POCONO REGION, PA – Hunters are flocking to the Pocono Mountains as peak hunting season arrives, with deer, bear, and small game opportunities now open across Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties.

This marks a historic year for Pennsylvania hunters, as Sunday hunting is now broadly permitted for the first time after decades of restrictions. The 2025-26 season includes 13 Sunday hunting opportunities through early December, dramatically expanding access for sportsmen across the region.

What’s Open Now

As of late November, Pocono hunters can pursue:

White-tailed Deer: Archery season runs through November 28, followed by the firearms season November 29-December 13. Flintlock/muzzleloader season extends December 26-January 19, 2026. One antlered deer per license year is permitted.

Black Bear: The general season opened November 22 and runs through November 25 in most Wildlife Management Units, with extended opportunities through December 13 in select areas. Only one bear may be taken per license year.

Wild Turkey: Fall season varies by WMU, with some areas open through November 28. Season limit is one bird per license year.

Small Game: Squirrel, rabbit, grouse, and pheasant seasons continue through winter, offering excellent opportunities for hunters of all skill levels.

Prime Pocono Hunting Locations

The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages extensive State Game Lands throughout the Pocono region, providing public hunting access across four counties.

State Game Lands 312 (Monroe/Wayne/Lackawanna Counties) – Nearly 4,000 acres featuring excellent deer habitat with a mix of upland timber and wetland areas. Located near Gouldsboro off Route 507, this popular location sees steady whitetail traffic between Pocono communities.

State Game Lands 183 (Pike County) – Approximately 2,780 acres of prime small-game habitat off Route 6 near Lake Wallenpaupack. The mix of bottom lands and upland timber provides ideal grouse and woodcock hunting.

State Game Lands 310 (Wayne County) – 1,120 acres centered around Silkmans Swamp near Lake Henry. Heavy cover and well-defined trails make this excellent deer habitat for archery hunters.

State Game Lands 168 (Monroe County) – Located in Eldred Township along Blue Mountain’s northern slope, protecting more than a half-mile of Aquashicola Creek with mixed forest habitat.

Critical Hunting Rules

Pennsylvania hunters must follow strict regulations:

• Valid License Required: All hunters must possess appropriate licenses for their target species. Deer hunters need antlerless licenses for doe.
• Hunter Orange: 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material must be worn during firearms seasons.
• Sunday Hunting: Now permitted on approved Sundays with written landowner permission on private property. November 16, 23, and 30 are approved for various seasons.
• No Hunting Parties Over 25: Groups cannot exceed 25 people.
• Disease Management Areas: Special restrictions apply in DMAs, including bans on feeding deer and using cervid urine-based attractants.
• Trespassing: Written permission required for hunting on private land.

Safety Tips for Pocono Hunters

With increased hunting activity across the region, safety remains paramount:

Know Your Target: Never shoot at movement, sound, or color. Positively identify your target and what’s beyond it before firing.

Treat Every Firearm as Loaded: Handle all firearms with extreme care and keep muzzles pointed in a safe direction.

Wear Hunter Orange: Make yourself visible to other hunters, especially during firearms seasons.

Know the Terrain: The Pocono Mountains feature steep slopes, rocky terrain, and dense cover. Carry a GPS device or map and compass.

Hunt with a Partner: Use the buddy system, especially in remote State Game Lands areas.

Weather Awareness: November and December can bring rapidly changing weather. Dress in layers and be prepared for rain, snow, or freezing temperatures.

Tree Stand Safety: Use a safety harness at all times when using elevated stands. More hunting accidents occur from falls than firearms.

Report Illegal Hunting

The Pennsylvania Game Commission takes wildlife crimes seriously. Poaching and illegal hunting harm everyone who enjoys the outdoors.

Operation Game Thief Hotline: 1-888-PGC-8001 (available 24/7, 365 days a year)

Online Reporting: Visit pa.gov/agencies/pgc and click “Report a Wildlife Violation”

Callers can remain anonymous. Tips leading to prosecution may qualify for rewards up to $500 for big game violations.

When reporting violations, provide:

• Description of what you witnessed and species involved
• Date, time, and exact location (county, township, address)
• Description of suspects (height, weight, clothing, vehicle)
• Vehicle details (color, make, model, license plate)

Other violations can be reported to the Northeast Regional Office at 570-675-1143, which serves Monroe, Pike, Wayne, and Carbon counties.

For More Information:

• Season dates and regulations: pa.gov/agencies/pgc
• State Game Lands maps: Available on the Game Commission website
• License purchases: HuntFish.PA.gov or any licensed agent
• Northeast Regional Office: 3917 Memorial Highway, Dallas, PA 18612

All hunters are reminded that wildlife belongs to all Pennsylvanians. Practice ethical hunting, respect private property, and help protect our natural resources for future generations.