Oct 8, 2006 By Pa. Game Commission 3 min read

HARRISBURG – More and more Pennsylvanians seem to be participating in the early muzzleloader antlerless season – Oct. 14-21 – and special firearms antlerless season -Oct. 19-21, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. The seasons have appeal, offering warmer hunting weather, less crowded conditions, splendid autumn scenery and a chance to take a whitetail before hunter pressure forces many of them to adjust their movements.

Hunters who wish to participate in the early muzzleloader season must have a general hunting license, muzzleloader stamp and an unused antlerless deer license or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permit.

Last year, the Game Commission removed the deadline for purchasing muzzleloader stamps, which may be purchased from any issuing agent or on-line through “The Outdoor Shop” on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). If purchased through “The Outdoor Shop,” hunters will be given a web order number at the end of the transaction, which they are instructed to write in the appropriate box and then sign on the line for muzzleloader stamp.

To participate in the special firearms antlerless season, hunters must have a general hunting license and unused antlerless deer license and qualify in one of the following license categories: resident junior and senior license holders; nonresident junior license holder; nonresident adult license holders age 65 and older; persons who hold a disabled person permit to use a vehicle as a blind; residents who are serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces; and those who qualify for license and fee exceptions under section 2706.

Based on the 2005 Game-Take Survey, fall muzzleloader hunters took about 12,200 deer. In 2003, hunters took about 18,500 deer in the early muzzleloader season.

Also based on the recent Game-Take Survey, hunters took about 6,400 antlerless deer in the special firearms season in 2005. In 2003, the special firearms season harvest was 12,000. (Due to budget constraints, the Game-Take Survey was not conducted for the 2004-05 license year.)

Hunters may use in-line, percussion and flintlock muzzleloaders during the early muzzleloader season. They also may use scopes, peep-sights and other lawful sighting devices on muzzleloaders during the October hunt.

Hunters are advised that they may take only antlerless deer in the early muzzleloader and special firearms seasons and that they may hunt only in the Wildlife Management Units or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) areas for which they have obtained antlerless deer licenses.

Muzzleloader and special firearms season hunters are reminded that when multiple harvests of deer per day are permitted, only one deer at a time may be taken. Before attempting to take an additional deer, the first deer must be lawfully tagged. Deer must be tagged immediately after they are harvested and before the carcass is moved. The tag must be attached to the ear and remain attached until the deer is processed for consumption or prepared for mounting.

Any hunter who by accident or mistake kills a deer is required to deliver the carcass -entrails removed – within 12 hours of the kill to any Game Commission officer in the county where the deer was killed. A written statement also must be provided to the officer explaining when, where and how the accident or mistake occurred. The deer must be tagged with the appropriate deer harvest tag.

Hunters may purchase muzzleloader licenses at any time. The license entitles them to hunt in both the fall antlerless muzzleloader season and the traditional flintlock season (Dec. 27-Jan. 15).