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Forest Game

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Forest game species that can be hunted are black bear, eastern fox squirrel, gray squirrel, red squirrel, ruffed grouse, and wild turkey.

Hunting Hours

One half hour before sunrise to one half hour after sunset except Spring Bearded Turkey Season.

Spring Bearded Turkey Season

  • April 18 through May 9: one half hour before sunrise to noon
  • Junior Hunt Day (April 14) and May 10 through May 23: one half hour before sunrise to sunset.

Licensing Requirements

A Regular Hunting License, Junior Hunting License, Senior Hunting License or Nonresident Hunting License is required to hunt forest game. The Bear Hunting Permit application process is outlined in the following text. See of descriptions, prices and availability of licenses, stamps, and permits.

Legal Hunting Devices for Forest Game

For information on legal hunting devices for use during Forest Game Seasons (including black bear), see FirearmsBowFalconry Regulations.


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