If you’ve been hunting Pennsylvania for years, you know how frustrating it was to have your squirrel or rabbit hunting cut short just when the weather got perfect. Those days are over. Now you can chase cottontails through November and still get your deer hunting in.
This guide breaks down everything that’s changing and everything that’s staying the same for Pennsylvania’s 2026 small game seasons. Whether you’re planning your first hunt in the Keystone State or you’ve been working these woods for decades, you’ll find what you need here.
Here’s what we’re covering:
- All the new season dates and what they mean for your hunting plans
- License costs that won’t break the bank (seriously, Pennsylvania keeps it reasonable)
- Where to find the best hunting, from public lands to private access
Let’s jump into the details that matter.
Quick Overview: 2026-2027 Pennsylvania Small Game Seasons
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has finalized all small game seasons for 2026-2027, and the biggest news is this: small game seasons remain open during firearms deer season. Plus, every season now includes Sundays. That’s a lot more hunting days than you’re used to.
| Species | Season Type | Start Date | End Date | Bag Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Squirrel | Youth Only | Sept. 12, 2026 | Sept. 26, 2026 | 6 daily; 18 possession |
| Squirrel | Regular | Sept. 12, 2026 | Nov. 14, 2026 | 6 daily; 18 possession |
| Squirrel | Sunday | Nov. 15, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | 6 daily; 18 possession |
| Squirrel | Regular (cont.) | Nov. 16, 2026 | Nov. 27, 2026 | 6 daily; 18 possession |
| Squirrel | Regular (winter) | Dec. 15, 2026 | Dec. 24, 2026 | 6 daily; 18 possession |
| Squirrel | Regular (post-Christmas) | Dec. 26, 2026 | Feb. 27, 2027 | 6 daily; 18 possession |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Youth Only | Oct. 3, 2026 | Oct. 17, 2026 | 4 daily; 12 possession |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Regular | Oct. 17, 2026 | Nov. 14, 2026 | 4 daily; 12 possession |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Sunday | Nov. 15, 2026 | Nov. 15, 2026 | 4 daily; 12 possession |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Regular (cont.) | November 16, 2026 | Nov. 27, 2026 | 4 daily; 12 possession |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Regular (winter) | December 15, 2026 | Dec. 24, 2026 | 4 daily; 12 possession |
| Cottontail Rabbit | Regular (post-Christmas) | December 2026 | Feb. 27, 2027 | 4 daily; 12 possession |
| Snowshoe Hare | Statewide | Dec. 26, 2026 | Jan. 1, 2027 | 1 daily; 3 season |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Youth/Mentored | Oct. 10, 2026 | Oct. 17, 2026 | 2 daily; 6 possession |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Regular | Oct. 24, 2026 | Nov. 27, 2026 | 2 daily; 6 possession |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Regular (winter) | Dec. 15, 2026 | Dec. 24, 2026 | 2 daily; 6 possession |
| Ring-necked Pheasant | Regular (post-Christmas) | Dec. 26, 2026 | Feb. 27, 2027 | 2 daily; 6 possession |
| Ruffed Grouse | Regular | Oct. 17, 2026 | Nov. 27, 2026 | 2 daily; 6 possession |
| Ruffed Grouse | Regular (winter) | Dec. 15, 2026 | Dec. 24, 2026 | 2 daily; 6 possession |
| Bobwhite Quail | Statewide | Sept. 1, 2026 | Nov. 27, 2026 | No limit |
| Bobwhite Quail | Statewide (winter) | Dec. 15, 2026 | Dec. 24, 2026 | No limit |
| Bobwhite Quail | Statewide (post-Christmas) | Dec. 26, 2026 | March 31, 2027 | No limit |
What you need before you head out:
- Valid Pennsylvania hunting license (obviously)
- Hunter education certification if you were born after January 1, 1987
- Pheasant Permit if you’re hunting ringnecks (adults only)
- Fluorescent orange gear during overlapping seasons
- Current regulations from HuntFish.PA.gov (things change, so double-check)
Squirrel Hunting Seasons
Squirrel hunting in Pennsylvania just got a whole lot better. You’re looking at nearly six months of opportunities, from September clear through February. With a 6-squirrel daily bag limit, you can target grays, reds, blacks, and fox squirrels across some of the most diverse habitat in the country.
