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Pennsylvania Hunting Season Dates 2026–27

Season openers, closers, and tag requirements by species. Always confirm against PA Game Commission before you hunt. Dates can change.

License: resident $23 · nonresident $126. Species tags and permits are extra. See each section below.

White-tailed Deer Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery (early segment): WMUs 2B, 5C, 5DSep 19, 2026Nov 27, 2026License
Archery (late segment): WMUs 2B, 5C, 5DDec 26, 2026Jan 24, 2027License
Archery (early segment): StatewideOct 3, 2026Nov 20, 2026License
Archery (late segment): StatewideDec 26, 2026Jan 24, 2027License
Antlerless MuzzleloaderOct 17, 2026Oct 25, 2026Antlerless License
Antlerless Special Firearms (junior/senior/mentored/disabled/military)Oct 22, 2026Oct 25, 2026Antlerless License
Regular FirearmsNov 28, 2026Dec 13, 2026License
FlintlockDec 26, 2026Jan 24, 2027License
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms: WMUs 2B, 5C, 5DDec 26, 2026Jan 24, 2027Antlerless License
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms: WMUs 4A, 4C, 4D, 5ADec 26, 2026Jan 18, 2027Antlerless License
Antlerless Extended Regular Firearms: DMAP properties statewideDec 26, 2026Jan 24, 2027DMAP Harvest Permit
Antlerless: Agricultural Deer ControlAug 1, 2026Apr 15, 2027Agricultural Deer Control Harvest Permit

Wild Turkey Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Fall: WMUs 1A, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B, 4DOct 31, 2026Nov 15, 2026License
Fall: WMUs 1B, 3D, 4C, 4EOct 31, 2026Nov 8, 2026License
Fall (first segment): WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3COct 31, 2026Nov 15, 2026License
Fall (second segment): WMUs 2A, 2F, 3B, 3CNov 25, 2026Nov 27, 2026License
Fall (first segment): WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, 2EOct 31, 2026Nov 20, 2026License
Fall (second segment): WMUs 2B, 2C, 2D, 2ENov 25, 2026Nov 27, 2026License
Fall: WMUs 5A, 5BOct 31, 2026Nov 3, 2026License
Spring Gobbler: Junior/MentoredApr 24, 2027Apr 25, 2027License
Spring GobblerMay 1, 2027May 31, 2027License

Black Bear Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Archery: WMUs 2B, 5C, 5DSep 19, 2026Nov 27, 2026Bear License
Archery: WMUs 3C, 3D, 5BOct 3, 2026Nov 20, 2026Bear License
Archery: remaining WMUs: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5AOct 17, 2026Oct 25, 2026Bear License
MuzzleloaderOct 22, 2026Oct 25, 2026Bear License
Special Firearms (junior/senior/mentored/disabled/military)Oct 22, 2026Oct 25, 2026Bear License
Regular FirearmsNov 21, 2026Nov 24, 2026Bear License
Extended Firearms: WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C, 5DNov 28, 2026Dec 13, 2026Bear License
Extended Firearms: WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E, 5ANov 28, 2026Dec 6, 2026Bear License

Elk Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
ArcherySep 12, 2026Sep 27, 2026Elk License
Regular Firearms: FirstOct 3, 2026Oct 11, 2026Elk License
Regular Firearms: SecondOct 31, 2026Nov 8, 2026Elk License
Regular Firearms: ThirdJan 9, 2027Jan 17, 2027Elk License

Beaver Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping (statewide)Dec 19, 2026Mar 31, 2027Furtaker License

Bobcat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting: WMUs 2A-2G, 3A-3D, 4A-4E, 5AJan 9, 2027Feb 3, 2027Furtaker License + Bobcat Permit
Trapping: WMUs 2A-2G, 3A-3D, 4A-4E, 5ADec 19, 2026Jan 10, 2027Furtaker License + Bobcat Permit

Coyote Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
No closed season (license year July 1 - June 30)Jul 1, 2026Jun 30, 2027Hunting or Furtaker License
TrappingOct 24, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License
Cable RestraintsDec 26, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License + Cable Restraint Certification

Crow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)Aug 20, 2026Mar 21, 2027License

Mourning Dove Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Nov 27, 2026Migratory Game Bird License
Regular (second segment)Dec 18, 2026Jan 2, 2027Migratory Game Bird License

Fisher Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping: WMUs 1B, 2C-2G, 3A-3D, 4A-4EDec 19, 2026Jan 10, 2027Furtaker License + Fisher Permit

Fox Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
HuntingOct 24, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License
TrappingOct 24, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License
Cable RestraintsDec 26, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License + Cable Restraint Certification
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Gallinules Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026Migratory Game Bird License

