The Guide to Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons 2024

To pack in as much hunting as possible this year, you must understand the hunting season dates based on the game you plan to hunt. 

The good news is that we’ve compiled a guide to Pennsylvania hunting seasons for 2024! Plus, with the HuntWise app, you can find and mark the best spots to hunt the game you’re after – before opening day. So, keep reading for the HuntWise guide to hunting in Pennsylvania.   

Why Do Hunters Hunt in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvanians have a rich history of hunting, especially when it comes to whitetail deer. However, the state also offers an excellent hunting experience if a bear hunt is on your list of trophy hunts.  

When hunting in the Keystone State, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to harvest a turkey for your Thanksgiving meal. Plus, there’s an abundance of small game for hunters of all skill levels or practice outings in the field to stay sharp before the next whitetail season begins.  

Where Should I Hunt?

The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages more than 1.5 million acres of State Game lands. Additionally, building relationships with private landowners can give you access to additional (and potentially overlooked) hunting areas throughout the year. 

Within these areas, you’ll find forested areas contrasted by dry plains. Depending on what species you hunt, you’ll also work your way through small mountain ranges, rivers, lakes, prairies, and mesas. 

As you plan your hunt, HuntWise can help you target (and mark) the best private and public hunting lands to help you tag out. So, when it’s time for deer, bear, or turkey season, you already know where to go for a successful harvest. 

When Can I Hunt?

It is crucial to pay close attention to the open season dates for the species you plan to hunt. You’ll also want to note the dates based on your preferred take method (gun, bow, or muzzleloader) and hunting zones, then follow them based on Pennsylvania’s hunting regulations. 

With that, here’s an overview of the PA seasons and bag limits! Note that Pennsylvania does not allow hunting on Sundays for most species, except where a specific Sunday is noted as an open hunting date.

PA Dear Season 2024

In addition to the dates below, deer hunting is allowed on military bases on established days. 

• Archery: 
  • WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D: September 21 – November 16, Sunday November 17, November 18 – 23, Sunday November 24, November 25 – 29, and December 26 – January 25
  • Statewide: October 5 – 16, Sunday November 17, November 18 – 22, and December 26 – January 20
     
• Antlerless: 
  • Muzzleloader: October 19 – 26
  • Special Firearms (Statewide): October 24 – 26
     
• Regular Firearms (Statewide Antlered or Antlerless): November 30, Sunday December 1, and December 2 – 14
   
• Flintlock (Antlered or Antlerless): 
  • WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B: December 26 – January 20
  • WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: December 26 – January 25
     
• Extended Regular Firearms (Antlerless): 
  • WMUs 2B, 5X, and 5D: December 26 – January 25
  • WMUs 4A, 4D, and 5A: January 2 – 20

Elk

• Archery: September 14 – 28
• General: November 4 – 9
• Late Season: December 28 – January 4

Black Bear

• Firearms Statewide: November 23, Sunday November 24, and November 25 – 26
   
• Extended Firearms:
  • WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E, and 5A: November 30, Sunday December 1, and December 2 – 7
  • WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C, and 5D: November 30, Sunday December 1, and December 2 – 14
     
• Muzzleloader (Statewide): October 24 – 26
   
• Special Firearms (Statewide): October 24 – 26
   
• PA Archery Season: 
  • WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D: September 21 – November 16, Sunday November 17, November 18 – 23, Sunday November 24, and November 25 – 29
  • WMU 5B: October 5 – November 16, Sunday November 17, and November 18 – 22
  • WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A​: October 19 – November 9

Turkey

• Spring 2024 (Bearded Only): May 4 – 18 and May 20 – 31
   
• Fall 2024 Season (Male or Female Birds):
  • WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B, and 4D: November 2 – 16
  • WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, and 4E: November 2 – 9
  • WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, and 3C: November 2 – 16 and November 27 – 29
  • WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, and 2E: November 2 – 22 and November 27 – 29
  • WMUs 5A and 5B: November 2 – 5
  • WMUS 5C and 5D: Closed
     
• Spring 2025 Season (Bearded Only): May 3 – 17 and May 19 – 31

Waterfowl and Migratory Game Birds

Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission webpage for season dates and limits to confirm details about special Youth, Veteran, and Active-Duty Military hunting days. 

