RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
GAME COMMISSION
[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 139 ]
Seasons and Bag Limits
[53 Pa.B. 3090]
[Saturday, June 10, 2023]
To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission) at its April 15, 2023, meeting amends § 139.4 (relating to seasons and bag limits for the license year) to provide updated seasons and bag limits for the 2023-2024 license year.
This final-form rulemaking will not have an adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for this final-form rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 53 Pa.B. 1681 (March 25, 2023).
1. Purpose and Authority
To effectively manage the wildlife resources and provide hunting and trapping opportunities in this Commonwealth during the upcoming license year, the Commission amends § 139.4 to provide updated seasons and bag limits for the 2023-2024 license year. The 2023-2024 seasons and bag limits have been amended to reflect current available scientific data, population and harvest records, field surveys and professional staff observations, as well as recommendations received from staff, organized sporting groups, members of the agricultural community and others interested in the management of the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
For small game, a significant expansion of opportunity for put-and-take hunting of captive-reared bobwhite quail in most of this Commonwealth is amended by means of an earlier season opening date, later season closing date and removal of the daily bag limit. Also, adjustments to crow season dates and addition of Thursdays as hunting days shift hunting opportunities from the peak breeding season to the fall and winter months. For black bear, five wildlife management units (WMU) (1B, 2C, 4A, 4B and 4D) are deleted from the extended firearms black bear season because of declining trends in nuisance complaints and hunter success rates. For furbearers, WMUs 3B and 4E are opened to river otter trapping because habitat and population data indicate that these units can support sustainable otter harvest. Also, several furbearers are added to the list of species that are legal for falconry harvest. For elk, the archery season is a week later than in 2022-2023 to provide additional time between the license drawing and the beginning of the season. For falconry, an expansion of falconry opportunities, to include the period of overlap with the regular firearms deer season, is adopted for those species for which falconry is a legal means of take. This expansion fully implements the intended effect of recent amendments to § 141.4 (relating to hunting hours) made by the Commission at its July 9, 2022, meeting. There are no substantive changes for white-tailed deer or wild turkey seasons, although the 2024 youth and regular spring turkey seasons are open 5 days later than in 2023. This is a normal fluctuation that occurs every several years for consistency with the wild turkey management plan guideline of opening the regular season the Saturday closest to May 1.
Section 322(c)(1) of the code (relating to powers and duties of commission) specifically empowers the Commission to ''. . .fix seasons, daily shooting or taking hours, and any modification thereof, and daily, season and possession limits for any species of game or wildlife.'' Section 2102(b)(1) of the code (relating to regulations) authorizes the Commission to ''. . .promulgate regulations relating to seasons and bag limits for hunting or furtaking. . .'' The amendments to § 139.4 are adopted under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
This final-form rulemaking amends § 139.4 to provide updated seasons and bag limits for the 2023-2024 hunting/furtaking license year.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt or trap game or wildlife within this Commonwealth during the 2023-2024 hunting/furtaking license year will be affected by this final-form rulemaking.
4. Comment and Response Summary
The Commission received a total of 1,347 official comments concerning this final-form rulemaking. The comments received concerned the following subtopics:
Deer Seasons: Out of a total of 1,334 comments received concerning this subtopic, 576 supported and 721 opposed a Saturday opener for regular firearms deer season, 1 opposed the length of the regular firearms deer season, 1 supported lengthening regular firearms deer season, 6 supported and 14 opposed concurrent antlered/antlerless firearms deer season, 5 opposed the length of archery deer season, 3 supported lengthening archery deer season, 1 supported extended archery deer season, 1 supported muzzleloader deer season, 1 supported opening muzzleloader deer season for antlered deer harvest, 1 supported muzzleloader deer season in WMU 2D, 1 supported a longer muzzleloader deer and special firearms deer seasons, 1 supported adding a Sunday to flintlock muzzleloading deer season, and 1 supported regular firearms deer season closing on the same date a the special regulations areas.
Turkey Seasons: One comment was received concerning this subtopic in support of the fall and spring season structure.
Bear Seasons: Out of a total of five comments were received concerning this subtopic, one supported concurrent bear and deer seasons, three opposed early bear seasons, and one supported removing extended bear season in some WMUs.
Small Game Seasons: Out of a total of five comments were received concerning this subtopic, one supported late season grouse, one supported the early squirrel season, one opposed grouse season opening prior to December, one supported a ''no dog'' grouse season, and one opposed grouse season opening prior to November.
Furbearer Seasons: A total of two comments were received concerning this subtopic, both supporting more opportunity to harvest racoon.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
This final-form rulemaking should not result in any additional cost or paperwork.
