Hunting
Archery Hunting for White-Tailed Deer
Closed: The white-tailed deer hunting application period for the 2023-2024 season is now closed.
White-tailed deer populations are managed on Chester County Real Estate consistent with current seasons, bag limits, and objectives established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. It is the stewardship responsibility of the Chester County Department of Parks + Preservation to recommend and affect means of population controls that meet these objectives. The chief objective in conducting regulated hunting programs is to manage deer populations at levels that support sustainable forest ecosystems and to maximize biodiversity potential of the flora and fauna sharing the managed areas of the Parks.
Regulated archery hunting programs will take place at Warwick County Park, Exton Park, Linfield Basin, Sanatoga Basin, Black Rock Sanctuary, Hibernia County Park, McGrail Site, Hatfield West Site, Springton Manor Farm, Nottingham County Park, and Wolf’s Hollow County Park during open archery-hunting seasons in predetermined areas.
Permits are issued at varying rates depending on site characteristics, forested area, parking, and public use. Lottery winners must complete a shooting proficiency test as detailed in the Rules and Regulations and attend a mandatory orientation meeting.
The number of permits available to application is listed in the Hunting Summary document and the means to apply along with the rules for participation is detailed in the Chester County Archery Deer Management Book + Application document.
A junior archery hunter may apply for one permit with an adult guardian.
To be considered for a permit, applicants must successfully complete the PA Game Commission Successful Bowhunting Course. A copy of the certification card will be required as part of the application process.
Goose Hunting at Chambers Lake (Hibernia County Park)
Application period begins October 9, 2023
The objective for the goose hunting program is to affect means to control and maintain the resident and migratory Canada goose population at a level to minimize nuisance problems in maintained public areas, while still providing viewing opportunities for Park visitors. Hunting for Canada and Snow/Blue Geese is allowed by permit in established blind locations around Chambers Lake. Seasons and bag limits for geese must conform to those established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These seasons will be set in late summer, announced through the news media, and will be available at the U.S. Post Offices in early September.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will determine the seasons and bag limits in August. Permits will be available at Hibernia County Park on a first come, first served basis. All hunting party members must present a current PA Hunting License, Migratory Game Bird License, and if 16 or older, a Federal Migratory Duck Stamp.
Questions
Call 610-344-6415 for details or Email Us