Trails and Designated Routes
SGL 42 - Westmoreland County
9 miles - From game lands parking lots along township road T-962, (Furnace Lane), follow game lands road through gate. At maintenance building route splits to left, and straight ahead, with both roads traversing up the west slope of Laurel Ridge. On top of ridge either administrative road is gated before entering upon a common use pipeline that completes the loop connecting the two game lands roads. St. Clair Twp..
SGL 42 - Westmoreland County
2.5 miles - From game lands parking lot along Twp. Route T-619 ( Penrod Road), follow game lands road through gate, past shooting range, continue along game lands administrative road up the west slope to gate at top of Laurel Ridge, where the designated route ends, Ligonier Twp..
SGL 42 - Westmoreland and Somerset counties
3.4 miles - From game lands parking lot at end of Twp. Route T-761 (Jenner Twp.), follow administrative road into game lands then left (southeast) before game lands boundary. Follow road through gate and westward up east slope of Laurel Ridge. Route ends at intersection with pipeline and interior road to communications tower. Jenner Twp., Somerset County; and Ligonier Twp., Westmoreland County.
SGL 50 - Somerset County
5 miles - this designated route begins at a Game Commission shooting range parking area located 200 feet north of the intersection of US 219 and Business Route 219 toward Somerset, off Business Route 219. There is a gate with a stream crossing (administrative vehicle ford) to the right of the parking area, where this trail starts. The road splits on the opposite side of the stream (these forks will merge) and either may be taken. The road continues south, crosses "Twp. Line Road after approximately 2.3 miles, and continues for approximately 2.75 miles where the designated route ends at a parking area.
SGL 51 - Fayette County
5 miles - Zebley Flats. Trail begins at the second Game Commission gate on the left on Greenbriar Road. Trail continues to Dunbar-Ohiopyle Road at the area known locally as Hugh's Strip.
SGL 51 - Fayette County
7 miles - Zebley Flats. Trail begins at the end of Cow Rock Road in Dunbar at a Game Commission gate. Trail continues past Elk Rock to the Game Commission bridge on Morgan Run and Kingan Hill Road.
SGL 105 - Armstrong County
2.1 miles - From a gate on the north side of the township road (T-418) northward on an interior game lands road to a state road (SR4009) at Daman Industries. Bradys Bend Twp..
SGL 108 - Cambria County
3.5 miles - Approximately 1 mile from the village of Dean on State Route SR1016 (Wopsy Road) leaving Rt. 56 traveling toward Altoona there is a gate and parking area on south (right) side of road. This designated route begins at the gate and follows defined game lands road to a large reclaimed mine site. The route will follow defined road circling mine site and will exit a road back to two miles further from Dean.
SGL 108 - Cambria County
4 miles - This designated route begins on the north side of route 865 at the village of Lloydville and continues along old railroad grade down the mountain gap for approximately 4 miles to a point near the Bellwood Reservoir along route 865.
SGL 108 - Cambria County
5 miles - Beginning at the first Game Land parking lot along Long Road on the western side of Glendale Lake, travel along gravel road approximately 1 mile to another parking lot and gate. Go through gate at second lot approximately 0.75 mile to fork. Right fork loops back just under 2 additional miles to Long Road, then traveler may travel Long Road back to starting point. Left fork continues along road proceeding upstream approximately 1.25 mile to another fork where right goes approximately 200 yards to boundary and Chest Twp. Road, left fork proceeds across Killbuck Run to game lands boundary which meets an abandoned township road and legal right-of-way which goes to Cambria Heights High School.
