By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania’s statewide archery deer season is set to begin October 3, 2026, giving bowhunters another opportunity to pursue deer through November 20, 2026.
The season will reopen after the regular firearms deer season from December 26, 2026, through January 24, 2027.
Hunters may take one antlered deer during the license year, while antlerless deer may be harvested with each required license or permit.
“It’s hunting season here in Pennsylvania and we have a lot to look forward to in the weeks and months ahead,” said Steve Smith, Game Commission Executive Director. “Thank you to all our hunters for being on the front lines of conservation. Good luck, have fun, and hunt safely.”
Expanded Sunday Hunting
The 2026-27 season is the first in Pennsylvania to include expanded Sunday hunting following legislation enacted last year. Hunters may now hunt on Sundays that occur within the established opening and closing dates for seasons, except during migratory game bird seasons.
The change also means several hunting seasons that traditionally ended Saturday will now continue through Sunday. Sunday hunting is permitted on state game lands and state forests, although certain restrictions remain in place at some state parks and preserves.
Tree Stand Safety
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding archery hunters to take precautions when hunting from elevated stands. Hunters should use a full-body safety harness or belt before leaving the ground and inspect stands for damaged or missing components before every use.
Hunters also should select healthy, living trees capable of supporting their weight, avoid hunting alone, when possible, establish an emergency plan with a partner, and carry a whistle or other signaling device.
Staying Visible and Reporting Harvests
People using state game lands during hunting seasons should also take safety precautions. Non-hunters are required to wear a fluorescent orange hat or 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined during the applicable period.
Hunters and other outdoor users should consult the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Digest for complete requirements.
Successful hunters must report big-game harvests online at huntfish.pa.gov, by phone at 1-800-838-4431, or by mail using the harvest report card included in the hunting digest.
Harvest information helps wildlife biologists make management decisions and determine future tag allocations.
Updated CWD Rules
The Game Commission also has revised its Chronic Wasting Disease regulations for the 2026-27 hunting seasons. Hunters may transport harvested deer, including high-risk parts, between locations, but high-risk parts must be discarded through commercial trash service. Those parts also may remain at the harvest site if the carcass is not moved.
The prohibition on cervid urine-based attractants in outdoor settings has also been removed.
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Pennsylvania, General