Pennsylvania Bird Hunting

Seasons Span October 18 – November 15, 2026

State Drought Monitor – Upland hunting conditions are often highly dependent upon moisture for both habitat production and bird survival.

Season Dates

  1. Pheasant (Male or Female Combined)
    • Season Dates:
      • General Season: October 25–November 15, 2025; Sunday, November 16, 2025; November 17–22, 2025; Sunday, November 23, 2025; November 24–28, 2025; December 15–24, 2025; December 26, 2025–February 28, 2026.
      • Special Junior and Mentored Hunter Season: October 11–18, 2025 (for eligible junior hunters with or without a license and all mentored hunters, regardless of age).
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Possession Limit: 6
    • Notes: No open season for pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except as authorized by executive order. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).
  2. Ruffed Grouse
    • Season Dates:
      • General Season: October 18–November 15, 2025; Sunday, November 16, 2025; November 17–22, 2025; Sunday, November 23, 2025; November 24–28, 2025; December 15–24, 2025.
    • Daily Bag Limit: 2
    • Possession Limit: 6
    • Notes: Ruffed grouse populations have faced declines due to habitat loss, so hunters are encouraged to exercise restraint and consider self-regulating bag limits to support conservation efforts.
  3. Bobwhite Quail
    • Season Dates:
      • General Season: September 1–November 15, 2025; Sunday, November 16, 2025; November 17–22, 2025; Sunday, November 23, 2025.
    • Daily Bag Limit: Not explicitly specified for 2025-26, but historically 4 daily (based on prior seasons).
    • Possession Limit: Not explicitly specified for 2025-26, but historically 12 (based on prior seasons).
    • Notes: Quail populations in Pennsylvania are extremely low, and hunting opportunities are limited. Hunters should verify local regulations and population status before pursuing quail, as public land hunting for wild quail is challenging due to low densities (e.g., one quail per 108 acres based on 2023-24 data).

Required Licenses and Costs

To hunt upland birds in Pennsylvania, hunters need the appropriate licenses, which vary based on residency, age, and specific activities. Below are the key licenses and their costs for the 2025-26 season (costs are based on historical data and subject to change; check HuntFishPA for updates).

  1. General Hunting License:
    • Resident Adult (17-64): $20.97
    • Resident Junior (12-16): $6.97
    • Resident Senior (65+): $13.97 (or $31.97 for a lifetime license)
    • Nonresident Adult (17+): $101.97
    • Nonresident Junior (12-16): $41.97
    • Notes: A general hunting license is required for all hunters, except mentored youth under 12 who can hunt under a Mentored Hunting Permit. This license covers small game, including upland birds like pheasants, grouse, and quail.
  2. Mentored Hunting Permit:
    • Resident and Nonresident: $6.97 (for first-time hunters or youth under 12 hunting under mentorship).
    • Notes: Allows mentored hunters to participate in upland bird hunting, including the special junior and mentored hunter season for pheasants. Mentored youth can hunt without completing a hunter safety course if accompanied by a licensed mentor.
  3. Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License:
    • Cost: $3.97 (resident), $6.97 (nonresident)
    • Notes: Required for hunting migratory game birds (e.g., doves, woodcock, rails), but not specifically for upland birds like pheasants, grouse, or quail. However, if hunters pursue both upland and migratory birds, this license is necessary.
  4. Federal Duck Stamp (E-Stamp):
    • Cost: Approximately $25 (federal fee, exact cost may vary)
    • Notes: Required for hunters 16 and older pursuing migratory waterfowl (e.g., ducks, geese), but not applicable to upland birds. Included here for completeness if hunters combine upland and waterfowl hunting. Available at HuntFishPA.
  5. Additional Notes on Licenses:
    • Licenses can be purchased online at HuntFishPA or at authorized issuing agents.
    • First-time hunters must complete a hunter safety course before purchasing a general hunting license, unless hunting under a Mentored Hunting Permit.
    • Replacement licenses or permits cost $6.97 unless otherwise specified.
    • Sunday hunting is permitted on specific dates (November 16, 23, and 30, 2025) for upland birds, except for migratory game birds.

Additional Regulations and Notes

  • Hunting Hours: For upland birds, hunting hours are generally from one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, unless otherwise specified. Check specific regulations for each species and season.
  • Weapons: Upland bird hunting typically involves shotguns (10-gauge or less, with a 3-shell capacity for migratory birds) and archery gear. Nontoxic shot is required for migratory waterfowl but not specifically for upland birds.
  • Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas: No open season for pheasants in these areas, except as authorized by executive order, to protect recovering populations.
  • Conservation Considerations: Upland bird populations, especially ruffed grouse and bobwhite quail, have declined due to habitat loss. Hunters are encouraged to self-regulate and avoid taking full bag limits if populations appear low to support conservation efforts.
  • Reporting and Tagging: Harvested game must be tagged immediately and reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission within 10 days via their website, phone, or harvest card.
  • Verification: Always confirm season dates, bag limits, and license costs with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (www.pgc.pa.gov) or HuntFishPA, as regulations may be finalized or adjusted in April 2025.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the 2025-26 Pennsylvania upland bird hunting season for pheasant, ruffed grouse, and bobwhite quail. For the most up-to-date information, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website or eRegulations page.