• Ducks, Sea Ducks, Coots, Mergansers:
  • North Zone: October 12 – 26 and November 19 – January 11
  • South Zone: October 12 – 19 and November 19 – January 18
  • Northwest Zone: October 12 – November 29 and December 23 – January 11
  • Lake Erie Zone: November 4 – January 11
     
• Light Geese:
  • Resident Population Zone (Regular Season): October 22 – February 22
  • Resident Population Zone (Conservation Season): February 24 – April 25
  • Atlantic Population Zone (Regular Season): October 21 – January 25
  • Atlantic Population Zone (Conservation Season): January 27 – April 25
     
• Canada Geese:
  • Resident Population Zone: October 26 – November 29, December 16 – January 18, and January 31 – February 22
  • Atlantic Population Zone: September 2 – 25, November 23 – 29, and December 23 – January 18
     
• Brant (Both Goose Zones): October 12 – November 15
   
• Woodcock (Statewide): October 19 – November 29 and December 16 – 24
   
• Rail (Statewide): September 2 – November 21
   
• Snipe (Statewide): October 19 – November 29 and December 16 – 24
   
• Gallinule (Statewide): September 2 – November 21
   
• Doves (Statewide): September 2 – November 29 and December 21 – January 4

Small Game

• Quail (Statewide): September 2 – November 29, December 16 – 24, and December 26 – March 31
   
• Grouse (Statewide): October 19 – November 29 and December 16 – 24
   
• Rabbit:
  • Junior Hunt: October 5 – 19
  • Statewide: October 19 – November 29, December 16 – 24, and December 26 – February 28
     
• Pheasant: 
  • Junior Hunt: October 12 – 19
  • Statewide: October 26 – November 29, December 16 – 24, and December 26 – February 28
     
• Squirrel:
  • Junior Hunt: September 14 – 28
  • Statewide: September 14 – November 29, December 16 – 24, and December 26 – February 28

Coyote

No closed season.

For additional details about hunting seasons and regulations, visit the eRegulations page for Pennsylvania hunting information. 

What Do I Need to Know About Hunting Licenses?

Anyone who hunts in Pennsylvania needs a hunting license. You’ll purchase a license based on a general hunting license or the species you hunt (for big game). 

Additionally, deer licenses are specific to various hunting areas and whether you plan to hunt antlerless deer. They are sold based on a schedule of release dates. 

Hunters can buy licenses online or in person at a licensing issuing agency. 

What Are the Bag Limits for the Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons?

How many bears, deer, elk, or mergansers can you bring home this season? To comply with Pennsylvania’s hunting regulations, make sure you know the bag limits for everything you plan to hunt. 

For additional information and details about bag limits for these and other species, reference the state’s Hunting & Trapping Digest. 

What Else Do I Need Before I Can Hunt?

All first-time hunters must pass a hunter safety course before buying a hunting license in Pennsylvania. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. However, with a Mentored Hunting Permit, first-time hunters can get out and hunt through mentorship before completing a hunter safety course. 

You’ll also want the right gear, depending on what you hunt and the time of year you get out in the field. As a HuntWise subscriber, you can save hundreds on essential gear like clothing, optics, odor control, spotting scopes, binoculars, and more. 

Tag Out During the PA Hunting Season with HuntWise

We hope this has been a helpful guide to start planning your hunting year! 

As you plan and gather your gear, make sure you’ve downloaded the HuntWise app as part of your gear essentials. With the ultimate tool, you’ll have the latest information on hunting in Pennsylvania, including state regulations and season and license information. 

You’ll also be able to plan your hunt more strategically – through e-scouting, map markers, and wind, weather, and animal movement forecasting – to gain an advantage over other hunters and increase your chances of tagging out. With multiple map layers (including State Game Areas, Managed Dove Fields, Lake Contours, and Management Units for Pennsylvania), you can thoroughly e-scout your hunt areas on a map before opening day. 

Download the app today and start your free trial! Enjoy free access to every feature for a week.