SGL 108 - Cambria County
16.5 miles - Begin along Route 53 approximately 0.25 mile north of Catholic Church in village of Frugality, at this location, take the game land road on east side of 53 for approximately 1 mile (this road open year round) to a parking lot. Take either road behind the two gates located at this parking lot (both roads designated). These two roads merge again 1.1 mile from parking lot, then continue along game land road approximately 0.3 mile to a fork. The right fork will travel on game land road for approximately 2 miles to the Daugherty area, which is located on the Wopsy/Dean state road. The left fork continues along road approximately 2.2 miles to another intersection. The left route will continue another 2.25 mile on to a game land road that is open year round and another 1.25 miles to Route 53. Traveler may take open road east 1.5 miles back to Route 53. Right fork back at the previous split, take game land road 2.5 miles through reclaimed surface mine site to Route 865 just east of the village of Blandburg. Alternate road to route 865 would leave main game land road just before apple tree plantation and east to old railroad grade and along railroad grade for approximately 2.5 miles to route 865. This trail will continue on railroad grade across route 865 onto State Game Land 158 (see SGL-158 open trails).
SGL 108 - Cambria County
2.25 miles - From Parking lot along Marina Road (located just behind Noel's ice cream/hamburger stand), along game lands administrative road approximately 1 mile to reclaimed surface mine site, then along road through mine site looping back approximately another 1.1 mile to Marina Road. The designated route then crosses Marina Road and continues along the administrative road approximately 1.2 miles to gate along St. Augustine Road.
SGL 111 - Somerset County
4 miles - Mayapple Road. The starting point of this route is 39.91603 N, 79.36701 W off Anglers Road just North of Cranberry Road at the Game Commission gate and Mayapple Road sign. This trail is known locally as Joe's Camp Road. Trail ends at Laurel Hill Creek where the trail is blocked.
SGL 111 - Somerset County
6 miles - Maple Summit Road to Augustine Road. The starting point for this route is 39.87263 N, 79.40918 W at the Game Commission boundary and first parking area on Augustine Road. Follow trail to second Game Commission gate on right and onto a Game Commission administrative (grass) road. Trail continues several miles to Conn Road near Draketown.
SGL 111 - Somerset County
10 miles - Jersey Hollow Road. One mile east of the Fayette-Somerset county line to Game Commission parking area and gate on Jersey Hollow Road. Trail starts at Game Commission gate and continues to Conn Road at Game Commission gate. The trail also is open in the opposite direction from the Game Commission parking area and gate. This section of the trail ends at Cranberry Road at the Cranberry Glade Lake dam. This trail is also a snowmobile trail and is well marked.
SGL 117 - Washington County
2.75 miles - This designated route begins just north of the Burgettstown High School on the opposite side of the highway at a game lands parking lot. It proceeds through reclaimed surface mine following a well defined road to another parking lot just off of route 18 north of Burgettstown.
SGL 120 - Clearfield County
4 miles - Along State Route 4017 (Barrens Road), approximately 3 miles north of the village of St. Lawrence, on the right a gravel road leads approximately ¼ mile to a gate. Continuing beyond gate on administrative gravel road for app. 3.25 miles to reservoir and past reservoir another 0.25 mile to top of hill at food plot complex where designated route ends.
SGL 137 - Armstrong County
2.3 miles - From the game lands parking lot on west side of routes 28 & 66, follow the interior game lands road through gate. Route has spur to right and second spur to left off right spur. All routes end prior to herbaceous openings return to beginning via same route. Mahoning Twp..
SGL 153 - Indiana County
1 mile - From game lands gate along Twp. Route T-784 (Oaks Point Road), to where route ends prior to game lands boundary. Burrell Twp..
SGL 153 - Indiana County
2 miles - From game lands parking lot off Twp. Route T-702, through gate, down to and across ford stream crossing (vehicle ford) at Roaring Run, then up the east slope of Chestnut Ridge, ending at intersection with logging road. Wheatfield Twp..
SGL 158 - Cambria County
4.5 miles - From Route 865, travel approximately 0.75 mile along Blandburg Fire Tower Road. At this point travel south (left) 3.75 miles to where designated route ends.
SGL 158 - Cambria County
1.75 miles - From route 865, travel approximately 0.5 mile along Blandburg Fire Tower Road. Turn right and travel north for approximately 1.25 miles, returning to Fire Tower Road.
