Deer season has come and gone, and for many Pennsylvania hunters this means packing away the gear until next year. But, there are still plenty of hunting opportunities available; if you do not take advantage of them, you are wasting some of the best of what the Keystone State has to offer.

Christmas is days away, and for many, the packages under the tree, and even some stockings, will bring new hunting gear. A new skinning knife, some new camouflage, and maybe even a new rifle or bow. But in most cases, that new equipment will quietly find a home in the back of a closet or gun case, staying untouched until next fall. But 8 or 9 months is too long to wait to play with a new toy. You need to get out now, use that new equipment, and see what Pennsylvania hunting has to offer after Christmas.

SMALL GAME

There was a time when, after Christmas, small game hunting was a tradition almost as coveted as going to deer camp. Unfortunately, that tradition, and small game hunting in general, has fallen to the wayside – but not because of a lack of opportunity. The opportunity still exists for rabbits, squirrels, bobwhite quail, and even snowshoe hares, with seasons extending into the new year. What a perfect way for a seasoned hunter to enjoy his or her Christmas break, or a young boy or girl to try out their first firearms delivered by Santa.

Of course, the most popular of small game species, the pheasant, also offers ample after-Christmas chances to get into the field. With recent winter stockings, a little snow on the ground, and a dog that is just itching to get out, this late season can be one of the most productive of the year.

FOXES, OTTERS AND MORE

Although trapping has suffered the same fate as small-game hunting, it still offers plenty of opportunities, but has a declining number of participants. Christmas marks the start of the late season for plenty of species as well. What once was a great way for a young hunter to add a few dollars to their pocket is now done more for the joy of the outdoors than easy cash, but that should not dissuade you from giving it a shot. What could be better than trekking along a cold winter stream, fresh snow lining the banks, in search of beavers, raccoons, or a muskrat while also having the chance to harvest a potential bobcat or even a river otter? Check the current game regulations for a list of all the furbearers available near you.

ANOTHER SHOT AT DEER

Finally, we come to what I consider the best season of all – the late deer season. While I love the early archery season and prefer to have my tags filled before Thanksgiving,

I cannot be disappointed by an opportunity to get out during the late archery and muzzleloader seasons. What I used to enjoy about the regular archery season, the peace and tranquility of being alone in the woods, still exists when the temperature turns cold and the new year rolls around.

If you are not into archery or muzzleloaders, there is also one last chance to fill your doe tags with a rifle. For several years now, the game commission has offered a limited after-Christmas doe-only season for rifle hunters, with only a handful of WMUs and DMAP properties open. While there is still no statewide late rifle season, the number of WMUs has expanded due to the continued spread of CWD, so there is a good chance of your chance being only a short drive away.

Remember to check the current regulations for a list of seasons and bag limits, WMUs affected, and, of course, orange requirements. Stay safe and break in that new gear!