Pennsylvania Game Commission- Southeast Region

10/23/2026

High atop the mountains of southcentral Pennsylvania along the Kittatinny Ridge lies one of the best hawk watch locations in the state, Waggoner’s Gap.

This area records higher annual flyover of raptors than any other location in Pennsylvania, typically between 15,000 to 30,000 in a four-month period. It’s the second oldest organized hawk watch in the United States, boasting 68 years of migratory bird data collection.

Several years ago, the National Audubon Society offered to donate three parcels of land, totaling around 137 acres, to the Pennsylvania Game Commission to expand State Game Lands 230 in Cumberland and Perry counties. With this addition, State Game Lands 230 now encompasses nearly 1,300 acres.

But this land transfer was much more unique than our typical transfers for many different reasons. The multi-faceted coordinated effort by agency staff presents the opportunity for wildlife viewing for a large group of Pennsylvanians. With the proximity to Harrisburg, Carlisle, and York, it allows the agency to highlight events and invite the public to enjoy this exciting wildlife destination. But most notably, hunting is restricted on parts of the property, centrally located around the hawk watch points.

Through a partnership with Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, we’re able to pull together and maintain staffing for the hawk watch throughout migration. Dedicated counters record crucial data on raptors and lend a hand in educating visitors on what they can see at Waggoner’s Gap.

Since gaining ownership of the property, the Game Commission has made several upgrades to the area to increase functionality and better the visitor experience, including: expanded parking lots and road access, permanent structures for seasonal restrooms, trail improvements, picnic tables and garbage cans, interpretive signage, and agricultural improvements.

This past week on a foggy fall morning, we celebrated this new chapter at Waggoner’s Gap with a dedication and ribbon cutting ceremony. We were joined by representatives from Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, Senator Greg Rothman, State Representative Perry Stambaugh, and Board of Game Commissioners Rob Mitrick, along with several Game Commission staff members who played a crucial role in this project.

To learn more about Waggoner’s Gap and any of the other exciting hawk watches in Pennsylvania, visit https://bit.ly/4BDiwV4.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association | National Audubon Society | Pennsylvania Game Commission | Pennsylvania Game Commission- Southeast Region | Pennsylvania Game Commission-Southcentral Region | Senator Greg Rothman | PA State Rep. Perry Stambaugh | Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch

10/09/2026

Well, that didn’t go as planned!

We regret to announce that due to the forecasted weather on Sunday, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s State Game Lands 110 Driving Tour in Berks County.

We were looking forward to showcasing our beautiful state game lands and highlighting the work of our dedicated employees, but due to the potential for treacherous road conditions, and keeping safety in mind, we decided to cancel the event.

We hope you’ll join us next week for the State Game Lands 211 Tour in Dauphin County on October 18 from 10 p.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine!

We appreciate your understanding and hope to see you next week!

10/09/2026

Attention pheasant hunters 🟠

Pheasant stocking at the Muddy Run Cooperative Wildlife Management Area in Martic Township, Lancaster County will be changing slightly this year.

Due to construction near the parking area off River and Furniss Roads, pheasants will not be released within their construction zone. (39.818381, -76.286277)

Pheasants will still be released on the Muddy Run property just not in the immediate vicinity of the pipeline work.

For additional information on 2026 pheasant allocations and stocking locations, visit our website or the link in comments.

10/07/2026

Don't forget, this weekend kicks off our Southeast Region State Game Lands Driving Tours!

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

Join us this weekend at State Game Lands 110 in Berks County!

Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
State Game Lands 110, Berks County — Starting Point: (40.548664, -76.052636) Mountain Road gate, approx. five miles west of Hamburg.

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.

🛻 Sunday, October 11, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
State Game Lands 110, Berks County — Starting Point: (40.548664, -76.052636) Mountain Road gate, approx. five miles west of Hamburg.

