Plenty of opportunities for hunters, trappers this winter

Even in the snow and cold of winter, hunters and trappers still have opportunities.

The statewide late archery and flintlock muzzleloader deer seasons run concurrently from Dec. 26 to Jan. 13.

Small game seasons are as follows: squirrel, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 3; grouse, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 27; rabbit, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 3; and snowshoe hare, Dec. 26-Jan. 1. In addition, pheasant hunting is open from Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 3 in the local area.

Hunters who participate in any of these seasons must have a general hunting license, which provides Pennsylvania hunting privileges through June 30.

Depending on the season, they also must meet additional licensing and fluorescent orange requirements.

All antlerless deer taken by hunters must be tagged with an unused antlerless deer permit harvest tag. Flintlock muzzleloader season participants may harvest an antlerless deer with either an antlerless deer license/permit or general hunting license deer harvest tag. Buck hunting in the late seasons is governed by antler restrictions.

Those hunting in the late seasons also may take coyotes with either a general hunting license or a furtaker license, 24-hours a day, including Sundays.

Hunters may use electronic calls and can pursue coyotes without wearing fluorescent orange in most instances. Also, trappers can take an unlimited number of coyotes until Feb. 17.

Furbearer hunting seasons also continue through the winter months, including: red and gray foxes, raccoons, and bobcats (for those with special permits), until Feb. 17; and skunks, opossums and weasels, until June 30.

Furbearer trapping seasons include: beavers, Dec. 26- March 31; minks and muskrats, until Jan. 7; raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes and weasels, until Feb. 18; and bobcats, for those with special permits, until Feb. 18.

Beaver trapping season begins on Dec. 26 and runs through March 31.

Crows may be hunted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec. 29-April 1.

Dove hunters also will have late season opportunities when that season reopens Dec. 26-30.