Pennsylvania Bow Hunting: Keystone State Deer
📅 2026 Season & License Info
Archery Season Open
October 4
Archery Season Close
November 17
Min Draw Weight
35 lbs
Resident License
$21/yr
Non-Resident License
$101.97/yr
Top Species
Whitetail Deer, Black Bear, Wild Turkey, Elk
📍 Top Public Hunting Spots
Allegheny National Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
NW Pennsylvania. PA's only national forest. Quality deer hunting in beech-maple forest.
Rothrock State Forest
Whitetail Deer, Turkey, Bear
Centre County. Excellent central PA hunting. Access from many trailheads.
Elk County State Forests
Whitetail Deer, Elk, Bear, Turkey
PA's elk country. Limited archery elk tags by draw. Exceptional whitetail hunting too.
⚖️ Pennsylvania Archery Regulations
- •Minimum draw weight: 35 lbs
- •Wildlife Management Units (WMU) have varying regulations — check your WMU
- •PA has some of the most detailed state hunting regulations — read them carefully
- •Sunday hunting limited — check current year rules as they continue to expand
💡 Expert Tips for Pennsylvania
- →Pennsylvania's 2.2 million acres of public hunting land provides excellent access
- →The Allegheny National Forest is often overlooked for quality deer hunting
- →PA elk tags are rare — start applying immediately if elk hunting is a goal
- →October archery season before firearms pressure is the best time to be in PA woods
🏛️ Official Wildlife Agency & Sources
Hunting seasons, tag quotas, and bag limits are established by state wildlife agencies and change annually. For official regulations, proclamations, and license purchases, consult:
Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC)
Official State Wildlife Agency
Status: 2026 Season Guide
Pennsylvania Bowhunting FAQ
Does Pennsylvania have elk hunting?
Yes — Pennsylvania has a growing elk herd centered in Elk, Cameron, and Clinton counties. Archery elk tags are extremely limited (around 200+ tags total per year) and issued by lottery. Antlered cow and antlered bull tags are available. Apply through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The elk are free-ranging on state forest land and viewable year-round in Benezette Township.