Recent Game Commission decisions will expand hunting access, protect wildlife corridors, and support habitat restoration projects benefiting deer, turkey, waterfowl, woodcock, and other wildlife.
Pennsylvania hunters could soon gain access to additional public hunting lands following a series of land acquisitions, donations, and exchanges approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners at its September 25, 2026, meeting.
The decisions involve properties across several counties, including a significant 346-acre acquisition in Berks County, additional wetlands in Warren County, and land exchanges designed to improve access and wildlife management. The Commission also approved agreements supporting the restoration of former coal-mining lands into productive wildlife habitat.
Together, these projects reflect Pennsylvania’s continuing efforts to expand public hunting opportunities while protecting and improving habitat for game and nongame species.
346 Acres in Berks County Could Expand Hunting Access Near Reading
One of the most significant approvals involves approximately 346 acres in Bern Township, Berks County, offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
The property is located near State Game Lands 280 and includes land along the Schuylkill River. According to the Game Commission, the acquisition could improve hunting and trapping access for more than 1.5 million people living within 30 miles of the property.
Beyond recreational access, the land provides an important wildlife travel corridor along the river. Such corridors help animals move between habitats, particularly in landscapes fragmented by roads, agriculture, and residential development.
The property can be accessed from Cross Keys Road, Rickenbach Road, and Marina Lane once it is officially opened to the public.
Additional Land for Wildlife and Hunters
Several other transactions approved by the Commission will expand or improve existing State Game Lands.
Warren County — 44 Acres: A property adjoining State Game Lands 282 in Pine Grove Township will protect habitat within Akeley Swamp, an Important Bird Area supporting breeding and migrating wetland and grassland birds. The area provides habitat for Virginia rails and other wildlife.
Blair and Huntingdon Counties — 224 Acres: Land adjoining State Game Lands 118 will be managed primarily for the endangered Indiana bat. Protecting the forest habitat can also provide broader benefits for other wildlife species.
Erie County — 36 Acres: A land exchange will add property adjoining State Game Lands 109, improving management opportunities for American woodcock, a popular upland game bird that depends on young forests and dense shrubland habitats.
Elk County — 42 Acres: An exchange involving State Game Lands 338 will improve access to another portion of the property while removing an ATV trail from existing game lands. Another 27-acre exchange in the same area is intended to improve hunter access and land usability.
Potter County — Approximately 1 Acre: Although small, a donation adjoining State Game Lands 59 will provide access to the southern portion of the existing property while helping protect a stream corridor and public access to the Allegheny River.
These projects illustrate that improving public hunting opportunities does not always require acquiring thousands of acres. Even relatively small parcels can open access to larger properties or protect important wildlife habitat.
Former Coal-Mining Lands to Become Wildlife Habitat
The Commission also approved agreements involving major habitat restoration projects on existing State Game Lands.
At State Game Lands 286, a project along the Schuylkill River will remove approximately 247,000 cubic yards of accumulated coal silt, reclaim a 21-acre abandoned settling area, and restore or create approximately 19 acres of floodplain wetlands and associated riparian habitat.
The project is expected to improve water quality, wildlife habitat, and recreational opportunities. It remains in the pre-construction phase.
Another project at State Game Lands 276 involves removing coal refuse from approximately 27 acres, including supporting work areas. The reclamation is expected to restore wildlife habitat and improve water quality in Blacklick Creek.
Restored wetlands can provide important habitat for ducks, other waterbirds, amphibians, and numerous nongame species. Reclaimed upland areas may also benefit deer, turkey, and small game, depending on the vegetation and habitat management that follows.
When Will Hunters Be Able to Use the New Lands?
Although the Game Commission has approved these transactions, that does not mean every newly acquired parcel is immediately available for hunting.
The agency has stated that it will announce when newly acquired properties officially open to the public. Some transactions may require additional administrative steps, access improvements, or habitat work before opening.
Hunters should therefore check the latest State Game Lands maps and Game Commission announcements before planning trips to these locations.
Pennsylvania already manages more than 1.5 million acres of State Game Lands, primarily for wildlife habitat and public hunting and trapping. Continued acquisitions and habitat improvements help preserve these opportunities for future generations.
Find Public Hunting Opportunities With Hunterizer
With public hunting lands spread across Pennsylvania and hunting regulations varying by Wildlife Management Unit, knowing where to hunt and what is legally in season is essential.
The Hunterizer app helps Pennsylvania hunters determine what they can legally hunt at their location on a specific date. It provides season dates, hunting zones, legal weapons, bag limits, shooting hours, and other important regulations for deer, bear, turkey, waterfowl, upland birds, and many other species.
As Pennsylvania continues expanding and improving its public hunting lands, Hunterizer can help hunters plan their outings and understand the regulations that apply wherever they choose to hunt.