6. Effective Date
The effective dates of this final-form rulemaking are July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
7. Contact Person
For further information regarding this final-form rulemaking, contact Jason L. DeCoskey, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
Findings
The Commission finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt the administrative amendments adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240) (45 P.S. §§ 1201 and 1202), referred to as the Commonwealth Documents Law, and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2 (relating to notice of proposed rulemaking required; and adoption of regulations).
(2) The adoption of the amendments of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of the authorizing statute.
Order
The Commission, acting under authorizing statute, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapter 139, are amended by amending § 139.4 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall become effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
BRYAN J. BURHANS,
Executive Director
Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-493 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART III. GAME COMMISSION
CHAPTER 139. SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
§ 139.4 Seasons and bag limits for the license year.
(Editor's Note: As part of this final-form rulemaking, the Commission is replacing the table which appears in § 139.4, 58 Pa. Code pages 139-3—139-18, serial pages (404705)—(404720), with the following table.)
2023-2024 OPEN HUNTING AND FURTAKING SEASONS, DAILY LIMIT, FIELD POSSESSION LIMIT AND SEASON LIMIT OPEN SEASON INCLUDES FIRST AND LAST DATES LISTED
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Daily
Limit | Field
Possession
Limit After
Second day |
|---|
Squirrel—(Combined species)1
Eligible Junior Hunters only, with or without the required junior license | Sept. 9 | | Sept. 23 | 6 | 18 |
| Squirrel—(Combined species)2 | Sept. 9 | | Nov. 11 | 6 | 18 |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| | and | | |
| Dec. 11 | | Dec. 23 | | |
| | and | | |
| Dec. 26 | | Feb. 29, 2024 | | |
| Ruffed Grouse2 | Oct. 14 | | Nov. 11 | 2 | 6 |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 11 | | Dec. 23 | | |
Rabbit, Cottontail1
Eligible Junior Hunters only, with or without the required junior license | Sept. 30 | | Oct. 14 | 4 | 12 |
| Rabbit, Cottontail2 | Oct. 14 | | Nov. 11 | 4 | 12 |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 11 | | Dec. 23 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 26 | | Feb. 29, 2024 | | |
| Ring-necked Pheasant—There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in the Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Area. | | | | | |
Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area—
Male only1 | As authorized by the Executive Order | | |
Ring-necked Pheasant—Male or Female1
Eligible Junior Hunters only, with or without the required junior license | Oct. 7 | | Oct. 14 | 2 | 6 |
| Ring-necked Pheasant—Male or Female2 | Oct. 21 | | Nov. 11 | 2 | 6 |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 11 | | Dec. 23 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 26 | | Feb. 29, 2024 | | |
| Bobwhite Quail—There is no open season for the taking of bobwhite quail in the area surrounding the Letterkenny Bobwhite Quail Focus Area, as designated in § 141.30 (relating to bobwhite quail recovery area). | | | | | |
| Bobwhite Quail2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | Unlimited |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 11 | | Dec. 23 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Dec. 26 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | | |
| Hare (Snowshoe Rabbits) or Varying Hare1 | Dec. 26 | | Jan. 1, 2024 | 1 | 3 |
| Woodchuck (Groundhog)2 | July 1 | | Nov. 11 | Unlimited |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | |
| | and | | |
| Dec. 11 | | June 29, 2024 | |
Crow3
(Hunting permitted on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only) | Aug. 24 | | Mar. 24, 2024 | Unlimited |
| Starling and English Sparrow3 | No closed season, except season closed during the regular firearms deer season(s). | Unlimited |
MIGRATORY GAME BIRDS
Except as further restricted by this chapter, the seasons, bag limits, hunting hours and hunting regulations for migratory game birds must conform to regulations adopted by the United States Secretary of the Interior under authority of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 U.S.C.A. §§ 703—712) as published in the Federal Register on or about February 28 of each year.
Exceptions:
(a) Hunting hours in § 141.4 (relating to hunting hours).
(b) Nontoxic shot as approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service is required for use Statewide in hunting and taking of migratory waterfowl.
