PA Game Commission announces start of 2026-27 hunting seasons

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that the 2026-27 hunting season opens on Tuesday, Sept. 1, marking the start of statewide seasons for Canada goose and mourning doves.

To assist hunters heading into the field, the agency has also launched an upgraded online mapping center on its website featuring improved navigation and live agency data.

The early migratory bird seasons signal the official start of the state’s new license year.

Stephen Smith, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, welcomed the start of the season as hunters across the state prepare for upcoming hunts.

“The early season is upon us, marking the beginning of the new license year, a time when hunters across the state are making plans and preparing for all our exciting seasons ahead. On behalf of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, we wish all hunters a safe and successful year ahead,” Smith said.

The Canada goose season runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 25, 2026, in both the Resident Population Zone and the Atlantic Population Zone.

In the Atlantic Population Zone, the daily limit is eight geese with a possession limit of 24. A special rule applies in western Crawford County and northwestern Mercer County, where the season runs from Sept. 1 to Sept. 12 with a daily limit of one and a possession limit of three.

The mourning dove season opens Sept. 1 and continues through Nov. 27, 2026. Daily bag limits are set at 15 doves with a possession limit of 45.

To expand opportunities for dove hunters, the commission has prepared more than 80 managed dove fields on state game lands.

Sunday hunting remains prohibited for all migratory game birds, including waterfowl, doves and woodcock, throughout the 2026-27 license year.

State officials also reminded hunters to ensure their hunting dogs are properly licensed, noting that licenses assist in reuniting lost dogs with their owners.

Alongside the season openers, the commission updated its digital tools with a redesigned mapping center available on the agency’s website.

The platform features live agency data, faster performance, improved search tools and updated layer symbols.

Smith noted that enhanced mobile functionality was a primary focus during the redesign.

“Most of us have become very reliant on our smartphones, especially when it comes to maps, so we wanted to ensure our enhanced mapping tool had better mobile functionality,” Smith said. “Beyond that, it’s a more streamlined tool with better search capabilities, updated symbols for map layers and more. Updates will continue to be added throughout the fall.”

The Game Commission has also deactivated its previous mobile application. The agency is partnering with the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to launch a new replacement app called “HuntFishPA” in 2027, which will serve as a unified digital platform for hunters and anglers.

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