Hunters and outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania’s state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) said.
“This improved accessibility, coupled with DCNR’s promotion of deer hunting, benefits forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “DCNR will be opening more than 533 miles of state forest roads that are normally only for administrative use. They again will be available to hunters, hikers, foliage viewers, and others visiting state forestlands this fall.”
With the added access to administrative roads, more than 3,250 miles of state forest roadways will be open during the statewide archery deer season, which opens Saturday, Oct. 1, and closes Friday, Nov. 18. View a list of the administrative roads that DCNR forest managers plan to open this season.
Many of these roads will continue to stay open through other hunting seasons, continuing into January 2023.
DCNR and the Pennsylvania Game Commission continue to update a new interactive map of state forestlands and game lands across Pennsylvania. Visit DCNR’s website to access a new interactive map. The map offers information on the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) and Disease Management Areas, and details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contacts, and more.
Top quality hunting is offered at many state parks – including those in the 12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds region – where state forestland often surrounds them. Visit DCNR’s website for more information related to hunting opportunities on DCNR lands.
Inexpensive modern camping can be found at many state parks. Reservations for state park campsites can be made online or by calling 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).
Hunters traveling to some north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities.
Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards.
Some of the state forest administrative roads will only be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season, because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week of that season. Two- or three-month long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.
Following the last day of the regular firearms antlerless deer season on Dec. 10, many state forest roads that are open for year-round travel are opened for joint use by snowmobiles and licensed motor vehicles, including hunters and other recreational users.
Because state forest roads are groomed for snowmobiles and not plowed or cindered like most other public roads, they may also be impassable at times, due to snow depth or icy conditions.
Visit DCNR’s website for more information about its 20 state forest districts and 121 state parks.
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