HARRISBURG, PA – With more than 4 million acres of public land open to hunting, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reminding hunters that each type of land comes with its own set of rules and responsibilities.
The Game Commission, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manage these lands separately, but all with the goal of providing access for outdoor recreation and hunting.
Officials stressed that hunters must know where they are hunting and what regulations apply. Factors such as equipment restrictions, hunting dates, and points of access may differ. Many hunters use mapping apps like onX to locate property lines and boundaries.
Pennsylvania’s public hunting lands include:
- State game lands: 1.6 million acres managed for wildlife habitat, open to lawful hunting and trapping.
- State parks: 240,000 acres, with hunting available in 99 of 124 parks, some with youth-only or controlled hunts.
- State forests: 2.2 million acres across 50 counties, offering large, less crowded areas open to hunting.
- National forests: 514,000 acres, supporting habitat diversity and recreation, including hunting.
Hunters can find more information in the “Where to Hunt” section of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website.
Key Points
- Pennsylvania offers more than 4 million acres of public land for hunting.
- Regulations vary between state game lands, parks, forests, and national forests.
- Hunters are urged to use mapping tools and check rules before heading out.
The Commission says knowing the land and its rules is just as important as knowing the game you hunt.