HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners has officially approved the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons, implementing a series of updates aimed at refining wildlife management, improving hunter experience, and addressing conservation needs. The newly adopted regulations outline key changes for deer, bear, and elk seasons while introducing stricter limits on snowshoe hare harvests to preserve vulnerable populations.
Among the most notable changes is the expansion of the after-Christmas extended firearms season for antlerless deer. This season, running from December 26, 2025, to January 24, 2026, will now be open on all Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) lands statewide. Hunters must possess valid DMAP permits for the specific property they hunt. Additionally, Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 4C, where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been detected, will offer an extended firearms season from January 2-19, 2026, marking its inclusion among WMUs managing disease-related deer populations.
Adjustments have also been made to Pennsylvania’s bear hunting regulations. The statewide archery bear season will be shortened from three weeks to a single week, spanning October 18-25, 2025. This revision reflects the effectiveness of the early bear seasons implemented to increase harvest rates. However, extended formats will remain available in WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C, and 5D.
A significant shift in snowshoe hare regulations aims to protect isolated populations from overharvest. The newly established season limit of three hares per hunter replaces the previous structure, where up to six hares could be harvested per season. Hunters must adhere to the existing daily bag limit of one hare.
Elk hunting has also seen notable changes, particularly for two hunters who acquire special licenses through the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation’s auction or the Keystone Elk Country Alliance’s raffle. These hunters will now enjoy an extended license period beginning July 1 instead of September 1, a move intended to mitigate crop damage caused by elk. For general applicants, 140 elk licenses have been allocated, including 65 antlered and 75 antlerless, spread across the archery, general, and late seasons.
To increase flexibility and convenience for hunters, Pennsylvania will guarantee antlerless deer licenses for residents in all WMUs during the first round of sales, which begins June 23, 2025. Over 1.3 million antlerless licenses have been allocated for the upcoming season, a significant increase from 1,186,000 in 2024-25. With this guarantee, resident hunters will have exclusive access to licenses for two weeks before sales open to nonresidents on July 7.
The board has rationalized these changes based on scientific data, staff recommendations, and conservation goals. These adjustments aim to balance population control with the preservation of wildlife health and hunter opportunity.
The 2025-26 season will also retain its diverse offerings, including expanded fur-bearer trapping and falconry opportunities, while adhering to federal guidelines for migratory species. For full details on season dates and bag limits, hunters can consult the Game Commission’s comprehensive regulations.
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