HUNTING IN OHIOPYLE, PENNSYLVANIA
DISCOVER ANOTHER SIDE OF OHIOPYLE'S OUTDOORS
Ohiopyle may be best known for whitewater, waterfalls, hiking and biking, but those aren't the only ways to experience the forests and mountains of the Laurel Highlands.
Hunting has long been part of Pennsylvania's outdoor tradition, and Ohiopyle offers access to thousands of acres of public land open to hunting during established seasons.
Whether hunting is the reason for the trip or simply one part of a larger Ohiopyle getaway, the surrounding forests provide another way to experience this part of Pennsylvania.
Hunting in Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle State Park covers more than 20,000 acres, with hunting permitted during established seasons on approximately 20,000 acres of the park.
That makes hunting part of the outdoor landscape in Ohiopyle, alongside the hiking trails, waterways and other recreational opportunities for which the park is better known.
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Game Commission rules apply within the park. Hunters should become familiar with designated hunting areas, safety zones and current regulations before heading into the field.
What Can You Hunt Around Ohiopyle?
The forests surrounding Ohiopyle support a variety of Pennsylvania game species.
White-tailed deer are an important part of the hunting tradition in the Laurel Highlands, with archery, firearms and other opportunities during established Pennsylvania seasons.
Black bear are also found throughout the forested mountains of southwestern Pennsylvania, making bear hunting another part of the region's hunting story.
Wild turkey provide both fall and spring hunting opportunities, while ruffed grouse, rabbit, squirrel and other small game add additional possibilities during their respective seasons.
Species, seasons, bag limits and regulations vary. Hunters should always check current Pennsylvania Game Commission information when planning a hunt.
Deer Hunting in Ohiopyle
For many hunters, white-tailed deer are closely associated with hunting in Pennsylvania and the Laurel Highlands.
The extensive forests within and surrounding Ohiopyle provide public-land deer hunting opportunities. Ohiopyle State Park also participates in Pennsylvania's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which helps manage deer populations on designated properties.
Deer seasons, licensing requirements, antlerless opportunities and management programs can change from year to year. Current information is available through the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Black Bear Hunting in the Laurel Highlands
Black bears are part of the wildlife found throughout the forested mountains surrounding Ohiopyle and across the Laurel Highlands.
Pennsylvania offers established black bear hunting seasons, with dates and opportunities that can vary by year and Wildlife Management Unit.
Hunters interested in black bear hunting around Ohiopyle should consult the Pennsylvania Game Commission for current season dates, licensing requirements and regulations before planning a trip.
More Public Hunting Land Near Ohiopyle
Hunting opportunities extend beyond Ohiopyle State Park.
Nearby State Game Lands 51 and 111 provide additional public hunting opportunities, while Forbes State Forest encompasses thousands of acres across the Laurel Highlands.
Together, the state park, state game lands and state forest create a substantial public-land landscape around Ohiopyle.
Boundaries, regulations and permitted activities vary between public lands. Current DCNR and Pennsylvania Game Commission maps should be used when determining where hunting is permitted.
When Is Hunting Season Around Ohiopyle?
Hunting opportunities around Ohiopyle change throughout the year depending on the species and type of hunt.
Fall is the heart of the hunting season, with opportunities that can include white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey and small game. Late fall and winter bring additional deer and small-game opportunities, while spring is primarily associated with Pennsylvania's spring turkey season.
Exact season dates, permitted hunting days, bag limits and regulations can change from year to year. The Pennsylvania Game Commission publishes current seasons and regulations for hunters planning a trip.
Before You Hunt
Pennsylvania hunting regulations vary by species, season, location and type of hunt.
Before heading into the field, hunters should check current information regarding:
Hunting licenses and required permits
Current seasons and bag limits
Hunting boundaries and safety zones
Wildlife Management Units
Deer management and DMAP information
Special regulations and restrictions
Ohiopyle State Park remains a popular destination for hiking, biking and other outdoor recreation during hunting seasons. Hunters may share the larger landscape with other park visitors and should be familiar with designated hunting areas and applicable safety requirements.
Visitors hiking and exploring Ohiopyle during hunting seasons should also be aware that hunting may be taking place in designated areas of the park.
More Than a Hunting Trip
For many hunters, a trip to Ohiopyle can be more than a single day in the woods.
Extending a visit for several days provides more time to hunt while also leaving room to experience other parts of Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands. Depending on the current hunting season and permitted hunting days, that trip doesn't necessarily have to fall on a traditional weekend. A midweek stay may fit just as naturally into the plans.
Spend another day fishing the Youghiogheny River or Meadow Run, explore the waterfalls, hike through Ohiopyle State Park, bike a section of the Great Allegheny Passage or simply spend some time exploring town and the surrounding mountains.
A longer stay can also work well for groups with different interests. One person may head into the woods while someone else fishes, hikes, bikes or explores the area, with plenty of opportunities to spend the rest of the trip together.
Whether it's a weekend, a few days during the week or part of a longer Laurel Highlands getaway, Ohiopyle makes it easy to build more than one outdoor experience into the trip.
Plan Your Ohiopyle Hunting Trip
For official information about hunting within Ohiopyle State Park:
Ohiopyle State Park Hunting Information
For current Pennsylvania hunting licenses, regulations and statewide hunting information:
For current season dates and bag limits:
Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons & Bag Limits
Planning to stay for several days and experience more of Ohiopyle and the Laurel Highlands?