Deer season here finally comes to an end ... for now
Pennsylvania’s lengthy hunting seasons for whitetail deer finally came to an end Dec. 10.
The date marked the last day of a combination of seasons that started on Sept. 17 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs)
5C and 5D (and on Oct. 1 statewide), when archery season opened, and ran clear through Nov. 25 (Nov. 18 statewide), bookending with the regular firearms season that opened on Nov. 26 and closed Saturday.
That represents almost three months of deer hunting opportunities that included three Sundays and a weeklong antlerless only muzzleloader season. The last remnant of bear season also ended on Dec. 10.
And now our local whitetail herd finally gets a respite from those pesky deer hunters … but only for a brief two weeks until the late archery, flintlock, and extended firearms seasons open on Dec. 26 and run through Jan. 28 in WMUs 5C and 5D and Jan. 16 statewide.
But while deer are temporarily off the hunting menu, there are still plenty of other options to pursue afield these days. Pennsylvania small game hunters in the market for squirrels, pheasants, rabbits and grouse could have reloaded their shotguns Monday, when the seasons on those species, , which run through Dec. 23, reopened. Squirrels, rabbits and pheasants again become legal targets from Dec. 26 through Feb. 27.
Meanwhile, for waterfowlers, action on ducks, mergansers and coots continues through Jan. 21 in our South Zone. The late season on Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone reopens on Dec. 23 and runs through Jan. 21, with a stingy one goose per day daily limit.
Truth be told, although I spent many hours on stand over the past two weeks, I could count the number of gunshots I heard on the fingers of one hand. By the same token it could be that, due to Safety Zone considerations, many of those other hunters may have forsaken their firearms for archery gear.
In a state where the Safety Zone for firearms is 150 yards and for archery just 50 yards, my sporting arm of choice
throughout the firearms season was a crossbow — although I never launched an arrow.
On the other hand, throughout our ongoing deer seasons, I got plenty of mileage out of my hunting license but never filled my buck tag. On Friday (next-to-the-last day of the regular season) I passed up an easy chance at a young seven-pointer that had its eighth point broken off at the base. I’ll be looking for his great grandfather when the late archery season rolls around.
SOMETHING FISHY HERE >> Pennsylvania fishing licenses, permits and vouchers for the 2023 season are now on sale and can be purchased
through the HuntFishPA online portal on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) website (Fishandboat.com), on a smartphone using the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Licenses, permits and vouchers for 2023 purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023.
“A fishing license is truly your ticket to outdoor fun for the whole year,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director. “Whether you’re purchasing a license for yourself, or a voucher to give as a gift to a family member or friend, you’ll be opening the door to fishing adventures that can become lifelong memories. Purchasing a license now ensures that you’ll be covered for
every fishing season for the rest of this year and next year.”
Fishing licenses, permits and vouchers can be purchased easily, conveniently and safely online from a computer or smart phone. Licenses may be printed immediately upon purchase or saved digitally to a smart device, which serves as proof of possession. While many customers still prefer to purchase fishing licenses in person from local issuing agents, online purchases can save time and help avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Saturday, April 1.
In addition to licenses and permits, such as the trout or Lake Erie permits, customers may choose to purchase vouchers that can be given as gifts and be redeemed by recipients.
“Introducing someone new to fishing can be very rewarding and purchasing a fishing license gift voucher is an easy way to get a new angler started,” Schaeffer said. “Vouchers are also great gift ideas for active anglers, or maybe someone who likes to fish but hasn’t been out on the water for a while. The gift of a voucher might be just what they need to rediscover their passion for fishing and join you next season.”
Once again for the 2023 license year, customers can purchase a collectible fishing license button. This year’s button features a vibrant yellow background with the PFBC logo. In 2023, a limited-edition production of 10,000 buttons will be produced, and customers will receive a randomly numbered button between
00001-10000. Please note that buttons are not issued at the time of purchase and will be mailed to the buyer.
In 2023, anglers who visit a license issuing agent in person can receive the Fishing Summary/Boating Handbook free of charge. The book outlines fishing and boating regulations, seasons and creel limits and safety information, and includes advertising and coupons. A digital version can be viewed and printed for free on the PFBC website, or viewed on the FishBoatPA mobile app. Customers should access the free online version or return to a retail location later for a free printed copy.
While youth anglers under age 16 do not require a fishing license, they must have a Voluntary
Youth Fishing License or a free Mentored Youth Fishing Permit to participate in any special youth opportunities throughout the 2023 season. This includes the statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 25.
The PFBC reminds anglers and boaters to protect themselves by always wearing a life jacket during the fall and winter months. From Nov. 1 through April 30, all boaters aboard boats less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes and paddleboards, are required to wear a life jacket. Anglers should also wear a life jacket while ice fishing.