UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As the fall hunting season begins, Penn State officials are reminding hunters about public hunting opportunities on University-owned lands and highlighting several changes to hunting regulations and access requirements.
More than 10,000 acres of Penn State-owned forests and agricultural lands are available for public hunting, providing opportunities for hunters while supporting wildlife habitat management and conservation across central Pennsylvania, noted Brent Harding, director of forestland management in the College of Agricultural Sciences.
“Penn State has a long history of managing its forests and agricultural lands for teaching, research, recreation and stewardship,” he said. “We want to make sure hunters understand the requirements for each property and are aware of changes before heading into the field.”
Among this season's changes, Harding said the University’s Living Filter properties are now restricted to archery hunting only. Game may not be pursued with firearms on these properties. The restriction is intended to protect the safety of Office of Physical Plant crews working on the properties, reduce conflicts with walkers and hikers using the road network, and prevent errant shotgun pellets from reaching neighboring properties.
“We have crews working in these areas, as well as people using the roads for walking and other recreation,” said Garry Beck, water treatment services manager in the Office of Physical Plant. “The archery-only restriction helps us provide hunting opportunities while creating a safer environment for everyone using the property.”
He added that the area immediately adjacent to the Penn Stater Conference Center also is restricted to archery hunting only.
Several Penn State properties also require hunters to obtain a no-fee University permit in addition to a valid Pennsylvania hunting license. Hunters should review property-specific requirements before hunting. The Rock Springs complex is among the properties requiring the additional permit.
“Having the proper permit is an important part of making sure we can manage hunting activity on these properties effectively,” said Jesse Darlington, college facilities coordinator. “Hunters should check the requirements for the specific property they plan to visit rather than assuming the same rules apply everywhere.”
Stone Valley Forest, one of Penn State’s largest properties open to public hunting, encompasses more than 7,000 acres and is enrolled in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program, or DMAP.
The program allows participating properties to issue additional antlerless deer harvest permits to support deer population management.
Penn State’s public hunting lands span several properties, including Weaver Forest, Musser Gap South, Womer Tract and several agricultural and forested tracts near University Park. Because hunting regulations and access requirements vary by property, hunters should review the applicable maps and regulations before entering University lands.
Penn State works closely with the Pennsylvania Game Commission through Cooperative Wildlife Management Area agreements. These agreements promote healthy wildlife populations, improve habitat conditions and provide responsible public access to outdoor recreation.
Maps, property-specific regulations, permit information and additional information about hunting on Penn State lands are available at agsci.psu.edu/hunting.
Hunters using University lands must comply with all Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations, University requirements, and posted property restrictions. Additionally, Harding encourages hunters and other outdoor recreation enthusiasts to be aware of one another during hunting seasons.
“We encourage everyone who is using these properties — whether hunting, hiking, walking, birdwatching or participating in another outdoor activity — to be aware that hunting is taking place and to take appropriate safety precautions,” Harding said. “Wearing fluorescent orange is an important step visitors can take to increase their visibility during hunting seasons.”