HARRISBURG, Pa.- The start of Pennsylvania’s next rifle deer hunting season is staying put in what’s become its usual spot.

Over the weekend, the board of the Pennsylvania Game Commission voted to keep the date as the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, that’s November 28.

The board was considering a proposal to move the 2026-2027 season a week earlier but ultimately voted 6-3 to reject that plan and move ahead with a proposal that largely mirrors last year’s season.

The change would have moved the firearms bear season one week earlier and shortened the early bear muzzleloader, archery, and special firearms season to a single weekend, the board said.

But some board members hoped the different date would get more hunters in the woods. “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,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “Opening the season earlier could improve access for hunters and continues the Board’s focus on structuring seasons in ways that maximize participation.”

Previously, firearms deer season began in Pennsylvania on the Monday after Thanksgiving for decades. In 2019, the game commission decided to move that date to the Saturday after the holiday.  

The board held a two-day public meeting on the potential move and other issues, starting on Friday, January 23 at the game commission’s headquarters in Harrisburg. The meeting resumed the following day, where members of the public were allowed to offer comments.

A number of other topics were discussed, including opening Sunday hunting to regulated hunting grounds, which are privately owned hunting properties that follow separate regulations. Sunday hunting remains prohibited in commercial areas on those properties, even though the state has expanded Sunday hunting elsewhere.

None of the votes taken over the weekend are final; the public may offer comments on all proposed 2026-27 seasons and bag limits, as well as other board actions, between now and the board’s April meeting, when seasons and bag limits will be finalized.

The board is scheduled to meet April 10 and 11 at 2001 Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg.