The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will discuss potentially moving the start of firearms deer season at their first meeting of 2026. The meeting, set for Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, includes two proposals on the start of the season for hunters. The first proposal would move the start of the season to the Saturday before Thanksgiving. What that would mean: Firearms bear season moved a week earlierEarly bear muzzleloader, archery, and special firearms season shortened to a weekend“This change would give hunters an earlier start and provide more opportunities for families, young hunters, and those who travel longer distances to enjoy opening weekend without competing with the Thanksgiving holiday. Opening the season earlier could improve access for hunters and continues the Board’s focus on structuring seasons in ways that maximize participation,” Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said.The second proposal is to keep opening day the Saturday following the holiday.Impacts of an earlier season If the decision move firearm deer season to before Thanksgiving, firearms bear season would be moved to a week earlier, and early bear muzzleloader, archery, and special firearms season would be shortened to a weekend.More on the Meetings: There will be no public comment allowed at the Jan. 23 meeting, which will include presentations on wildlife management topics, including elk and turkey management. Meetings on Saturday, Jan. 24 begin at 8:30 a.m. Public comment will be limited to five minutes per speaker. To speak, you must register at 7:45 a.m. in the headquarters lobby.
PITTSBURGH —
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will discuss potentially moving the start of firearms deer season at their first meeting of 2026.
The meeting, set for Jan. 23 and Jan. 24, includes two proposals on the start of the season for hunters.
The first proposal would move the start of the season to the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
What that would mean:
Firearms bear season moved a week earlierEarly bear muzzleloader, archery, and special firearms season shortened to a weekend
“This change would give hunters an earlier start and provide more opportunities for families, young hunters, and those who travel longer distances to enjoy opening weekend without competing with the Thanksgiving holiday. Opening the season earlier could improve access for hunters and continues the Board’s focus on structuring seasons in ways that maximize participation,” Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said.
The second proposal is to keep opening day the Saturday following the holiday.
Impacts of an earlier season
If the decision move firearm deer season to before Thanksgiving, firearms bear season would be moved to a week earlier, and early bear muzzleloader, archery, and special firearms season would be shortened to a weekend.
More on the Meetings:
There will be no public comment allowed at the Jan. 23 meeting, which will include presentations on wildlife management topics, including elk and turkey management.
Meetings on Saturday, Jan. 24 begin at 8:30 a.m. Public comment will be limited to five minutes per speaker.
To speak, you must register at 7:45 a.m. in the headquarters lobby.