Small Game Season Coming Soon

Like some other outdoor writers, I'm unsure about how to approach writing a column about small-game hunting. Hunting for squirrels, rabbits, pheasants, and Pennsylvania's beleaguered grouse, which was a major outdoor activity for sportsmen when I was young, is only a minor type of hunting for present-day sportsmen, many who are locked in to putting their tags on whitetails.

Squirrel season, which began on Sept. 10, has basically been ignored locally. I have not seen even one squirrel hunter on my trips around the Cove since then. You wouldn't know the junior hunt for rabbits began on Oct. 1. There have been few orange-clad young hunters being introduced to this sometimes fast-paced type of hunt in our local area.

This Saturday (Oct. 8) might be a little different. This is the opening day of the one-week junior hunt for pheasants. Some areas offer special hunts for the juniors. Around here, if a hunter is aware of a spot where pheasants have been stocked by the game commission, he might want to take a junior partner there for what could be an exciting hunt.

The regular small-game seasons for rabbits and ruffed grouse begin the following week, on Oct. 15. The statewide pheasant season begins a week later on Oct. 22. The daily limit for rabbits is four, while only two grouse or pheasants may be taken during one day. The possession limit for rabbits is 12, while the possession limit for grouse and pheasants is only six birds.

Obeying the orange law is important for small-game hunters. A minimum of 250 square inches of orange must be displayed on the head, chest, and back combined, and it must be worn at all times while hunting for squirrels, rabbits, grouse, and pheasants. Also, it is unlawful to hunt small game in parties of more than six hunters. (This six-person limit does not apply to dove or waterfowl hunters when hunting from blinds or stationary positions.)

Small-game hunting really is a great way to introduce young sportsmen to hunting. Unlike the long waits experienced between shooting opportunities for deer, small-game hunters can often obtain multiple shots at various small-game animals during a hunt. This action should help keep a young person interested in hunting. (This action could also help experienced hunters remain interested.)

Will I be small-game hunting? Probably not. I'll be chasing trout. I've already enjoyed one "trout goofy day" this fall when the fish were biting indiscriminately. I hope to enjoy a few more of these adventures prior to the one-week turkey season.