Youth Season
September 12-26 gives young hunters their own two-week window. Smart move by the Game Commission. Mentored youth can hunt squirrels with the same bag limits as adults, and the mentored hunting program makes it easy to get kids started.
Here’s what’s cool about youth season – the squirrels haven’t been pressured yet. They’re still following their summer patterns, making them easier to pattern and hunt. Perfect for building confidence.
Regular Season
Regular season runs September 12 through November 14, then picks up again November 16-27. That November 15 date? That’s your special Sunday hunting opportunity. The big change this year is that squirrel seasons stay open during firearms deer season.
Just remember – when deer season overlaps, you need 250 square inches of fluorescent orange visible from all directions. It’s a small price to pay for the extra hunting days.
Winter Season
December 15-24 and December 26 through February 27, 2027. Winter squirrel hunting is seriously underrated. While everyone else is sitting on the couch, you can be out there taking advantage of active squirrels hitting their cached food supplies. Plus, no leaves on the trees means better visibility.
Cottontail Rabbit Hunting Seasons
Rabbit hunting is pure Pennsylvania tradition. Four rabbits daily, 12 in possession, and seasons that run October through February. The later start gives rabbit populations time to mature, and you get prime hunting during the cooler months when they’re most active.
Youth Season
October 3-17 gives youth hunters first crack at rabbits. This timing is perfect – rabbits are settling into their winter patterns, but the cover hasn’t been knocked down by hard frost yet. Mentored youth get the same opportunities as adults.
Regular Season
October 17 through November 14, then November 16-27, with November 15 as your Sunday bonus day. Rabbit hunting and beagles go together like peanut butter and jelly, and Pennsylvania’s got the brushy edges, overgrown fields, and briar patches that cottontails love.
The segmented season structure works in your favor. You get prime early season hunting, then the season continues right through deer season. No more choosing between rabbits and deer.
Winter Season
December 15-24 and December 26 through February 27, 2027. Winter rabbit hunting is where you separate the serious hunters from the fair-weather crowd. Snow makes tracking easier, hunting pressure drops off, and rabbits concentrate in the remaining good cover. It’s some of the best hunting of the year if you’re willing to bundle up.
Ring-necked Pheasant Hunting Seasons
Pheasant hunting is Pennsylvania’s crown jewel of upland bird hunting. You’ll need that special Pheasant Permit on top of your hunting license, but with seasons running October through February and the Game Commission’s active stocking program, it’s worth every penny.
Youth/Mentored Season
October 10-17 gives youth and mentored hunters first shot at the birds. Junior Pheasant Permits are free, which makes this an affordable way to get kids into upland hunting. Smart investment in the future of hunting.
Regular Season
October 24 through November 27. Adult hunters need that Pheasant Permit, but the Game Commission’s stocking program on State Game Lands keeps the action consistent. Two birds daily, six in possession – enough to keep things interesting without hammering the resource.
Winter Season
December 15-24 and December 26 through February 27, 2027. Late-season pheasant hunting separates the wheat from the chaff. Those stocked birds get educated fast, but if you’re willing to work for them, winter pheasant hunting offers some of the most challenging wing shooting you’ll find.
Ruffed Grouse Hunting Seasons
Grouse hunting is for hunters who like their challenges served up with a side of humility. These native birds in mature forest habitat will test every skill you’ve got. Two daily, six in possession – and you’ll earn every single one.
Regular Season
October 17 through November 27. Notice that lines up with rabbit season opening? That’s not an accident. You can work the young forest, aspen stands, and mountain laurel thickets for grouse, then drop down to the edges for rabbits. Efficient hunting.
Northern counties give you your best shot at grouse. They need that mature forest habitat, and that’s where you’ll find it in Pennsylvania.
Winter Season
December 15-24. Shorter winter season than other species, but grouse hunting in winter is all about understanding where they concentrate around reliable food sources and thermal cover. It’s technical hunting at its finest.
Bobwhite Quail Hunting Season
Quail hunting in Pennsylvania is unique – longest season of any small game species and no bag limit. September 1 through November 27, December 15-24, and December 26 through March 31, 2027. That’s a lot of hunting days.
