Top Hunting Places in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, may be best known for its rich historical heritage, iconic Liberty Bell, and world-class cheesesteaks, but it also holds a lesser-known gem for outdoor enthusiasts—top-tier hunting opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned hunter or new to the sport, the Philadelphia area offers accessible and well-managed public and private lands for pursuing deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game. This guide breaks down the best public and private hunting lands near the city, hunting regulations, primary game species, and insider tips to make your next hunting trip a success.

Best Public Hunting Lands Near Philadelphia

Related Products

Elite Ranger Soft Rifle Case

PRICE:

Regular price $135.00

Regular price $223.00 Sale price $135.00

Unit price /  per 

Elite Strike Rifle Case

PRICE:

Regular price From $129.00

Regular price $240.00 Sale price From $129.00

Unit price /  per 

1. Ridley Creek State Park Hunting Area

Located just 16 miles west of downtown Philadelphia, Ridley Creek State Park offers over 2,600 acres of mixed hardwood forest and meadow habitat. While most of the park is off-limits to hunting, designated sections are available for archery-only deer hunting, offering a peaceful yet challenging experience.

Key Features:

• Archery-only zone minimizes disturbance and enhances safety.
  
• Healthy deer population with occasional sightings of red foxes and wild turkeys.
  
• Permits required through Pennsylvania Game Commission.
  

2. John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge

Located within Philadelphia’s city limits, John Heinz NWR at Tinicum is the nation’s first urban refuge and supports a vibrant population of migratory birds, waterfowl, and deer. Hunting is permitted in specific seasons, making it an excellent local option for archery deer or waterfowl hunting.

Key Features:

• Accessible from within the city, ideal for weekday hunts.
  
• Excellent for early morning duck hunting along the marshes.
  
• Managed under federal guidelines, ensuring ethical, sustainable harvest.
  

3. Fort Washington State Park

Just 17 miles north of Philly, Fort Washington State Park offers controlled hunting in clearly defined areas. The park allows archery hunting for deer, with strict safety compliance rules to protect hikers and other visitors.

Key Features:

• Scenic ridges and wooded trails offer a rewarding stalk-hunting experience.
  
• Deer herd is well-managed, making it an excellent area during rut season.
  
• Archery-only restrictions enhance safety and maintain low-pressure hunting.
  

Private Hunting Preserves Near Philadelphia

4. Lehigh Valley Preserve (Private)

Less than an hour’s drive north, the Lehigh Valley Preserve offers a luxurious hunting experience. Known for its guided pheasant, quail, and chukar hunts, it’s a favorite for those looking for upland bird hunting in a controlled environment.

Key Features:

• Professional guides with bird dogs provided.
  
• No hunting license required for upland bird shooting.
  
• Corporate packages and family-friendly outings available.
  

5. Martz’s Game Farm

Located in Berks County, just over an hour from Philadelphia, Martz’s Game Farm delivers a tailored hunting experience for pheasants, chukars, and even trophy whitetails. It’s ideal for hunters looking to hone shooting skills or introduce new hunters to the sport.

Key Features:

• No daily license required, simplifying access for beginners.
  
• Great for controlled, stress-free hunts.
  
• Bird cleaning and processing available on-site.
  

Game Species You Can Hunt Near Philadelphia

White-tailed Deer

The crown jewel of Pennsylvania’s hunting heritage, white-tailed deer are abundant across Southeastern PA. Whether you’re using archery, muzzleloader, or modern firearm (in select areas), deer season offers multiple entry points for hunters at all skill levels.

Eastern Wild Turkey

The spring turkey season is one of the most thrilling times to be in the woods. The elusive Eastern wild turkey can be called in with patience and skill. Many public lands like Ridley Creek and Evansburg State Park offer turkey hunting in designated zones.

Waterfowl

Canada geese and mallards migrate through the Delaware River flyway, making this area a prime target for waterfowlers. Early mornings in the John Heinz NWR or on private wetlands deliver high odds for success.

Small Game (Squirrels, Rabbits, and More)

For hunters looking to introduce a youth hunter or practice shooting reflexes, small game seasons are generous and require minimal gear. Areas like Tyler State Park and French Creek State Park offer good squirrel and rabbit populations.

Licensing and Regulations

Before hitting the woods, hunters must secure the appropriate licenses through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Here are a few essentials:

• General Hunting License: Required for all hunters age 17 and up.
  
• Archery & Muzzleloader Permits: Additional stamps needed for those seasons.
  
• Deer Tags: Issued by WMU (Wildlife Management Unit); Philadelphia falls under WMU 5C.
  
• Hunter Education: First-time hunters must complete a safety course.
  

Best Seasons for Hunting Around Philadelphia

Top Tips for Hunting Near Philadelphia

• Scout ahead: Use digital maps and walk trails pre-season to identify bedding and feeding areas.
  
• Stay scent-free: Especially important for archery hunters in smaller public plots.
  
• Follow the rules: Many public areas have specific entry and exit points for hunters and require blaze orange even during archery-only seasons.
  
• Network locally: Join a hunting club or attend state park briefings to connect with experienced locals.
  
• Respect non-hunters: Many public areas are multi-use. Communicate clearly, stay visible, and be respectful of hikers and bikers.
  

Gear Checklist for a Successful Hunt

• Pennsylvania Game Commission-approved license and tags
  
• Blaze orange (hat or vest)
  
• Archery or firearm setup (depending on season)
  
• Field dressing kit and cooler
  
• Scent control products
  
• Binoculars and rangefinder
  
• GPS or smartphone mapping app
  
• Headlamp or flashlight for early/late entry
  
• Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport
  

Conclusion: Philadelphia’s Hidden Wilderness Awaits

Philadelphia isn’t just a concrete jungle—it’s surrounded by rich hunting lands offering abundant wildlife, community access, and responsible conservation practices. Whether you want to bowhunt whitetail before work or take a weekend to a nearby preserve for upland birds, this city is a gateway for hunters of all kinds.