Subchapter B. SMALL GAME
Sec.
141.21. [Reserved].
141.22. Small game seasons.
141.23. Nontoxic shot.
141.24. Release and retrap quail for dog training purposes.
141.25. [Reserved].
141.26. [Reserved].
141.27. [Reserved].
141.28. Wild pheasant recovery areas.
141.29. Hunting mourning doves over managed fields.
141.30. Bobwhite quail recovery area.§ 141.21. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 141.21 adopted June 19, 1987, effective July 1, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 2464; reserved June 20, 2003, effective June 21, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 2878. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (294117).
§ 141.22. Small game seasons.
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt small game, except woodchucks, during any small game season with the following devices:
(1) A manually operated or semiautomatic rimfire rifle or manually operated rimfire handgun. The firearm must be .22 caliber or less, that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less, that propels multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 (relating to approval of nontoxic shot types and shot coatings). A centerfire shotgun’s magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun’s total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(3) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun. The firearm must be .40 caliber or less, that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(4) A bow and arrow.
(5) A crossbow and bolt.
(6) A raptor. The raptor shall be lawfully possessed under a falconry permit under section 2925 of the act (relating to falconry permits).
(7) A manually operated or semiautomatic air rifle or manually operated air handgun between .177 and .22 caliber, inclusive, that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(b) Prohibitions. While hunting small game during any small game season, except woodchucks, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess single-projectile ammunition larger than .22 caliber or multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Possess a firearm while hunting with a raptor, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(3) Discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a Commission vehicle releasing pheasants.
(4) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(5) Hunt in a party of more than six persons. This does not apply to waterfowl or dove hunters when hunting from a blind or other stationary position.
(c) Woodchuck (Groundhog) season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt woodchucks during woodchuck season with the following devices:
(i) A manually operated or semiautomatic rifle or manually operated handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(ii) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less that propels multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134. A centerfire shotgun’s magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun’s total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(iii) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(iv) A bow and arrow.
(v) A crossbow and bolt.
(vi) A raptor. The raptor shall be lawfully possessed under a falconry permit under section 2925 of the act.
(vii) A manually operated or semiautomatic air rifle or manually operated air handgun .22 caliber or larger that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting woodchucks during woodchuck season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Possess a firearm while hunting with a raptor, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
Authority The provisions of this § 141.22 amended under 34 Pa.C.S. § § 322(c)(5) and (6), 2102(a), (b)(1) and (d), 2505(a) and 2524.
Source The provisions of this § 141.22 adopted June 19, 1987, effective July 1, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 2464; amended April 28, 1989, effective April 29, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 1842; amended August 24, 1990, effective September 24, 1990, 20 Pa.B. 4488; amended March 27, 1992, effective July 1, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 1427; amended August 19, 1994, effective August 20, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 4197; amended November 4, 1994, effective November 5, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 5561; amended August 1, 1997, effective August 2, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 3788; corrected November 21, 1997, effective October 4, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 6092; amended November 21, 1997, effective November 22, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 6093; amended August 9, 2002, effective August 10, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 3945; amended November 29, 2002, effective November 30, 2002, 32 Pa.B. 5889; amended June 13, 2003, effective June 14, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 2751; amended April 30, 2004, effective July 1, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 2328; amended May 28, 2004, effective May 29, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 2825; amended July 16, 2004, effective July 17, 2004, 34 Pa.B. 3711; amended December 2, 2005, effective December 3, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 6537; amended June 16, 2006, effective June 17, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2975; amended January 26, 2010, effective April 3, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 1737; amended May 12, 2017, effective May 13, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 2710; amended November 17, 2017, effective November 18, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 7048. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (387122) to (387124).
Cross References This section cited in 17 Pa. Code § 21.119 (relating to group activities); 58 Pa. Code § 135.106 (relating to controlled hunting and trapping area harvest limitations); and 58 Pa. Code § 141.1 (relating to special regulations areas).
§ 141.23. Nontoxic shot.
It is unlawful to hunt for or take migratory waterfowl in this Commonwealth while possessing or using lead shot or shotshells loaded with shot of a composition or alloy and of a cartridge length not approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 (relating to nontoxic shot). It is unlawful to hunt for or take migratory waterfowl in this Commonwealth using nontoxic shot larger than Size ‘‘T.’’
Source The provisions of this § 141.23 adopted June 19, 1987, effective July 1, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 2464; amended April 28, 1989, effective April 29, 1989, 19 Pa.B. 1842; amended November 4, 1994, effective November 5, 1994, 24 Pa.B. 5561; amended September 6, 1996, effective September 7, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4339. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (202785) to (202786).
Cross References This section cited in 58 Pa. Code § 135.106 (relating to controlled hunting and trapping area harvest limitations).
§ 141.24. Release and retrap quail for dog training purposes.
