Archery and Flintlock Hunting Season at Presque Isle

Hunters, who participate in either of these seasons, must be properly licensed.  All antlerless deer taken by participants in the late archery season must be tagged with an unused Erie County antlerless deer license harvest tag.  Flintlock season participants may harvest an antlerless deer with either an Erie County antlerless deer license or general hunting license deer harvest tag.  Buck hunting in the late seasons is limited to only bow hunters and flintlock hunters who possess an unused general hunting license deer harvest tag.

During the flintlock season, only single-barrel long-guns, .44 caliber or larger, with a flintlock ignition system are permitted. A flintlock ignition system consists of a hammer containing a naturally-occurring stone which is spring-propelled onto an iron or steel frizzen, which, in turn, creates sparks to ignite gunpowder.  Flintlock handguns are not permitted.  Flintlock muzzleloader hunters may use "any single projectile," including sabots, and mini and maxi balls.

DCNR is allowing deer hunting during the archery seasons, during a regulated firearms hunt that was held earlier in December, and the flintlock season as a tool to help keep the park's deer herd in balance with the unique ecosystem of the peninsula.

During the hunt, the park will remain open to the general public.  Only certain areas of the park will be open to hunting, and there will be safety zones around buildings within those areas.  Maps showing these areas are available at the park office and ranger station.  The use of a portable tree stand will be required in selected areas, and encouraged in more remote sections.  Shooting from an elevated location will direct the projectile into the ground should the shooter miss the target.

Park visitors may wish to wear orange clothing if they will be hiking or skiing in the areas open to hunting.

Individuals wishing to participate in the hunt must sign in at the ranger station, and must check out when ending their hunt, every day they participate.  Data derived from the check-out procedure will help in future management of the deer herd.

All Pennsylvania Game Commission starting and ending times, license regulations, and general hunting regulations will apply.

For more details on the hunt, or information on Presque Isle State Park, call the park office, located on the second floor of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, at 814-833-7424.

For information on any of Pennsylvania's 120 state parks, call toll-free at 1-888-PA-PARKS, or visit DCNR's website through the PA PowerPort at www.state.pa.us or directly at www.dcnr.state.pa.us.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact Presque Isle State Park at 814-833-7424 to make arrangements for your visit.  With at least three days notice, interpreters for people who are deaf or hard of hearing are available for educational programs.  Please call the Erie ASL Interpreters' Office at 814-806-2511 for more information about this service.