Top Hunting Places in Altoona, Pennsylvania

Altoona, Pennsylvania, nestled in the heart of Blair County and surrounded by the lush ridges of the Allegheny Mountains, is a premier hunting destination often overlooked by many. From vast stretches of state game lands to private preserves and thriving wildlife, the Altoona region offers an exceptional range of hunting opportunities for both novice and experienced outdoorsmen.

Whether you're tracking white-tailed deer, pursuing elusive wild turkey, or testing your skills on black bears or small game, Altoona has the terrain, game, and access hunters crave. This guide will cover the best hunting spots, regulations, access tips, and seasonal highlights to help you make the most of your next trip to this underrated hunting paradise.

Best Public Hunting Lands Near Altoona, Pennsylvania

State Game Lands Number 147

Located just a short drive northeast of Altoona, SGL 147 is a sprawling 6,000+ acre game land that delivers a rich and varied habitat for deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels, and more. The mixed hardwood forests, steep ridges, and meandering trails make it an ideal location for traditional spot-and-stalk hunts.

• Key Game: White-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse
  
• Terrain: Wooded ridges, hollows, and creek bottoms
  
• Access Points: Trailheads off Juniata Gap Rd and Old Frankstown Rd
  
• Best Time to Hunt: Archery deer season in early fall and spring gobbler season
  

State Game Lands Number 166

To the southeast of Altoona lies SGL 166, offering an expansive 11,000 acres with ample elevation changes, thick cover, and streams. This area is especially favored for archery hunting, thanks to its remote feel and lower hunting pressure compared to more populated game lands.

• Key Game: Deer, turkey, black bear, and coyote
  
• Highlights: Excellent for predator hunting and scouting for post-rut bucks
  
• Access: Multiple points along Kettle Road and Reservoir Rd
  

Privately Owned Hunting Preserves Near Altoona

Martinsburg Hunting Preserve

Just 20 minutes from Altoona, Martinsburg Hunting Preserve offers a controlled environment for hunters looking to pursue pheasant, chukar, and quail. With professionally managed bird releases and trained guides available, this is an ideal spot for those looking to sharpen their shooting skills or introduce younger hunters to the sport.

• Game Species: Pheasant, chukar, bobwhite quail
  
• Features: Dog-friendly, guided hunts, lodging available
  
• Booking: Seasonal reservations required; half-day and full-day options
  

Bucks and Beards Hunting Club

A well-kept secret in the Altoona area, Bucks and Beards is a private membership-based club that grants access to over 1,000 acres of intensely managed hunting grounds. With planted food plots, elevated blinds, and strict QDMA practices, members can expect high-quality deer and turkey experiences.

• Access: Membership-only, limited guest passes
  
• Ideal For: Serious hunters seeking quality deer management areas
  
• Additional Perks: Trail camera data, pre-season scouting reports
  

Top Game to Hunt in Altoona

White-Tailed Deer

Deer hunting in the Altoona area is nothing short of phenomenal. The dense forests, agricultural edges, and rolling topography create prime conditions for both early season archery and late-season firearms. With a strong population and dedicated management efforts, deer hunters in Altoona can expect high success rates.

• Best Season: Late October (rut) and early December
  
• Preferred Method: Tree stand or ground blind near travel corridors and food plots
  

Wild Turkey

The spring gobbler season draws countless hunters to Blair County each year. Altoona’s surrounding woodlands offer perfect roosting spots, ridges for calling, and open understory that makes for clean, ethical shots.

• Tips: Scout for roost trees and early morning calling locations
  
• Seasonal Highlight: Youth Turkey Day in April for mentored hunts
  

Black Bear

While bear hunting is more specialized, the deep hollows and remote ridges of State Game Lands 166 and 198 offer excellent opportunities for patient hunters willing to put in the miles.

• Best Tactics: Spot and stalk along travel corridors and berry thickets
  
• Season: Mid-November rifle season
  

Small Game and Waterfowl

Rabbit, squirrel, and grouse are abundant throughout the Altoona region, especially in the brushy edges and logged areas. For waterfowlers, nearby wetlands and lakes offer modest duck and goose hunting, particularly during early migratory periods.

Seasonal Hunting Tips for Altoona Outdoorsmen

Fall Rut Planning

The peak of the rut in late October and early November brings heavy deer activity. Pre-season trail cams and mock scrapes can give valuable insights into buck movement. Focus on pinch points and scrape lines near bedding areas.

Winter Hunts

Cold weather can push deer into thicker cover and lower elevations. Look for south-facing slopes and evergreen stands for shelter. Late season hunts can also be productive for small game, with reduced competition and visible sign in snow-covered terrain.

Early Spring Scouting

Before turkey season, scout for fresh droppings, scratchings, and roost trees. Listening for gobbles at dawn is a tried-and-true way to pinpoint prime locations before opening day.

Local Hunting Resources and Gear Shops

Kinsey’s Outdoors – Hunting Supply

Located in nearby Duncansville, Kinsey’s is a well-stocked store for all things archery, optics, ammunition, tactical soft rifle cases, and apparel. Their knowledgeable staff often includes local hunters who can give terrain-specific advice and product recommendations.

Blair County Game Commission Office

Stop here for updated regulations, tags, and wildlife maps. Officers are familiar with local hotspots and seasonal access conditions.

Licensing, Regulations, and Access Information

Hunters in Pennsylvania are required to have the appropriate hunting license and applicable game tags for their chosen species. Altoona falls under WMU 4D, and local regulations may change yearly.

• License Types: Resident, Non-resident, Senior, Youth, Mentored Youth
  
• Required Tags: Antlered/Antlerless Deer, Bear License, Spring/Fall Turkey
  
• Sunday Hunting: Permitted on specific dates for select species
  

Be sure to review the PA Game Commission’s guidelines each season and check for changes regarding CWD zones, baiting laws, and WMU-specific restrictions.

Conclusion: Why Altoona Is a Must-Hunt Destination

Altoona, Pennsylvania, offers a rich tapestry of hunting experiences few places in the state can match. With its accessible public lands, managed private preserves, healthy game populations, and scenic Appalachian setting, it's a hunter’s dream nestled quietly in Central Pennsylvania. Whether you're bagging your first deer or chasing a trophy gobbler, Altoona provides the terrain, wildlife, and community to make every trip a success.