The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Thursday announced hunters and other outdoors enthusiasts heading into Pennsylvania's state-owned woodlands this autumn will find additional roads open in 18 of the 20 state forest districts.

"DCNR's promotion of deer hunting, coupled with improved accessibility, benefits forest regeneration and the overall ecosystem," said Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. "As a result, the Bureau of Forestry is opening more than 540 miles of state forest roads normally open only for administrative use. They again will be available to hunters, hikers, foliage viewers, and others visiting state forestlands this fall.

"These newly opened roads may provide new access and provide new vistas for all who enjoy being outdoors in autumn. It's a great time to be in Penn's Woods, regardless of your pursuit."

More than 3,000 miles of state forest roadways will be open during the statewide archery deer season, which opens September 30, and closes November 11. They will continue to stay open through other hunting seasons continuing into January 2018.

"Regardless of whether they seek deer, bear, turkey, or small game, hunters in our state forests will find more than 90 percent of that land now is within one-half mile of an open road," said Dunn.

With the hunter in mind, DCNR continues to update a new interactive map of state forestlands across Pennsylvania that offers details on newly opened roads, timber harvesting activity, forestry office contact numbers and more.

Meanwhile, top-quality hunting is offered at many state parks -- especially those in the 12.5-county Pennsylvania Wilds region -- where state forestland often surrounds them. Inexpensive camping can be found at many of those parks.

Primitive camping on state forestlands is also an option, giving hunters a backcountry camping or hunting experience. Camping permits, issued by the managing forest district, are required when camping on state forestlands on designated sites.

Many of these campsites are close to state parks and forestlands enrolled in the Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program, permitting hunters to take one antlerless deer or more when properly licensed.

Hunters are advised to check with state forests district headquarters or state park offices about availability.

Hunters traveling to some north central areas of the state are reminded some hunting areas and travel routes may be impacted by Marcellus Shale-related activities. Some state forest roads may be temporarily closed during drilling operations or other peak periods of heavy use to reduce potential safety hazards.

Some state forest roads only will be opened for the second week of the traditional rifle season because they cannot withstand the expected heavy traffic of the first week of that season. Two- or three-month long openings will be in effect only where there is minimal threat of damage or deterioration to road surfaces or forest surroundings.

Click Here for DCNR’s interactive map of state forest lands.  Click Here for more information on hunting in state forests and parks.

For more information on state parks and forests and recreation in Pennsylvania, visit DCNR’s website, Click Here to sign up for the Resource newsletter, Visit the Good Natured DCNR Blog,  Click Here for upcoming events, Click Here to hook up with DCNR on other social media-- Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Flickr.

(Photo: Deer hunters in Michaux State Forest.)

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[Posted: Sept. 28, 2017]

10/2/2017