Late-season hunting, trapping Tuesday

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

Beginning the day after Christmas, the statewide late archery and flintlock muzzleloader deer seasons run concurrently through Jan. 13. Squirrel, pheasant and rabbit are legal through Feb. 3; grouse, through Jan. 27; and snowshoe hare, through Jan. 1.

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

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 Tuesday 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 next Tuesday through Saturday.