Hunting in Pennsylvania: Deer, Bear, and Turkey Hotspots

Pennsylvania has long been one of America’s premier hunting destinations. With over four million acres of public land, a strong deer population, and expanding opportunities for black bear and turkey hunters, the Keystone State offers variety and challenge for every type of outdoorsman.

From the Allegheny Mountains to the fertile farmlands of the Susquehanna Valley, Pennsylvania delivers consistent hunting opportunities year after year. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or visiting from out of state, this guide breaks down the best regions, top species, and expert strategies to make your 2025 hunt a success.

Ready to plan your next hunt? You can find trusted outfitters and guided hunts through Find A Hunt—your connection to top-rated hunts and experienced guides across North America.

Deer Hunting in Pennsylvania

Overview

Pennsylvania is one of the top deer-hunting states in the U.S., both for population density and harvest numbers. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC), hunters harvested more than 400,000 deer statewide in recent seasons, split between whitetail bucks and does.

Best Regions for Deer Hunting

• Northcentral Mountains (WMUs 2G & 2F): Vast public lands, rugged hills, and mature forests make this area a haven for older bucks.

• Southwest Pennsylvania (WMU 2A & 2B): Mix of farmland and wooded ridges—excellent for both archery and firearm hunters.

• Susquehanna River Valley (WMU 4B): Offers some of the state’s highest deer densities and great private-land access opportunities.

• Allegheny National Forest (WMU 2F): Thousands of acres of public access with excellent big-woods hunting.

Tips for Deer Hunters

• Scout food sources—acorns, clearcuts, and agricultural edges are key.

• Use trail cameras to monitor deer movement and rut behavior.

• Focus on weekday hunts when public land pressure is lighter.

• Be mobile—Pennsylvania deer often shift feeding areas quickly.

Black Bear Hunting in Pennsylvania

Overview

Pennsylvania boasts one of the largest black bear populations in the lower 48 states. Populations are expanding east and south, offering hunters more opportunities than ever before. In recent years, hunters have harvested more than 3,000 bears annually across multiple bear seasons.

Top Bear Hotspots

• Northcentral PA (Clinton, Lycoming, Potter Counties): The heart of bear country—dense forests and steep ridges hold trophy-sized bruins.

• Northeast PA (Wayne & Pike Counties): Excellent bear density with a growing population near the Pocono Mountains.

• Southwest PA (Somerset & Fayette Counties): Expanding bear range offers a great mix of mountain and agricultural habitat.

• Northwest PA (Warren & McKean Counties): Consistently produces some of the state’s biggest bears.

Hunting Tips for Bear Season

• Hunt near mast crops (acorns, beechnuts) in the fall—bears feed heavily before hibernation.

• Glass forested drainages and clearcuts during early morning and late evening.

• Focus on travel corridors between feeding and bedding areas.

• Consider guided hunts for better odds in remote areas with low access pressure.

Turkey Hunting in Pennsylvania

Overview

Turkey hunting in Pennsylvania is rich in tradition. Both spring gobbler and fall seasons draw thousands of hunters each year, offering vocal toms, scenic terrain, and healthy populations across most Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).

Top Turkey Hotspots

• Southcentral PA (WMUs 4A & 5A): Rolling farmland and woodlots hold strong turkey numbers and are easy to access.

• Northeast PA (WMU 3C): Forested foothills of the Poconos provide classic gobbler hunting.

• Southwest PA (WMUs 2A & 2C): Mix of open fields and timber ideal for running and gunning.

• Northcentral PA (WMUs 2G & 3A): Large tracts of state forest with low hunting pressure.

Turkey Hunting Tips

• Scout for roosting areas and feeding zones before the opener.

• Use locator calls (owl, crow) to pinpoint gobbler locations early in the morning.

• Stay patient—late-season gobblers often come in quietly.

• Always confirm target identification; hen harvests are limited in most fall units.

Public Lands and Access

Pennsylvania’s state game lands, national forests, and state forests offer millions of acres of free access. Top options include:

• Allegheny National Forest (Northwest PA): Over 500,000 acres of mixed hardwoods and excellent deer and bear hunting.

• Sproul State Forest (Northcentral PA): Rugged terrain and remote hunting for big-woods deer and trophy bears.

• Bald Eagle State Forest (Central PA): Great access and diverse habitat for deer and turkey.

Private Land Access:

• Consider joining the Hunter Access Program, which partners with private landowners to open thousands of additional acres.

• Always ask permission, respect boundaries, and follow posted regulations.

Season Overview for 2025 (Always Check Official Dates)

(Always verify official season dates and WMU-specific rules with the Pennsylvania Game Commission.)

Gear and Preparation Tips

• Boots: Waterproof and insulated for unpredictable Pennsylvania weather.

• Optics: Binoculars and rangefinders help identify game in mixed habitat.

• Calls: Grunt tubes for deer, predator calls for bears, box or diaphragm calls for turkeys.

• Mapping Apps: Use OnX or HuntStand to identify property lines and terrain features.

• Safety: Always wear blaze orange as required—minimum 250 square inches during firearms seasons.