LEWISTOWN — Across Pennsylvania, more than 500,000 hunters are stocking up on ammunition, sighting in their rifles and washing their orange gear in unscented detergent in preparation for the first day of their favorite season.

This year, Pennsylvania’s statewide firearms deer season starts today and runs through Saturday, Dec. 13, and includes two Sundays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

For Ray Hoppel, of Lewistown, hunting has been a lifelong pursuit, through which he has bonded with his brother who he often hunts with on game lands outside of Treasure Lake, near DuBois, Clearfield County.

Hoppel said firearms season will be all about safety.

“When I’m getting ready to shoot, and before I even aim, I’m always careful to look beyond where I’m shooting just to make sure there are no hunters in the line of fire beyond the target,” Hoppel professed.

As fall settles over Pennsylvania, hunters across the state are preparing for one of most anticipated times of the year, deer hunting season.

Whether you’re chasing that first buck or adding to decades of hunting memories, safety should always be your main target.

As firearms deer season opens today and as you prepare to head out to the fields and forests, the Pennsylvania Game Commission offers important tips to help hunters stay safe, prepared and confident every time they enter the woods.

“Across the nation, white-tailed deer put more hunters in the woods more often than any other species,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith. “That likely won’t surprise anyone living in Pennsylvania. Opening day of deer season here touches countless families, mine included, as well as offices, work sites and schools.

“It’s about more than recreation, though. Deer season is also conservation and compassion turned into action, as our hunters keep deer in balance with their habitat while feeding themselves and hungry neighbors. There’s truly nothing like it.”

Last year, across the 2024-25 deer seasons, hunters harvested an estimated 476,880 deer, 175,280 of them bucks and 301,600 antlerless. As always, the two-week firearms season accounted for the largest chunk of those: 283,760 deer, 86,530 of them bucks, 197,230 of them antlerless, according to the game commission.

“I would expect the upcoming season to be very similar to last year’s,” said David Stainbrook, the Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section Supervisor. “It’s worth noting, though, that there will be even more antlerless licenses and hunter opportunities available.”

That extra opportunity comes in several forms. One is the increased number of antlerless deer licenses available this season compared to last. While most of them already have been issued to hunters, those seeking an antlerless license can see where tags remain at https://huntfish.pa.gov/pa/antlerlesswmu/remainingquotas.

Another is the additional Sunday involved in this year’s regular firearms season. Last year, the season opened on the Saturday after Thanksgiving and continued the following day, on Sunday. No other Sundays were open.

This year, however, following a change in the law that lifted Pennsylvania’s broad prohibition on Sunday hunting, two Sundays — Nov. 30 and Dec. 7 — are available in the firearms deer season.

There’s no hunting in Pennsylvania state parks on Sunday, Dec. 7, but it’s permitted elsewhere, including on state game lands, state forests and private lands where hunters have permission.

Before heading out, the game commission suggests:

Reviewing Pennsylvania hunting regulations

Before you step into the field or forest, take time to review the commission’s deer hunting regulations. Ensure your licenses and tags are valid and that you understand the specific dates, bag limits and legal hunting hours for your Wildlife Management Unit, or WMU. Regulations and season dates can vary by region. Knowing the rules can help you stay compliant and keeps the tradition of responsible hunting alive.

Follow fundamentals of firearm safety

No matter your level of experience, firearm safety is non-negotiable, experts agree. These core rules apply in every hunting situation:

Always treat every firearm as if it’s loaded.

Keep your muzzle pointed in a safe direction.

Identify your target, and what’s beyond it, before shooting. Never shoot at sounds or movement.

Keep your finger off the trigger until you’re ready to fire.

Be seen and be prepared

Pennsylvania law requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange during deer season, and for good reason, it saves lives, the game commission said. Make certain your vest, hat and outerwear meet the state’s visibility requirements.

Also, remember that fall weather in the state can be unpredictable. Experts suggest dressing in layers, staying dry and packing essentials, like a first-aid kit, flashlight and fully-charged GPS or phone.

Plan your hunt and communicate

Know your hunting area before sunrise. Use mapping tools or mark landmarks to avoid getting lost. Always tell someone where you’ll be hunting and what time you plan to return.

The game commission said modern tools like GPS devices and hunting apps are valuable, but traditional navigational skills, like reading a map or using a compass, can make all the difference if technology fails.

Inspect and maintain your gear

Before every season, inspect your firearm, optics and tree stands for signs of wear or damage. Replace any frayed straps, tighten loose bolts and ensure everything functions properly.

Safe hunting is successful hunting. Every season, thousands of hunters across the state enjoy the woods safely by following responsible practices, respecting others and maintaining their equipment.