The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) released its estimated deer harvest totals for the 2025-26 hunting year on March 23, reporting an overall 6% increase in the number of deer harvested compared to the previous year.
Increased Harvest Numbers
The statewide harvest is estimated at 505,600 deer, with 185,310 antlered and 320,290 antlerless deer taken. This represents an increase from the 2024-25 harvest of 476,880 deer. The rise in harvest numbers is attributed to increases in both antlered and antlerless deer taken, each up approximately 6%.
Notably, archery hunters harvested more bucks than rifle hunters during the 2025-26 seasons. Archers took an estimated 182,190 deer, 94,290 of which had antlers, while rifle hunters accounted for 299,230 deer total, with 89,980 antlered. Muzzleloader hunters harvested 24,180 deer, with 1,040 antlered.
The PGC reports that in most of the state’s 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), the objective was to reduce deer numbers. This is due to concerns about the impact of deer on forest health and a desire to slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
Regional Harvest Data
According to the PGC, two of every three antlered deer harvested were at least 2.5 years old. Detailed harvest estimates by WMU are available in the PGC’s report.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the total deer harvest for the 2025-26 season?
The estimated statewide deer harvest for the 2025-26 season was 505,600 deer.
Did rifle hunters harvest more antlered deer than archery hunters?
No, archery hunters harvested more antlered deer than rifle hunters during the 2025-26 seasons.
Why is the PGC aiming to reduce deer numbers in some areas?
The PGC is aiming to reduce deer numbers in most areas to improve forest health and slow the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease.
As the PGC continues to monitor deer populations and adjust management strategies, it will be interesting to witness how these trends continue to evolve in the coming years.
