2022-23 Seasons and Bag LimitsSeasons and bag limits are usually set by the Game Commission Board of Commissioners at their January and April meetings. However, at the meeting held in January of 2022, the Board did not have enough members to constitute a quorum and thus the Board was not able to conduct official business and not able to vote on proposed seasons and bag limits. Accordingly, the seasons and bag limits that were adopted for the 2021-2022 season shall remain for the 2022 -2023 season, with adjustments for the change in calendar dates. The Board of Commissioners will be approving the allocation for antlerless licenses and elk licenses at its April meeting. The complete list of season dates for waterfowl and migratory birds will be established at a later date.
The license year begins July 1 and ends June 30.
SUNDAY HUNTING: It is unlawful to hunt on Sundays except foxes, crows and coyotes. Other exceptions are included with species seasons below.
2022-23 SMALL GAME SEASONS
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined)
Sept. 10-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25; Dec. 12-23; and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023.
(6 daily, 18 possession).
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Sept. 10-24
(6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).
RUFFED GROUSEOct. 15-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 12-23
(2 daily, 6 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail)Oct. 15-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25; Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023
(4 daily, 12 possession).
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Oct. 1-Oct. 15
(4 daily, 12 possession).
RING-NECKED PHEASANTOct. 22-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25, Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023.
(2 daily, 6 in possession).
Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in the Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Oct. 8-15
(2 daily, 6 in possession).
Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in the Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
BOBWHITE QUAILOct. 22-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20, Nov. 21-25, Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023.
(8 daily, 24 possession).
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARESDec. 26-Dec 31, 2023 in all WMUs
(1 daily, 3 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS)July 1-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 12-June 29, 2023.
No limit.
CROWSJuly 1-April 9, 2023, (Hunting permitted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWSNo closed season, except during the regular firearms deer season.
No limit
2022-23 BIG GAME SEASONSFALL WILD TURKEY - (Male or Female)WMU 2B – Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 23-25;
WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E – Oct. 29-Nov. 5;
WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C – Oct. 29-Nov. 12;
WMUs 2C, 2D and 2E – Oct. 29-Nov. 12 and Nov. 23-25;
WMU 5B – Nov. 1-3;
WMUs 5A, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
Rifles and handguns are restricted statewide, except muzzleloading.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only)April 29 - May 30, 2023; May be hunted ½ hour before sunrise to 12 noon
May 15 - May 30, 2023; May be hunted ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Daily limit 1, season limit 2.
(Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored hunters 16 and under –
April 22, 2023.
Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt. Hunting hours end at noon.
BLACK BEAR - FIREARMS STATEWIDE:
Nov. 19; Sunday, Nov. 20; and Nov. 21-22.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
EXTENDED FIREARMS:
(WMUs 1B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A):
Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27, Nov. 28-Dec. 3.
(WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D):
Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27, Nov. 28-Dec. 10.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR, MUZZLELOADER (Statewide)Oct. 15-22.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR, SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide)Oct. 20-22,
Only Junior and Senior License Holders 6, Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or in the United States Coast Guard, with required antlerless license.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR - ARCHERY(WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Sept. 17-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20 and Nov. 21-25.
(WMU 5B): Oct. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; and Nov. 14-18.
(WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A):
Oct. 15-Nov. 5.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
ELKSpecial Conservation Tag and Special License Tag (Antlered and Anterless): Aug.31-Nov. 5
ARCHERY: Sept. 10-24
GENERAL: Oct. 31-Nov. 5
LATE SEASON: Dec. 31-Jan 7, 2023
Only one elk may be taken during the license year with elk permit.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless)WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 17-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19, Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2023.
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B: Oct. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-18; and Dec. 26-Jan. 16, 2023.
One antlered deer per hunting license year.
One antlered deer, and an antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER - ANTLERLESSOct. 15-22.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide)Oct. 20-22.
Only Junior and Senior License Holders, 6 Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard
One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, REGULAR FIREARMS (Antlered and Antlerless) StatewideNov. 26; Sunday, Nov. 27; and Nov. 28-Dec. 10.
One antlered deer per hunting license year.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCKWMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B with required muzzleloading license: Dec. 26-Jan. 16, 2023
(WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) with required muzzleloading license: Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2023.