SGL 158 - Cambria County
Approximately 4.75 miles - From Route 865, travel approximately 2 miles to a game lands gate. Continue beyond the gate on a game lands administrative road for approximately 2.75 miles to where the route ends at Route 453.
SGL 158 - Cambria County
4 miles - This designated route begins on the north side of Route 865 at the village of Lloydsville and continues along an old railroad grade down the mountain gap for approximately 4 miles to a point near the Belwood Reservoir, along route 865.
SGL 174 - Indiana County
23 miles - Due to the past and present practices of mineral extraction, this game land has many miles of administrative roads with a surface that is suitable for use without significant risk of habitat or environmental damage. There is also a 5 mile unimproved dirt township road that bisects the game lands that is suitable for non-motorized travel. All Game Land administrative gravel or "dirt" surface roads within the game land are considered designated routes, and are posted as such. There are multiple herbaceous openings and several gas lines rights-of-way that are planted with grass and have no evidence of a roadway on them, which are not designated or considered open for riding activities.
SGL 203 - Allegheny County
2.5 miles - From the north side of game lands road, a route begins at the rifle range and travels uphill through a gate to at "T" at the top of the hill. The route to the left loops and returns to game lands road, for a 1.25-mile loop. The route to the right will continue for 1.25 miles to a parking area off Mingo Road.
SGL 203 - Allegheny County
1.25 mile - From the south side of Game Land Road, a designated route begins at either of two gates and runs to the other gate for a 1.25-mile loop.
SGL 203 - Allegheny County
1.25 mile - From the parking lot off of Mingo Road, there is a route that travels from east to west for 1.25 mile to a parking area located on Marskmen Park Road.
SGL 223 - Greene County
3.75 miles - Beginning at a parking lot/gate just north of Davistown on the east side of SR2019, this route meanders through the game lands following a well defined administrative road, looping back to SR2019.
SGL 223 - Greene County
1.75 mile - This designated route starts at the first parking area/gate on the north side of Meadow Run Road and meanders north through this portion of the game lands to a parking area/gate on Dunkard Twp. Road (T-624).
SGL 228 - Somerset County
10 miles - This designated route begins at a Game Commission parking area at the edge of the village of Gahagan (of Twp. Route T-792). It follows an internal road that forks and merges twice, crossing a paved road (SR1035) in the process. This route ends at a game lands gate/parking area at the northern end of the game lands along SR1018, east of Central City.
SGL 232 - Washington County
2.25 mile - This designated route begins along route 331 approximately 2.75 miles west of Acheson which lies at the intersection of route 331 and route 221. The internal game lands road leaves route 331 to the south (left) and meanders through the game lands to a parking lot along Dog Run Road.
SGL 245 - Washington County
Approximately 1.3 miles - This designated route begins at the first gated internal Game Land Road on the south side of Quaker Ridge Road: when entering from the east. This route follows a game lands road approximately 1.3 mile to a game lands parking lot on Craft Creek Road.
SGL 245 - Washington County
3.5 miles - This designated route starts on the north side of Quaker Ridge Road and begins at the first parking lot after entering the game lands from the east. This route follows an internal road north to Game Land Road where it will pass another game land parking lot and will continue back down an interior road where it will end at a second parking lot on Quaker Ridge Road approximately 1/4 mile west of the parking area at the beginning.
SGL 247 - Armstrong County
1.1 mile - From game land parking lot past Game Commission maintenance buildings, follow game lands road to pond where the route ends. North Buffalo.
SGL 262 - Indiana County
15 miles - Due to past and present mineral extraction practices, this game land has many miles of administrative roads with surfaces suitable for use without significant risk of habitat or environmental damage. There are also several paved and unpaved township and state roads that wind in and out and through this game land with an approximate 5 mile stretch of unpaved Canoe township road (Frey Cemetery Rd) going directly through the middle of the game land. All game land administrative gravel or dirt surface roads within the game land are considered designated routes, and are posted as such. There are multiple herbaceous openings, gas line rights of way and numerous fields planted to various types of herbaceous cover that are not designated or considered open for riding activities.
