Harrisburg, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) has opened 468 miles of administrative state forest roads in 18 of the state’s 20 state forest districts, expanding access for hunters and other visitors during the fall and winter recreation seasons.
DCNR opened the roads for the statewide archery deer season, which runs from Saturday, Oct. 3, through Friday, Nov. 20. A list of administrative state forest roads open this season is on DCNR’s website.
“Opening these roads to hunters, hikers and outdoor recreation users is key in promoting forest regeneration and maintaining a healthy forest ecosystem,” said State Forester Seth Cassell. “Safe, responsible use of these roads is encouraged as we share our forests this fall and winter. Hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road.”
Maps and rules
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) continue to update an interactive map of state forestlands and game lands. The map shows information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), Disease Management Areas, newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity and forestry office contacts.
Most state forestlands are open for seasonal hunting, including Sunday hunting. Many areas within Pennsylvania’s 125 state parks are also open to hunting, including on Sundays. Visitors should check regulations, access information and individual state park webpages before heading out, DCNR said.
Sunday hunting and licenses
Gov. Josh Shapiro last year signed legislation repealing Pennsylvania’s ban on Sunday hunting. The PGC approved a record 1.469 million antlerless deer licenses for the 2026-27 hunting year.
Hunting contributes more than $1.6 billion a year to Pennsylvania’s economy and supports more than 15,000 jobs, according to DCNR.
DCNR manages 125 state parks and 2.2 million acres of state forestlands, which are free to the public.
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