One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS(WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2023.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases)
Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S.
Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
2022-23 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS
COYOTESNo closed season.
Unlimited.
Unlimited.
Sunday hunting permitted.
RACCOONSOct. 22-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-26; Sunday, Nov. 27; and Nov. 28-Feb. 18, 2023.
OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELSJuly. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov.14-Nov.19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov. 21-Nov. 26; Sunday Nov. 27; Nov. 28-June. 29 2023.
No limits.
BOBCAT(WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 7-Feb. 1, 2023.
One bobcat per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
PORCUPINESOct. 8-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; and Nov. 21-Jan. 28, 2023.
(3 daily, season limit of 10).
2022-23 TRAPPING SEASONS
MINKS and MUSKRATSNov. 19-Jan. 8, 2023.
No Limit.
COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELSOct. 22-Feb. 19, 2023.
No limit.
COYOTES and FOXES, CABLE RESTRAINTS (Statewide)Dec. 26-Feb. 19, 2023.
No limit.
Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
BEAVERS (Statewide)Dec. 17-March 30, 2023
WMUs 1A and 1B (Combined):
2 daily, 60 in possession
WMUs 2A, 2B and 3C (Combined):
20 daily, 40 in possession
WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 5C and 5D (Combined):
20 daily, 20 in possession
WMUs 2G, 2H, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B (Combined):
5 daily, 5 in possession.
BOBCATS(WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 8, 2023.
One bobcat per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
FISHERS(WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 1, 2023.
One fisher per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
RIVER OTTERS(WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 3C and 3D): Feb. 11-18, 2023.
One river otter per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
2022-23 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SEASONSDUCKSDUCKS
Total Duck Bag Limits:
6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except for the following restrictions: daily limit may not include more than 2 mallards including no more than 1 hen mallard, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 sea ducks; including no more than 3 eiders and no more than 1 female eider, 3 long-tailed ducks, and 3 scoters. Daily limit for scaup varies; see below. Possession limits are three times the daily limits.
SCAUPS
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
MERGANSERS
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
**(includes WHITE-FRONTED GEESE)**
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
2 daily, 6 in possession.
LIGHT GEESE (Snow Geese and Ross’ Geese)
DOVESSept. 1-Nov. 25, and Dec. 21-Jan. 7.
15 daily, 45 in possession.
WOODCOCKOct. 15-Nov. 25, and Dec. 12-21.
3 daily, 9 in possession.
COMMON SNIPEOct. 15-Nov. 25, and Dec. 12-21.
8 daily, 24 in possession.
GALLINULESSept. 1-Nov. 21.
3 daily, 9 in possession.
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
VIRGINIA AND SORA RAILSSept. 1-Nov. 21.
Bag limits by single species or in the aggregate;
3 daily, 9 in possession.
CLAPPER AND KING RAILSNO OPEN SEASON.
2022-23 FALCONRY SEASONSNo open season during the regular firearms deer season. No hunting on Sundays with the exceptions of Nov. 13 and Nov. 20. No open season on other wild birds or mammals.
SQUIRRELS (combined)Aug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov.13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov. 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(6 daily, 18 possession).
BOBWHITE QUAILAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Nov. 21-Nov. 25, Dec.12-Mar. 30, 2023
(8 daily, 24 possession).
RUFFED GROUSEAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(2 daily, 6 possession).
COTTONTAIL RABBITSAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(4 daily, 12 possession).
SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARESAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(1 daily, 3 possession).
RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Male or Female combined)Aug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(2 daily, 6 possession).
No open seasons on other wild birds or wild mammals.
1 No hunting on Sunday authorized. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
2 Hunting on Sunday authorized on separately delineated Sunday date(s) only. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
3 Hunting on Sunday is authorized. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
4 Only persons who possess a special wild turkey license as provided for in section 2709 of the act (relating to license costs and fees) may take a second spring gobbler during the hunting license year; all other persons, including mentored youth hunters, may take only one spring gobbler. A maximum of 2 spring gobblers per license year may be taken by any combination of licenses or exceptions for mentored youth.
5 Only one antlered deer (buck) may be taken during the hunting license year.
6 Includes resident and nonresident license holders who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for the license and hold a valid adult license or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706 of the act (relating to resident license and fee exemptions).
