Hunting seasons loom just ahead
It may be hard to believe that on the heels of our extended, 10-day, scorching August heat wave that it’s now time to start thinking about hunting season.
That’s right, in about two weeks the starting gun will officially sound on Sept. 1, signaling the opening of the Keystone State’s seasons on selected migratory birds, specifically doves and Canada geese. In what has become a state tradition over the years, hunters get their first crack at both our smallest and largest game birds on the same opening day. Suitably, our weather here has dramatically cooled down over the last few days with just a hint of fall in the air.
Doves and Canada geese are among our area’s most populous and popular game birds. With the demise of local quail and pheasant populations so many years ago, Chester County wingshooters now likely burn more shotgun powder in quest of these two migratory species than all others combined. Shotguns will be the weapon of choice for dove and goose hunters, with those gunning for the diminutive dove often opting for a 20 gauge (or even a 28 gauge) model with number 7 or 8 shot as their ammo. Goose hunters will carry heavier artillery into their blinds, mostly favoring 12 gauge guns loaded with steel or composite BB shot.
Dove season is slated to open on Sept. 1 and run through Nov. 25. A late season runs from Dec. 21 through Jan. 7. The daily bag limit for doves is still 15, with a possession limit of 45.
The September statewide season for resident Canada geese here in the Atlantic Population Zone (basically the southeast corner of the Commonwealth) opens concurrently on Sept. 1 and continues through Sept. 24. The September season retains a generous daily bag limit of eight Canada geese with a possession limit of 24.
Other migratory game bird seasons set to open on Sept. 1 include Virginia and sora rails and gallinules. These seasons will run through Nov. 21 with bag limits, singly or combined, of three daily and nine in possession for rails and the same for gallinules. The season for king and clapper rails remains closed.
Migratory game bird hunters are required to obtain and carry a Pennsylvania migratory game bird license ($3.97 for residents, $6.97 for nonresidents), as well as a general hunting, combination
or lifetime license. All waterfowl hunters age 16 and older also must possess a federal migratory bird hunting and conservation (duck) stamp.
Successful hunters are encouraged to report leg-banded migratory game bird recoveries online at www.reportband.gov, or use the toll-free number (1800-327-BAND). Online reporting is preferred because it provides better data quality and
lowers costs. Hunters will be requested to provide information on where, when and what species were taken, in addition to the band number. This information is crucial to the successful management of migratory game birds.
After bird hunters get their chance at doves, geese, rails, and gallinules on Sept. 1, squirrel hunters get their first shot at
Pennsylvania’s plentiful populations of bushytails on Sept. 10 in a generous season that runs through Nov. 25 with a daily limit of six and a possession limit of 18.
But it’s safe to say that, when it comes to September hunting, the main event here in Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 5C and 5D along with WMU 2B in the western part of the state is opening day of archery deer season set for just about a month from now on Sept. 17 in a season that runs clear through Nov. 25. Hunters in the rest of the state will have to wait until Oct. 1 for the season to open before it closes again on Nov. 18. So for archers here in our corner of the Keystone State it’s high time to tune up those bows and crossbows and get out on the target range as the season creeps up on us.
But you haven’t purchased your hunting licenses yet and need to have them in your possession before those Sept. 1 openers, I’d suggest you buy them at your local sporting goods store or at the treasurer’s office in West Chester as opposed to buying them online through the Hunt Fish PA website. I offer this cautionary tale after I attempted to buy my own hunting licenses and federal duck stamp online there back on July 12. While I received my duck stamp through the mail a few days later, the other licenses and tags failed to show up in the weeks that followed. I then called the phone number listed on the website and ended up chatting with a very polite and professional Hunt Fish representative
who was working out of Austin, Texas.
I explained my concerns and he promised to take care of the problem. Another licenseless week passed before I emailed a complaint to some folks I know at the Pennsylvania Game Commission who told me they would follow up on it. Finally, later that same afternoon, the licenses miraculously appeared in my mailbox a month after I first applied for them. I again emailed my contacts at the PGC and told them I had received my licenses at last, but hardly in a timely fashion. I pointed out that it shouldn’t take a month along with a phone call to Texas to purchase a license online. Nonetheless, if you want to chance it, you’ll find Hunt Fish online at https://huntfish.pa.gov/. Good luck with that. HUNTERS’ NIGHT OUT
» The folks at Chester County Backyard Bucks and Whitetails Unlimited are gearing up for hunting season by hosting their Hunters Night Out at the United Steelworkers Hall in Coatesville on Saturday, Sept. 10, starting at 4 p.m. with a buffet dinner at 6 p.m. This popular fundraising event includes dinner, auction, raffles, and outdoor-themed prizes including firearms, hunting and camping equipment, outfitter packages, wildlife art and more. Proceeds from the event benefit youth programs in and around Chester County. For ticket information, contact Art Lyle at 484-643-6132, Andy at 610-505-6676 or visit the website at www.whitetailsunlimited.com.