Are PA State Game Lands open to public?

It is a misconception that SGLs are public-access properties. They’re not. Yet many ATV and horseback riders, snowmobilers and bikers freely use Game Lands.

Can you build a fire on PA State Game Lands?

(2) [Open fires are permitted, except when the fire index rating used by the Bureau of Forestry, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is high, very high or extreme.]

Can you hunt on PA State Game Lands?

Pennsylvania state park and forest lands offer exciting opportunities for big game, small game, and waterfowl hunting. All 20 of Pennsylvania’s state forests, totaling 2.2 million acres, and 97 of the 121 state parks are open to hunting during established hunting seasons.

How much is a range permit in PA?

Shooting-range permits cost $30 per year for residents and nonresidents. Those 15 years of age and younger do not need a permit if they are properly accompanied by a licensed or permitted person 18 years of age or older.

Can you cut firewood on state game lands in PA?

Permits are temporarily not required to take firewood from state land, the Department of Natural Resources announced on Thursday. Collection of firewood is limited to within 200 feet of a state forest road. Cutting live tree remains prohibited.

Can you ride mountain bikes on PA state game lands?

You are free to ride your horse, mountain bike, unicycle, or tricycle across game lands to the bend in the river at your favorite fishing spot. And PA does allow hand lining.

How long is a PA range permit good for?

Range permits, like hunting licenses, are valid from July 1 to June 30 of the next year. The 2019-20 hunting license year begins July 1, and at that time all users of Game Commission firearms shooting ranges will 2019-20 licenses or permits.

How much is a Pennsylvania hunting license?

General hunting licenses and furtaker licenses each cost $20.97 for Pennsylvania residents and $101.97 for nonresidents. Resident senior hunters and furtakers ages 65 and older can purchase one-year licenses for $13.97, or lifetime licenses for $51.97.

Are Ebikes allowed on bike trails in PA?

» STATE: According to the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks, e-bikes are permitted in Pennsylvania state parks and state forests where bicycles are permitted. Ride legally and only on authorized trails to show that mountain bikers are responsible trail users.

Can you hunt on Sundays in PA?

Pennsylvania still has only three Sundays open to hunting (Nov. 14, 21 and 28), but the species that you can hunt during those days has been expanded. Squirrels, pheasants, rabbits, grouse, quail, groundhogs and crows can be hunted during the first two Sundays.

Who needs a game lands Special Use Permit (PDF)?

Anyone wishing to conduct an activity that requires Game Commission authorization; including any activity or event involving more than 10 persons, which may conflict with the intended purposes or uses of property, or poses a potential environmental or safety problem, should apply for State Game Lands Special Use Permit (PDF).

Do you need a permit to shoot on State Game Lands?

But, in many cases, hunters and furtakers today are outnumbered on state game lands ranges by firearms enthusiasts who do not hunt or trap. The range permit fees ensure everyone who shoots at the agency’s ranges pays for range maintenance and development.

How many acres of game land does Pennsylvania have?

Pennsylvania State Game Lands The Game Commission owns and manages more than 1.5 million acres of state game lands throughout the Commonwealth. The primary purpose of these lands is the management of habitat for wildlife and provide opportunities for lawful hunting and trapping.

What is the primary purpose of Game Lands?

The primary purpose of these lands is the management of habitat for wildlife and provide opportunities for lawful hunting and trapping. Secondary recreational uses are permitted in accordance with the Game Commission’s regulations. Mapping Center: Create personalized state game lands maps.

Are PA state game lands open to public?

It is a misconception that SGLs are public-access properties. They’re not. Yet many ATV and horseback riders, snowmobilers and bikers freely use Game Lands.

Can you hike on PA Game Lands?

Requests for Trails and Designated Routes A “designated route” is a multi-use road or trail located upon state game lands, which is open to hiking, bicycling and horseback riding at certain times of the year, and under certain restrictions.

Can you hunt on PA state game lands?

Can you hunt PA Game Lands at night?

Yes. Only those with furtaker licenses may hunt coyotes at night during the big game season.

Can you retrieve a deer on someone else’s property in PA?

(1) The hunting of foxes. Authority to hunt on any Sunday instituted by the commission under this paragraph shall not apply to any person required to secure a hunting license who attempts to hunt on private land without obtaining written permission of the landowner, an agent of the landowner or lessee.

Can you put a tree stand on state game lands in PA?

Under current Pennsylvania hunting laws, “Tree stands on state land can be placed out not more than two weeks before the first and must be removed no later than two weeks after the final deer season in that area.” Stands must also be marked with a durable and legible identification tag that specifies its owner.

Can you put trail cameras on public land in Pennsylvania?

THE LEGAL WORD LNP asked the Game Commission that very question, in response to inquiries we’ve heard from local hunters. Agency spokesman Travis Lau said up front that it is perfectly legal to use any type of trail camera during hunting season in Pennsylvania.

Can you ride bikes on PA state game lands?

Designated Routes for Horses and Bicycles Riding activities are not permitted (except on Sundays or on roads open to public travel) from the last Saturday in September thru the third Saturday in January, and before 1 p.m. from the second Saturday in April thru the last Saturday in May.

Is there a bounty on coyotes in Pennsylvania?

Limited to counties in northeastern Pennsylvania, the hunt will offer a top prize of $2,000 for the largest coyote weighed in. Most of Pennsylvania’s hunts are similar to the Endless Mountains event, but the Keystone State is also home to the largest organized hunt in the U.S.

How many acres of game land does Pennsylvania have?

What recreational uses are permitted on State Game Lands?

Secondary recreational uses are permitted in accordance with the Game Commission’s regulations. Mapping Center: Create personalized state game lands maps. More than 400 miles of roads are open seasonally on state game lands.

How many miles of roads are open seasonally on State Game Lands?

More than 400 miles of roads are open seasonally on state game lands. Seasonal openings are based on hunting seasons, road conditions and safety.