Hunting in Pennsylvania: Top Spots for Hunting in the Keystone State

The state of Pennsylvania is full of forests, waterways, and farmland. It is known as one of the best places in the nation to hunt deer. The Bleacher Report ranked Pennsylvania fifth in the nation for best places to hunt big bucks.

In addition to deer, there are rampant opportunities to hunt turkeys, squirrels, and other game. The following are five of the top spots for hunting in Pennsylvania:

1. State Game Land 223
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, this 7,200-acre reserve is located in Greene County, which is slightly more than an hour from Pittsburgh. Deer are plentiful on this public land, which contains hardwood forests, old apple orchards, and crop fields. According to Field & Stream magazine, reverting farm fields help contain the deer on the land, which contributes to a hunt that yields predictably high.

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2. Cooperative Farm-Game Program and Cooperative Safety Zone Program Lands
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, this private land has been leased for public access. These 5,00 acres are located in the Pittsburgh area; urban areas are where some of the largest bucks have been killed in recent years in Pennsylvania.

Much of the land consists of small farms and urban lots, although a good portion of it is open access. Some spots require permission from the owners. However, according to Field & Stream magazine, the extra work is worth it.

3. Wildlife Management Unit 2F
Located in northern Pennsylvania, this region comprises the Allegheny National Forest. In 2012, there was an above-average turkey hatch, according to Game & Fish. This translates to better hunting in the following few years.

The area posted an above-average success rate in 2012. Though the forested area can hinder hunting, there are turkeys available for hunters willing to look hard and be creative.

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4. Moshannon State Forest
Best for hunting deer, turkey, grouse, and black bear, the Moshannon State Forest is located in northern Pennsylvania. It is located in a transition region between the hardwood forests of the north and the oak and hickory forests of the south.

The state of Pennsylvania allows hunting in virtually all of the Moshannon State Forest, excepting a few safety areas near highly populated areas.

5. Caledonia State Park
The many creeks and rivers that run through Caledonia State Park are popular for anglers seeking brown trout, rainbow trout, brook trout, and warm water game fish. The park allows hunting on 740 acres; deer, turkey, squirrel, and rabbit are common targets. However, woodchuck hunting is prohibited.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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