Running In The Woods: Cautions For Running in the Game Lands

Off The Beaten Path

The State College Area is full of great woodland trails for outdoor sports and activities. But runners should use caution, especially during hunting season. Particular care should be exercised when running in State Game Lands, which are often used by runners and come close to populated areas.

Here are the State Game Commission's regulations for use of the State Game Lands.

Here is a map of State Game Land 176, which is the game land closest to town.

However, hunting is not limited to State Game Lands. Be aware that the farmer who has told you it was OK to run across his field may have also told hunters that they could clear his land of deer. The message below is adopted from message from a local hiker's bulletin board, but the message applies to anyone who takes to the woods. The dates mentioned apply to the 2007-08 season, and we'll try to keep this information updated from year to year. However, the approximate times will probably be good from year to year, and the message is clear. It's generally a good idea to stay out of the Game Lands, except on Sundays, from October through late January, and in May. And always wear bright colors and florescent orange. If you'd like to subscribe to the email bulletin from the PA Forest Coalition, go to http://www.paforestcoalition.org/.

Many people who are not hunters are not aware of the many seasons which put hunters in the woods for their lawful hunting activities.
 
Starting in early October, there will be many different hunting activities going on in Pennsylvania; hunters will be:
 
  • Quietly sitting in tree stands, waiting for Deer
  • Sitting with their backs to trees, calling in Wild Turkey
  • Standing or slowly stalking Small Game
Some hunting activities require Blaze Orange Caps and Vests; others allow complete camo. Some hunters will have bows, some use shotguns, some use high-power rifles . . .It all depends on what game they are seeking.
 
"SAFE" means "absence of risk".  You might consider doing your outdoor activity in areas where hunting is not allowed.  We don't want anyone to interfere with lawful hunting activity. Neither do we want to read about someone being killed or injured while walking out there, enjoying the woods. 
 
Recent PGC Regulation:

IT IS UNLAWFUL  for non-hunters to be present, except on Sunday, on State Game Lands from November 15 through December 15 inclusive without wearing at least a Fluorescent Orange hat, visible from 360 degrees (a vest or jacket of 250 sq. inches is of  Safety Orange is recommended).  .  .    
 
BUT  11/15 to 12 /15 IS NOT THE ONLY "HUNTING SEASON"

For all you hikers, photographers and wildlife-watchers we again publish our annual


HUNTING   SEASONS for NON-HUNTERS
2007 - 2008

IF YOU’RE OUT THERE,  BE AWARE !
WEAR BLAZE ORANGE FOR SAFETY 

The Game Commission is proud of their safety record. Let’s help them keep them keep everyone safe. 
 

Many people are not aware of the many hunting seasons in Pennsylvania.  I’ve even seen people wearing brown jackets and white mittens out there during antlered deer season (not appropriate attire out in the woods).  

 
Hunting Seasons for Non-Hunters  2007-2008
Hunters: Don’t go by this list. Look up the details in the Hunting & Trapping Digest to see where you’re legal & weapon restrictions.


SQUIRRELS- Oct. 6-12 ; Oct. 13-Nov. 24;  Dec. 10-22 and Dec. 26-Feb. 9
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 13-Nov. 24 ;Dec. 10-22 and Dec. 26-Jan. 26
RABBITS Oct. 20-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-22 and Dec. 26-Feb. 9 
PHEASANT: Oct. 6-12 ;Oct. 20- Nov. 24; Dec. 10-22 and Dec. 26-Feb. 9
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 20-Nov. 24
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) Dec. 26-Jan. 1
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, with a few exceptions
CROWS: July 1-Nov. 24 and Dec. 28-April 6, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only..
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season,with a few exceptions
WILD TURKEY Oct. 27-Nov 17 (not everywhere in the state)
SPRING GOBBLERS  April 19, 2008;April 26-May 26, 2008.
BLACK BEAR Nov. 14-15 ; Nov. 19-21; Nov. 26-Dec. 1; Nov. 28-Dec. 1.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless):  Sept. 3-29; Nov. 5-10
DEER: Sept. 15-28;  Oct 13-20; Sept 29 Nov 10; Nov. 12-24; Nov 26-Dec 8;Dec.10-22; Dec. 26-Jan 26
COYOTES: No closed season
RACCOON & FOXES: Oct. 20-Feb. 16
OPOSSUM, SKUNKS & WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays and prior to noon during the spring gobbler season
BOBCAT Oct. 20-Feb. 16

As you see, there are MANY hunting seasons. Since brown hair might look like a groundhog to a hunter who is 200 yards away, we suggest that you always wear a Blaze Orange cap and vest whenever you’re out there. It’s not being paranoid, it’s just common sense.

It is unlawful for non-hunters to be present on State Game Lands from November 15 through December 15 inclusive without wearing at least a Fluorescent Orange hat (a vest or jacket of 250 sq. inches is of Safety Orange is recommended ).  Orange material must be visible from 360 degrees.  

This is not the only “hunting season”, it’s just the “busiest”

Blaze Orange should always be your color and not just between Nov 15 and December 15.  You might consider conducting your hikes and fieldtrips in an area where hunting is not permitted, so you don’t unintentionally interfere with lawful hunting activities. 

Please be aware that sportsmen and women could be legally hunting in some State Parks, Conservation Areas, Sanctuaries and other areas where hunting is normally not allowed. PGC’s Deer Management program and plans to reduce Canada Goose populations will open some areas where you haven’t seen hunting before.  Check with the agency supervisors for details.  Hunting is the most cost-effective method of control.

Hunting is always prohibited on the Appalachian Trail’s National Park Service-owned corridor, but there may be some hunters who are not aware of that law. 

For detailed information, (and the information about migratory waterfowl),

                  go to www.pgc.state.pa.us


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