I think that most folks these days would agree that it certainly has been a crazy year so far! In particular, the coronavirus has disrupted our usual routines and greatly affected our daily lives. With little exception, everyone has experienced some kind of negative reaction to this pandemic. But good things do await us in the coming months.

The hot, humid and hazy summer days have recently evolved into cool days and crisp evenings, sometimes even producing a light frost to greet the morning sun. It is the signal most of us have been eagerly awaiting – the coming of fall, the colorful display of our hardwood forests and the beginning of the hunting seasons!

The squirrel season has been underway statewide since September 12 and runs through to near the end of November, with two additional seasons occurring over the winter months. With a daily limit of 6 and a possession limit of 18, squirrels provide an excellent opportunity for early fall hunting, and the perfect scenario for mentoring a youth. While squirrel hunting is not as popular as it once was, it remains one of the best opportunities to spend time teaching a new hunter about all facets of hunting safety, ethics and responsibilities along with the importance of patience, staying alert and learning from watching other forms of wildlife. As a bonus, one of the most memorable and quite delicious aspects of squirrel hunting is the making of “squirrel pot pie” in an old cast iron Dutch oven.

Throughout the month of October, the statewide seasons for Bobwhite quail, ruffed grouse, rabbit and pheasant will open. While each of these species of game have their own appeal, hunting any of them is so much more enjoyable when you have the opportunity to hunt with a well trained dog. It is truly a thrill to watch a pointer lock up and go on point when it zeroes in on a pheasant or grouse. The sound of a beagle baying as it trails behind a cottontail rabbit is one you will always remember with a smile once you have heard it in the field!

Big game hunting begins this coming Saturday, October 3, in the form of archery deer hunting. The season continues until November 14, with an added day of Sunday archery deer hunting on Sunday, November 15. The muzzleloader, antlerless only season runs from October 17 to October 24 and a Junior-Senior special firearms antlerless only season is held from October 22-24. The regular firearms season begins on November 28 and goes until December 12, with a day of Sunday hunting on Sunday, November 29. Finally, the flintlock antlered and antlerless season occurs from December 26 to January 23.

Fall turkey hunters can pursue both hens and gobblers beginning October 31 and ending on various dates, depending on the WMU in question. In order to increase your chances for fall turkeys, follow the food sources. Recently cut corn fields, or freshly producing oak trees, especially white oaks are excellent locations, and as long as this dry weather continues, water sources, such as brooks, streams and ponds are a good bet as well.

Finally, the fall hunting seasons include ample opportunities to hunt black bear throughout the state. The regular statewide firearms season is a four day season from Saturday, November 21 to Tuesday, November 24 – this includes another Sunday hunting opportunity for this year’s hunters – Sunday, November 22. Statewide, there is also a season to pursue black bear with archery equipment, and it runs from October 17 to November 7. Concurrently, a muzzleloader bear season is held statewide from October 17 to 24, and this year during the special Junior and Senior special antlerless deer firearms season, a black bear is also legal game.

The additional seasons for some species and the added Sunday hunting opportunities will add to your chances for success this fall. Whether you prefer hunting upland small game or one of the big game species, this fall should be a banner harvest. Take advantage of all of these opportunities to “bring home the bacon” – or in this case, the wild game meats! You not only have the chance to get outside and enjoy time in the fresh air, but there can be no healthier dinner fare than that provided by any of the wild game we hunt right here in Pennsylvania.