Top Hunting Places in Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Lancaster, Pennsylvania, known for its scenic farmland and Amish heritage, also offers some of the best hunting opportunities in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Situated within Wildlife Management Unit 5B, Lancaster County provides a mix of rich agricultural fields, wooded ridges, creek bottoms, and state-managed lands, making it a top destination for hunting white-tailed deer, turkey, pheasant, small game, and waterfowl. Whether you’re looking for a quiet archery stand, a productive field edge, or a pheasant flush on stocked land, Lancaster delivers accessibility and variety for hunters of all skill levels.

Best Public Hunting Areas in and Around Lancaster

1. State Game Lands Number 156

Located in Providence Township, just south of the city of Lancaster, SGL 156 spans nearly 700 acres of rolling hills, woodlots, and meadows. It’s one of the closest and most convenient hunting spots for local residents.

Key Features:

• Stocked with pheasants every fall
  
• Great for archery deer hunting
  
• Fields and edges ideal for rabbit and squirrel
  

2. Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area

Covering over 6,000 acres in Lancaster and Lebanon counties, Middle Creek WMA is a premier destination for migratory waterfowl hunting and more. This area is part of the Atlantic Flyway and is famous for its snow goose and migratory duck migrations.

Key Features:

• Regulated waterfowl zones and blind reservations
  
• Deer and turkey hunting available in designated areas
  
• One of the best spots in the state for snow goose hunts
  

3. Welsh Mountain Nature Preserve (Regulated Hunting)

Located east of New Holland, Welsh Mountain Preserve is managed by the Lancaster Conservancy and offers regulated deer hunting during the archery season. Access is controlled through permits and conservation guidelines.

Key Features:

• Quiet and secluded woodland setting
  
• Ideal for low-pressure bowhunting
  
• Excellent visibility and terrain for mobile stand hunters
  

Private Hunting Opportunities in Lancaster County

4. Martz’s Game Farm (Lenhartsville)

A short drive from Lancaster, Martz’s Game Farm offers controlled upland bird hunting for pheasants, chukar, and quail. This preserve is a great option for guaranteed action and training bird dogs.

Key Features:

• No license required for preserve hunts
  
• Guided and unguided hunts available
  
• Ideal for group outings or beginner hunters
  

5. Muddy Run Recreation Area (Archery Only)

Managed by the local utility company but open to public bowhunters, Muddy Run offers hundreds of acres for archery deer hunting in a low-pressure setting. It’s a well-kept secret among Lancaster’s bowhunters.

Key Features:

• Rolling terrain with oak stands and creek bottoms
  
• Archery-only zone ensures safety and deer movement
  
• Permits required via local agency
  

Popular Game Species Around Lancaster

White-tailed Deer

Lancaster County’s mix of farm fields, hedgerows, and woodlots creates ideal habitat for deer movement. WMU 5B offers generous antlerless allocations and extended archery seasons. Public spots like SGL 156 and Muddy Run are consistently productive.

Wild Turkey

Spring gobbler season draws hunters to Middle Creek and Welsh Mountain, where flocks roost on wooded ridges and feed in open clearings. Fall turkey hunting is available, though more challenging due to scattered flocks.

Pheasant & Upland Birds

The Pennsylvania Game Commission stocks pheasants in multiple Lancaster hunting areas during the fall. expect high success rates in SGL 156, especially after scheduled releases.

Waterfowl

Middle Creek WMA is among the best in the Northeast for snow geese, ducks, and Canada geese. The area fills with thousands of birds each season, creating exciting hunts and photo-worthy moments.

Small Game

Lancaster’s hedgerows and thickets are home to cottontail rabbits, squirrels, and groundhogs, offering abundant opportunities during small game season.

Hunting Licenses and Regulations for Lancaster

To hunt legally in Lancaster County, you must obtain the appropriate licenses through the Pennsylvania Game Commission:

• General Hunting License
  
• Archery and Muzzleloader Stamps (if applicable)
  
• WMU 5B Antlerless Deer Tags
  
• Waterfowl Permit and Federal Duck Stamp
  
• Hunting Safety Course for new hunters
  

Licenses can be purchased online or at local retailers such as Kinsey’s Outdoors and Cabela’s in nearby Hamburg.

Best Hunting Seasons in Lancaster, PA

 

Tips for Hunting in Lancaster County

• Scout farm edges and transitions between cover and crops to find deer funnels.
  
• Use apps like HuntStand or onX Hunt to stay within legal boundaries and track game activity.
  
• Apply early for Middle Creek waterfowl permits, especially for snow goose peak season.
  
• Avoid weekends if possible; hunt midweek for less pressure and more movement.
  
• Maintain strict scent control, especially in smaller public lands where deer are heavily pressured.
  

Essential Gear Checklist

• Valid PA license and tags (WMU 5B)
  
• Blaze orange clothing for rifle seasons
  
• Archery or firearm setup
  
• Tree stand or ground blind
  
• Scent elimination spray and rubber boots
  
• Rangefinder, binoculars, and topo map
  
• Game calls for deer and turkey
  
• Waders and decoys for waterfowl hunting
  
• Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport
  

Conclusion: Lancaster is a Top Hunting Destination in Southeastern PA

Lancaster is best known for its farmlands and peaceful countryside, but it’s also home to incredible hunting opportunities just minutes from town. Whether you’re bowhunting a trophy buck in Muddy Run, calling ducks at Middle Creek, or flushing pheasants on a cool October morning in SGL 156, Lancaster offers a rich and accessible experience for hunters in Pennsylvania and beyond.