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Shed Hunting in Pennsylvania

Shed Hunting in Pennsylvania

12th Jan 2026

The Basics of Shed Hunting in Pennsylvania

Shed hunting—the search for naturally dropped deer antlers—is a great way to stay outdoors after hunting season ends. Pennsylvania offers strong opportunities on public land, as long as you know where and when to go and understand the rules.

Where to Hunt

Public land is the best option for shed hunting in Pennsylvania.

State Game Lands are the most popular choice and hold consistent deer numbers. Some well-known and productive areas include:

  • SGL 38 (Monroe County)

  • SGL 51 (Dauphin & Schuylkill Counties)

  • SGL 57 (Luzerne County)

  • SGL 176 (Centre County)

  • SGL 80 (Butler County)

These areas feature winter cover, food sources, and established travel corridors that make them ideal for sheds.

State Forests are another strong option, especially large, less-pressured tracts such as:

  • Michaux State Forest (South-central PA)

  • Bald Eagle State Forest (Central PA)

  • Rothrock State Forest (Central PA)

  • Tiadaghton State Forest (North-central PA)

If you’re in northwestern Pennsylvania, the Allegheny National Forest offers vast acreage and excellent late-winter deer habitat.

For elk sheds, focus on the Elk Range in north-central Pennsylvania, primarily in Elk, Cameron, Clearfield, and Potter counties. These areas can produce sheds later in the season.

Private land can be excellent as well, but landowner permission is required before entering.

When to Hunt

Most Pennsylvania whitetail bucks drop antlers between late January and March, with some into early April. The prime window is late winter through early spring—after most antlers have dropped but before vegetation makes spotting them difficult. Weather and winter severity can shift timing year to year.

Pennsylvania Rules and Restrictions

  • Collecting naturally shed antlers is legal on public land.

  • Shed antlers may not be sold, traded, or bartered in Pennsylvania.

  • Antlers attached to a skull cannot be kept without contacting the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

  • Written permission is required on private property.

A hunting license is not required, but remain aware of active hunting seasons and wear visible clothing for safety.

Final Tips

Focus on winter food sources, bedding cover, south-facing slopes, travel corridors, fence crossings, and creek edges. Move slowly, scan carefully, and respect wildlife and other land users.

Shed hunting in Pennsylvania is equal parts scouting, exercise, and exploration—and every find is a bonus.

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