Ruffed Grouse Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 17, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Mink and Muskrat Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
TrappingNov 21, 2026Jan 10, 2027Furtaker License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Opossum, Striped Skunk and Weasel Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Hunting (first segment, no closed season except firearms deer season)Jul 1, 2026Nov 27, 2026Furtaker License
Hunting (second segment)Dec 14, 2026Jun 30, 2027Furtaker License
TrappingOct 24, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Ring-necked Pheasant Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Junior/Mentored-onlyOct 10, 2026Oct 18, 2026License
Regular (first segment)Oct 24, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
Regular (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Porcupine Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Oct 10, 2026Nov 27, 2026License
Regular (second segment)Dec 14, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
Regular (third segment)Dec 26, 2026Jan 31, 2027License

Bobwhite Quail Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Sep 1, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
Regular (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Mar 31, 2027License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Rabbit & Hare Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Junior/Mentored-onlyOct 3, 2026Oct 18, 2026License
Regular (first segment)Oct 17, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
Regular (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit
Snowshoe (Varying) Hare: RegularDec 26, 2026Dec 31, 2026License
Snowshoe (Varying) Hare: FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Raccoon Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
HuntingOct 24, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License
TrappingOct 24, 2026Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Virginia and Sora Rails Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularSep 1, 2026Nov 20, 2026Migratory Game Bird License

River Otter Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Trapping: WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4EFeb 13, 2027Feb 21, 2027Furtaker License + River Otter Permit

Wilson's Snipe Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 17, 2026Dec 8, 2026Migratory Game Bird License

Squirrel (Red, Gray, Black and Fox, combined) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Junior-onlySep 12, 2026Sep 27, 2026License
Regular (first segment)Sep 12, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
Regular (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Feb 28, 2027License
FalconrySep 1, 2026Mar 31, 2027Falconry Permit

Starling and English Sparrow Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
No closed season except regular firearms deer season (first segment)Jul 1, 2026Nov 27, 2026License
No closed season except regular firearms deer season (second segment)Dec 14, 2026Jun 30, 2027License

Waterfowl (ducks, geese, brant, coots, mergansers) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers (first segment): North Zone: North Duck ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 24, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers (second segment): North Zone: North Duck ZoneNov 17, 2026Jan 9, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers (first segment): South Zone: South Duck ZoneOct 10, 2026Oct 17, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers (second segment): South Zone: South Duck ZoneNov 18, 2026Jan 18, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers (first segment): Northwest Zone: Northwest Duck ZoneOct 10, 2026Nov 27, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers (second segment): Northwest Zone: Northwest Duck ZoneDec 21, 2026Jan 9, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers: Lake Erie Zone: Lake Erie Duck ZoneNov 2, 2026Jan 9, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (early segment): Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)Sep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (second segment): Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)Oct 24, 2026Nov 27, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (third segment): Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)Dec 15, 2026Jan 18, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (fourth segment): Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)Jan 29, 2027Feb 20, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (early segment): Atlantic Population Zone: Atlantic Population Goose Zone (AP)Sep 1, 2026Sep 25, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (second segment): Atlantic Population Zone: Atlantic Population Goose Zone (AP)Nov 21, 2026Nov 27, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Canada and white-fronted geese (third segment): Atlantic Population Zone: Atlantic Population Goose Zone (AP)Dec 4, 2026Jan 18, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Brant (all zones)Oct 10, 2026Nov 13, 2026Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Light geese (snow and Ross's) regular: Atlantic Population Zone: Atlantic Population Goose Zone (AP)Nov 6, 2026Mar 10, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Light geese (snow and Ross's) regular: Resident Population Zone: Resident Population Goose Zone (RP)Nov 6, 2026Mar 10, 2027Migratory Game Bird License + Federal Duck Stamp
Junior Day (all zones)Sep 19, 2026Sep 19, 2026Migratory Game Bird License
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Day: Northwest Zone: Northwest Duck ZoneSep 26, 2026Sep 26, 2026Migratory Game Bird License
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Day: Lake Erie Zone: Lake Erie Duck ZoneOct 24, 2026Oct 24, 2026Migratory Game Bird License
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Day: North Zone: North Duck ZoneOct 31, 2026Oct 31, 2026Migratory Game Bird License
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Day: South Zone: South Duck ZoneNov 7, 2026Nov 7, 2026Migratory Game Bird License

Woodchuck (Groundhog) Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
Regular (first segment)Jul 1, 2026Dec 24, 2026License
Regular (second segment)Dec 26, 2026Jun 30, 2027License

American Woodcock Season Dates

SeasonOpensClosesTag
RegularOct 17, 2026Dec 8, 2026Migratory Game Bird License
Verify before you hunt. These dates are compiled for planning and can change between when they're published and when the season opens, and many states vary dates by unit, zone, or WMU. Always confirm with PA Game Commission before heading out. Nothing here is legal advice.
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