Pennsylvania Code & Bulletin
COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

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The Pennsylvania Code website reflects the Pennsylvania Code changes effective through 54 Pa.B. 6234 (September 28, 2024).

17 Pa. Code § 11.215. Weapons and hunting.

§ 11.215. Weapons and hunting.

 The following activities are prohibited without written permission of the Department:

   (1)  Hunting, pursuing or intentionally disturbing woodchucks, also known as groundhogs. Paragraph (2) does not apply to this activity.

   (2)  Hunting, pursuing or intentionally disturbing wildlife unless:

     (i)   The person engaging in the activity is licensed by the Game Commission to hunt and is engaged in hunting in accordance with the Game and Wildlife Code.

     (ii)   The activity takes place in an area designated by the Department for hunting. At Presque Isle State Park, waterfowl hunting may take place only from a facility designated by the Department as a waterfowl blind, and shooting shall be directed away from State park land and over the adjacent waters.

     (iii)   The activity takes place during hunting season as established by the Game Commission.

     (iv)   The firearm, archery equipment or other device used for this activity is lawful for hunting under the Game and Wildlife Code. A device operated by air, chemical or gas cylinder by which a projectile can be discharged or propelled is not lawful for hunting under the Game and Wildlife Code.

   (3)  Using a device, including a firearm, archery equipment or slingshot, that is capable of discharging or propelling a projectile, except as provided in paragraph (2) or (7).

   (4)  Possessing an uncased device, or uncasing a device, including a firearm, archery equipment or slingshot, that is capable of discharging or propelling a projectile, except as provided in paragraph (2) or (7), or except in the owner’s building on a leased campsite, in the owner’s residence, or in the owner’s vehicle or trailer.

   (5)  Failing to keep a device, including a firearm, archery equipment or slingshot, that is capable of discharging or propelling a projectile, in the owner’s building on a leased campsite, in the owner’s residence or in the owner’s vehicle or trailer. This prohibition does not apply to either of the following:

     (i)   A person licensed by the Game Commission to hunt, and in possession of a device that is lawful for hunting under the Game and Wildlife Code, during hunting season as established by the Game Commission, in a State park open for hunting.

     (ii)   A person engaged in target-shooting under paragraph (7).

   (6)  The trapping of wildlife. This prohibition does not apply to a person licensed by the Game Commission to engage in trapping, during trapping season as established by the Game Commission, in an area designated by the Department for hunting.

   (7)  Target-shooting with a device, including a firearm, archery equipment or slingshot, capable of discharging or propelling a projectile, except in an area designated by the Department for this purpose and in accordance with posted requirements and restrictions.

   (8)  Dog training, except from the day following Labor Day through March 31, in an area designated by the Department for hunting.

 (Editor’s Note: Under section 10 of the act of October 17, 2008 (P.L. 1628, No. 131), §  11.215 is abrogated to the extent that the provisions apply to any person identified under 18 Pa.C.S. §  6109(m.2) (relating to licenses).)

Cross References

   This section cited in 17 Pa. Code §  11.208 (relating to schedule; closure); 17 Pa. Code §  11.212 (relating to pets); and 17 Pa. Code §  11.223 (relating to violation of rules regarding conduct in State parks).



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