The early bear season begins on September 6 and runs through September 21 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 3A, 3C, 3H, 3J, 3K, 3M, 3P, 3R, 4P, 4R, and 4W. Delaware County is located in WMU 4W and 4P.
The early antlerless deer only season begins on September 13 and runs through September 21 in WMUs 1C, 3M, 3R, 3S, 4J, 8A, 8C, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F.
DEC’s early antlerless deer and bear seasons were designed to help manage deer and bear populations at levels that are in balance with available habitat and in alignment with public desires. By participating in these seasons, hunters not only help manage deer and bear populations, but also get an early start on filling their freezers with sustainably sourced meat and additional time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends.
In WMUs 3M, 3R, 8A, 8F, 8G, 8J, 8N, 9A, and 9F, hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows during the early antlerless deer season, but only vertical bows and crossbows can be used in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C. Hunters may use firearms, crossbows, or vertical bows in all WMUs enrolled in the early bear season.
Only antlerless deer, those without antlers or having antlers less than three inches long, may be harvested during the early antlerless deer season, and hunters may only use valid Deer Management Permits (DMPs) or Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) tags. The application deadline for DMPs is October 1. Bonus DMPs, which allow hunters who fill a DMP to apply for and receive a replacement DMP, are available in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C.
Hunters using firearms during any season must wear a solid or patterned fluorescent orange or fluorescent pink hat, vest, or jacket while hunting. Legal hunting hours for deer and bear include the full period of ambient light from 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset.
