Allegheny National Forest
Pennsylvania's only national forest, the Allegheny covers roughly half a million acres of the Allegheny Plateau with steep hardwood ridges, hemlock benches, and remote hollows in the state's northwest. The big timber and deep cover make it a classic mobile/saddle destination, and the Forest Service opens a large network of forest roads each fall for hunter access into the backcountry. Hunting follows Pennsylvania Game Commission seasons, and no special wilderness permit is needed to hunt the designated wilderness areas.
Hours / Access
Open to the public year-round; legal hunting hours are generally about 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset (PGC sets exact times). Dispersed camping is allowed in most of the forest without a permit.
Free public access with a valid Pennsylvania hunting license; seasons and bag limits set by the PA Game Commission. The USFS opens designated hunter-access forest roads each fall (with specific opening/closing dates by ranger district). Campgrounds, developed recreation sites, and private inholdings are off-limits to hunting.
Seasons
- Archery: Statewide archery deer season typically runs early October into late November, with a late archery segment in late December into January.
- Firearms: The main statewide firearms (rifle) deer season is generally in late November/early December, with additional special segments.
- Muzzleloader: A muzzleloader (and special firearms) segment typically falls in October; flintlock/late segments occur in late December into January.
Species
- White-tailed deer
Official Resources
Local Guides & Outfitters
Sherk's Guide Service
Local guide service based in Lewis Run, PA, near the Allegheny National Forest (Bradford area). Listed via the Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau; only a Facebook page was findable.
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