Here’s the reality: wild bobwhite populations in Pennsylvania are extremely limited. Most of your quail hunting will happen on licensed shooting preserves using pen-raised birds. The no bag limit reflects this preserve-based hunting model while still accommodating the few areas where wild birds hang on.
If you’re serious about quail hunting, find a good preserve and enjoy some of the finest wing shooting available. It’s different from wild bird hunting, but it’s still a blast.
Pennsylvania Small Game Licenses and Permits
Pennsylvania keeps licensing straightforward and affordable. Whether you’re a resident or visiting from out of state, getting legal to hunt won’t break the bank.
Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses
Multiple options to fit different needs and budgets. Pick what works for your situation.
| License Type | Cost | Eligibility | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult (General License) | $21 | Pennsylvania residents 17+ | Covers all small game except pheasant |
| Resident Junior (Age 12-16) | $7 | Pennsylvania residents 12-16 | Great deal for young hunters |
| Non-Resident Adult (7-Day Small Game) | $32 | Out-of-state visitors | Perfect for weekend trips |
| Non-Resident Adult (Annual General License) | $102 | Out-of-state hunters | Full access if you’re planning multiple trips |
| Non-Resident Junior (Age 12-16) | $41.97 | Out-of-state youth 12-16 | Youth pricing for non-residents |
Hunter education is required if you were born on or after January 1, 1987, no matter where you’re from. Good news: Pennsylvania accepts hunter education from all 50 states, Canadian provinces, and select international programs.
Pennsylvania Hunting Permits
Some species need extra permits. It’s how Pennsylvania funds specific conservation programs and manages hunting pressure.
Pheasant Permits are mandatory for adult pheasant hunters. Juniors get theirs free, which encourages youth participation in upland hunting.
Migratory Game Bird Licenses run $3.97 for residents, $6.97 for non-residents. You need this for doves and other migratory species.
Mentored Hunting Permits cost $2.70 and let unlicensed people hunt under supervision. No Hunter Education required before getting the permit, making it perfect for getting new people started.
Buy everything online at HuntFish.PA.gov or through authorized dealers statewide.
Pennsylvania Small Game: Where to Hunt
Pennsylvania delivers on hunting opportunities. Over 1.5 million acres of public land, massive state forests, and plenty of private land options. You’ve got choices.
Best Public Lands
State Game Lands are managed specifically for wildlife and hunting access. Here are some standouts for small game:
- State Game Lands 33 (Westmoreland County) – Mixed hardwoods and edge cover make this squirrel and rabbit heaven
- State Game Lands 176 (Centre County) – Grouse hunters, this is your spot. Mature forest with decent access
- State Game Lands 12 (Luzerne County) – Everything from pheasant stocking areas to diverse small game habitat
- State Game Lands 249 (Crawford County) – Rabbit hunting doesn’t get much better than this brushy cover
- State Game Lands 86 (Clarion County) – Oak forests that squirrels love
Don’t overlook state forests. Over 2.2 million acres open to hunting, usually with less pressure than Game Lands.
Guided Hunts
Professional guides make sense for non-residents or hunters wanting to learn new techniques:
Upland Bird Guides know where the birds are and provide dog work on private lands with better bird numbers than public areas.
Small Game Combination Hunts let you chase multiple species in one trip. Maximize your time and experience.
Youth and Beginner Programs focus on safety, ethics, and skill building while ensuring positive first experiences.
Private Land Hunting with Hunting Locator
Private land means less pressure, better game populations, and exclusive access. Pennsylvania requires landowner permission, so relationship building matters.
Traditional access involves helping landowners with farm work or services in exchange for hunting permission. Hunting Land Leases provide formal arrangements with annual fees for exclusive or shared access. Land Purchase gives you complete control over habitat management and hunting access.
For immediate private land access, Hunting Locator connects hunters with landowners throughout Pennsylvania. Our database includes verified properties with detailed information about game species, acreage, and lease terms. Pennsylvania lease listings provide access to quality private hunting that’s not available through traditional channels.
Small Game Hunting Tips
Success comes from understanding animal behavior, habitat preferences, and species-specific techniques. These strategies work across all small game species.
