Small Game Seasons Sat.

The Pa. Game Commission has issued a mixed forecast for the upcoming small game hunting seasons, opening on Saturday, Oct. 14.

Grouse hunting has declined over the past dozen years or so, but should be better than last year. For the first time in four years, the Northcentral Region has the highest grouse populations in the state.

Squirrel hunters will find excellent populations. Gray squirrel numbers remain strong, and the continuing expansion of fox squirrels into northern counties offers new hunting opportunities. Blackphase gray squirrels also can be found.