Pennsylvania Game Commission gives recommendations for successful deer harvest
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Over the long term, hunters in Pennsylvania take, on a per-square-mile basis, more deer than their counterparts almost anywhere in the country, according to a news release from the state Game Commission.
According to the National Deer Association and the game commission news release, buck harvests over the decade averaged 3.2 per square mile, right in keeping with last year's take.
"Of course, the buck harvest per square mile varies between individual Wildlife Management Units, with some producing more than others," the news release said. "WMU 2D, for example, produced 4.9 bucks per square mile each season over the last three, on average. That was tops in Pennsylvania."
Pennsylvania's antlerless deer harvest, meanwhile, broken down on a per-square-mile-basis, also annually ranks among the best in the U.S.
"Success in harvesting deer starts with scouting and knowing the land," said David Stainbrook, deer and elk management section supervisor for the Game Commission, according to the news release. "But patience and putting in time are important, too. Persistence matters, as one additional day hunting can make the difference between a successful season and an unsuccessful one."
"Pennsylvania's firearms deer season draws more than 600,000 hunters to Penn's Woods every year and it's not hard to see why," said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans, according to the news release. "A productive deer herd that, thanks to antler point restrictions, includes a high proportion of adult bucks, spread out across the Commonwealth, together with a season that's as user friendly as any we've offered, set the stage for an exciting time. I can't wait."
Field conditions
The game commission recommends hunting where the foods "favored by wildlife are most abundant and you just might get to fill a tag," the news release said.
Hard mast -- specifically acorns -- are very sporadic this year. Paul Weiss, chief of the Game Commission's forestry division, said multiple regions of the state report poor acorn crops this fall, something that can be blamed on consecutive years of heavy spongy moth defoliation coupled with drought conditions in 2022.
There are still pockets of moderate red oak acorn production, Weiss said, especially on State Game Lands sprayed to control spongy moths during the past two years. Since red oak acorns take two years to mature, stands that were sprayed last year are producing acorns now even if they were damaged this past spring. White and chestnut oak acorn crops are also down compared to last year in areas not impacted by spongy moths. Hunters will have to search a bit to find those places where they're most plentiful, the news release said.
Hickory nuts, the game commission says, are fairly consistent this year. Weiss said there are pretty good crabapple, hawthorn, and grape crops in most places, if not in the same abundance as 2021.
In all cases, deer generally make a mess wherever they eat, so it shouldn't be hard to determine whether they're using an area. When setting up a hunting stand, use the prevailing wind to your advantage. It should blow from where you expect to see deer to your location. Finally, wear clothing appropriate for the weather and sit tight.
Licenses
Hunters are permitted to harvest one antlered deer with a valid general hunting license, which costs $20.97 for adult residents and $101.97 for adult nonresidents.
To take an antlerless deer, a hunter must possess either a valid antlerless deer license or valid Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permit, according to the news release. A mentored hunter under the age of 7 cannot apply for their own antlerless license or DMAP permit but can harvest an antlerless deer if an antlerless license or DMAP permit is transferred to them by a mentor at the time of harvest.
Antlerless deer licenses can be used anywhere within the Wildlife Management Unit for which they're issued.
A DMAP permit can be used only on the specific property for which it is issued.
Some DMAP permits might remain available on private and public properties throughout the state. Visit the Game Commission's website to learn more about where they are available.
Mentored hunting permits, meanwhile, are available to hunters of all ages. Mentored hunters ages 7 and older receive an antlered deer harvest tag with their permit. Those under 7 must receive deer harvest tags from their mentors. A mentor can transfer an antlered deer harvest tag and an antlerless license and/or DMAP permit to a mentored hunter under 7.
Mentored hunters ages 7 and older can apply for one antlerless deer license, the news release said. They can also apply for DMAP permits, following the same regulations as adults.
Mentored hunting permit fees are $2.97 for residents and nonresidents under 12; $6.97 for residents 12 to 16; $41.97 for nonresidents 12 to 16; $20.97 for residents 17 and older; and $101.97 for nonresidents 17 and older.
Hunters 12 or older who are certified through the Game Commission's Hunter-Trapper Education program qualify to purchase general hunting licenses, which provide more privileges. Certified hunters 12 to 16 can obtain junior licenses, the least expensive of which cost $6.97 for residents and $41.97 for nonresidents.
Those holding senior lifetime licenses are reminded they must obtain a new antlered deer harvest tag each year, free of charge, to participate in the season.
General hunting licenses can be purchased online, but as the season nears, hunters might find it better to purchase licenses in person, the news release said. Hunters can carry a digital version of their general license afield, but still need their paper harvest tags. Deer licenses purchased online are mailed, meaning those harvest tags might not arrive in time if purchased too close to the start of the season.
Hunters are reminded the field possession of expired licenses or tags, or another hunter's licenses or tags, is unlawful.
Deer season regulations
Rules regarding the number of points a legal buck must have on one antler vary by wildlife management unit, according to the news release. For a complete breakdown of antler restrictions, WMU boundaries and other regulations, check the 2022-23 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which is provided to hunters when they purchase their licenses and is also available online at the Game Commission's website, www.pgc.pa.gov.
Deer hunters everywhere statewide are required to wear at all times a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on their head, chest and back combined, visible from 360 degrees, during the firearms deer season. An orange hat and vest will satisfy the mandate.
Nonhunters who might be afield during deer season and other hunting seasons should also wear orange. On state game lands between Nov. 15 and Dec. 15, nonhunters are legally required to meet the 250-square-inch fluorescent orange requirement.
Hunters who harvest a deer are required to affix a valid tag to the ear -- not an antler -- before the deer is moved, the news release said. The tag must be completed with a ballpoint pen and notched or cut with the correct date of harvest. Hunters must report the harvest to the Game Commission within 10 days. Harvests can be reported online at www.huntfish.pa.gov, by calling 1-800-838-4431 or by mailing in the postage-paid cards that are provided in the digest.