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    During established seasons, hunting is permitted daily on approximately 630 acres, 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.

    Hunting Seasons at Cowans Gap 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: Best place to park is the horse lot/lot #5 for hunting access.

    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. Hunting blinds/stands should be taken down within 2 weeks of season end and have owner’s ID attached. A letter of permission from the park is highly recommended. 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.

    ♿ This park offers accessible hunting options. Visitors holding a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can contact the park office for more information about accessible hunting locations within the park.

    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.

    This park is a part of Pennsylvania Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). 

    The park land borders Buchanan State Forest, which is open to hunting, trapping, and dog training.

    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.