A person may release domestic bobwhite quail for dog training purposes and retrap them during the regular dog training season, or at any time upon special dog training areas, if the birds are tagged prior to release with tags furnished by the Commission. A trap shall be marked with the name and address of the owner. Quail possessed for this purpose shall be tagged as required. It is the responsibility of the person manning the trap to immediately release untagged quail or other game or wildlife trapped.
Source The provisions of this § 141.24 adopted December 11, 1987, effective December 12, 1987, 17 Pa.B. 5129.
§ 141.25. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 141.25 adopted July 24, 1992, effective July 25, 1992, 22 Pa.B. 3897; amended May 28, 1993, effective July 1, 1993, 23 Pa.B. 2565; amended March 25, 1994, effective from January 20, 1994, to June 30, 1994; amended August 19, 1994, effective from July 1, 1994, to June 30, 1995, 24 Pa.B. 4197; amended May 26, 1995, effective from July 1, 1995, to June 30, 1996, 25 Pa.B. 2072; amended September 6, 1996, effective September 7, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4339; amended November 8, 1996, effective November 9, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 5440; amended January 17, 1997, effective retroactively to January 15, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 313; corrected January 31, 1997, effective retroactively to January 15, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 13; corrected November 21, 1997, effective October 4, 1997, 27 Pa.B. 6092; amended August 11, 2000, effective August 12, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 4250; amended June 13, 2003, effective June 14, 2003, 33 Pa.B. 2749; reserved June 16, 2006, effective June 17, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2973. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (316101) and (297355).
§ 141.26. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 141.26 adopted September 6, 1996, effective September 7, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4339; amended May 29, 1998, effective May 30, 1998, 28 Pa.B. 2504; amended July 23, 1999, effective July 24, 1999, 29 Pa.B. 3886; amended August 11, 2000, effective August 12, 2000, 30 Pa.B. 4250; reserved June 16, 2006, effective June 17, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2973. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (297355) to (297356).
§ 141.27. [Reserved].
Source The provisions of this § 141.27 adopted September 6, 1996, effective September 7, 1996, 26 Pa.B. 4339; reserved June 16, 2006, effective June 17, 2006, 36 Pa.B. 2973. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (297356).
§ 141.28. Wild pheasant recovery areas.
(a) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the phrase ‘‘wild pheasant recovery area’’ (WPRA) includes and is limited to the following geographic locations.
(1) Central Susquehanna WPRA. Portions of WMU 4E in Northumberland, Montour and Columbia Counties, bounded and described as follows. Beginning in the southwestern extent of the WPRA at the intersection of Interstate 80 and Interstate 180, proceed north on Interstate 180 for approximately 7.2 miles to the intersection of Hughes Road. The boundary follows Hughes Road east for 0.2 mile to Susquehanna Trail. Follow Susquehanna Trail south for 0.2 mile to Schmidt Road. Follow Schmidt Road for 1.6 miles to Miller Road. Follow Miller Road east for 1.1 miles to intersection of Hockey Hill Road. Go right on Hockey Hill Road then left onto Pugmore Lane. Follow Pugmore Lane for 0.7 mile to Harrison Road. The boundary follows Harrison Road south for 0.7 mile to Showers Road. Follow Showers Road for 1.2 miles east to intersection of Gearhart Road. Turn right on Gearhart Road and go south for 0.6 mile to the intersection of Hickory Road. The boundary follows Hickory Road east for 0.6 mile then left onto Mingle Road for 0.9 mile until rejoining Hickory Road for another 0.8 mile to the intersection of Muncy Exchange Road. The boundary follows Muncy Exchange Road south for 1.4 miles to bridge over the West Branch of Chillisquaque Creek near the intersection of State Highway 44. The boundary follows the West Branch of Chillisquaque Creek south for approximately 2.1 miles to the bridge on Arrowhead Road. The boundary follows Arrowhead Road west for 0.8 mile to the intersection of State Highway 54. Follow State Highway 54 south for 2.6 miles to the intersection of State Highway 254. Follow State Highway 254 west for 6.6 miles to the intersection of Interstate 80. Follow Interstate 80 west for 3.4 miles to the intersection of Interstate 180 and the point of origin.