(c) Hunting on Sunday not authorized.1
WILD TURKEY
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Daily
Limit | Season
Limit |
|---|
| Turkey, Fall—Male or Female1 | | | | 1 | 1 |
| WMU 2B | Oct. 28 | | Nov. 17 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 22 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E | Oct. 28 | | Nov. 4 | | |
| WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C | Oct. 28 | | Nov. 11 | | |
| WMUs 2C, 2D and 2E | Oct. 28 | | Nov. 11 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 22 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| WMU 5B | Oct. 31 | | Nov. 2 | | |
| WMUs 5A, 5C and 5D | Closed to fall turkey hunting | | |
Turkey, Spring1
Bearded Bird only, Eligible Junior Hunters only, with the required junior license | Apr. 27, 2024 | | Apr. 27, 2024 | 1 | 1 |
Turkey, Spring1,4
Bearded Bird only | | | | 1 | 2 |
| May 4, 2024 | | May 18, 2024 | May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 12 noon |
| | and | | |
| May 20, 2024 | | May 31, 2024 | May be hunted 1/2 hour before sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset |
FALCONRY
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Daily
Limit | Field
Possession
Limit After
Second day |
|---|
| Squirrel—(Combined species)2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | 6 | 18 |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | | |
| Quail2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | Unlimited |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | |
| Ruffed Grouse2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | 2 | 6 |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | | |
| Cottontail Rabbits2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | 4 | 12 |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | | |
| Snowshoe or Varying Hare2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | 1 | 3 |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | | |
| Ring-necked Pheasant—Male2 and Female (Combined) | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | 2 | 6 |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | |
| | and | | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | | |
| Mink, Muskrat, Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk and Weasel2 | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 11 | Unlimited |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 | |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Mar. 30, 2024 | |
| Migratory Game Bird1—Seasons and bag limits shall be in accordance with Federal regulations. |
WHITE-TAILED DEER
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Season
Limit |
|---|
Deer, Archery (Antlered and Antlerless)2, 5
With the required archery license WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D | Sept. 16 | | Nov. 11 | One antlered deer and an antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 |
| and | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 |
| and | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 |
| and | | |
| Dec. 26 | | Jan. 27, 2024 | |
Deer, Archery (Antlered and Antlerless)2, 5
With the required archery license
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B | Sept. 30 | | Nov. 11 | One antlered deer and an antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 |
| and | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 17 |
| and | |
| Dec. 26 | | Jan. 15, 2024 | |
Deer, Muzzleloading (Antlerless only)1
With the required muzzleloading license | Oct. 14 | | Oct. 21 | An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
Deer, Special firearms (Antlerless only)
Only Junior and Senior License Holders6 Mentored Permit Holders9, Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces or United States Coast Guard | Oct. 19 | | Oct. 21 | An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
Deer, Regular Firearms (Antlered and Antlerless)2, 5
Statewide | Nov. 25 | | Nov. 25 | One antlered deer and an antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
| and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 |
| and | | |
| Nov. 27 | | Dec. 9 | |
Deer, Flintlock (Antlered or Antlerless)1, 5
With the required muzzleloading license
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B | Dec. 26 | | Jan. 15, 2024 | One antlered or one antlerless deer plus an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
Deer, Flintlock (Antlered or Antlerless)1, 5
With the required muzzleloading license
WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D | Dec. 26 | | Jan. 27, 2024 | One antlered or one antlerless deer plus an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
Deer, Extended Regular firearms (Antlerless)1
WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D | Dec. 26 | | Jan. 27, 2024 | An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
Deer, Antlerless1
(Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County and New Cumberland Army Depot, York County and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County) | Hunting is permitted on days established by the United States Department of the Army. | An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. |
BLACK BEAR
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Season
Limit |
|---|
Bear, Archery2, 7
WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D | Sept. 16 | | Nov. 11 | 1 |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 |
| | and | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 |
| | and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 |
| | and | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | |
Bear, Archery2, 7
WMU 5B | Sept. 30 | | Nov. 11 | 1 |
| | and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 |
| | and | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 17 | |
Bear, Archery1, 7
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A | Oct. 14 | | Nov. 4 | 1 |
Bear, Muzzleloader1, 7
(Statewide)
| Oct. 14 | | Oct. 21 | 1 |
Bear, Special firearms7
Only Junior and Senior License Holders6, Mentored Permit Holders9, Commission Disabled Person Permit Holders (to use a vehicle as a blind), and Residents serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, or in the United States Coast Guard
