Up until now, the archery deer hunting season has been open locally in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C and 5D. But this past Saturday (Oct. 3) the statewide archery deer season opened that runs through Nov. 20. During this season, bowhunters can take one antlered and one antlerless deer with required licenses.

Hunters now have more Sundays to hunt that includes all Sundays that fall within the seasons start and end dates. This ruling came with the historic legislation for 2026-27. The exception being migratory game bird seasons, says the PGC.

The agency goes on to say that many seasons that previously ended on Saturdays, now end on Sundays, providing more hunting opportunities throughout the year. Hunters should keep in mind that Sunday hunting is open for all state game lands and state forests, but it’s limited in some state parks and state preserves.

As many archers use tree stands for hunting, the PGC suggests hunters wear a full body harness or belt before their feet leave the ground. Yes, it’s a pain, but it could save your limb and life. And every deer hunting season, it seems a hunter accidentally falls from their tree stand. Some years back, a friend fell out of his tree stand and received multiple injuries that cumulated in eventual health problems that took his life at an early age.

When using a tree stand, the PGC says to choose trees that are alive and will support their weight. It’s also a good idea to carry an accessible cellphone or in the least a whistle to alert someone in case you fall and can’t move. Plus, tell someone where you’ll be hunting.

There’s also the CWD warning and regulations regarding handling of a CWD deer. There are new regulations for the 2026-27 hunting seasons as a preventative measure. The updated regulations are as follows:

*Hunters are no longer prohibited from transporting harvested deer – including high-risk deer parts – between any two locations. Instead, hunters statewide are required to dispose of high-risk deer parts through a commercial trash service.

*High-risk parts may be left on the landscape at the site of the harvest. If the carcass is moved, high-risk parts go in the trash.

*The regulatory prohibition on the use of cervid urine-based attractants in any outdoor setting has been removed. State law was changed in 2026 to make these attractants legal for use.

If you suspect the deer you shot may be contaminated with CWD, the Game Commission still offers free testing in areas with CWD head collections bins. And the bins closest to Lehigh Valley are: SGL #227 Parking Area Site, Tuscarora Park Rd, in Barnesville, PA 18214, and SGL #141 Parking Area Site, PA 93 South, Weatherly, PA 18255. If you hunt in mid-state, check the PGC’s website for additional CWD collection sites.

And lastly, successful hunters are reminded to report your deer in one of three ways: Online at huntfish.pa.gov; by phone at 800-838-4431; or by mail using the harvest report card enclosed in the 2026-27 Hunting & Trapping Digest.