A Guide to Game: Hunting and Fishing in Central PA
Do you crave the feeling of leaves crunching under your boots and the sound of birds singing in the trees as you track a prize deer? Maybe you prefer the heat of the sun on your face and the soft sound of water as you cast a line for trout. Whatever your preference, Central Pennsylvania is a paradise for hunters and anglers. If you want to make the most of the region’s wildlife, here’s our guide to hunting and fishing in Pennsylvania.
Who is this for?
For hunters and anglers looking to hunt and fish in Central Pennsylvania.
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Central Pennsylvania: Great for Game
Central Pennsylvania's blend of Appalachian terrain, mixed hardwood forests, meadows, and waterways provides the ideal environment for many species. Not only does this provide hunters and anglers with variety, but the diversity of habitats makes this region accessible for different types of sportsmen all year-round. Here are a few types of terrain and the game that can be found there.
Terrain Types:
- Forests and ridges: Great for deer, bear, and turkey.
- Open farmland: Home to rabbits, pheasants, and groundhogs.
- Rivers and lakes: Prime for trout, bass, and catfish
Hunting and Fishing Seasons
As seasoned hunters and experienced anglers know, there are multiple hunting and fishing seasons. This means that there’s always something for outdoorsmen and women to do.
Because there are so many overlapping seasons, we’ll go through each season by game type. However, you will want to double-check hunting season with the
Pennsylvania Game Commission and the
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to verify each year’s regulations.
Big Game Hunting
If you want to bag a real prize, Central Pennsylvania offers some of the best big game hunting in the country. With its dense forests and rugged mountain terrain, the region is home to thriving populations of whitetail deer, black bear, and wild turkey. Whether you're hunting with a bow or rifle, the area's varied landscapes and well-managed game lands provide exciting opportunities to get in on the action.
Big Game Seasons:
- Whitetail Deer: Fall (rifle) and extended archery seasons
- Black Bear: Short windows in November
- Wild Turkey: May and November (exact dates and time vary)
- Elk: Mid-September through December, varies by license
Note: To keep the region’s wildlife populations healthy, big game is often subject to stricter regulations. Make sure to secure the proper licenses and permits before your trip!
Small Game Hunting
Hunting with kids? Small game is perfect for beginners! Small game like rabbits and grouse are less intimidating than targets like bear or deer, and offer a more fast-paced experience to keep things moving. These smaller species are plentiful throughout the region, meaning that bag limits are higher, and the hunting seasons tend to extend later into winter.
Small Game Includes:
- Cottontail Rabbits: October through February
- Squirrels (gray and fox): Mid-September through February
- Ruffed Grouse: Shortened season - generally late October through December
- Ring-necked Pheasants: Mid-October through February
- Bobwhite Quail: September - March
- Hares (Snowshoe and other): December 26 - January 1
- Groundhogs: No closed season, but most popular in warmer months
Fishing
If you’d rather sit in a boat or stand by a stream than run through the forest, fishing may be more your speed. With its clear, cold streams and deep, well-stocked lakes, central Pennsylvania is a prime destination for freshwater fishing. Anglers can cast for native brook trout in quiet mountain creeks, reel in bass on warm summer days, or ice fish during the winter months. Whether you prefer fly fishing or spinning tackle, the region offers rewarding experiences year-round.
Regional Fish:
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow): Peak in spring and fall
- Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass: Summer through early fall
- Panfish (bluegill, crappie, perch): Year-round, but best in spring and summer
- Walleye and Northern Pike: Spring and late fall
- Catfish: Summer and early fall
Popular spots include Penns Creek, Bald Eagle Creek, and Raystown Lake.
Note: There may be different regulations around stocked waters and catch-and-release waters. Make sure to check your location before you cast a line!
Rules and Regulations around Hunting and Fishing
We’ve already mentioned that there are some rules and regulations that you need to be aware of before heading out. These policies exist for your safety and environmental stability so everyone can enjoy Pennsylvania’s wildlife for generations to come!
Hunting and Fishing Requirements:
- Purchase the appropriate license(s) through the Pennsylvania Game Commission or PA Fish and Boat Commission
- Follow hunting safety and blaze orange requirements during firearms seasons
- Respect bag limits and seasonal restrictions
- Use appropriate gear (e.g., fluorescent orange during rifle deer season, barbless hooks in certain catch-and-release areas)
Tips for Hunting and Fishing in the Region
- Scout ahead: Spend time before the season opens to locate game trails and fish habitats.
- Check WMU maps: Wildlife Management Units may have specific regulations or restricted areas.
- Layer up: Weather can shift quickly in the mountains, especially in autumn. Dress for sudden cold, rain, or snow.
- Respect private property: Always ask for permission when entering non-public land.
- Bring the right gear: Quality optics, weather-resistant clothing, and bug spray can make a big difference.
- Join local clubs:
Groups like Trout Unlimited or local sportsmen’s associations offer valuable insight and camaraderie.
Stay at Greene Hills Resort and Campground
If you’re looking for optimal hunting and fishing in Central Pennsylvania, stay with us at Greene Hills Resort and Campground. Not only do we offer special hunting and fishing packages for a prime experience, but our campground resort is open year-round!
Whether you’re a seasoned hunter looking for a place to pitch your tent or an angler looking for a glamping cabin for a relaxing stay, we have a wide array of accommodations
to fit your needs.
Plan a hunting or fishing trip you won’t forget when you
book your stay today!
About the Author
Amanda Orban is a local teacher and campground manager in Pennsylvania. In her free time, she loves nothing more than pitching a tent under the stars, hitting scenic trails, and cheering on the Nittany Lions at Penn State.
