Hunting season in Pennsylvania is a beautiful time to be outdoorsāthe leaves are changing, the weather is crisp, and our state forests are at their most magnificent. But for those of us living in the Harrisburg area with four-legged family members, hunting season from October through January requires some extra preparation to keep our dogs safe.
As someone who regularly takes my dog through Wildwood Park and the Capital Area Greenbelt, I've learned that proper preparation makes all the difference. This year brings historic changes with three Sunday hunting days (November 16, 23, and 30) plus expanded hunting opportunities, so our usual weekend routines need adjusting.
Understanding Pennsylvania's 2025-2026 Hunting Calendar
Before we dive into dog safety, let's get oriented with what we're dealing with this year. Pennsylvania's archery season runs October 4 through November 21, followed by firearms season November 29 through December 13. The big change? Sunday hunting is now allowed on November 16, 23, and 30ādays that were traditionally safe for weekend dog walks.
Small game seasons like squirrel and rabbit run September 13 through February 28, 2026, meaning hunters are active in our local woods for months. Bear season brings additional activity, with firearms bear season running November 21-24.
The Orange Vest Requirement: Not Just for Hunters
Here's something many Harrisburg dog owners don't realize: on Pennsylvania State Game Lands, everyoneāhunters and non-hunters alikeāmust wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange from November 15 through December 15. This includes dog walkers, hikers, and anyone else using these public lands.
Your dog needs orange tooāon their leash, collar, or bandana. I learned this the hard way when a Game Warden at SGL 156 near New Cumberland politely but firmly explained that my golden retriever needed to be visible too. Non-compliance can result in fines ranging from $100 to $200.
For regular walks around Reservoir Park or Italian Lake, orange isn't legally required since these aren't State Game Lands. But it's never a bad idea for nonhunters to wear blaze orange on public tracts where hunting is allowed, and that wisdom extends to our dogs.
Choosing the Right Dog Safety Gear
A safety orange dog vest is a common choice for upland hunting when you want high visibility in grass, brush, and changing light. For our purposes, any bright orange vest or bandana works. You can find dog hunting vests at Dick's Sporting Goods on Carlisle Pike or Tractor Supply in Mechanicsburg, or order online for about $15-25.
Look for vests with strategically integrated high-grade reflective strips for all-round visibility combined with striking solid fluorescent orange color. The reflective elements help during dawn and dusk when hunting activity may increase and visibility is poor.
Local Areas to Avoid During Hunting Season
Living in Central Pennsylvania, we're surrounded by hunting opportunities, which means we need to be strategic about where we take our dogs. Avoid hiking on state game lands at all costs during hunting season as these lands are set aside specifically for hunting and hiking can be disruptive to hunters at best and potentially dangerous at worst.
State Game Lands near Harrisburg to avoid during hunting season include:
- SGL 156 (Horseshoe Trail area near Hummelstown)
- SGL 210 (Halifax area)
- SGL 255 (near Mount Gretna)
- SGL 264 (Dauphin/Lebanon County line)
Safe Alternatives in the Harrisburg Area
Wildwood Park, located within city limits of Harrisburg, is off limits to hunters and provides a surprisingly serene sunrise spot. Other hunting-free zones include:
- Riverfront Park and City Island
- Italian Lake Park
- Reservoir Park
- Adams-Ricci Park in Camp Hill
- Lower Allen Community Park (including the dog park)
- Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area
State parks have mixed rules. While hunting is permitted on about 240,000 acres across 99 of Pennsylvania's 124 state parks, many have restricted areas or are archery-only zones near developed areas.
Training and Behavior Modifications
Beyond gear, your dog's training becomes crucial during hunting season. I recommend not allowing your dog off leash during hunting season, even in areas where it's normally permitted.
Essential Commands for Safety
If your dog doesn't have solid recall and stay commands, now's the time to work on them. Local trainer Jennifer at Redfern Canines on Allentown Boulevard in Harrisburg specializes in positive reinforcement training and is the first trainer in the Harrisburg/Central Pennsylvania area to achieve CPDT-KA certification.
