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of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

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    During established deer seasons, hunting is permitted  6 days a week on approximately 1200 acres.

    Sunday hunting is permitted on 3 established dates for 2026:  

    • November 15
    • November 22
    • November 29

    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 Ridley Creek State Park

    Deer Only

    Ridley Creek State Park is open to archery deer hunting only, except for controlled shotgun hunts.

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

    View the hunting boundary map.

    Note: Excluding safety zones, all areas north of Gradyville Road and a small portion east of Ridley Creek near the Orange Trail are open to hunting. Seasonal hunter parking is available. 

    Two controlled shotgun hunts are held in December. Permits are awarded through a lottery that takes place in early October. Applications are available at the park office in late summer. Contact the park office for more information.

    Hunting blinds and stands are allowed, but must be portable and removed daily. 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). 

    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.