Pennsylvania Game Commission - Northcentral Region

10/31/2026

Two seasons in, and two more to go!

Today, Saturday, October 31, marks the beginning of the Second Regular Elk Season which runs through Sunday, November 8. in Pennsylvania.

Of the 51 hunters heading a field in hopes of filling a tag of a lifetime, 26 were awarded a bull tag and 25 a cow tag.

The annual public elk check station will be open once again at the Elk Country Visitor Center, in Benezette, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., daily.

The elk check station provides an opportunity to learn more about how hunting is conservation, get an inside look at the agency’s elk management program, and potentially see some record-breaking bulls!

Can’t make it to the elk check station but want to know more? Track Pennsylvania elk harvests from home with our real-time elk harvest page at https://www.pgcapps.pa.gov/Harvest/Elk
*Please note: The data on this page is considered preliminary until official numbers are released after the season is closed.

If you’re a Pennsylvania elk hunter, we want to share in your excitement! Share your stories and photos with us by emailing [email protected].

Good luck. Have fun. Hunt safely.

10/07/2026

How did you celebrate National Hunting and Fishing Day this year? 🏹🎣

The Game Commission was excited to join the Fish and Boat Commission for a special day of outdoor learning at Bald Eagle State Park.

Participants had the opportunity to try their hand at archery, learn the basics of fishing, and discover more about the conservation of Pennsylvania’s wildlife, including the Eastern bluebird.

It was a great day celebrating hunting and fishing while connecting with and enjoying Pennsylvania’s natural resources!

Special thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for hosting this exciting event.

10/05/2026

Calling all educators, we have WILD workshops for you!

Join the Pennsylvania Game Commission for two days of hands-on environmental education professional development. You can register for either workshop individually or attend both!

Location: Camp Lavigne, Benton, PA
Dates: October 20 & 21

Both workshops are FREE and open to formal and nonformal educators working with students of all ages.

Tuesday, October 20 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | Flying WILD Educator Workshop
Explore fun, hands-on ways to bring bird conservation into your lessons. Discover engaging, standards-aligned activities focused on bird biology, migration, habitat, and conservation that you can take directly back to your students.

Wednesday, October 21 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | Project Learning Tree: Explore Your Environment
Explore hands-on activities designed for students in grades K–8, with a focus on habitats and forests. The collection includes enrichment experiences, recommended reading, forest facts, posters, charts, and more.

Workshop details:
- Meals provided both days
- Earn Act 48 Hours
- Overnight lodging available upon request for those attending both days

Registration is REQUIRED for each workshop and space is limited. Register now: https://tinyurl.com/y94rxhfd

For all other questions, contact Jake Smith at [email protected].

10/02/2026

🔸️ IMPORTANT REMINDER 🔸️

New regulations require ALL state game lands users NOT engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing to wear fluorescent orange from October 1 through January 31.

Users are required to wear a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on head, chest, and back combined OR a fluorescent orange hat.

Our goal is to ensure ALL users, hunters and non-hunters alike, are as safe as possible on state game lands 365 days a year!

As a reminder, be respectful when using public land as other outdoorsmen and women may be nearby. Be mindful of current open seasons and be aware of your surroundings.

Have you heard about the changes this year?

New regulations require ALL state game lands users NOT engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing to wear fluorescent orange from October 1 through January 31.

Users are required to wear a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on head, chest, and back combined OR a fluorescent orange hat.

Here are some extra tips for enjoying state game lands this fall:

- If you have a pet with you, we highly recommend a vest, harness, leash, or bandana.

- Backpacks can limit your 360 degrees of visibility. Add a bandana or covering to your backpack to ensure you're seen.

- Even if you’re horseback riding, you’re REQUIRED to meet orange requirements, regardless of safety equipment being worn. It’s suggested to have orange on your horse as well.

Our goal is to ensure ALL users, hunters and non-hunters alike, are as safe as possible on state game lands 365 days a year!

For full details, check your 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Digest or visit our website at bit.ly/PGCDigest.

As a reminder, be respectful when using public land as other outdoorsmen and women may be nearby. Be mindful of current open seasons and be aware of your surroundings.