For dogs with behavioral issues, Cold Creek Dog Training specializes in challenging cases with training focused on real behavioral change rather than just obedience. They have trainers in the Harrisburg area and offer board-and-train programs.
Sound Conditioning
Gunshots can be terrifying for dogs not accustomed to them. Start desensitizing your dog to loud noises now, before hunting season peaks. Play recordings of gunshots at low volume during meals or play time, gradually increasing the volume as your dog becomes comfortable.
Consider adding a bell to your dog's collar. An avid hiker and hunter recommends that hikers wear bells, and the same logic applies to dogsāthe constant gentle sound alerts hunters to your presence.
Safety During Walks and Hikes
Hunters are usually out during dawn and dusk when animals are most active, and while many love sunrise and sunset walks, it's best to skip being out at these times during hunting season in areas that allow hunting.
If you encounter hunters while out with your dog:
- Make sure you are heardābring a friend to talk to, listen to audiobooks without headphones, or sing to yourself
- If you hear shots close by, yell "hikers on trail" to keep yourself safe
- Quietly greet other people you meet outdoors with a silent wave, and if possible, take a different trail away from hunters
The Sunday Hunting Change
This is huge for our area. Hunting usually wasn't allowed on Sundays, but now there are exceptions. Josh Shapiro signed a law in July 2025 repealing Pennsylvania's long-standing Sunday hunting ban.
Mark your calendar: November 16, 23, and 30 are no longer automatically "safe" Sundays for dog walks in hunting areas. Plan accordingly.
First Aid and Emergency Preparedness
Every dog owner should carry basic first aid supplies, but it's especially important during hunting season when you might be in remote areas where help isn't immediately available.
Essential Dog First Aid Kit
- Gauze pads and self-adhesive wrap
- Antiseptic wipes
- Tweezers for removing thorns or debris
- Emergency contact numbers for your vet and the closest emergency animal hospital
- A slip lead or extra leash
- Bottled water for cleaning wounds
The closest 24-hour emergency vet to Harrisburg is VCA Cental Pennsylvania Veterinary Emergency & Critical Care in Mechanicsburg. Keep their number (717-691-2988) programmed in your phone.
Know the Local Resources
Living in Central Pennsylvania means we have great resources for both training and emergency situations. If your dog needs basic obedience work before hunting season, the Obedience Training Class of Harrisburg (OTCH) at 1 Souder Court in Mechanicsburg has been operating for over 40 years as a sanctioned United Kennel Club dog obedience club with very reasonably priced classes because all instructors volunteer their time.
For more intensive training needs, consider Greenlin Pet Resorts in Camp Hillāthey offer training programs alongside their daycare and boarding services, which can be helpful if you need your dog to stay somewhere safe during peak hunting days.
Planning Your Routes
I've learned to plan our walks differently during hunting season. Instead of our usual loop through the wooded areas behind Paxtang, we stick to the Capital Area Greenbelt through more developed sections, or drive to Wildwood Park where hunting isn't permitted.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers a mobile app that can easily be referenced on your phone to check hunting seasons and regulations. Download the HuntFish PA app to stay current on what's happening when and where.
Building Positive Relationships
Remember, hunters are our partners in conservation and contribute significantly to land preservation through the Pittman Robertson act, and it's our responsibility to share public lands with all users as long as they're being respectful.
Most hunters I've met on the trails around Harrisburg have been friendly and safety-conscious. A simple wave and keeping our dogs under control goes a long way toward maintaining the good relationships that make it possible for all of us to enjoy Pennsylvania's incredible outdoor resources.
Hunting season doesn't mean we can't enjoy the outdoors with our dogsāit just means we need to be smarter about how we do it. With proper preparation, the right gear, and some common sense, we can keep our furry family members safe while respecting the traditions and conservation efforts that make Pennsylvania such an incredible place to live.