SGL 262 - Indiana County
26 miles - Due to the past and present practices of mineral extraction, this game land has many miles of administrative roads with a surface that are suitable for use without the risk of habitat or environmental damage. All game land administrative gravel or "dirt" surface roads within this game land are considered designated routes, and are posted as such. There are multiple herbaceous openings and several gas lines rights of way that are planted with grass and do not have evidence of a roadway on them, which are not designated or considered open.
SGL 273 - Indiana County
4.5 miles - This route consists of a game lands road beginning at a game lands parking lot along Route 954 near Yellow Creek. The route proceeds along a coal haul road for 2 miles where it comes near the game lands boundary and another parking lot along a Brush Valley Twp. Road (Snider Road). The designated road continues in a northern direction leaving this lot and continues down grade to old bridge site on Yellow Creek. The creek may be forded at this location (administrative vehicle ford) to reach the other side and the end of another township road located in Cherry Hill Twp. There is an alternative route that leaves the main road to the east approximately 1/2 mile from the second parking lot. This route is a one-mile segment that runs to a gate along another Brush Valley Twp. Road (Ondo).
SGL 276 - Indiana County
1.75 miles - This route begins at a game lands parking lot on top of Penn View Mountain off of Route 22. The game lands road travels north along an old coal haul road to Hill Drive, a township road. Cross Hill Drive and continue along the internal game lands road through reclaimed surface mines to another un-named township road that comes from the village of Palmertown and dead ends near this route intersection.
SGL 276 - Indiana County
3.25 miles - Designated route begins on the west side of Route 259 approximately 100 yards north of the Blacklick Creek in the village of Heshbon. The game lands road runs approximately 0.75 mile to a split. Both routes will take the traveler to Rhine Road, a dirt township road (left fork coming onto the road approximately 1 mile further on than the right fork). The traveler may take either route, and using Rhine Road, may return on the other fork.
SGL 279 - Cambria County
2.5 miles - This designated route begins at the main parking lot along Vampire Road. The route runs along the main access road for approximately 1 mile past a series of food plots and openings at which point it will consist of a perimeter road around fields which loops back to the main road. The route includes one side road that leaves the main road on the north side approximately 0.5 mile from the parking lot. This road will loop back around and end on the Vampire Road within 100 yards of the main parking lot at the beginning.
SGL 296 - Westmoreland County
1 mile - Off Mt. Etna Road, trail begins at Game Commission gate and parking area. The trail ends at an interior Game Commission parking area and gate.
SGL 42 - Cambria, Somerset, and Westmorland counties
26.2 miles - Traversing two tracts, utilizing existing service roads, trails and pipeline rights-of-way with access near the villages of New Florence and Waterford.
SGL 111 - Somerset County
10 miles - Trail No. 1 - Starting at a parking lot on Legislative Route 55021, approximately 1 mile east of the Fayette-Somerset county line, southwesterly on State Game Lands Road, traversing a loop route and returning to starting point. Trail No. 2 - Starting at the same parking lot, easterly on a power line right-of-way, paralleling Legislative Route 55021, to a state game lands road and to Township Route 312, designated as a snowmobile use route, and onto other lands.
Hunters and trappers with disabilities can find additional information on the Permits for Hunters with Disabilities page. Permitted persons can access state game lands using ATVs on these designated routes.
More than 400 miles of roads are open seasonally on state game lands. Seasonal openings are based on hunting seasons, road conditions and safety. To find the locations of season roads on game lands, please visit our Mapping Center.
Officer Field Reports
- Allegheny County Game Warden Tyler Castronova reminds trappers that all traps must be properly tagged to identify their owners. Ensure the tags can withstand harsh conditions, he advised.