7 Only one bear may be taken during the hunting license year with the required bear license.
8 Only one elk may be taken during the hunting license year with the required elk license.
The license year begins July 1 and ends June 30.
SUNDAY HUNTING: It is unlawful to hunt on Sundays except foxes, crows and coyotes. Other exceptions are included with species seasons below.
2022-23 SMALL GAME SEASONS
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined)
Sept. 10-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25; Dec. 12-23; and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023.
(6 daily, 18 possession).
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Sept. 10-24
(6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).
RUFFED GROUSEOct. 15-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 12-23
(2 daily, 6 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail)Oct. 15-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25; Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023
(4 daily, 12 possession).
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Oct. 1-Oct. 15
(4 daily, 12 possession).
RING-NECKED PHEASANTOct. 22-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25, Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023.
(2 daily, 6 in possession).
Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in the Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license
Oct. 8-15
(2 daily, 6 in possession).
Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in the Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
BOBWHITE QUAILOct. 22-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20, Nov. 21-25, Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 27, 2023.
(8 daily, 24 possession).
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARESDec. 26-Dec 31, 2023 in all WMUs
(1 daily, 3 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS)July 1-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 12-June 29, 2023.
No limit.
CROWSJuly 1-April 9, 2023, (Hunting permitted on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)
No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWSNo closed season, except during the regular firearms deer season.
No limit
2022-23 BIG GAME SEASONSFALL WILD TURKEY - (Male or Female)WMU 2B – Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 23-25;
WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E – Oct. 29-Nov. 5;
WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C – Oct. 29-Nov. 12;
WMUs 2C, 2D and 2E – Oct. 29-Nov. 12 and Nov. 23-25;
WMU 5B – Nov. 1-3;
WMUs 5A, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
Rifles and handguns are restricted statewide, except muzzleloading.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only)April 29 - May 30, 2023; May be hunted ½ hour before sunrise to 12 noon
May 15 - May 30, 2023; May be hunted ½ hour before sunrise to ½ hour after sunset
Daily limit 1, season limit 2.
(Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)
Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored hunters 16 and under –
April 22, 2023.
Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt. Hunting hours end at noon.
BLACK BEAR - FIREARMS STATEWIDE:
Nov. 19; Sunday, Nov. 20; and Nov. 21-22.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
EXTENDED FIREARMS:
(WMUs 1B, 2C, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A):
Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27, Nov. 28-Dec. 3.
(WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D):
Nov. 26, Sunday, Nov. 27, Nov. 28-Dec. 10.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR, MUZZLELOADER (Statewide)Oct. 15-22.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR, SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide)Oct. 20-22,
Only Junior and Senior License Holders 6, Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces, or in the United States Coast Guard, with required antlerless license.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR - ARCHERY(WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Sept. 17-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20 and Nov. 21-25.
(WMU 5B): Oct. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; and Nov. 14-18.
(WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A):
Oct. 15-Nov. 5.
Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
ELKSpecial Conservation Tag and Special License Tag (Antlered and Anterless): Aug.31-Nov. 5
ARCHERY: Sept. 10-24
GENERAL: Oct. 31-Nov. 5
LATE SEASON: Dec. 31-Jan 7, 2023
Only one elk may be taken during the license year with elk permit.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless)WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 17-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19, Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-25 and Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2023.
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B: Oct. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-18; and Dec. 26-Jan. 16, 2023.
One antlered deer per hunting license year.
One antlered deer, and an antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER - ANTLERLESSOct. 15-22.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide)Oct. 20-22.
Only Junior and Senior License Holders, 6 Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or U.S. Coast Guard
One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, REGULAR FIREARMS (Antlered and Antlerless) StatewideNov. 26; Sunday, Nov. 27; and Nov. 28-Dec. 10.
One antlered deer per hunting license year.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCKWMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B with required muzzleloading license: Dec. 26-Jan. 16, 2023
(WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) with required muzzleloading license: Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2023.
One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS(WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2023.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases)
Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S.
Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
2022-23 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS
COYOTESNo closed season.
Unlimited.
- Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license.
- During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.
Unlimited.
Sunday hunting permitted.
RACCOONSOct. 22-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; Nov. 21-26; Sunday, Nov. 27; and Nov. 28-Feb. 18, 2023.
OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELSJuly. 1-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov.14-Nov.19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov. 21-Nov. 26; Sunday Nov. 27; Nov. 28-June. 29 2023.
No limits.
BOBCAT(WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 7-Feb. 1, 2023.
One bobcat per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
PORCUPINESOct. 8-Nov. 12; Sunday, Nov. 13; Nov. 14-19; Sunday, Nov. 20; and Nov. 21-Jan. 28, 2023.
(3 daily, season limit of 10).
2022-23 TRAPPING SEASONS
MINKS and MUSKRATSNov. 19-Jan. 8, 2023.
No Limit.
COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELSOct. 22-Feb. 19, 2023.
No limit.
COYOTES and FOXES, CABLE RESTRAINTS (Statewide)Dec. 26-Feb. 19, 2023.
No limit.
Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
BEAVERS (Statewide)Dec. 17-March 30, 2023
WMUs 1A and 1B (Combined):
2 daily, 60 in possession
WMUs 2A, 2B and 3C (Combined):
20 daily, 40 in possession
WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 5C and 5D (Combined):
20 daily, 20 in possession
WMUs 2G, 2H, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B (Combined):
5 daily, 5 in possession.
BOBCATS(WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 8, 2023.
One bobcat per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
FISHERS(WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 1, 2023.
One fisher per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
RIVER OTTERS(WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 3C and 3D): Feb. 11-18, 2023.
One river otter per license year.
Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
2022-23 MIGRATORY GAME BIRD SEASONSDUCKSDUCKS
- North Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-22, and Nov. 15-Jan. 7.
- South Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-15, and Nov. 22-Jan. 21.
- Northwest Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-Dec. 3, and Dec. 27-Jan. 7.
- Lake Erie Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 31-Jan. 7.
Total Duck Bag Limits:
6 daily, 18 in possession of any species, except for the following restrictions: daily limit may not include more than 2 mallards including no more than 1 hen mallard, 2 black ducks, 3 wood ducks, 2 redheads, 2 canvasbacks, 1 pintail, 1 mottled duck, 1 fulvous whistling duck, 4 sea ducks; including no more than 3 eiders and no more than 1 female eider, 3 long-tailed ducks, and 3 scoters. Daily limit for scaup varies; see below. Possession limits are three times the daily limits.
SCAUPS
- North Zone: 1 scaup daily, Oct. 8-22 and Nov. 15-Dec. 15; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 16-Jan. 7.
- South Zone: 1 scaup daily, Oct. 8-15 and Nov. 22-Dec. 29; 2 scaup daily, Dec. 30-Jan. 21.
- Northwest Zone: 1 scaup daily, Oct. 9-Nov. 24; 2 scaup daily, Nov. 24-Dec. 3 and Dec. 27-Jan. 7.
- Lake Erie Zone: 2 scaup daily, Oct. 31-Nov. 22; 1 scaup daily, Nov. 23-Jan. 7.
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
- Statewide - Youth only – Sept. 24
- North Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 5
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Northwest Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Dec. 17
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Lake Erie Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 22
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- South Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 12
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 28
MERGANSERS
- North Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-22, and Nov. 15-Jan. 7.
- South Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-15, and Nov. 22-Jan. 21.
- Northwest Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-Dec. 3, and Dec. 27-Jan. 7.
- Lake Erie Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 31-Jan. 7.
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
- Statewide - Youth only – Sept. 24
- North Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 5
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Northwest Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Dec. 17
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Lake Erie Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 22
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- South Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 12
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 28
- North Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-22, and Nov. 15-Jan. 7.
- South Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-15, and Nov. 22-Jan. 21.
- Northwest Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 8-Dec. 3, and Dec. 27-Jan. 7.
- Lake Erie Zone: Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, Oct. 31-Jan. 7.
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
- Statewide - Youth only – Sept. 24
- North Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 5
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Northwest Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Dec. 17
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Lake Erie Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 22
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- South Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 12
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 28
**(includes WHITE-FRONTED GEESE)**
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
- Statewide - Youth only – Sept. 24
- North Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 5
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Northwest Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Dec. 17
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Lake Erie Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 22
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- South Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 12
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 28
- Resident Population Goose Zone (RP): All of Pennsylvania except for the Southern James Bay Population and the Atlantic Population zone. Sept. 1-24 (8-goose daily bag limit); and Oct. 22-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Jan. 14, and Feb. 3-Feb. 25 (5-goose daily bag limit in latter 3 segments).
