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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    During established seasons, hunting is permitted 6 days a week on approximately 1800 acres.

    Sunday hunting is permitted on 3 established dates for 2026:  

    • November 15
    • November 22
    • November 29

    Big Elk Creek State Park is included in the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Special Regulation Area for Southeastern PA.  

    Hunting Requirements

    All hunters must have a current Pennsylvania hunting license from the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

    The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply.

    Hunting Seasons at Big Elk Creek State Park

    Deer Only

    Big Elk Creek State Park is open to deer hunting only. 

    The use of all rimfire, center fire, straight-walled centerfire cartridge rifles and handguns for the purposes of hunting is prohibited.

    The use of shotguns, muzzleloaders, bows and arrows, and crossbows are permitted during established hunting seasons.

    Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks. 

    Hunting blinds and stands are allowed, but they must be portable and removed daily. Contact the park office for more information. 

    In state parks, the training of dogs is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

    This park is not a part of Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). 

    Firearms Safety

    Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons.

    In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's vehicle or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park.

    Hunting Statewide

    All 20 of Pennsylvania’s state forests, totaling 2.3 million acres, and 100 of the 125 state parks are open to hunting during established hunting seasons.