- Allegheny County Game Warden Joshua Douglas reports a recent rise in calls for sick/injured furbearers. Warden Douglas reminds people to not handle such animals as they could be diseased. If there is a concern regarding the condition of a wild animal, it is best to call the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT.
- Armstrong and Indiana Counties LMS Zeb Campbell reports a pheasant hunter used a motorized vehicle to hunt and harvest pheasants. Using a vehicle to locate game is unlawful. The hunter paid fines over $400.
- Armstrong and Indiana Counties LMS Zeb Campbell reports there are many trees stands on state game lands. Tree stands should be removed within two weeks after the last deer season concludes. Leaving tree stands up damages trees and is a violation that could cost $100 to $200 in fines. If leaving the stand causes tree mortality, then replacement cost for the tree can be added to the violation. “Please remove your tree stands from state game lands each year,” Campbell said. “We want a healthy forest for the next generation.”
- Beaver County Game Warden Madison Pugh reports wildlife birthing season quickly is approaching and the public is reminded not to interfere with young wildlife. Wild animals are not pets. Picking up wild animals could pose serious safety concerns for the animal and for you, and it’s also against the law. Please leave young wildlife alone.
- Cambria County Game Warden April Whitsell advises members of the public to ensure their traps are lawfully set, including the identification marker required.
- Fayette County Game Warden Adam Mucha reports that, while patrolling southern Fayette County, he noticed numerous turkey flocks with a lot of longbeards. “It looks like it’s shaping up to be a good spring!” he said.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports citations are being filed against a person that dumped household debris twice – first on private property the owner allows hunting on, then on State Game Lands 179.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports an individual was found guilty of disorderly conduct after citing him for possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Washington County Game Warden Andrew Kopec reports that, with the weather improving, he is noticing an increase in ATV activity on state game lands and Hunter Access properties and plans on increasing patrols in those areas affected.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Zachary Killeen reports he checked many hunters on Loyalhanna property after the late season pheasant stocking. Many of the hunters had successful days in the field.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Bill Brehun reports game wardens, state troopers, search-and-rescue groups and others assisted with a large-scale search of State Game Lands 411. The vehicle belonging to a missing man from New Derry was found in the parking lot at the end of Westinghouse Road. “Thank you to everyone that came out and participated in this joint effort,” Brehun said.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Bill Brehun reports a high amount of snowmobile activity on the designated trails across from State Game Lands 42. As a reminder, it is required to possess and display current and valid DCNR registration stickers and to have insurance on your machines.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Shawn Greevy would like everyone to be mindful of their garbage, birdfeeders, and any other food sources outside as Pennsylvania’s black bears become more active heading into spring and summer.
- Allegheny, Beaver and Washington Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Matt Kramer reports shed hunters have been successful in locating shed antlers the past few weeks. Shed hunters are reminded that the antlers must be “naturally shed” and that antler traps are unlawful as they pose a hazard to bucks that have antlers that are not ready to drop.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports a hunter was found hunting coyotes with hunting dogs. The hunter was sitting in his vehicle waiting for the dogs to pursue a coyote in the area. Upon checking his hunting license and equipment, it was found that he had a loaded firearm in the vehicle as well. One citation for having a loaded firearm in a vehicle was filed.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports with recent competitive predator hunts having taken place, many predator hunters have been seen out pursuing coyotes with hunting dogs. Hunters should be reminded that it is unlawful to use electronic devices and vehicles to locate game or wildlife despite being lawful to use those same devices to locate the hunting dogs.
- Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Chris Bergman reports it’s unlawful to possess wildlife taken from the wild, and it could have a detrimental effect on public safety and the animal itself. Wild animals are easily habituated when they are young and should be left alone. Let WILDLIFE be WILD without human intervention!
- Allegheny County Game Warden Evan McDaniel reports an individual from Coraopolis was charged with setting and maintaining an illegal snare trap for coyotes. This individual did not have a furtaker license and pleaded guilty to the charge, paying a fine of $353.75. Multiple warnings had been issued previously pertaining to the unlawful trap.