(2) Franklin County WPRA. That portion of WMUs 4A and 5A in Franklin County bounded and described as follows: Beginning at the town of Mercersburg at the intersection of PA Rt. 16 (N. Main St.) and Johnstons Ln., proceed 1.9 miles west on Johnstons Ln. At the intersection of Johnstons Ln. and Charlestown Rd., proceed 0.7 miles due west following the Montgomery/Peters Township lines to the top of Cove Mountain. Proceed south along the Montgomery/Warren Township lines following the spine of Cove Mountain 7.9 miles to its intersection with cleared gas line utility right-of-way. Proceed 4.3 miles northeast along utility right-of-way to its intersection with Blairs Valley Rd. Proceed 1 mile south on Blairs Valley Rd. to the intersection with Hunter Rd. Proceed 2.5 miles east on Hunter Rd. to the intersection with Rt. 75 (Fort Loudon Rd.). Proceed across Rt. 75 onto Garnes Rd. and follow 2.6 miles northeast to the intersection with Rt. 416 (Mercersburg Rd.). Proceed 2.4 miles north on Rt. 416 to the intersection with Rt. 16 (Buchanan Trail West). Proceed 2.7 miles northwest on Rt. 16 through the town of Mercersburg to the intersection with Johnstons Ln. at point of origin.
(b) Prohibitions. It is unlawful to:
(1) Release artificially propagated pheasants any time within any area designated as a WPRA.
(2) Hunt pheasants within any area designated as a WPRA, except the Director may authorize limited pheasant hunting opportunities in one or more WPRAs. During any year pheasant hunting opportunities are authorized in one or more WPRAs, the Director will designate the WPRAs where the season will be established, the dates of the season and the daily bag limit.
Authority The provisions of this § 141.28 issued under 34 Pa.C.S. § § 322 and 2102(c); amended under 34 Pa.C.S. § § 322(c)(4) and 2102(a) and (c).
Source The provisions of this § 141.28 adopted June 5, 2009, effective June 6, 2009, 39 Pa.B. 2798; amended August 6, 2010, effective August 7, 2010, 40 Pa.B. 4388; amended May 27, 2011, effective May 28, 2011, 41 Pa.B. 2698; amended June 22, 2012, effective June 23, 2012, 42 Pa.B. 3590; amended May 12, 2017, effective May 13, 2017, 47 Pa.B. 2718; amended May 25, 2018, effective May 26, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 3090; amended August 30, 2019, effective August 31, 2019, 49 Pa.B. 4953; amended May 31, 2024, effective June 1, 2024, 54 Pa.B. 3033. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (414534) and (410931).
§ 141.29. Hunting mourning doves over managed fields.
(a) Limited hunting authorized. In accordance with the authorization in 50 CFR 20.21 (relating to what hunting methods are illegal), it is lawful to hunt mourning doves on or over lands or areas that are not otherwise baited areas, and where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered solely as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed on the land where grown, or solely as the result of a normal agricultural operation.
(b) Nonapplication. This section shall not be construed to authorize the hunting of any other species of wildlife in an area where grain or other feed has been distributed or scattered as the result of manipulation of an agricultural crop or other feed.
(c) Definition. For the purposes of this section, ‘‘manipulation’’ means the alteration of natural vegetation or agricultural crops by activities that include mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning or herbicide treatments. The term manipulation does not include the distributing or scattering of grain, seed or other feed after removal from or storage on the field where grown.
Authority The provisions of this § 141.29 issued under 34 Pa.C.S. § 2102(a).
Source The provisions of this § 141.29 adopted September 14, 2018, effective September 15, 2018, 48 Pa.B. 5727; amended May 1, 2020, effective May 2, 2020, 50 Pa.B. 2272. Immediately preceding text appears at serial pages (397205) to (397206).
§ 141.30. Bobwhite quail recovery area.
(a) Definition. For the purpose of this section, the phrase ‘‘bobwhite quail recovery area’’ includes and is limited to portions of Wildlife Management Units 4B and 5A in Franklin County, bounded and described as follows. Beginning in the southwestern extent of the bobwhite quail recovery area at the intersection of Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) and PA-75 (Path Valley Road), proceed east on Route 30 for approximately 15.3 miles to the intersection of Interstate 81. The boundary follows Interstate 81 north for 8.5 miles to exit 24 and continues left on PA-696 (Old Scotland Road). Follow Old Scotland Road north for 2 miles then continue along PA-696 which becomes South Fayette Street. Follow South Fayette Street for 0.5 miles to West King Street. Follow left on West King Street, then right onto Spring Street, bear right onto Roxbury Road. Follow Roxbury Road for 9 miles to PA-641 (meets at Newburg Road, which becomes Forge Hill Road, Timmons Road, then Spring Run Road). The boundary follows PA-641 northwest for 7.5 miles then taking a left turn on Stone Bridge Road. At the end of Stone Bridge Road take a left onto PA-75 (Path Valley Road) and follow PA-75 for 17 miles to the intersection of Route 30 and the point of origin.
(b) Prohibitions. It is unlawful to:
(1) Release artificially propagated quail any time within any area designated as a bobwhite quail recovery area.
(2) Hunt quail within any area designated as a bobwhite quail recovery area.
Authority The provisions of this § 141.30 added under 34 Pa.C.S.
Source The provisions of this § 141.30 added August 26, 2022, effective August 27, 2022, 52 Pa.B. 5469.
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.
This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Code full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
