Pennsylvania’s hunting season is a big part of fall for many outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re planning to hunt in the Altoona area this year, knowing the season dates, licensing requirements and safety rules ahead of time can save you a lot of trouble once you arrive.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has finalized the 2026-27 hunting seasons, and there are a few changes hunters should know about this year. Most hunting seasons now include Sundays that fall within the listed season dates. Migratory game birds are the exception and remain closed to Sunday hunting for the 2026-27 season.

For hunters looking for Pennsylvania hunting season campsites, Glendale Valley Campground offers a convenient place to stay during the fall hunting season, with access to hunting opportunities in and around Prince Gallitzin State Park and nearby state game lands.

2026 Pennsylvania Hunting Season Dates

Pennsylvania has different seasons for different types of game, and some dates depend on the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) where you’re hunting. Always check the regulations for the specific area you plan to hunt. Here are some of the major dates for the 2026-27 season.

Deer Season

Deer season is one of the most anticipated hunting seasons in Pennsylvania, particularly in the state’s heavily wooded central and northern regions.

For 2026-27:

Archery deer, statewide: Oct. 3-Nov. 20, 2026, and Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027
Archery deer in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 19-Nov. 27, 2026, and Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027
Regular firearms deer: Nov. 28-Dec. 13, 2026
Flintlock deer: Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 24, 2027

There are also separate seasons for antlerless muzzleloader, special firearms and extended antlerless firearms hunting in certain WMUs. Hunters taking antlerless deer need the appropriate antlerless license or permit. If you’re coming to Pennsylvania specifically for rifle deer season, the Nov. 28-Dec. 13 regular firearms season is the stretch you’ll want to plan around.

Turkey Hunting Dates

Turkey hunters have both fall and spring opportunities, although the dates vary by Wildlife Management Unit. The 2026 fall turkey season begins Oct. 31 in the open WMUs. The exact closing date depends on the WMU, with some areas remaining open through Nov. 15 or Nov. 27.

For the upcoming spring season, the 2027 spring gobbler season runs May 1-31. The season limit is one bird. From May 1-15, legal hunting hours end at noon. Beginning May 16, hunters can hunt until one-half hour after sunset. One important change for 2026-27 is the spring turkey limit. Pennsylvania reduced the season limit to one spring gobbler, partly because Sundays are being added to most hunting seasons.

Black Bear Season

Pennsylvania’s bear seasons also vary by hunting method and WMU.

Some of the major 2026 dates include:

Archery bear: Sept. 19-Nov. 27, Oct. 3-Nov. 20, or Oct. 17-25, depending on WMU
Muzzleloader bear: Oct. 22-25
Special firearms bear: Oct. 22-25 for eligible hunters
Regular firearms bear: Nov. 21-24
Extended firearms: Nov. 28-Dec. 6 or Dec. 13, depending on WMU

Only one bear may be taken during the license year. Because bear regulations can vary significantly by location, don’t rely on last year’s dates if you’re returning to an area you’ve hunted before. Check the current regulations for your WMU before your trip.

Small Game Seasons

Pennsylvania also offers plenty of opportunities for hunters who aren’t pursuing big game.

Some 2026-27 small game dates include:

Squirrel: Sept. 12-Dec. 24, 2026, and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027
Ruffed grouse: Oct. 17-Dec. 24, 2026
Cottontail rabbit: Oct. 17-Dec. 24, 2026, and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027
Pheasant: Oct. 24-Dec. 24, 2026, and Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2027
Woodchuck: July 1-Dec. 24, 2026, and Dec. 26-June 30, 2027

Several small game seasons remain open during Pennsylvania’s regular firearms deer season, so hunters may have additional opportunities during their fall trips.

What License Do You Need to Hunt in Pennsylvania?

Anyone hunting in Pennsylvania generally needs a valid hunting license, along with any additional licenses, permits or tags required for the species they’re pursuing. The 2026-27 license year runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. Hunters purchasing licenses online or from a licensing agent will need their driver’s license or Pennsylvania Customer Identification Number (CID).

Depending on what you’re hunting, you may also need an additional permit or license. This can include:

Antlerless deer licenses
Bear licenses
Elk licenses
Special wild turkey licenses
DMAP permits for certain properties

Hunters who are new to Pennsylvania should also make sure they meet the state’s hunter education requirements before purchasing a license. The Pennsylvania Game Commission provides hunter education courses for first-time hunters.

The easiest way to avoid a last-minute problem is to take care of your licensing before you arrive at the campground.

Hunting Safety Rules to Remember

A successful hunting trip starts with knowing the regulations, but safety should be just as important.

Wear Required Fluorescent Orange

Pennsylvania requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange during certain hunting seasons. Requirements vary depending on the type of hunting, so check the current regulations before heading into the woods.

Even when orange isn’t specifically required, wearing it can make you much easier for other hunters to see.

Know Where You Are Hunting

Pennsylvania is divided into Wildlife Management Units, and regulations aren’t necessarily the same throughout the state. Before setting out, know which WMU you’re in and whether the property is private land, state park property or state game lands. Make sure you have permission to hunt wherever you’re going.

Handle Firearms Safely

Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction, keep your finger outside the trigger guard until you’re ready to shoot and be certain of your target before firing. Never shoot at movement or sounds you cannot positively identify.

Be Careful in Tree Stands

If you’re hunting from a tree stand, use a properly fitted safety harness and inspect your equipment before climbing. Keep firearms unloaded while climbing and use a haul line to bring equipment into the stand.

Falls from tree stands can result in serious injuries, so don’t take shortcuts when getting into or out of an elevated stand.

Hunting Near Glendale Valley Campground

For hunters planning a trip to central Pennsylvania, Glendale Valley Campground is open during hunting season and is located near some of the area’s popular outdoor recreation. Our campground is close to Prince Gallitzin State Park, where hunting is permitted, and is surrounded by state game lands. Glendale Valley Campground specifically lists its hunting season as running from Nov. 1 through mid-December, making it a convenient option for hunters planning a fall or early winter stay.

That location also makes it easy to combine a hunting trip with other outdoor activities. When you’re finished hunting for the day, you can return to the campground, relax and enjoy the rest of your evening without having to make a long drive back home. For anyone searching for Pennsylvania hunting season campsites, having a campground close to hunting areas can make a multi-day trip considerably easier.

Plan Your 2026 Hunting Trip

If you’re planning to hunt in the Altoona and Glendale area this fall, don’t wait until the last minute to figure out your campsite.

Pennsylvania’s hunting regulations can change from year to year, so use the 2026-27 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest as your final reference before hunting. It contains the current season dates, bag limits, licensing information and regulations.

And if you’re looking for a place to stay during hunting season, Glendale Valley Campground is the spot for you! Book your site today.