Top Hunting Places in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

June 5, 2025

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, the scenic capital of the Keystone State, offers more than just rich history and political importance—it’s also a hidden gem for passionate hunters. Nestled along the Susquehanna River and surrounded by a tapestry of dense woodlands, rolling hills, and fertile valleys, this region provides exceptional access to a variety of game, terrain, and hunting seasons. From whitetail deer and wild turkey to waterfowl and small game, the Harrisburg area offers some of the best hunting experiences in Central Pennsylvania.

Best Public Hunting Lands Near Harrisburg, PA

State Game Lands Number 230

Located just north of Harrisburg, State Game Lands (SGL) 230 offers over 8,000 acres of public hunting land managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The diverse terrain includes hardwood forests, open fields, brushy cover, and wetlands—ideal for a variety of game species.

Popular Game: Whitetail deer, eastern wild turkey, black bear, small game
Access Points: Multiple parking lots and trailheads off routes PA-443 and PA-325
Best Seasons: Archery and rifle deer seasons; spring gobbler for turkey

Wildwood Lake Sanctuary Buffer Area

Though primarily a conservation and educational space, the buffer zones around Wildwood Park offer regulated archery-only hunting. This urban edge hunting zone gives seasoned bowhunters a unique challenge close to the city center.

Game: Whitetail deer (archery only)
Restrictions: Requires registration with the Dauphin County Parks Department
Ideal For: Hunters seeking a quiet, bow-only experience without driving far

Top Private Hunting Preserves in the Harrisburg Area

Martz’s Game Farm – Dalmatia, PA

Just a short drive northeast from Harrisburg, Martz’s Game Farm offers a premium upland bird hunting experience. With well-maintained fields and guided hunts available, this family-run preserve specializes in pheasant, chukar, and quail.

Species: Pheasant, quail, chukar partridge
Amenities: Dog-friendly, onsite lodging, guide services
Season: September through March

Mountain View Preserve

For a more intimate private experience, Mountain View Preserve in Perry County delivers high-fence whitetail and exotic game hunts on over 400 acres of managed terrain. Trophy bucks, fallow deer, and rams roam freely in a challenging, fair-chase environment.

Trophy Game: Whitetail bucks, exotic sheep, fallow deer
Special Features: Elevated blinds, guided hunts, high success rates
Best For: Hunters looking to bring home a mount-worthy trophy

What to Hunt in Harrisburg – Seasonal Guide

Whitetail Deer

Harrisburg’s surrounding regions are known for healthy deer populations and long-standing traditions of ethical deer management. With both archery and firearm seasons available, hunters can choose their preferred method.

Archery: Mid-September to mid-November, late December to late January
Rifle: Typically runs late November into early December
Best Locations: SGL 230, private land in Perry or Juniata Counties

Wild Turkey

Spring gobbler season is especially thrilling in Central PA, with toms strutting through thickets in full display.

Spring Season: Last week of April through most of May
Fall Season: Varies by WMU; generally October
Calls & Tips: Slate calls and diaphragm calls work well in early morning hours

Waterfowl

The Susquehanna River basin creates perfect habitat for ducks and geese. Look for backwater sloughs and cornfields near the riverbanks.

Best Spots: River islands and tributaries around Fort Hunter & Marysville
Species: Mallards, wood ducks, Canada geese
Gear Needed: Essential gear includes waders, decoys, and a blind

Small Game

Rabbit and squirrel hunting remains a tradition in Pennsylvania. With an open season extending into February, it’s a great off-peak pursuit.

Species: Cottontail rabbit, gray squirrel
Best Terrain: Brushy field edges, old stone fences, oak stands
Tip: Look for fresh tracks in snow to locate activity hotspots

Licensing and Regulations

Before hunting in the Harrisburg area, ensure that you have the proper Pennsylvania Game Commission-issued license for the relevant species and method. Hunters must also comply with:

Orange Requirements: Blaze orange hats and vests during firearm deer seasons
Sunday Hunting Rules: Limited Sunday hunting is now allowed, but confirm dates annually
CWD Zones: Be aware of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) regulations when transporting deer parts out of the area

Licenses and permits can be purchased online or at local authorized vendors like Bass Pro Shops in Harrisburg Mall or Kinsey’s Outdoors in Mount Joy.

Top Gear Shops and Outfitters in Harrisburg

Bass Pro Shops – Harrisburg

Conveniently located off I-83, this megastore offers everything from camouflage clothing and compound bows to rifle scopes and decoys—including tactical soft rifle cases for secure firearm transport. Their staff includes local hunters and can provide useful advice on gear setups for the region.

Shyda’s Outdoor Center

Family-owned and well-respected in the local hunting community, Shyda’s offers premium gear and guns, and even a selection of used equipment. It's a great stop for ammo, archery tuning, and last-minute essentials.

Tips for a Successful Hunt in Harrisburg

Scout Early: Use trail cameras or mapping apps like HuntStand or OnX to mark bedding areas, travel routes, and food sources.
Check Weather: Pennsylvania’s climate can shift quickly in fall and winter—layer up and plan for cold, wet conditions.
Respect Private Property: Always get written permission before accessing private land, even for retrieval.
Arrive Early: Game is most active during dawn and dusk. Beat the crowd for the best setup locations.

Why Harrisburg Stands Out for Pennsylvania Hunters

Unlike more remote or heavily pressured areas, Harrisburg’s central location offers a balanced mix of accessibility, biodiversity, and terrain diversity. Within 30–60 minutes, you can be glassing ridgelines for deer, calling in turkeys on farmland, or walking a pheasant field with your bird dog. It's a hunter’s paradise infused with Pennsylvania’s signature charm—complete with local eateries, rustic lodging, and small-town friendliness that turns a weekend hunt into a memorable outdoor experience.