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Official website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means it's official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 

    Hunting is probably the biggest recreational activity on the forest. Other than a few safety zones around buildings, hunting is permitted throughout the state forest.

    Over 120 acres of wildlife food plots are maintained on the forest. Every year thousands of people travel from the metropolitan areas of Pennsylvania and neighboring states to hunt deer, turkey, bear, and grouse. Each year additional antlerless deer hunting opportunities are provided through the Deer Management Assistance Program.

    During early muzzleloader and rifle deer season over 60 miles of gated roads are open for vehicle traffic to allow hunters better access. The district also provides over four thousand acres that are open to hunting by disabled hunters on all-terrain vehicle​ with special permits.

    Grouse hunting is especially popular in the Susquehannock State Forest. A map of recent timber management areas that provide good grouse habitat and enhanced hunting opportunities is available online and from the district office. See the Grouse Hunters Map of the Susquehannock State Forest (PDF) for more information.

    Sunday Hunting

    Hunting is permitted on Sundays on state forest lands in accordance with dates established by the PA Game Commission. 

    Hunters must be aware that hunting opportunities often differ between state forests and state parks. It is the hunter's responsibility to know where and when hunting is permitted on DCNR lands.

    If in doubt, always contact the forest district or state park in advance of your hunt to be sure hunting is permitted.