Happy Holidays To You!

The seventh and final pheasant releases of 2020 took place Dec. 22 and today, Dec. 23. More than 23,000 pheasants were scheduled to be stocked. Click here for more information about pheasant stocking locations and numbers. 

Pheasant hunting is currently open statewide and, with the exception of Dec. 25, runs until February 27, 2021. Both male and female pheasants now can be harvested statewide, except for within the state’s two Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, where pheasant hunting is closed, except as authorized by Game Commission executive order.

While you can legally hunt pheasants on release days, please note it is unlawful to discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a Game Commission vehicle if its occupants are releasing pheasants. Read full news release here. 

Are you ready to put the hammer down? Pennsylvania's flintlock deer season opens statewide THIS SATURDAY, December 26, 2020. Good Luck, have fun and hunt safely. 

With Pennsylvania's late archery season also opening statewide on Saturday, hunters who possess both a muzzleloader and an archery license may carry a bow or crossbow and a flintlock afield. Read more here. 

Did you know that you could be teaching basic Hunter-Trapper Education in your class or as an after school activity? Hunter-Trapper Education is more than just a path to purchasing a first-time hunting license! Students aged 11 and older learn not only how to be safe, responsible, knowledgeable and involved hunters, but also what wildlife conservation and management is and why it is important, how most conservation efforts are funded in the U.S., outdoor safety, and firearms safety.

As a certified Hunter Education Instructor, you’ll also receive benefits such as discount offers from industry leaders in hunting equipment, exposure to new experiences and advanced training opportunities, an annual Working Together for Wildlife Patch, and the chance to make new friends and hunting companions. Becoming a certified Hunter Education Instructor is easy, and can now be completed entirely online! Request an application packet online here or call the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Research and Education Division at 717-787-7015 today to get started!

Interested in taking a Hunter Trapper Education Course? Through the end of the month, the online HTE course is still available to anyone, ages 11 and up, at no cost. Learn more here.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s new podcast, “Call of the Outdoors,” launched earlier this year, and each of the 13 episodes featured special guests focused on wildlife, hunting, habitat and conservation efforts in the Keystone State. Listen online now at www.calloftheoutdoorspgc.com or download via Apple Podcasts, Google Play Store, iHeartRadio, Spotify and Stitcher.

Each episode is hosted by Game Commission Marketing Director Matt Morrett and provides a unique look into a Pennsylvania wildlife-related subject, a few laughs, and is sure to leave listeners with a renewed sense of knowledge and pride in the work being done on behalf of wildlife.

Gifted writer and artist, Bob Sopchick has assembled his much-anticipated book, Penn's Woods Passages. Its 65 chapters include hunting stories from many regions of Penn's Woods, compelling nature essays, and riveting fiction. 

The 300-plus pages are profusely illustrated with drawing and painting, making it a treat for the eye as well as the heart. Penn's Woods Passages is a must for every outdoors library and the perfect gift for those who cherish our hunting heritage and the wonders of Penn's Woods. It is NOW AVAILABLE for only $19.99, plus shipping and tax. Place an order or learn more here. 

If you're looking for a new way to spice up your wild game cooking, we have some incredible recipes for you to try. We recently started a new series on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's Facebook page called Wild Game Wednesdays. Every Wednesday through the end of January, we're bringing you some of our favorite wild game dishes. How does delicious spicy venison heart sound? Or, Roasted Wild Turkey and Mulberry Sauce? We've also shared recipes for Braised Venison Shank and Squirrel Stroganoff.  Keep an eye out on the Pennsylvania Game Commission Facebook page every Wednesday for more ways to turn your wild game into recipes the whole family will enjoy!