Top Hunting Places in Scranton, Pennsylvania

Scranton, Pennsylvania—known for its industrial roots and rich cultural heritage—is also a prime destination for hunters in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Surrounded by rugged mountains, dense forests, and expansive game lands, Scranton offers access to white-tailed deer, black bear, turkey, waterfowl, pheasant, and small game. Located in Wildlife Management Unit 3B, the region provides excellent public land access and ample opportunity for successful hunts throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman or a beginner looking to enter the field, Scranton is a hidden gem for hunters.

Best Public Hunting Lands Near Scranton

1. State Game Lands Number 300

Just a short drive northeast of Scranton, SGL 300 in Lackawanna County provides over 2,200 acres of diverse terrain. With a mix of hardwood forests, open clearings, and thickets, it’s one of the most popular hunting areas for local sportsmen.

Key Features:

• Prime location for deer, bear, and turkey
  
• Accessible trails and forest roads
  
• Heavy cover areas ideal for still hunting or stand setups
  

2. State Game Lands Number 91

Located to the south in Luzerne County, SGL 91 spans over 10,000 acres and offers a remote, wilderness-like feel. This area is a top pick for archery hunters and black bear chasers due to its dense woods and low hunting pressure.

Key Features:

• Excellent habitat for black bear
  
• Deep woods and ridges ideal for mature bucks
  
• Perfect for fall turkey and small game excursions
  

3. Lackawanna State Park (Hunting Zones)

While much of Lackawanna State Park is reserved for recreation, several designated zones are open to regulated hunting during hunting season. This is a great spot for those looking for a close-to-town option with good deer and turkey activity.

Key Features:

• Limited hunting areas = low competition
  
• Great for weekday archery hunts
  
• Scenic terrain with trails for easy access
  

Private Hunting Preserves Near Scranton

4. Pocono Pheasant Preserve

Just 45 minutes southeast of Scranton, this preserve specializes in upland bird hunting, offering guided hunts for pheasant, chukar, and quail. It’s ideal for controlled, high-success-rate hunting with or without dogs.

Key Features:

• No hunting license required
  
• Bird dog handlers available
  
• Great location for corporate groups or novice hunters
  

5. Camp Freedom (Veterans and First Responders)

Located near Carbondale, Camp Freedom is a nonprofit preserve offering guided hunts for disabled veterans and first responders, and their families. It includes managed hunts for deer, bear, and upland birds in a high-quality, accessible environment.

Key Features:

• Focused on accessible and inclusive hunting
  
• Professionally managed habitat
  
• Community-oriented environment with strong conservation practices
  

Common Game Species in the Scranton Area

White-tailed Deer

Scranton’s surrounding WMU 3B provides strong populations of whitetails, with bucks often found cruising ridge tops and creek bottoms during the rut. Public lands like SGL 300 and 91 are hotspots during archery and rifle season.

Black Bear

The dense terrain in SGLs 91 and 57 is perfect for bear hunting. Scranton-area hunters consistently harvest large bears during October muzzleloader and November rifle seasons.

Wild Turkey

Both spring gobbler and fall turkey seasons are productive in this region. Forested areas near creeks and ridgelines in SGL 300 and Lackawanna State Park are prime spots for calling in wary toms.

Waterfowl

While Scranton isn’t a major wetland hub, nearby lakes, ponds, and rivers attract migrating waterfowl such as ducks and geese. Hunters often find success around Lake Scranton, Lackawanna Lake, and Susquehanna River corridors.

Pheasant and Small Game

Stocked pheasants are released in areas like SGL 300, while squirrels and rabbits are abundant throughout the region. These species offer great opportunities for youth hunters and beginners.

Licensing and Regulations for Hunting in Scranton

To hunt in the Scranton area, all hunters must comply with the Pennsylvania Game Commission:

• General Hunting License (Resident or Non-Resident)
  
• WMU 3B-specific Antlerless Tags
  
• Archery, Muzzleloader, and Bear Permits
  
• Hunting Safety Course Certification for first-time license holders
  

Licenses can be purchased online or at authorized local vendors throughout Lackawanna County.

Seasonal Chart: Best Hunting Times in Scranton

 

Hunting Tips for the Scranton Region

• Scout pre-season: Use topographic maps and boots-on-the-ground scouting to locate bedding, feeding, and travel corridors in game lands.
  
• Check weather patterns: Cold fronts boost deer movement and push migrating waterfowl into local zones.
  
• Utilize tree stands: Ridge-top setups in SGL 91 provide great vantage points for deer and bear.
  
• Go midweek: Avoid hunting pressure by targeting weekdays, especially in Lackawanna State Park.
  
• Practice scent control: Whitetails in public lands are wary and quick to detect human odor.
  

Essential Gear Checklist for Scranton Hunters

• Valid PA license, WMU 3B tags, and required permits
  
• Blaze orange clothing (vest and hat)
  
• Archery setup or legal firearm
  
• Tree stand or portable blind
  
• Binoculars and rangefinder
  
• Weather-resistant boots and scent control gear
  
• Field dressing tools and cooler
  
• Hunting app (onX, HuntStand) for public land navigation
  
• Tactical Soft Rifle Cases for secure firearm transport
  

Conclusion: Scranton’s Hunting Scene is Wildly Underrated

From the remote forests of State Game Lands 91 to the upland bird action at Pocono Pheasant Preserve, Scranton offers a wide variety of high-quality hunting experiences. With vast public access, strong game populations, and a supportive community of sportsmen, the region is a top-tier destination for hunting in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Whether you’re chasing a trophy buck, a strutting tom, or your first rabbit, Scranton delivers adventure, accessibility, and game in abundance.