🛻 Sunday, October 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
State Game Lands 211, Dauphin County — Starting Point: (40.40605, -76.818197) Ellendale Forge gate, six miles east of Dauphin.

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

10/05/2026

🔸️ 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.

09/30/2026

While bear archery season is underway in WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D, there’s not quite the crisp, cool autumn air we all hope for.

If you harvest a bear on an unseasonably warm day, plan ahead and take extra precautions to prevent spoilage. Here are some tips to help keep you ready for that exciting harvest:
- Place a 3- to 4- inch stick in the bear’s mouth, before rigor mortis sets it, to aid in the check process.
- Once you tag your bear, field dress immediately to begin the cooling process.
- Consider removing the hide and quartering your bear to help meat cool faster.
- If not quartering, consider a game cart, drag sled, or tarp to speed up transport.
- On warm days, pack ice inside of the carcass to aid in cooling.
- Keep your bear off the ground to aid in cooling.
- If using a processor, be sure to check ahead of time they accept bears for processing.

As a reminder, all harvested bears are required to be checked within 24 hours by the Game Commission. Only the bear’s tagged head and hide, along with your licenses, are required to be checked. For these early seasons, call 1-833-PGC-HUNT for instructions to have your bear checked. Be sure to also know the date, time, and approximate location of the harvest.

By being prepared, you can ensure your hunt is not only memorable, but you stay safe and healthy too.

Thanks for being a Pennsylvania bear hunter and good luck this season!

09/29/2026

When you think of bigger cities in Pennsylvania, you probably don’t think of hunting. When you think of a wildlife refuge, you surely don’t think of hunting. But could you?

At the John Heinz and Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuges, they use hunting as a management tool as well as an opportunity for many who never venture too far from their homes in urban Pennsylvania.

The mentored deer hunts at these refuges are special, and often life-changing, for both the mentees and mentors.

These meaningful experiences are a collaboration between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the National Deer Association, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

These hunts bring everything together to provide an experience that combines new skills and knowledge to connect people to our natural resources and take an active part in conservation. These new hunters learn everything they need to continue hunting on their own, and they also gain someone to reach out to for support.

Learning from an experienced hunter is a great way to start your hunting journey. Or on the other hand, you can share your passion for hunting and the outdoors as a mentor. Learn more about becoming a mentor at the link in our comments.



U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service | National Deer Association | Pennsylvania Game Commission- Southeast Region | Pennsylvania Game Commission- Northeast Region | John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge At Tinicum | Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge | Mentored Hunting | National Wildlife Refuge Day

09/24/2026

Fall is officially here, and with cooler weather headed our way, we all have hunting season on the brain! 🍁

What better way to scratch that itch than by joining us at Middle Creek Visitors Center for our annual National Hunting and Fishing Day event this Sunday, September 27 beginning at 11:00 a.m.

For more event details, check out the post below or click the link for the full event schedule, map, and list of vendors: https://bit.ly/4yZuGp6

We hope to see you there!

09/19/2026

Statewide deer archery season starts in just a few weeks on October 3, but for some, the hunt starts today!

If you hunt in WMUs 2B, 5C, or 5D, today, Saturday, September 19 is your opening day for both deer and bear archery seasons. Both seasons run through Friday, November 27, and include all Sundays.

If you don’t have your 2026-27 hunting license, visit any in-person license agent to purchase, PLUS WMUs 2B and 5C still have antlerless licenses remaining.

For additional details on seasons, bag limits, and more, visit https://bit.ly/2627Digest.

Good luck, have fun, and hunt safely! Thanks for being a Pennsylvania archery hunter!

09/16/2026

Attention users of State Game Lands 326 - Schuylkill County ⚠️

Due to the extensive road construction project on State Route 61, north of Saint Clair, State Game Lands 326 access to the west side via State Route 61, will be closed for the foreseeable future.

All access to this game lands will be from the east via a seasonal access road off Burma Road.

This seasonal access road will be open starting Saturday, September 19.

See map in comments for additional information.