- Cambria County Game Warden Michael Ondik reports spring is right around the corner and young wildlife soon will be increasingly encountered. As a friendly reminder, please leave wild animals alone, and if you have any questions or concerns about something you have observed, make sure to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
- Fayette County Game Warden Zachary Hay reports an individual in North Union Township pleaded guilty to the unlawful taking of an antlerless white-tailed deer using bait.
- Fayette County Game Warden Zachary Hay reports that numerous individuals in Dunbar and North Union townships have been cited for littering on property open to hunting. All trash must be placed in a proper receptacle and may not be scattered across the landscape.
- Indiana County Game Warden JD Walker reports an individual was charged with damage to property on State Game Lands 108 for traveling on roads closed to vehicles and damaging three gates.
- Indiana County Game Warden JD Walker reminds citizens black bears will be moving more in the coming weeks, and they should keep a safe distance from bears.
- Indiana County Game Warden Theodore Frumkin reports an Indiana County man pleaded guilty to felony gun charges after he was found to be in possession of two loaded and concealed handguns although he’s a felon who is not to possess firearms. Neither handgun had a serial number.
- Somerset County Game Warden Justin Beltowski reports multiple people have asked if they can possess naturally shed antlers, which are legal to possess.
- Somerset County Game Warden Kyle Lubak reports an individual left a broken-down vehicle on State Game Lands 271. The owner was found, and the vehicle was towed at the owner’s expense. As a reminder, vehicles should not be left on game lands for an extended period.
- Allegheny County Game Warden Evan McDaniel reports a baiting tip received in November turned into criminal charges being filed against four individuals. One individual out of Allegheny County was charged with four counts of taking big game illegally, 21 counts of baiting, one count of obstruction, two counts of false reports, and three license violations. Multiple preliminary hearings are scheduled in February and March for everyone involved in this case.
- Beaver County Game Warden Mike Yeck reports a resident pleaded guilty to charges of shooting through multiple safety zones and causing damage to a house and pickup truck after missing a running antlerless deer. The errant shot traveled 775 yards through several safety zones before striking the attached garage of an occupied residence. The bullet was found on the rear passenger floor of the homeowner’s pickup truck, which was parked inside the garage. Fortunately, no injuries occurred, and all damages were paid for.
- Beaver County Game Warden Mike Yeck reports a resident pleaded guilty to using a centerfire rifle to harvest a 7-point deer during the flintlock muzzleloader season. The subject paid fines totaling over $1,000 and may face revocation of his hunting privileges in the future.
- Cambria County Game Warden Michael Ondik reports a pair of hunters in Cambria County were recently apprehended. The violations addressed included hunting through use of a vehicle, unlawful use of lights while hunting, unlawful taking, and safety zone infractions. “Please remember to refresh yourself on applicable regulations regularly,” Ondik reminded.
- Indiana County Game Warden JD Walker reports an individual pleaded guilty to multiple safety zone violations, using a hunting license not belonging to them and an illegal antlerless deer.
- Indiana County Game Warden JD Walker reports two individuals pleaded guilty to illegal baiting and Disease Management Area violations.
- Indiana County Game Warden Theodore Frumkin reports a habitual game law violator pleaded guilty to trespassing on private property while archery hunting. This was the second time in archery season the man was found to be trespassing on private property without permission.
- Somerset County Game Warden Justin Beltowski reports a trapper who set out a foot-hold trap but did not purchase a furtaker license pleaded guilty to the charges.
- Somerset County Game Warden Kyle Lubak reports now that all the deer hunting seasons have wrapped up, remember to grab your tree stands off state game lands. Any tree stands left behind could result in a citation.
