Pennsylvania Game Commission Seeks Public Feedback on Proposed 2025-26 Hunting Season Adjustments

HARRISBURG, PA – January 27, 2025 – The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners has announced preliminary approval for the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits. While many of the rules remain similar to those of the 2024-25 seasons, there is one notable adjustment aimed at protecting local wildlife populations.

A key change involves the seasonal bag limit for snowshoe hares. In the past, hunters were allowed to harvest up to six snowshoe hares in a season. However, the proposed changes suggest reducing the limit to just three hares per hunter for the upcoming season. This decision is made to ensure the protection of specific hare populations, especially in areas where their numbers are isolated and vulnerable to overharvesting. While the daily limit of one hare remains unchanged, the seasonal limit will now be scaled back to help safeguard these important wildlife species.

“The Game Commissioners are dedicated to maintaining healthy and sustainable wildlife populations in Pennsylvania,” said a Game Commission spokesperson. “This proposed reduction in snowshoe hare harvest is part of our ongoing efforts to balance hunting practices with conservation needs.”

Why the Change is Needed

The reduction in the bag limit for snowshoe hares is part of a larger trend toward sustainable wildlife management. The Game Commission is focusing on ensuring that Pennsylvania’s natural resources, particularly wildlife populations, remain stable for future generations of hunters, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the impact of hunting on certain species, especially those that have limited ranges or face other environmental pressures.

Snowshoe hares, in particular, are a species that could be affected by overhunting due to their localized populations in certain parts of Pennsylvania. By reducing the bag limit, the Game Commission hopes to allow these populations to grow and thrive, rather than face the risk of depletion. This is a step toward more responsible wildlife management that balances hunting with ecological preservation.

Public Input is Crucial

While the proposed changes are significant, the Game Commission is keen to hear from the public before making final decisions. Pennsylvania’s hunting and trapping community, as well as environmental groups, are invited to provide feedback on the proposed regulations. The public comment period is open until the board’s April meeting, where the final rules will be determined.

The Game Commission encourages all interested parties to submit their thoughts and suggestions on the proposed hunting season and bag limits for 2025-26. These comments are essential to ensuring that the final guidelines reflect the diverse interests of hunters, conservationists, and the broader Pennsylvania community. In addition to the proposed bag limit for snowshoe hares, the public will also have the opportunity to share input on other aspects of the regulations, including antlerless deer license allocations.

Final Decision Scheduled for April Meeting

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is set to meet on April 11-12, 2025, at its Harrisburg headquarters to finalize the hunting and trapping regulations for the 2025-26 season. This meeting will include discussions on the final bag limits, hunting season dates, and any further adjustments to ensure wildlife conservation goals are met.

At this meeting, the board will also announce the allocations for antlerless deer licenses, which allow hunters to harvest female deer in specific areas. These licenses are a critical part of managing deer populations and ensuring that they remain at sustainable levels across the state.

A Balance Between Recreation and Conservation

The proposed changes reflect a delicate balance between recreational hunting and the ecological needs of Pennsylvania’s wildlife. Hunting is an important tradition in the state, providing not only a recreational outlet but also a way to manage wildlife populations. However, the Game Commission has a responsibility to ensure that hunting practices do not negatively impact vulnerable species.

By reducing the bag limit for snowshoe hares, the Game Commission is taking a proactive step to protect wildlife, ensuring that these animals are not overharvested and that their populations have the opportunity to recover. This change is part of a broader approach to wildlife management that aims to balance the enjoyment of hunting with the preservation of Pennsylvania’s natural ecosystems.

How to Provide Feedback

For those who want to provide feedback on the proposed hunting season changes, there are several ways to get involved. Comments can be submitted directly to the Game Commission through their website or during public hearings. The board encourages all members of the public, whether hunters, conservationists, or concerned citizens, to participate in this important conversation about wildlife management.

The feedback collected during this period will help shape the final regulations for the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons, ensuring that the guidelines reflect the priorities and values of the community. Public participation is a key aspect of the Game Commission’s commitment to responsible wildlife management.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s proposed adjustments for the 2025-26 hunting season underscore the importance of sustainable wildlife management. The reduction in the seasonal bag limit for snowshoe hares is a step toward protecting these animals and ensuring their long-term survival in Pennsylvania’s forests. As the public weighs in on the proposed changes, the Game Commission is emphasizing the need to balance hunting traditions with conservation goals to preserve Pennsylvania’s wildlife for future generations.

With the final decision scheduled for April, hunters, trappers, and conservationists still have time to provide valuable feedback on the proposed changes. This process ensures that the voices of the public are heard and that Pennsylvania’s hunting regulations reflect the needs of both wildlife and the people who rely on these natural resources.

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