Agency to Examine Longer Seasons

In response to requests from hunters, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners on Jan. 25 directed agency wildlife-management staff to examine the potential biological impacts of extending the archery deer season to the start of the statewide general bear season, and opening the raccoon hunting season earlier in October.

There was extensive public testimony at today’s meeting in support of creating a longer archery season that would allow bowhunters to hunt deeper into the whitetail rut, and at least one suggestion that raccoon season should run longer in light of reduced hunting participation over the years.

Game Commission staff will report back to the board at a future meeting.