10/02/2026

*UPDATE*

Indian Run Road and Haver Run Road, both seasonal access roads on State Game Lands 30 in McKean County, are now reopened after completing necessary bridge repairs.

We greatly appreciate your patience!

*UPDATE*
Indian Run Road and Haver Run Road, both seasonal access roads on State Game Lands 30 in McKean County, are now reopened after completing necessary bridge repairs.

Attention users of State Game Lands 30 - McKean County ⚠️

Due to road work, as well as bridge construction, the seasonal opening of two access roads will be delayed. The roads affected with this delayed opening are Indian Run Road and Havens Run Road.

Updates will be provided as soon as possible on opening dates.

All other seasonal access roads will open on Saturday, September 19.

As a reminder, you can use our all-new Pennsylvania Game Commission Mapping Center to find everything from seasonal road opening and closing dates, parking lot locations, disabled access routes, and more at https://bit.ly/PAMappingCenter.

09/21/2026

YOU could plant the seed!

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is HIRING seasonal game farm workers at Howard Nursery in Centre County.

We're searching for passionate, motivated individuals with a strong work ethic and the willingness to learn to join the team for the upcoming season — no prior experience necessary.

Help support PGC’s conservation mission through hands-on work in seedling processing, nursery operations, grounds maintenance, assisting in the woodshop, and other physical outdoor projects.

Expected Schedule: Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Season Duration: Approximately 18 weeks, 40 hours/week, up to 749 hours
*Hourly wages to be discussed

This is a great learning opportunity for those who are looking to work outdoors, build new skills, and contribute to supporting wildlife habitat efforts.

Interested? Complete an application today: https://bit.ly/4fPxqhS

Please email your completed application and include any supporting documentation to [email protected]

Help grow Pennsylvania's natural resources and plant the seed for conservation!

09/17/2026

*UPDATE*
Indian Run Road and Haver Run Road, both seasonal access roads on State Game Lands 30 in McKean County, are now reopened after completing necessary bridge repairs.

Attention users of State Game Lands 30 - McKean County ⚠️

Due to road work, as well as bridge construction, the seasonal opening of two access roads will be delayed. The roads affected with this delayed opening are Indian Run Road and Havens Run Road.

Updates will be provided as soon as possible on opening dates.

All other seasonal access roads will open on Saturday, September 19.

As a reminder, you can use our all-new Pennsylvania Game Commission Mapping Center to find everything from seasonal road opening and closing dates, parking lot locations, disabled access routes, and more at https://bit.ly/PAMappingCenter.

09/16/2026

09/12/2026

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but can a seasoned hunting dog or maybe the dog’s handler teach you something new?

That could be the case this fall if you’re looking for a new hunting adventure!

Beginning in the 2026-27 seasons, the Game Commission has expanded what was formerly known as junior pheasant hunts to include junior and all mentored hunters this fall with mentored pheasant hunts.

Mentored pheasant hunts are designed to provide new hunters with a unique opportunity to gain experience outside of deer hunting. Hunters can register for free events that are hosted by sportsmen’s clubs across our state. These host clubs will often provide mentors, hunting dogs with their handlers, and additional opportunities the day of the event.

Northcentral Region:
Hosted by North Central PA Pheasants Forever Chapter #630 on State Game Lands 44 in Brockport – Elk County

These events are open to all resident and nonresident junior hunting license holders and mentored permit holders.

All hunters will need a pheasant hunting permit — there is no additional cost for junior and mentored hunters under the age of 17 and a $26.97 cost for those 17 and older.

If you have questions about these programs, email [email protected]. Visit https://bit.ly/MentoredPheasant to find an event near you or register today!

09/10/2026

We’re ready to get off the beaten path and go for a drive… wanna join us?

It’s time once again for state game lands driving tours across our state, showcasing hunting and trapping opportunities, all while enjoying Pennsylvania’s beautiful fall scenery.

Tours are FREE, held rain or shine, and open only to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads.

🛻 Friday, October 16, from 2 to 6 p.m.
State Game Lands 311, Elk County — Starting Point: (41.3410471, -78.3692054) Winslow Hill Viewing Area Parking lot in Benezette.

To find driving tours outside of the Northcentral Region, be sure to visit the other Game Commission regional pages or check out the full listing at: https://bit.ly/2026SGLTours.