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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    During established seasons, hunting is permitted daily on approximately 11,000 acres on both park and Clarion River lands, with the exception of migratory game bird hunting which remains prohibited on Sundays. 

    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.

    Established Hunting Seasons at Cook Forest State Park

    Big Game

    Small Game

    Migratory Game Bird

    Trapping

    There are no firearm restrictions at this park.

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

    View the hunting boundary map.

    Note: Overnight and day use designated areas are off limits to hunting.  In these areas safety zones must be observed. Specifically, the area around the Sawmill Center for the Arts, Indian Cabins, Park Office, River Cabins, Henry Run Day Use Area, and Ridge Campground are all off limits to hunting.

    The placement of traps is prohibited within 50 feet from the edge of all state park’s designated trails, paths, sidewalks, roads, and parking lots. 

    Hunting blinds and stands are allowed. Contact the office for additional details. 

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

    ♿ There is an ADA Hunting area designated which allows vehicle, ATV and mobility device hunting with an approved permit. Contact the park office for more information.

    DCNR permits visitors with a DCNR Mobility Device Permit to use powered mobility devices on designated state park and forest lands, including administrative roads and trails not normally open to standard motorized vehicles.

    Visitors interested in a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can fill out an application and submit it at any state park or forest office.

    More than 10,000 acres of adjacent Clear Creek State Forest land and 500,000 acres of Allegheny National Forest land also are open to hunting.

    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.