The Pennsylvania Game Commission voted on January 24th to maintain the current structure for rifle deer season, beginning the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 28th. The decision came after a 6-3 vote against proposals to move the season’s start date to the Saturday before Thanksgiving.
Deer Season Dates Set, Turkey Tag Changes Approved
While a shift to an earlier start date was considered, the board opted to keep the rifle deer season opening the day after Thanksgiving, a practice consistent with recent years. A new element for the 2026 season will be its conclusion on a Sunday, December 13th, extending the season by one day compared to previous years. Sundays will be included in all hunting seasons beginning in 2026-27.
The proposed earlier start date was championed by some commissioners as a way to increase hunting opportunities and better manage the state’s deer population. However, concerns were raised by deer processors and some hunters regarding potential disruption to the Thanksgiving holiday and family traditions. Dan Sauder, a deer processor at Clarko Meats, expressed concern about the impact on his business and employees, stating that starting the season before Thanksgiving would mean accepting deer on Thanksgiving Day itself.
The board also approved preliminary changes to spring turkey hunting. Due to concerns about overharvesting, the second spring turkey tag option will be eliminated. However, the junior turkey season will be expanded to include both Saturday and Sunday, April 24-25.
Rifle black bear season remains slated for November 21-24. Other statewide deer seasons include archery hunting from October 3 to November 20, antlerless muzzleloader from October 17-25, special firearms hunting from October 22-25, and flintlock muzzleloader from December 26 to January 24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the vote count on moving the rifle deer season?
The vote to keep the rifle deer season starting the Saturday after Thanksgiving was 6-3.
What changes were made to the spring turkey season?
The second spring turkey tag option was eliminated due to concerns about overharvesting, but the junior turkey season was expanded to include both Saturday and Sunday.
What is the Pennsylvania Game Commission doing about declining hunter numbers?
The agency is exploring ways to increase participation, particularly among younger hunters, as the number of hunters in the state has decreased from approximately 1 million 25 years ago to an estimated 837,791 in 2025.
As the Commission prepares to finalize these hunting seasons and bag limits at its April 11 meeting, what factors do you believe are most important to consider when balancing conservation efforts with hunter access and tradition?
