Predator Hunting in Pennsylvania

The Mosquito Creek Sportsman’s Association in Frenchville, Pennsylvania bills its annual coyote hunt as the largest organized hunt in the world.

In Pennsylvania, predator hunting usually refers to coyote hunting, though it can also refer to fox and bobcat hunting. Sometimes included in the list of predatory game animals are fisher and weasel, though these animals are more accurately called furbearers and are usually trapped rather than hunted. In Pennsylvania, fishers may only be taken by trappers with a valid fisher permit.

Coyotes

Because of the eastern coyote’s pervasiveness in the state, relaxed game laws, and the overall gamesmanship involved in hunting them, coyote hunting has become very popular in Pennsylvania in the last few decades. Many sportsman’s clubs throughout the state sponsor annual coyote hunts, traditionally held in early February, and often offer cash prizes for record coyotes. Outside of the deer, bear or turkey seasons, coyotes may be lawfully hunted day or night by hunters possessing a hunting or furtaker’s license without wearing hunters' orange. During archery deer season, regular deer and bear seasons, and spring gobbler season, coyote hunters must observe the game laws for the corresponding seasons as detailed in annual "Hunting & Trapping Digest." These may include wearing hunters' orange, shot requirements and observing prohibitions on night hunting.

Bobcats

Bobcats are reclusive and were at one time a protected species in the Keystone state. In past years the Pennsylvania Game Commission instituted a lottery system for bobcat licenses. In light of hunter success rates during these lottery seasons and believed increases in bobcat populations, as of the 2010-2011 season, regular bobcat licenses will be issued, though only for specific wildlife management units (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4D & 4E). The season will be from Dec. 18 to Jan. 8, 2011. There is a bag limit of one bobcat per license. Further details on WMUs can be found in the "Hunting & Trapping Digest."

Foxes

Red and grey foxes are a common sight in and around fields in Pennsylvania. Foxes may be hunted statewide with no bag limit between Oct. 23 and Feb. 19, 2011.

Weasels

Like coyotes, weasels may be hunted practically year round, day or night with no bag limit. However, weasels may not be hunted during the legal hunting hours of spring gobbler season.

Hunting Methods

The Pennsylvania Predator Hunters Association website is a reliable source for firearm recommendations. Depending on the size of the game, .22 caliber to .30 caliber rifles are popular for both drive and stand/watch hunters. Ten and .12 gauge shotguns are also popular among Pennsylvania predator hunters. Because predators are famously cunning, skittish and use the naturally rugged landscape as quick cover, a shotgun's ability to “point and shoot” may make the difference between bagging a prize-winning predator and missing that “one that got away.” Hunters may use handheld lights, including gun-mounted lights, when hunting predators.

References

• Pennsylvania Predator Hunter Association
• "Wildlife notes: Foxes". Pennsylvania Game Commission. 2007.
• Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest 2010

Resources

• The Mosquito Creek Sportsman’s Association