Pa. Early Season

[bucktales]

Any Members hunt Pa early season?
I'm thinking of bagging regular season (I usually hunt 2nd week), and going in Oct. instead.
I realize it's an anything goes ML season but I am wondering if it's worth it. How's the hunting pressure? I usually like to go in "deep" anyways. I'll be using my cappers and hopefully a flinter by then.

BTW, I've been "Pottering" in 3A more years than I care to remember. :haha:

 

[PvtC]

It's doe only. You need a doe tag for the WMU yer in and a muzzleloader stamp. Inlines are allowed all 7 days. Jr and Sr license holders can carry centerfire the last 3 days. Hunting pressure is light. I have to chuckle as every year it seems I have an eyeball to eyeball encounter with a protected buck.

 

[bucktales]

Yep, that may be the deal breaker.
300 miles is a ways to drive for a doe. :haha: Still up in the air when I'll go. Pressure is usually light second week of regular season (at least where I hunt) and I use my ML's during that season. And there's always Dec 26.

I also see the game commission made some changes with doe applications and dates for applying.

 

[PreglerD]

When does this "early season" start over there?

Kirrmeister

 

[mikee51848]

When does this "early season" start over there?

Kirrmeister

This year it runs from Oct 17-24th.

 

[fort fireman]

I've hunted that early season a bunch. Usually in 2f area. (kane Pa ) . The pressuure is light and its a beautiful time to spend time in the woods. The past three years though I haven't been able to get a doe tag for that area. They are sold out to the residents before the nons get a crack at them. I'll still keep trying though. I love that season. I usually see more deer during that season than I do in regular season.

 

[bucktales]

The pressuure is light and its a beautiful time to spend time in the woods.

If I score a doe tag, that may be reason enough. :v

 

[mikee51848]

I've hunted that early season a bunch. Usually in 2f area. (kane Pa ) . The pressuure is light and its a beautiful time to spend time in the woods. The past three years though I haven't been able to get a doe tag for that area. They are sold out to the residents before the nons get a crack at them.

2F has an allocation of 28,000 doe tags. Your timing must be really bad if you can't score a tag in any WMU in the state, even if you are an out-of-stater.

 

[AgesofDays]

WILD, it is very hard to get a tag for that area.I have too rely on my buck tag for late season in that area,and get doe tags for 2a

 

[fort fireman]

That 2F area has been sold out the past three years before the out a staters even get a shot at them. This year I may have a better chance at getting that WMU or one around it. We'll just have to see. I'll keep my fingers crossed. The big thing is I want to hunt with my dad. I bust my butt to make it up there for the first week of deer and spring gobbler. I would rather hunt with him and the guys at camp for only buck than go somewhere else by myself. :grin: Its more of a tradition and time in the woods than getting a deer. I'm still gonna make it for the post christmas flintlock season so its all good!! :grin:

 

[mikee51848]

OK guys, good luck then. :thumbsup:
Another thought, is there a DMAP area near where you want to hunt? Those are generally overlooked early on. Check the PGC website when they go on sale. I usually buy a couple in addition to the normal doe tags.
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/

 

[Old Sarge]

Yes, I hunt the early season. 2D and I use my Renegade in .54 percussion. This season gives me a reason to keep a caplock rifle in addition to my flintlocks. Pressure is light, leaves are thick. Fun though.

 

[bucktales]

Got my licenses in the mail today.
Looks like they changed the looks of the license.
Got a lot of reading to do in order to figure out how to apply for a doe tag.
Just when I figgured out the "old" way, they go an change it. :haha:

 

[mikee51848]

You mail your completed application to one of the county offices in the book. Doesn't matter which one, as they can send you a tag from anywhere in the state. They'll use a computer to check for availability for the WMU your applying for, which is why you now put down 1st, 2nd, and 3rd choice on your application.

 

[broknaero]

I take the week off to bag a doe or 2 with my flinter in 3D or 3C in the early season. Then when NY rifle followed by PA rifle season come around I have meat in the freezer and can hold out for some nice horns. Hasn't worked out that way the last 2 seasons except for the early meat part, but its a good theory. Come rifle season I'm much more comfortable letting little bucks walk that I'd have shot if I didn't have the early season meat already.