- Washington County Game Warden Andrew Kopec reports a bald eagle was struck and killed by a vehicle along Interstate 79 in Meadowlands. The eagle was believed to have been scavenging on a roadkill in the median of the interstate.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Philip Ferry reports an individual pleaded guilty to having a loaded firearm in his vehicle while he was parked on State Game Lands 296 in Fayette County.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Alexander Purdy reports it is mating season for coyotes and advises the public that they may be seeing paired mates more as they look for possible places to birth and raise their pups. The public should also expect to hear coyotes more often, as they are more vocal at this time of year.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Alexander Purdy reports he is getting more calls for injured/sick raccoons. He advises the public if they see a raccoon acting strangely, do not approach, touch, feed it or pick it up. “They do not want to be your friend,” Purdy said. “They can carry very serious illnesses that can be passed onto people through saliva.”
- Cambria and Somerset Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Brian Witherite reports an individual who was observed road-hunting in Glencoe, and preparing to shoot at turkeys from the road, was found guilty. “This case would’ve gone unnoticed if the husband and wife who observed the incident, and provided photos, didn’t report it,” Witherite said. “As officers charged with protecting our wildlife resources, we are appreciative of the information you provide. As a reminder, reporting a violation is easy through Operation Game Thief and our 24/7 dispatch center 1-833-PGC-HUNT.”
- Cambria and Somerset Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Brian Witherite reports officers in Cambria and Westmoreland Counties have been conducting snowmobile patrol on designated trails. Officers have successfully checked trail-users for compliance and safety.
- Cambria and Somerset Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Brian Witherite would like to thank area sportsmen and landowners who provided observations to turkeys for our winter trapping efforts. We have been successful in trapping, tagging, and collecting data in WMU 2C this winter.
- Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Michael J. Papinchak reports an individual killed a deer with a flintlock on a Sunday. Charges were filed.
- Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Michael J. Papinchak reports two individuals, not wearing orange, were observed loading an antlered deer into a truck during rifle season. The deer was not tagged. Charges were filed.
- Allegheny, Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Michael J. Papinchak reports individuals were unlawfully snowmobiling on property enrolled in the Hunter Access Program.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports a hunter pleaded guilty to multiple citations after an investigation revealed that he had road-hunted, and an 8-point buck was killed from his truck.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports that a 40-year-old male was cited for shooting birds off his neighbor’s bird feeders.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports a hunter is being cited after an investigation showed he had trespassed onto a hunting lease and killed a buck.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Bill Brehun reports a Derry Township man has been charged for shooting a sublegal, protected antlered deer during rifle deer season.
- Allegheny, Beaver and Washington Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Matt Kramer reports the crow population in the City of Pittsburgh continues to thrive. Several thousand crows were reported to be roosting on Mount Washinton during the recent cold snap. The crows filled entire trees and rooftops and could be heard making a racket in the area.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports heavy snowfalls and low temperatures have made less than ideal trapping conditions.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports trespassing calls still were coming in during the recent flintlock deer season. One trespassing issue resulted from a lack of communication between a hunter and a landowner. The landowner had given permission to the hunter to walk on the property, but not specifically to hunt. Hunters are encouraged to gain clear permission to hunt property that is not theirs and written permission is the best type of permission.
- Indiana County Game Warden JD Walker reminds residents to avoid placing food or attractants for wild deer. While it may seem like we are helping the deer during the winter months, it is important to note that feeding deer is illegal in Disease Management Areas and is prohibited for hunting purposes. For more details, please refer to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website or consult the Hunter-Trapper Digest.
- Indiana County Game Warden JD Walker reports multiple firearm incidents in 2024. To ensure safety, always practice proper firearm handling. Before placing any firearm or crossbow inside a vehicle, make sure it is unloaded. Additionally, always maintain safe muzzle awareness and treat every firearm as if it is loaded.
