Top Hunting Places in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

When people think of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, they often think of steel bridges, sports teams, and iconic cityscapes. But for those who love the call of the wild, Pittsburgh is a gateway to some of the best hunting in Western Pennsylvania. With a variety of public game lands, nearby private preserves, and a diverse ecosystem, hunters of all skill levels can find the perfect spot to pursue white-tailed deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game within a short drive of the city.

Best Public Hunting Areas Near Pittsburgh

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1. State Game Lands Number 203

Located just 15 miles northwest of the city in Allegheny County, State Game Lands 203 is a favorite for locals. Spanning over 1,200 acres, this well-maintained area provides excellent opportunities for deer, turkey, and small game hunting.

Key Features:

• Ample parking for easy access
  
• Maintained trails and clearings ideal for spot-and-stalk hunting
  
• Popular for archery and shotgun seasons
  
• Dense underbrush offers strong bedding areas for whitetails
  

2. Hillman State Park

Only 25 miles west of Pittsburgh in Washington County, Hillman State Park offers more than 3,600 acres of woodlands and open meadows. It's a multi-use park, but hunting is permitted in designated areas.

Key Features:

• Open fields attract turkey and small game
  
• Several wooded ridges perfect for rut-season deer hunting
  
• Opportunities for spring gobbler in May and muzzleloader season in October
  

3. Raccoon Creek State Park

One of Pennsylvania’s largest state parks, Raccoon Creek spans over 7,500 acres and includes designated hunting zones that are home to white-tailed deer, squirrels, pheasants, and more. Located just 30 miles west of the city, this park is ideal for a full-day hunting trip.

Key Features:

• Diverse terrain including ridges, fields, and water sources
  
• Pheasant stocking program makes it ideal for upland game
  
• Extensive hiking trails for access to remote hunting spots
  

Top Private Hunting Preserves Near Pittsburgh

4. Buffer Creek Sporting Clays & Hunting Preserve

Located in Somerset County, Buffer Creek is roughly a 1.5-hour drive from Pittsburgh but worth the trip for upland bird hunting and European-style pheasant shoots. It’s an excellent place to enjoy a guided or semi-guided hunt with friends or clients.

Key Features:

• Professionally trained gun dogs available
  
• Pheasant, chukar, and quail hunts available
  
• Great for both beginners and experienced shooters
  

5. Gobbler’s Knob Hunting Preserve

Situated just north of the city in Armstrong County, this preserve specializes in trophy deer and turkey hunts. The property features mixed hardwood forests, food plots, and water access.

Key Features:

• Offers guided whitetail hunts with opportunities for trophy bucks
  
• Fully outfitted blinds and tree stands
  
• Great option for youth hunts or corporate outings
  

Hunting Species and Seasons Around Pittsburgh

White-tailed Deer

The woods surrounding Pittsburgh are teeming with whitetail deer. Whether you prefer bowhunting or rifle season, Allegheny and neighboring counties offer abundant public and private land. WMU 2B, which covers the Pittsburgh metro area, even includes extended seasons for archery and antlerless deer.

Wild Turkey

Both spring and fall turkey seasons are popular in Western PA. Forested ridges in parks like Hillman and Game Lands 203 are excellent for calling in a longbeard at sunrise.

Waterfowl

Pittsburgh sits within the Atlantic Flyway, making it a solid destination for migrating ducks and geese. Look to rivers, lakes, and flooded timber near Raccoon Creek or North Park Lake for waterfowling action.

Small Game

Rabbits, squirrels, and pheasants are abundant throughout Western Pennsylvania. Upland game enthusiasts will enjoy hunting over dogs at Raccoon Creek State Park or private preserves with stocked birds.

Licensing Requirements in Pennsylvania

To legally hunt in the Pittsburgh region, hunters must obtain the proper documentation through the Pennsylvania Game Commission:

• General Hunting License for all residents and non-residents
  
• Archery and Muzzleloader Permits for specific seasons
  
• Antlerless Deer Tags for WMU 2B and surrounding zones
  
• Hunting Safety Education is mandatory for all new hunters
  

Licenses can be purchased online or at local sporting goods retailers.

Top Times to Hunt Near Pittsburgh

Expert Tips for Pittsburgh-Area Hunters

• Scout Early: Use topo maps and trail cams in Game Lands 203 or Hillman to find deer movement patterns.
  
• Access Hard-to-Reach Areas: The deeper you go into the public lands, the fewer hunters you’ll encounter and the better your chances.
  
• Pack for the Terrain: Western PA hills can be steep and muddy; wear waterproof boots and layer accordingly.
  
• Be Mindful of Multi-Use Parks: Many public areas double as recreation zones. Respect non-hunters and stay clearly marked during your hunts.
  
• Leverage WMU 2B: This area allows expanded hunting dates and antlerless tags—perfect for extending your season near the city.
  

Essential Gear Checklist

• Valid Pennsylvania hunting license and species-specific tags
  
• Blaze orange outerwear for gun seasons
  
• Archery or firearm setup tuned to legal calibers
  
• Backpack with water, snacks, gloves, and emergency gear
  
• Field dressing knife and processing kit
  
• Rangefinder and binoculars for terrain scanning
  
• Portable hunting seat or tree stand
  
• Waterproof boots and scent-free clothing
  
• Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport
  

Final Thoughts: Hunt Hard, Hunt Local

Pittsburgh is more than a steel town—it’s surrounded by some of Pennsylvania’s richest game lands and outdoor heritage. Whether you’re planning a quick afternoon bowhunt in Game Lands 203 or booking a weekend pheasant shoot at Buffer Creek, the Steel City offers something for every hunter. Just 30–60 minutes outside the metro area lies vast wild spaces filled with opportunity.