Top Hunting Places in Allentown, Pennsylvania

Allentown, Pennsylvania, nestled in the scenic Lehigh Valley, offers a surprising wealth of hunting opportunities easily accessible. With access to expansive State Game Lands, wooded ridges, agricultural fields, and well-managed private preserves, Allentown is a top-tier destination for hunters targeting white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasant, waterfowl, and small game. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or a beginner, the region's natural diversity and strategic Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) provide a rewarding experience throughout the seasons.

Best Public Hunting Areas Near Allentown

1. State Game Land No. 205

Located just minutes north of Allentown, State Game Lands 205 offers over 1,100 acres of prime habitat for deer, turkey, and small game. This popular destination includes hardwood forests, thick cover, and open meadows that create ideal conditions for wildlife.

Key Features:

• Easy access from Lehigh and Northampton counties
  
• Excellent for archery hunting and early season scouting
  
• Ideal habitat for rabbit, squirrel, and upland birds
  

2. State Game Lands Number 217

Situated in Carbon County, about 30 minutes from downtown Allentown, SGL 217 provides rugged mountain terrain that’s perfect for challenging whitetail and turkey hunts. This less-crowded area is ideal for hunters seeking seclusion and mature bucks.

Key Features:

• Elevation and cover suited for spot-and-stalk or tree stand setups
  
• Strong population of Eastern wild turkeys
  
• Year-round scouting opportunities thanks to its proximity to Lehigh Gorge

3. Trexler Nature Preserve (Controlled Hunts)

Trexler Nature Preserve, primarily a conservation and recreation area, offers controlled deer hunting opportunities through special permitting. This area is used to help manage overpopulation and balance the ecosystem.

Key Features:

• Apply early for permits via Lehigh County
  
• High chance of harvesting deer in a low-pressure environment
  
• Scenic terrain and low human disturbance
  

Private Hunting Preserves Near Allentown

4. Lehigh Valley Sporting Clays & Preserve

Only a short drive from central Allentown, this facility offers guided pheasant and chukar hunts in addition to world-class clay shooting courses. Ideal for upland bird hunters and corporate hunting events.

Key Features:

• Bird dogs and guides available
  
• Stocked fields for consistent game activity
  
• Excellent for pheasant hunters looking for controlled hunts
  

5. Martz’s Game Farm (Berks County)

Located under an hour from Allentown, Martz’s Game Farm provides private access to quail, pheasant, and chukar hunting, making it a hotspot for upland bird enthusiasts across Eastern Pennsylvania.

Key Features:

• No license required for preserve hunts
  
• Hunting packages available year-round
  
• Great option for training new hunters or hunting dogs
  

Game Species in the Allentown Area

White-tailed Deer

The Lehigh Valley’s mix of farmland and wooded corridors creates prime whitetail deer habitat. With WMUs 5C and 4C covering the region, hunters have access to extended antlerless seasons and archery-only areas close to the city.

Wild Turkey

Spring gobbler season in State Game Lands 217 is a favorite among local turkey hunters. The dense cover, rolling hills, and oak ridges make for a thrilling and vocal turkey hunt.

Pheasant & Upland Birds

The Pennsylvania Game Commission regularly stocks pheasants in State Game Lands 205 and surrounding lands during fall. Private preserves also offer more predictable and guided upland hunts.

Waterfowl

The Lehigh River and nearby wetlands support duck and goose populations during migration. Flooded fields and riverbanks are especially productive during cold fronts.

Small Game

Squirrels, rabbits, and groundhogs are plentiful in public and private lands. These species are great for youth hunts or casual outings and require minimal gear.

Licensing and Regulations

All hunters in the Allentown area must comply with Pennsylvania Game Commission rules. Here’s what you need to get started:

• General Hunting License (Resident or Non-Resident)
  
• Archery and Muzzleloader Stamps, depending on the season
  
• WMU-Specific Antlerless Tags for Unit 5C and neighboring zones
  
• Hunting Safety Course required for new license holders
  

Licenses can be purchased online at the Game Commission website or from authorized agents in Allentown.

Best Seasons and Times to Hunt Near Allentown

 

Hunting Tips for Allentown-Area Sportsmen

• Scout early: Use public maps and satellite imagery to pinpoint bedding and feeding zones.
  
• Target food sources: Deer and turkey gather near cornfields and mast-producing oaks.
  
• Leverage SGL 205: Its proximity and varied habitat make it ideal for short weekday hunts.
  
• Apply for Trexler permits early: These slots go quickly and offer low-pressure opportunities.
  
• Use scent control: The fragmented public lands near Allentown demand stealth and discipline to stay undetected.
  

Essential Hunting Gear Checklist

• Valid PA license and tags
  
• Blaze orange clothing (when applicable)
  
• Compound bow, crossbow, or legal firearm
  
• Lightweight tree stand or ground blind
  
• Binoculars and rangefinder
  
• Scent control spray and scent-free boots
  
• Field dressing kit and cooler
  
• Topo maps or GPS app for State Game Lands
  
• Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport
  

Conclusion: Allentown’s Outdoor Access Is a Hunter’s Dream

From rolling ridges to quiet woodlots, Allentown provides access to Pennsylvania’s most versatile hunting grounds. Whether you’re after a trophy buck, a strutting gobbler, or a quick morning squirrel hunt, the Lehigh Valley delivers with options for every hunter. Abundant public land, clear regulations, and world-class private preserves make Allentown a hunter’s paradise. All you need is the right license, a good plan, and the passion to step into the field.