Pennsylvania · Deer · 2026–27 Edition
Pennsylvania Deer Season 2026–27: Dates, Zones & Bag Limits
Oct 3 — mark it
Mark it.
2026–27 Edition
01 — Seasons by method
| Method | Zones | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Archery | Statewide | Oct 3 – Nov 20 |
| Archery (late) | Statewide | Dec 26 – Jan 24 |
| Archery (early) | WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D | Sep 19 – Nov 27 |
| Antlerless muzzleloader | Statewide | Oct 17 – Oct 25 |
| Regular firearms | Statewide | Nov 28 – Dec 13 |
| Flintlock | Statewide | Dec 26 – Jan 24 |
02 — Bag limits
| Statewide | 1 antlered deer per license year (antler restrictions apply) |
|---|---|
| Antlerless | One antlerless deer per required antlerless license; licenses allocated by WMU. See PGC. |
03 — Shooting hours
Legal light on opening day (October 3, 2026) 06:39 — 19:18
Rule: One-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset (per PGC regs) — confirm deer-specific. (Shooting-hours rule not yet independently verified against the agency.) Sunrise/sunset shift daily — the times above are computed for opening day; use your local Pennsylvania sun times for any other date.
04 — License
A Pennsylvania hunting license and deer permit are required. A dedicated Pennsylvania license page — costs, age rules and where to buy — is coming; for now, buy and read the rules straight from the agency.
Pennsylvania licenses & permits — Pennsylvania Game Commission →
05 — FAQ
When does deer season start in Pennsylvania?
The earliest 2026–27 opener is October 3, 2026 (archery). Gun and muzzleloader dates differ — see the table above.
When does deer season end in Pennsylvania?
The latest 2026–27 closing date is January 24, 2027. Individual methods and zones close on their own dates.
Verified · Pennsylvania Game Commission · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Statewide dates from the PGC 2026-27 Seasons & Bag Limits (final approval April 11, 2026). Seasons include the Sundays within their ranges. Antlerless licenses are allocated by WMU; some WMUs have earlier/extended seasons.