It’s Hunting Time

A crisp autumn day, spent outdoors among the changing colors.
It’s what tens of thousands of Pennsylvania hunters have to look forward to in the coming weeks.
While hunting opportunities exist throughout the year in Pennsylvania, and some fall hunting seasons already are underway, the majority of seasons are entering their stretch runs toward opening day.|

This weekend hosts four awaited openers – the first day of the regular squirrel hunting season, the opening day of the one-week muzzleloader season for antlerless deer, and the first day of the seasons for ruffed grouse and woodcock. Saturday also is the first day of duck season in southern portions of Pennsylvania.

These openers lead the way for the Oct. 25 opening day of a small-game season for pheasants and cottontail rabbits, as well as the opening days for foxes and other species. Several big-game seasons lie just beyond.

All of this means hunters will become a more common sight throughout the Commonwealth.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission reminds hunters that all hunting and trapping seasons remain temporarily closed within portions of northeastern Pennsylvania, where the search continues for a fugitive wanted in the killing of a state trooper. And in some of the areas nearby, where hunting is now open, special requirements apply. Up-to-date information on these closures and restrictions – all of which are within portions of Wildlife Management Unit 3D – is available at the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us.

Statewide, hunters are reminded that hunting with a firearm is not permitted within 150 yards of any occupied structure, school, farm building or playground unless prior permission is obtained from the building’s occupants or property owners. This perimeter is known as a “safety zone,” and possessing a loaded sporting arm within a safety zone is considered hunting and a violation of the law. Trapping furbearers, and chasing or disturbing wildlife also are prohibited within a safety zone, unless permission is given.

Read the full news release for more safety reminders and tips.