Top Hunting Places in York, Pennsylvania

June 6, 2025

York, Pennsylvania, nestled between the Susquehanna River and the Mason-Dixon Line, is a hunting hotspot for sportsmen who appreciate varied terrain, accessible game lands, and a proud outdoor heritage. The county’s mix of farmlands, forests, creeks, and gently rolling hills makes it a magnet for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game hunters. Whether you're a seasoned hunter or new to the field, York offers opportunities to match every interest and skill level.

Premier Public Hunting Areas in York County

State Game Lands Number 242

Spanning more than 1,300 acres, SGL 242 is a standout public hunting destination in York County. This game land features a mosaic of hardwood forests, open fields, and brushy clear-cuts, ideal for spotting deer and turkey.

Top Game: Whitetail deer, turkey, pheasant, squirrel, rabbit
Access Points: Multiple parking areas off Pleasant Grove Rd and Porters Rd
Tips: Hunt during the weekdays to avoid weekend crowds and pressure

Codorus State Park (Controlled Hunting Zones)

Codorus State Park, while primarily known for Lake Marburg and its recreation offerings, also supports designated hunting areas across several hundred acres. Portions of the park permit archery and firearm hunting during regulated seasons.

Species Available: Deer, rabbit, squirrel, and waterfowl
Special Note: Boating access to waterfowl zones available during duck season
Nearby Amenities: Lodging, campgrounds, and ranger support onsite

Notable Private Preserves and Guided Hunts

Blue Ridge Hunting Preserve – Dover, PA

Located just outside York, Blue Ridge Hunting Preserve is a well-managed facility offering upland bird hunting across expansive, groomed fields. It’s ideal for training dogs or planning a day hunt with friends.

Species Offered: Pheasant, quail, chukar
Extras: Dog-friendly, guides available, clubhouse rentals for group events
Season: September through March

Miller’s Gun Hunting Camp

This private lease and membership-based preserve in southern York County is perfect for serious hunters seeking quiet, unpressured ground. With dense timber, food plots, and elevated blinds, it's set up for optimal deer and turkey hunting.

Best Game: Trophy whitetail bucks, spring gobblers
Limited Spots: Exclusive memberships; inquire early
Ideal For: Hunters who prefer seclusion and quality over crowds

What to Hunt in York and When

Whitetail Deer

York County has a robust deer population supported by healthy forest cover and adjacent agricultural fields. Both archery and rifle seasons are productive, especially when hunting near transition zones and bedding corridors.

Archery: Late September through mid-November, late December to late January
Rifle: Late November to early December
Hot Zones: SGL 242, southern York farmland edges, Codorus border woods

Turkey

Spring turkey hunting is exhilarating in York, with gobblers known for vocal mornings in wooded valleys and ridgelines.

Spring Season: Late April through May
Fall Season: Varies by Wildlife Management Unit
Calls That Work: Box calls and diaphragm calls around dawn

Small Game & Upland Birds

Thanks to Pheasant Stocking Programs, York County offers exciting upland opportunities. Hunting is productive along hedgerows, tall grass fields, and undergrowth near game lands.

Species: Ring-necked pheasant, rabbit, squirrel
Best Terrain: Brushy clearings, old fence lines, logged areas
Season: October to mid-February

Waterfowl

With access to the Conewago Creek, Lake Marburg, and scattered ponds and wetlands, York provides plenty of setups for waterfowl hunters.

Species: Mallards, wood ducks, teal, geese
Gear Needed: Portable blinds, decoys, waders
Best Time: Early morning shoots during split seasons (Oct and late Nov-Jan)

Licensing, Rules, and Regulations

PA Hunting License Required: Purchase online or at local stores like Gander Outdoors
Blaze Orange: Mandatory during firearms seasons
Sunday Hunting: Permitted on select dates—check annually
CWD Awareness: Stay up to date on Chronic Wasting Disease zones and regulations
Trusted Outfitters & Gear Shops in York

Stony Brook Outfitters

This family-owned shop near York is stocked with firearms, ammo, scent control, and archery gear—including tactical soft rifle cases for secure transport. Their staff is known for personalized advice and tuning services.

Lauxmont Sporting Goods

A local favorite for hunters in southeastern York County. They offer reloading supplies, optics, and seasonal discounts on hunting gear.

Tips for a More Successful Hunt in York

Scout Early and Often: Use apps like OnX or HuntStand to track game movement
Check Agricultural Patterns: Corn and soybean harvests shift game behavior
Hunt the Weather: Cold fronts bring increased movement, especially in November
Respect Private Property: Always get permission and maintain ethical conduct

Why York, PA Is a Hunter’s Paradise

York is perfectly positioned for hunters—offering accessible public lands, preserved traditions, diverse species, and tight-knit communities. From dawn setups along misty creek bottoms to afternoon upland hunts with your bird dog, the county delivers some of Central Pennsylvania’s richest hunting moments. With easy access to gear, permits, and lodging, it's a destination that keeps hunters returning season after season.