Hunting in Warren County

If you are a member of one of Warren County's Rod & Gun Clubs,

If you hunt or own guns, read this!

Restrictions lifted on feral hogs!!!

By executive order of Carl G. Roe, Executive Director of the PGC, the restrictions on hunting feral hogs in Pennsylvania have been lifted, with the exception of certain counties. In the counties of Butler, Cambria, and Bedford, feral hogs are still protected, to allow trapping efforts to continue undisturbed. Be sure to check the Protected Counties list, before hunting, as it is subject to change.

Have you seen a wild animal or bird, that you can't identify? Click Here!

WOW!!! Over a HALF MILLION acres of the Allegheny National Forest and six State Game Lands await hunters in and around Warren County!!! Warren County falls within two Wildlife Management Units. Northwestern Warren County Falls within WMU 1B, while Southeastern Warren County falls within WMU 2F.

The primary differences between these two Wildlife Management Units are:

1) A difference in legal firearms and the length of the Fall Turkey Season.

2) Antler Restrictions - in WMU 1B, an antlered deer must have 4 or more points on one antler. In WMU 2F, an antlered deer must have 3 or more points on one antler.

Always consult The Pennsylvania Game Commission for up to date information.

Small Game

	Warren County offers excellent hunting opportunities for small game. Red, Gray, and Black Squirrels are abundant throughout the area. Look for them in the vast Allegheny National Forest, in areas with a good mast crop of acorns, hickory nuts, and beech nuts. They are also often found in woodlots bordering cornfields. A larger cousin, Fox Squirrels, are often found near the Allegheny River and around the Allegheny Reservoir. A good bet for a mixed bag of Squirrels is State Game Lands 86, along the Allegheny River.
Grouse can often be found in and around clearcuts, especially those bordering mature mast-producing trees and hemlock stands. Be ready, as these birds will erupt almost from under your feet and provide a quite difficult target in the thick cover.
	Rabbits can usually be found in the many low-lying, swampy areas and around farms. State Game Lands 282, near Russell, provides excellent habitat, as does State Game Lands 143, near Garland.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission annually stocks Pheasants in State Game Lands 282 and State Game Lands 143, as well as other select locations. After the initial week of the season, look for the birds to be in thicker cover on the fringes of the areas where they were stocked. The tougher the access, the more likely you are to find birds. They do stock birds during the intermediate season and the late season, so don't despair if you miss out on the early season. Local Sportsmen's Clubs also sponsor special Youth Pheasant Hunts at various times, with volunteers supplying trained dogs and mentoring the young hunters. The clubs typically stock Pheasants and Chukar Partridges for the hunts.
	Turkey hunting is very popular in Warren County. These big birds are widely dispersed throughout the county, both near the farmlands and deep within the Allegheny National Forest. A little pre-season scouting for scratchings will put you on the right track. Be sure to note whether you are hunting in WMU 1B or WMU 2F, as there are differences in Season Length and Legal Firearms.

Big Game

Once abundant throughout the county, Whitetail Deer numbers are down, due to increased Antlerless License allocations. However, Antler Restrictions, which have allowed Bucks to reach maturity, have produced some true trophy Whitetails. This combination has resulted in a closer ratio of Bucks to Does, as well as preventing overbrowsing of the forest, resulting in a healthier deer herd. It may take a little more effort to find deer, but the chances of seeing a "wall-hanger" are better than ever.

Bear populations in Warren County are very good, as usual. These reclusive animals are one of the most difficult to hunt. State Game Lands 143 usually gives up a good number of bears during the three-day season, although they are taken in every part of the county. Look in areas with a good mast crop and dense Mountain Laurel or clearcuts nearby.

Photo by Karla Roell

Waterfowl

Warren County has an abundance of waterfowl. From the Allegheny River & Allegheny Reservoir and Conewango, Brokenstraw, and Tionesta Creeks, as well as numerous ponds, such as Brown's Pond, near Lander and State Game Lands 282 (Akeley Swamp), where these Canada Geese were photographed.
	Mallards on the West Branch of the Tionesta Creek

Furbearers

Coyote taken by Marvin Darr	Warren County is home to a vast and thriving furbearer population. Raccoons, Foxes, Opossums, Skunks, Weasels and even Coyotes... yes, Coyotes... are found in good numbers, throughout the county. In and near the numerous waterways you will also find Muskrat, Mink, and Beaver.
There are also Fisher (protected), Otter (protected), and Bobcats (special license required) within the county. In May 2007, a hunter was attacked by a Bobcat, while calling turkeys, in the Spring season.	Beaver Swimming at Akeley Swamp

Muskrat Feeding (Akeley Swamp)