Pennsylvania’s firearms deer season ends today, marking a significant year for hunters due to the introduction of a new Sunday hunting law that allowed hunting on 13 Sundays, enhancing participation without any reported safety incidents. While Sunday hunting will be limited to specific species for the remainder of the license year, the Game Commission plans to explore expanding Sunday hunting opportunities for future seasons.
A tragic incident occurred during a deer drive in Juniata County when a 26-year-old hunter was accidentally shot in the hip by a fellow hunter while trying to push deer toward waiting hunters. Despite being transported to the hospital, the victim did not survive his injuries. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating the incident, and no charges have been filed as of yet.
A Beaver County hunter, Nate Miller, made headlines after harvesting a record-setting 717-pound black bear in Moraine State Park, Butler County. After a morning of waiting and scouting, he spotted the bear and successfully tracked it down with the help of friends and park rangers. The bear measured 7 feet 5 inches and will be mounted by Miller as a trophy of his achievement.
Article by Pennsylvania Game Commission.
November 29 brings the most anticipated hunting event of the year in Pennsylvania.
A Pennsylvania man was jailed, with bail set at $500,000, after allegedly shooting at four hunters – and firing a bullet into their truck.
A Pennsylvania resolution to recognize 25 years of elk hunting has raised concerns about the state’s elk license lottery system.
The Game Commission acknowledged it has not been fully compliant and will make necessary adjustments to its lottery process.
Changes for the 2026 season include requiring a hunting license to apply, capping nonresident tags, and making bull elk tags a once-in-a-lifetime draw.
A 53-year-old Pennsylvania man was hospitalized after his dog accidentally discharged a shotgun left on his bed, shooting him in the back. The incident occurred when the dog jumped onto the bed, causing the firearm to fire. The man underwent surgery for his injuries, and while the shooting is being treated as accidental, authorities are still investigating the circumstances.
Several states are now producing trophy-class bull elk thanks to decades of restoration work and expanding herds. Wisconsin, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, California, and North Dakota all offer limited – but highly coveted – draw hunts that can yield exceptional bulls, including some record-book giants. Though tag odds are often steep, each state provides unique opportunities.
Turkey season in Pennsylvania begins on November 1, with varying durations across Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), including an extended Thanksgiving season in some areas. Both male and female turkeys are legal game, and hunters must tag their harvests and report them within 10 days. The successful conservation efforts have led to a significant increase in wild turkey populations, allowing for expanded hunting opportunities since the mid-20th century.
This fall, Pennsylvania hunters have harvested over 1,100 black bears, with Gauge Gulvas notably bagging his fourth bear using a traditional recurve bow. The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports that the heaviest bear weighed 649 pounds, and less than 3% of bear hunters typically succeed with a bow. The black bear hunting season continues through late November, with various hunting methods allowed.