- Atlantic Population Zone (AP): The area east of SR 97 from Maryland State Line to the intersection of SR 194, east of SR 194 to intersection of US Route 30, south of US Route 30 to SR 441, east of SR 441 to SR 743, east of SR 743 to intersection of I-81, east of I-81 to intersection of I-80, south of I-80 to New Jersey state line. Sept. 1-24 (8-goose daily bag limit); and Nov. 22-25 and Dec. 23-Jan. 21 (1-goose daily bag limit in latter two segments).
- Exception: Areas inside the goose hunting areas at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and State Game Lands 46 have a season limit of one and shall be closed during the September season.
2 daily, 6 in possession.
LIGHT GEESE (Snow Geese and Ross’ Geese)
- Atlantic Population Zone:
- Regular: Oct. 1-Jan. 28, 25 daily, no possession limit.
- Conservation Hunt: Jan. 30 – April 21; 25 daily, no possession limit.
- Resident Population Zone:
- Regular: Oct. 25-Feb. 25; 25 daily, no possession limit.
- Conservation Hunt: Feb. 27 – April 21; 25 daily, no possession limit.
DOVESSept. 1-Nov. 25, and Dec. 21-Jan. 7.
15 daily, 45 in possession.
WOODCOCKOct. 15-Nov. 25, and Dec. 12-21.
3 daily, 9 in possession.
COMMON SNIPEOct. 15-Nov. 25, and Dec. 12-21.
8 daily, 24 in possession.
GALLINULESSept. 1-Nov. 21.
3 daily, 9 in possession.
Junior, Veteran and Active Duty Military Days:
Sept. 24; Open to licensed junior hunters ages 12-16, when properly accompanied, for ducks, mergansers, gallinules and coots, and Canada goose as permitted. Same daily bag limits as regular season. Hunting hours to close at sunset.
- Statewide - Youth only – Sept. 24
- North Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 5
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Northwest Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Dec. 17
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- Lake Erie Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Oct. 22
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 14
- South Zone
- Youth, veterans and active military – Nov. 12
- Veterans and active military only – Jan. 28
VIRGINIA AND SORA RAILSSept. 1-Nov. 21.
Bag limits by single species or in the aggregate;
3 daily, 9 in possession.
CLAPPER AND KING RAILSNO OPEN SEASON.
2022-23 FALCONRY SEASONSNo open season during the regular firearms deer season. No hunting on Sundays with the exceptions of Nov. 13 and Nov. 20. No open season on other wild birds or mammals.
SQUIRRELS (combined)Aug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov.13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov. 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(6 daily, 18 possession).
BOBWHITE QUAILAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Nov. 21-Nov. 25, Dec.12-Mar. 30, 2023
(8 daily, 24 possession).
RUFFED GROUSEAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(2 daily, 6 possession).
COTTONTAIL RABBITSAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(4 daily, 12 possession).
SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARESAug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(1 daily, 3 possession).
RING-NECKED PHEASANT (Male or Female combined)Aug. 31-Nov. 12; Sunday Nov. 13; Nov. 14-Nov. 19; Sunday Nov. 20; Nov 21-Nov. 25, Dec. 12-Mar. 30 2023.
(2 daily, 6 possession).
No open seasons on other wild birds or wild mammals.
1 No hunting on Sunday authorized. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
2 Hunting on Sunday authorized on separately delineated Sunday date(s) only. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
3 Hunting on Sunday is authorized. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
4 Only persons who possess a special wild turkey license as provided for in section 2709 of the act (relating to license costs and fees) may take a second spring gobbler during the hunting license year; all other persons, including mentored youth hunters, may take only one spring gobbler. A maximum of 2 spring gobblers per license year may be taken by any combination of licenses or exceptions for mentored youth.
5 Only one antlered deer (buck) may be taken during the hunting license year.
6 Includes resident and nonresident license holders who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for the license and hold a valid adult license or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706 of the act (relating to resident license and fee exemptions).
7 Only one bear may be taken during the hunting license year with the required bear license.
8 Only one elk may be taken during the hunting license year with the required elk license.