossy Oak ProStaff

Bowhunter in treestand

A state’s deer hunting history, the number of hunters who hunt in the state, the hunting traditions in that state and the statewide deer management program dictate your odds for taking a mature buck.

Before Pennsylvania’s legalization of crossbow hunting during deer bow season, I could hunt public state game lands and only see one to three bowhunters during the entire bow season for deer. But since crossbows were legalized for hunting deer, I see many more hunters during bow season than I’ve ever seen before. However, even with the legalization of crossbows, I still see fewer deer hunters during archery season than I do during gun/deer season.

Pennsylvania’s archery season usually begins around the first of October and generally continues until the second week of November. Then Pennsylvania offers two weeks of gun season. This year gun season opened November 27 and ended the second Saturday after that. A few days after Christmas, we have a flintlock season for deer and a second archery season that comes in and lasts a few weeks. We do have one muzzleloader season that’s usually for antlerless deer only. That season usually is for one week in October.

If I didn’t live in Pennsylvania and wanted to hunt older-age-class bucks, I would decide to hunt with a bow. Then I’d call or contact the Game Commission to find out when the state tended to have the least amount of bowhunting pressure. I’d plan to walk to my stand for at least 45 minutes to an hour to get well away from a parking area, a road or other public access areas. I’d also hunt the early bow season as well as the late bow season.

Finding a Place to Hunt in Pennsylvania

Private land hunting in Pennsylvania always has been difficult. Generally, if your family doesn’t own private hunting or farm land you can hunt, if you don’t know somebody who has private land to hunt who will let you hunt there, or if you haven’t gone out well before the season and convinced a landowner that you’re an ethical hunter and you'd do all you can to help him take care of his property, then getting

Deer, Bow

Latest Content

Strategies For Hunting the "Second Rut"

Often, the first to mid-December, white-tailed does, and bucks go into what many hunters refer to as the second rut. Some hunters do not like to use the term second rut to describe the re-occurring breeding activities that occur during this time because the rutting activity is far different from that of the primary rut.

Deer, How-To

Late Season Deer Hunting Tactics for December and January

Late-season deer hunting in December and January presents unique challenges and opportunities for hunters seeking the elusive mature buck.

Deer, How-To

Chef Nathan Duensing puts a new twist on everyone’s favorite waterfowl-based appetizer, a duck popper perfect for any table.

Waterfowl, Wild Game Recipes, Video, Ingredient Wild

The Deep South Rut

For most hunters, November is the month where the magic happens in the deer woods. However, if you drive far enough south, you’ll find a land where the finest days for deer hunting are in December.

Deer, How-To

How To Adapt To Post-Rut Hunting

The post-rut can be an excellent time to find a mature buck, still on his feet and ready for action.

Deer, How-To

Top Tools for Getting Your Deer Out of the Woods

You killed a deer far from the truck. Now what? Here’s a look at some of the best ways to get your deer out of the woods.

Big Game, Deer, How-To

How to Prepare for Your Child’s First Duck Hunt

That first hunt is important and memorable for you and your child. Here’s tips from Brodie Swisher on getting the correct gear and what to know to make that first hunt a success.

Waterfowl, How-To, Video

Make it a Mossy Oak Christmas from Walmart

We've put together a list of items you can conveniently grab at your local Walmart or online to gift to your outdoors loving family and friends.

Turkey, Big Game, Small Game, Deer, Waterfowl, Predator, Gear

Make it a Mossy Oak Kids' Christmas

There's not much more rewarding than seeing your little ones excited and ready to get out in the woods or out on the water. Here's our gift guide to giving them an outdoorsy gift that they'll be thrilled to open under the tree this Christmas.

Turkey, Fishing, Small Game, Deer, Waterfowl, Gear, Mossy Oak Kids

Understanding Weather Changes and How it Affects the Rut

Understanding how weather impacts deer behavior during this critical period can dramatically increase your chances of success.

Deer

Persimmon Cheesecake Recipe

Beka Garris gives us her homemade recipe for an easy and delicious NY-style persimmon cheesecake full of that distinct persimmon flavor.

Wild Game Recipes, Ingredient Wild

Best Treestands for Taking Kids Hunting

Hunting with a sidekick this season? Here’s a look at some of the best treestand options on the market for deer hunting with your child.

Deer, Gear, Bow, Firearm

Explore All Posts