Skip Ribbon Commands
Skip to main content
An Official Pennsylvania Government Website
Translate
Begin Main Content Area

Hunting at Gifford Pinchot State Park

About 1,780 acres are open to hunting and trapping from fall archery season through the end of the traditional winter seasons. Dog training is permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Common game species are:

  • Deer
  • Rabbit
  • Squirrel
  • Waterfowl

Because of the adjacent residential development and the many non-hunting visitors, special regulations apply to all hunting in the park:

  • Hunting weapons are restricted to bows and arrows until November 1 -- when shotgun and muzzleloader use are also permitted.
  • Center fire rifles and handguns for hunting in the park are prohibited.

Detailed information about hunting in the park is available at the park office.

To help protect the safety of hunters, non-hunting visitors, and nearby residents, signs designating hunting areas, no hunting areas, and safety zones are posted throughout the park.

Hunters should be especially alert for other park visitors who may not be familiar with hunting and for safety zones near park buildings and private residences in and around the park.

DCNR’s Bureau of State Parks reserves the right to participate in or conduct special hunts at other times if necessary to adequately control specific wildlife populations or to conserve park resources. Please contact the park office if you have any questions or need more specific information.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Complete information about hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania is available from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Firearms Safety

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons.

Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons.

In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.