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.