- Washington County Game Warden Andrew Kopec reports a Washington man was cited for hunting antlerless deer in WMU 2A without possessing a valid 2A antlerless deer tag.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Bill Brehun reports that even with the cold temperatures and continuous snow fall many outdoor enthusiasts have not let the weather stop them from getting out hunting and trapping.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Shawn Greevy reports an individual pled guilty to all charges in association to reports of hunters shooting across public roads and inside of safety zones.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Shawn Greevy reports a Fayette County man pled guilty to charges when he was hunting from his stationary vehicle with a loaded firearm. The individual did not possess a permit to use the vehicle as a blind.
- Allegheny, Beaver and Washington Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Matt Kramer reports two individuals were cited for hunting deer using bait during the concurrent firearms deer season. Additionally, one of the individuals was cited for failing to wear the required fluorescent orange safety material. They entered a guilty plea against all charges associated with the violations.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports while patrolling in Indiana County, two disposed deer carcasses were found with an unfilled tag attached to one of the deer. After further investigating, it was found that both deer were taken unlawfully. One was a protected antlered deer tagged with an antlerless tag and the other antlerless deer taken without the appropriate license. Charges were filed.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports that multiple individuals were found hunting during the rifle deer season in possession of old license and/or tags belonging to another person. Hunters are reminded it is unlawful to carry expired licenses, licenses/tags belonging to another, or a previously used tag.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports cold temperatures seem to have slowed down a few hunters, but certainly not all. Flintlock hunters are still being seen around the Penn’s Woods and success is about on par with traditional flintlock seasons.
- Cambria, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Ned Kimmel reports that, while patrolling northern Indiana County, a local trapper was found to be checking traps while not in possession of his furtaker license. While finishing that field check, the trapper alerted me to other traps in the area. While checking the legality of those traps, they were found to be without a durable identification tag as required by law.
- Cambria and Somerset Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Brian Witherite reports pheasant hunters are having success with late season birds on various tracts of state game lands.
- Cambria and Somerset Counties Game Warden Supervisor Sgt. Brian Witherite reports multiple individuals have been cited for operating vehicles on unauthorized areas of state game lands that are posted closed to such travel. As a reminder, designated parking areas are marked with appropriate signage.
- Allegheny County Game Warden Tyler Castronova reminds hunters taking advantage of WMU 2B’s extended firearms antlerless deer season to be sure of their surroundings while in the wood
- Armstrong and Indiana Counties LMS Zeb Campbell reports a pheasant hunter was hunting without a daylight fluorescent orange hat. For safety reasons, small game hunters must wear a minimum of 250 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange colored material on the head, chest and back combined. The hunter paid fines over $100.
- Armstrong and Indiana Counties LMS Zeb Campbell reports a range user was shooting 15-round magazines at the state game lands handgun range. The handgun and rifle ranges have a maximum of six rounds. The shotgun range is three rounds, the same as hunting. The archery range is six arrows down range. The reason is to allow people to check their targets in a timely manner. Any overage of the allotted amount is a violation and can cost $100-$200 in fin
- Beaver County Game Warden Madison Pugh reports charges were filed after an individual shot a buck that did not meet antler restrictions for WMU 2B.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports a hunter was cited for shooting at a pheasant in the safety zone of a residence.
- Greene County Game Warden Brandon Bonin reports several hunters have pleaded guilty for fines that were issued for hunting using bait and having loaded firearms in vehicles.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Bill Brehun reports charges have been filed against a Unity Township man for taking possession of an antlered deer found near his hunting location without having proper harvest tags or permits for the big game animal.
- Westmoreland County Game Warden Bill Brehun reports it is important to be familiar with regulations that protect legal trapping. It is unlawful for an individual, other than the trapper, to take or manipulate a set trap. If you have concerns about traps and whether they’re legal or not, please contact your local warden through our Centralized Dispatch Center at 1-833-PGC-HUNT
- Allegheny, Beaver and Washington Counties Game Warden Group Supervisor Sgt. Matt Kramer reminds wildlife enthusiasts who have bluebird boxes on their property to take some time to remove any nesting material in the boxes. Although the winter months don’t remind us of bluebirds, spring will be here before we know it.