Top Hunting Places in McCandless, Pennsylvania

June 8, 2025

Located in the picturesque suburbs just north of Pittsburgh, McCandless, Pennsylvania offers hunters a convenient yet surprisingly diverse base for accessing some of Western Pennsylvania’s top hunting areas. While McCandless itself is a residential community, its close proximity to vast forests, game lands, and state parks makes it a strategic hub for both new and seasoned hunters.

Why McCandless is an Ideal Launch Point for Hunters

While the town of McCandless is known for its suburban charm, it’s only a short drive away from multiple state game lands, conservation areas, and river corridors rich with game. For hunters seeking a quick getaway from the city into the wilderness, McCandless delivers easy access, reliable infrastructure, and a location within reach of prime deer, turkey, and small game habitat.

Its position near the Allegheny National Forest region, as well as Game Lands in Allegheny and Butler Counties, makes it a go-to location for weekend warriors and dedicated sportsmen alike.

Top Public Hunting Area Near McCandless: State Game Lands Number 203

Overview

Just a 25-minute drive northwest of McCandless, State Game Lands Number 203 (SGL 203) is the premier destination for hunters in the North Hills region. Managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, this area spans over 1,245 acres and provides a productive habitat for a wide range of species.

Wildlife Opportunities

Whitetail Deer: Common throughout the mixed hardwoods and thickets.
Wild Turkey: Roosting in mature trees and feeding in open clearings.
Coyote and Fox: Often targeted by predator hunters using calls.
Squirrel and Rabbit: Abundant in brushy sections and edges.
Dove and Upland Birds: Present in open fields and edges during specific seasons.

Access Points

There are multiple public parking areas along Ridge Road, Mt. Pleasant Road, and Brownsdale Road, making access simple and spread across various zones. Well-established trails allow for easy scouting and game tracking, especially for bowhunters seeking less pressured areas.

Other Great Hunting Locations Close to McCandless

State Game Lands Number 164

Situated in neighboring Butler County, SGL 164 is roughly a 40-minute drive from McCandless and offers an additional 1,800+ acres of huntable land. With its mix of forests and overgrown fields, this area is popular for archery deer season and spring turkey hunts.

North Park Hunting Areas

Although North Park is primarily recreational, designated archery-only hunting zones are available through Allegheny County Parks Department’s managed hunts. It’s perfect for bowhunters who want to stay local during weekday hunts. Proper registration and permits are required.

Moraine State Park

Roughly 45 minutes north, Moraine State Park includes multiple sections open to hunting, especially for white-tailed deer, waterfowl, and upland game. The combination of forested ridges and Lake Arthur’s wetlands makes this a diverse area to explore.

Best Times and Seasons to Hunt Near McCandless

Game Species	Hunting Season (Typical Dates)
Whitetail Deer	Archery (Sept–Nov), Rifle (Nov–Dec)
Wild Turkey	Spring (April–May), Fall (Oct–Nov)
Small Game	Oct–Feb (squirrels, rabbits, pheasant)
Black Bear	Nov (not typical in Allegheny County)
Coyotes & Predators	Year-round; spotlighting allowed in season
Migratory Birds	Early Fall through Winter (species-dependent)

Check for unit-specific regulations in Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 2A and surrounding areas before each season at pgc.pa.gov.

Tips for a Successful Hunt Near McCandless

Scout Strategically

Public land near McCandless sees regular use. Use digital scouting apps like OnX or HuntStand to locate less-trafficked areas. Look for transition zones, water sources, and edge habitats for the best results.

Gear Up Locally

McCandless and nearby towns have several options for hunters to stock up:

Allegheny Arms & Gun Works in Pittsburgh
Field & Stream at Cranberry Square
Gander Outdoors in Greensburg (a bit farther, but well stocked)
Tactical Soft Rifle Cases and other specialized gear available at local retailers or online outfitters.

Respect Hunting Regulations

Many public land areas near McCandless have archery-only designations or special permit requirements. Be sure to:

Wear required blaze orange during firearms season
Follow Sunday hunting laws
Secure all applicable licenses and tags

Where to Stay and Eat Nearby

If you’re traveling in for a hunting trip or need to camp overnight:

Airbnb cabins in northern Allegheny County provide rustic comfort.
North Park Cabins (permit-based, Allegheny County-owned).
Campgrounds near Moraine State Park offer affordable primitive or electric sites.
Dining options in McCandless include everything from local diners to major chains, great for a warm meal after a long day in the field.

Ethical and Sustainable Hunting Practices

Hunters based in McCandless should lead by example in promoting ethical hunting practices, including:

Taking clean, responsible shots.
Field dressing and packing out game with respect.
Avoiding over-pressured areas during high-traffic weekends.
Practicing “leave no trace” policies—pack out trash and spent casings.

Maintaining these standards ensures that the local community supports continued access to hunting lands, especially as suburban sprawl expands into wild areas.

McCandless: The Hidden Gem for Western Pennsylvania Hunters

What McCandless lacks in wild land within town limits, it makes up for with proximity, access, and versatility. Whether you're chasing trophy bucks on Game Lands 203, calling spring gobblers from hardwood ridges, or quietly glassing for movement in nearby state parks, the region around McCandless is packed with hunting opportunity.

It’s a smart basecamp for Pittsburgh-area hunters who want fast access to productive, well-managed land without heading deep into the backcountry.