(Statewide) | Oct. 19 | | Oct. 21 | 1 |
| Bear, Regular Firearms2, 7 (Statewide) | Nov. 18 | | Nov. 18 | 1 |
| | and | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 |
| | and | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 21 | |
Bear, Extended firearms2, 7
WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D | Nov. 25 | | Nov. 25 | 1 |
| | and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 |
| | and | |
| Nov. 27 | | Dec. 9 | |
Bear, Extended firearms2, 7
WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4E and 5A | Nov. 25 | | Nov. 25 | 1 |
| | and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 | |
| | and | |
| Nov. 27 | | Dec. 2 | |
ELK
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Season
Limit
|
|---|
Elk, Special Conservation Tag1, 8
and Special-License Tag1, 8
(Antlered and Antlerless) | Sept. 1 | | Nov. 4 | 1 |
| Elk, Archery1, 8 | Sept. 16 | | Sept. 30 | 1 |
Elk, Regular1, 8
(Antlered and Antlerless) | Oct. 30 | | Nov. 4 | 1 |
| Elk, Late1, 8 | Dec. 30 | | Jan. 6, 2024 | 1 |
FURTAKING—TRAPPING
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Daily
Limit | Season
Limit |
|---|
| Mink and Muskrat | Nov. 18 | | Jan. 7, 2024 | Unlimited |
| Beaver | Dec. 16 | | Mar. 31, 2024 | | |
| WMUs 1A and 1B (Combined) | | | | 20 | 60 |
| WMUs 2A, 2B and 3C (Combined) | | | | 20 | 40 |
| WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 5C and 5D (Combined) | | | | 20 | 20 |
| WMUs 2G, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B (Combined) | | | | 5 | 5 |
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Season
Limit |
|---|
| Coyote, Fox, Opossum, Raccoon, Striped Skunk and Weasel | Oct. 21 | | Feb. 18, 2024 | Unlimited |
Coyote and Fox
Use of cable restraint devices authorized with required certification | Dec. 26 | | Feb. 18, 2024 | Unlimited |
Bobcat, with required bobcat permit
WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E | Dec. 16 | | Jan. 7, 2024 | 1 |
Fisher, with required fisher permit
WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E | Dec. 16 | | Dec. 31 | 1 |
River Otter, with required otter permit
WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4E | Feb. 10, 2024 | | Feb. 17, 2024 | 1 |
FURTAKING—HUNTING
| Species | First Day | | Last Day | Daily
Limit | Season
Limit |
|---|
Coyote—(Outside of any big game season)3
| May be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker's license. | Unlimited |
| Coyote—(During any big game season) | May be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker's license. | Unlimited |
| Opossum, Striped Skunk, Weasel2 | July 1 | | Nov. 11 | Unlimited
May be hunted any hour, day or night, on open dates from July 1—
Nov. 24 and Dec. 10—June 29, 2024. May only be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise from Nov. 25—Dec. 9.
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 |
| and | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 |
| and | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 |
| and | |
| Nov. 27 | | June 29, 2024 |
| Fox3 | Oct. 21 | | Feb. 17, 2024 | Unlimited
May be hunted any hour, day or night, from Oct. 21—Nov. 24 and Dec. 10—Feb. 17, 2024. May only be hunted from 1/2 hour after sunset
to 1/2 hour before sunrise from
Nov. 25—Dec. 9. |
| Raccoon2 | Oct. 21 | | Nov. 11 | Unlimited
May be hunted any hour, day or night, on open dates from Oct. 21—
Nov. 24 and Dec. 10—Feb. 17, 2024. May only be hunted from 1/2 and hour after sunset to 1/2 hour before sunrise from Nov. 25—Dec. 9.
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3, Nov. 12 |
| and | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 |
| and | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 25 |
| and | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 26 | | Sun.3, Nov. 26 |
| and | |
| Nov. 27 | | Feb. 17, 2024 |
Bobcat, with required bobcat permit1
WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E | Jan. 6, 2024 | | Jan. 31, 2024 | 1 | 1 |
| Porcupine2 | Oct. 7 | | Nov. 11 | 3 | 10
|
| and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 12 | | Sun.3 , Nov. 12 | | |
| and | | | |
| Nov. 13 | | Nov. 18 | | |
| and | | | |
| Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | Sun.3, Nov. 19 | | |
| and | | | |
| Nov. 20 | | Nov. 24 | | |
| and | | | |
| Dec. 11 | | Dec. 23 | | |
| and | | | |
| Dec. 26 | | Jan. 27, 2024 | | |
No open seasons on other wild birds or wild mammals.
1 No hunting on Sunday authorized. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303 (relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited).
2 Hunting on Sunday authorized on separately delineated Sunday date(s) only. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
3 Hunting on Sunday is authorized. See 34 Pa.C.S. § 2303.
4 Only persons who possess a special wild turkey license as provided for in 34 Pa.C.S. § 2709 (relating to license costs and fees) may take a second spring gobbler during the hunting license year; all other persons, including mentored youth hunters, may take only one spring gobbler. A maximum of 2 spring gobblers per license year may be taken by any combination of licenses or exceptions for mentored youth.
5 Only one antlered deer (buck) may be taken during the hunting license year.
6 Includes resident and nonresident license holders who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for the license and hold a valid adult license or qualify for license and fee exemptions under 34 Pa.C.S. § 2706 (relating to resident license and fee exemptions).
7 Only one bear may be taken during the hunting license year with the required bear license.
8 Only one elk may be taken during the hunting license year with the required elk license.
9 Includes mentored youth and mentored adults with a valid mentored hunter permit issued under Chapter 147, Subchapter X (relating to Special Permits; Mentored Hunting Program Permit).
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 23-758. Filed for public inspection June 9, 2023, 9:00 a.m.]
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