- Scout Before Season – Visit hunting areas early to identify feeding areas, travel routes, and bedding spots. Small game animals are creatures of habit, but those habits change as the season progresses.
- Hunt Weather Changes – Focus your efforts during weather transitions. Cold fronts, clearing storms, and stable high pressure trigger increased movement and feeding activity.
- Work the Edges – Hunt where different habitats meet. Forest edges, field borders, creek bottoms – these transition zones provide the food, cover, and water small game needs.
- Practice Shot Placement – Small, moving targets require different skills than big game. Know the anatomy and practice on clay targets or small game silhouettes.
- Time It Right – Early morning and late afternoon are prime time, but don’t ignore midday hunting during cold weather when animals seek thermal cover.
- Move Slow and Stop Often – Small game often holds tight until you pass. Move methodically, pause frequently, scan for movement, and listen.
- Adapt to Seasonal Changes – Early season animals are less wary. Late season requires understanding winter survival patterns and pressure responses.
More Resources from Hunting Locator
Hunting Locator provides resources for all your Pennsylvania hunting needs beyond small game seasons.
- Pennsylvania Deer Hunting Season – Complete deer hunting coverage
- Pennsylvania Turkey Hunting – Spring and fall turkey seasons
- Pennsylvania Waterfowl Hunting – Duck and goose hunting guide
- Pennsylvania Black Bear Hunting – Bear hunting essentials
- Pennsylvania Elk Hunting – Limited elk hunting lottery guide
- Pennsylvania Coyote Hunting – Year-round predator hunting
- Pennsylvania Migratory Bird Hunting – Dove, woodcock, and more
FAQ
When do Pennsylvania small game seasons open in 2026?
Bobwhite quail season opens first on September 1, 2026. Squirrel season starts September 12 for both youth and regular hunters. Cottontail rabbit youth season begins October 3, and pheasant youth/mentored season starts October 10. Each species has specific opening dates designed for optimal hunting and wildlife management.
Do I need a special permit to hunt pheasants in Pennsylvania?
Yes, all adult hunters must buy a Pheasant Permit along with their hunting license to hunt ring-necked pheasants. Junior hunters get free Pheasant Permits with their licenses. The permit system funds the Game Commission’s pheasant stocking program and manages hunting pressure.
Can I hunt small game during deer season in Pennsylvania?
Absolutely. Small game seasons stay open during firearms deer season for the first time in 2026-2027. Squirrel, rabbit, pheasant, grouse, and quail seasons all continue during deer season. You just need 250 square inches of fluorescent orange visible from all directions during overlapping seasons.
What are the bag limits for Pennsylvania small game species?
Squirrels: 6 daily, 18 possession. Cottontail rabbits: 4 daily, 12 possession. Pheasants and grouse: 2 daily, 6 possession. Snowshoe hares: 1 daily, 3 season. Bobwhite quail: no bag limits. These limits balance sustainable hunting with good opportunities for success.
How much does a non-resident Pennsylvania hunting license cost?
Non-resident licenses cost $31.97 for a 7-Day Small Game License or $101.97 for an Annual General License. Non-resident junior licenses (ages 12-16) cost $41.97. The 7-day option works great for short trips, while the annual license pays off if you’re planning multiple visits.
Can adults use Pennsylvania’s mentored hunting program?
Yes, Pennsylvania’s mentored hunting program works for both youth and adults who are new to hunting. No Hunter Education required before getting the permit, making it perfect for adult beginners. The $2.70 permit allows hunting under supervision of licensed mentors aged 21 or older.
The Final Shot
Pennsylvania’s 2026-2027 small game season is historic. Expanded Sunday hunting, small game seasons staying open during deer season – these changes give you more hunting days than ever before. Whether you’re chasing squirrels in September’s crisp mornings, working rabbits through December snow, or pushing late-season pheasants with dogs, this season offers flexibility you’ve never had.
Success comes down to knowing the regulations, respecting the resource, and finding good places to hunt. Pennsylvania’s public lands provide excellent access, but growing pressure on State Game Lands makes private land access increasingly valuable for consistent success.
Ready to lock down your own private hunting access for 2026? Check out Pennsylvania’s top hunting lease opportunities through Hunting Locator and see what exclusive access can do for your small game hunting success.
