The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has published its comprehensive 2026‑27 hunting calendar, offering a range of education courses and clear bag limits for a variety of game species. The schedule emphasizes youth participation, family safety, and responsible stewardship of the Commonwealth’s abundant wildlife resources.
Education Courses for Young Hunters
Three core courses are now open for online registration, each requiring participants to be at least 11 years old. The Hunter‑Trapper Independent Study Course provides a two‑ to three‑hour classroom test after students complete an 8‑10‑hour online study module. The Successful Turkey Hunting program follows a similar format, with a printed manual available by phone for those who prefer a hard copy. Finally, the Successful Furtaking class requires completion of an online manual before attending the one‑day field session.
These programs are designed to teach safety, ethics and proper handling techniques, ensuring that the next generation of hunters upholds the traditions that have long supported Pennsylvania families and rural economies.
Weekly Sporting Clays at Fairbank Rod and Gun Club
For shooters seeking recreational practice, the Fairbank Rod and Gun Club hosts sporting clays every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. The club maintains an active Facebook page for updates and community interaction.
Bowhunter Education
All participants must first complete the statewide Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course online before registering for the Successful Bowhunting field day. This ensures that bowhunters are fully versed in safety protocols and wildlife management before heading into the field.
2026‑27 Hunting Seasons and Bag Limits
Squirrel, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): A special junior season runs September 12‑27 with a daily limit of six and an 18‑animal possession limit after the second day. The regular season continues through December 24, with a brief pause for the holidays, and resumes January 1‑28, 2027.
Ruffed Grouse: October 17‑December 24, two birds per day, six in possession.
Rabbit (Cottontail): A junior‑only season runs October 3‑18, four per day, 12 in possession. The regular season runs October 17‑December 24 and again after the holidays.
Pheasant: A special junior season October 10‑18 allows two per day, six in possession. The regular season runs October 24‑December 24 and resumes after the holidays. Hunters should note that pheasant hunting is prohibited in designated Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas unless an executive order permits it.
Bobwhite Quail: Open September 1‑December 24 and again through March 31, 2027, with no daily limit, except in the Letterkenny Army Depot Recovery Area.
Woodchuck (Groundhog): Open December 15‑June 30, 2025 and July 1‑December 24, 2026, with no limit.
Hare (Snowshoe Rabbit) or Varying Hare: December 26‑31 statewide, one per day, three in possession.
Wild Turkey (Fall): Multiple Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) have staggered windows from October 31‑November 27, with specific dates varying by unit. Hunters should consult the PGC website for exact WMU boundaries.
Spring Gobbler (Bearded Turkey): A special junior season runs April 24‑25, 2027, allowing one gobbler per hunter. The regular spring season runs May 2‑30, with a daily limit of one and a season limit of two for those holding a special wild turkey license.
Deer Seasons
Archery deer seasons are available statewide from October 3‑November 20 and again after the holidays, with one antlered and one antlerless deer permitted per license year. Additional antlerless‑only seasons are offered for muzzleloaders (October 17‑25) and special firearms (October 22‑25), with eligibility extending to junior hunters, disabled veterans, and seniors.
Regular‑firearms deer season runs November 28‑December 13, while extended regular‑firearms seasons for antlerless deer continue through January 24, 2027, including special provisions for properties enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program.
Black Bear Seasons
Archery bear seasons are divided by WMU, with daily limits of one bear per license year across all zones. Muzzleloader and special‑firearms bear seasons run October 22‑25, with similar one‑bear limits.
How to Register
All courses and seasons require online registration through the PGC website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). For those without internet access, the PGC Hunter‑Trapper Education Division can mail printed manuals to the phone number 717‑787‑7015, Monday‑Friday, 8 a.m.‑4 p.m.
These comprehensive schedules and educational opportunities reflect Pennsylvania’s commitment to preserving hunting traditions, supporting family recreation, and managing wildlife responsibly for future generations.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
