A general hunting license or Mentored permit is required.
To hunt waterfowl, persons 16 and older are required to have a federal duck stamp, and if the actual stamp is carried it must be signed across the face. The Electronic Duck Stamp, or E-Stamp, version of the Federal Duck Stamp has now been authorized for use through the entirety of a waterfowl hunting season, and stamps can be purchased through HuntFishPA.
In addition, all hunters must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt ducks, geese, doves, woodcock, brant, coots, gallinules, rails and snipe. Mentored hunters can purchase migratory game bird licenses and use them to hunt any migratory game bird species authorized for mentored hunting. This license may be obtained from any license issuing agent, or through www.HuntFish.PA.gov.
To hunt light geese in the conservation season, hunters must purchase a conservation season permit and submit a mandatory report on their hunting activity and harvest. For more information, visit www.pgc.pa.gov, or call 1-833-PGC-HUNT.
1) Manual and semiautomatic shotguns no larger than 10-gauge with a capacity limited to no more than three shells in the chamber and magazine combined; 2) Long, recurve and compound bows and arrows; and crossbows. Only non-toxic fine shot up to and including size T (.20 inches) is lawful for waterfowl. It is unlawful to hunt waterfowl with lead shot.
Waterfowl and dove hunters can hunt in a party of more than six persons as long as they are hunting from a blind or stationary position.
Hunting hours for the entire dove season are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset. Hunting hours during the September Canada goose season, and the light-goose conservation season, are from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset. However, hunting hours for all waterfowl end at sunset on Youth Waterfowl Days. Hours for all other migratory bird seasons are from one-half hour before sunrise until sunset.
No person shall take migratory game birds:
Electronic decoys can be used to hunt waterfowl, doves and crows. “Ice-eaters,” which disturb water to melt and prevent ice formation so waterfowl hunters can set out decoys now can be used.
Not required for waterfowl and dove hunters.
Life Jackets Required By Law
Nov. 1 To April 30
All boaters, including waterfowl hunters, must wear life jackets on boats less than 16 feet in length, or on any canoe or kayak during the cold-weather period from Nov. 1 through April 30.
Recreational boating fatalities that occur in Pennsylvania from November through April are primarily caused by the effects of cold-water immersion.
When water temperatures are less than 70 degrees Fahrenheit, cold-water shock is a major factor in boating fatalities.
Victims who wear a life jacket when exposed to cold water have potentially life-saving advantages, such as insulation from the cold, buoyancy for victims who are unable to tread water and reduced risk of aspiration of water.
In an effort to reduce the number of fatalities related to coldwater immersion, the Fish & Boat Commission has amended regulations to require life jackets to be worn on small and unstable boats during the period most noted for cold-water temperatures.
For other times of the year and on other types and sizes of boats, all boaters are required to have properly fitted personal flotation devices readily accessible. For more information on boating laws and safety, visit www.fishandboat.com.
Licensed junior and mentored youth hunters, military veterans and active military personnel can hunt ducks, mergansers, brant, coots, gallinules and Canada geese during selected days. Hunters 16 or older need a federal duck stamp (E-Stamp) to participate. All hunters need a Pennsylvania migratory game bird license. Regular season bag limits and other restrictions apply. Check www.pgc.pa.gov for more details.
StatewideYouth only – Sept. 21
North ZoneYouth, veterans and active military – Nov. 2Veterans and active military only – Jan. 18
Northwest ZoneYouth, veterans and active military – Sept. 28Veterans and active military only – Jan. 18
Lake Erie ZoneYouth, veterans and active military – Oct. 26Veterans and active military only – Jan. 18
South ZoneYouth, veterans and active military – Nov. 9Veterans and active military only – Jan. 25
Hunters can report bird bands online at www.pwrc.usgs.gov/BBL/bblretrv/index.cfm. In addition to band numbers, information requested includes when, where and what species of waterfowl were killed. The age and sex of the bird and where it was banded will be provided to the hunter by email. Online reporting provides better data quality and lowers costs.
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur each year in Pennsylvania, often from mid-June through September, but also at other times of year if conditions are right.
They can be harmful to people, pets, fish, shellfish and other animals that come in contact with them or ingest the toxins they contain.
HABs can look like foam, scum, mats, or paint floating on or below the surface of water. They might look blue, green, brown, yellow, orange or red.
Exposure to HABs may cause a range of symptoms in people and animals. The duration, type, and severity of symptoms can vary depending on the duration and type of exposure, and the particular toxin involved.
Human symptoms of HAB exposure include rashes, eye and nose irritation, diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. If you exhibit any of these after exposure to a known or suspected HAB, call your doctor or a Poison Control Center at 800-222-1222.
Animal symptoms may include staggering, difficulty breathing, or vomiting. If your pet exhibits any of these symptoms, contact a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
For more information on HABs, visit www.dep.pa.gov/Business/Water/HABs/Pages/default.aspx.