HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania‘s rifle deer hunting season opens Saturday, Nov.25, and for the first time, will include two Sundays – Nov. 26 and Nov. 28 – offering hunters extended opportunities in the woods.
The expanded hunting days are a recent development, signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro in October,and represent a notable change to long-standing hunting traditions in the state. Previously, Sunday hunting was largely restricted, but growing calls for increased access and opportunities led to the legislative change. The Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates approximately 850,000 hunters participate in the rifle deer season annually, making it a cornerstone of the state’s outdoor heritage and a significant economic driver for many rural communities.
The season runs through Dec. 9, with specific regulations varying by Wildlife Management Unit. Hunters are required to have a valid Pennsylvania hunting license and deer antlerless license, if applicable. The Pennsylvania Game Commission encourages hunters to review the 2023-24 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest for detailed data on seasons, bag limits, and other regulations.
the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news site, reports that the change aims to provide more flexibility for hunters and boost participation in the sport. The site notes the importance of the state legislature’s actions, which impact nearly 13 million Pennsylvanians, and highlights the Capital-Star’s role in providing in-depth coverage of state government and policy.
