Pennsylvania Game Commission - Northcentral Region

09/12/2026

They say you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but can a seasoned hunting dog or maybe the dog’s handler teach you something new?

That could be the case this fall if you’re looking for a new hunting adventure!

Beginning in the 2026-27 seasons, the Game Commission has expanded what was formerly known as junior pheasant hunts to include junior and all mentored hunters this fall with mentored pheasant hunts.

Mentored pheasant hunts are designed to provide new hunters with a unique opportunity to gain experience outside of deer hunting. Hunters can register for free events that are hosted by sportsmen’s clubs across our state. These host clubs will often provide mentors, hunting dogs with their handlers, and additional opportunities the day of the event.

Northcentral Region:
Hosted by North Central PA Pheasants Forever Chapter #630 on State Game Lands 44 in Brockport – Elk County

These events are open to all resident and nonresident junior hunting license holders and mentored permit holders.

All hunters will need a pheasant hunting permit — there is no additional cost for junior and mentored hunters under the age of 17 and a $26.97 cost for those 17 and older.

If you have questions about these programs, email [email protected]. Visit https://bit.ly/MentoredPheasant to find an event near you or register today!

09/10/2026

We’re ready to get off the beaten path and go for a drive… wanna join us?

It’s time once again for state game lands driving tours across our state, showcasing hunting and trapping opportunities, all while enjoying Pennsylvania’s beautiful fall scenery.

Tours are FREE, held rain or shine, and open only to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads.

🛻 Friday, October 16, from 2 to 6 p.m.
State Game Lands 311, Elk County — Starting Point: (41.3410471, -78.3692054) Winslow Hill Viewing Area Parking lot in Benezette.

To find driving tours outside of the Northcentral Region, be sure to visit the other Game Commission regional pages or check out the full listing at: https://bit.ly/2026SGLTours.

09/04/2026

If the window is open, stop on in!

For those who visit Pennsylvania’s elk country and make a stop at the Winslow Hill Viewing Area, you probably have seen the ‘Information Shack’. Typically, open around sunrise and sunset, Game Commission staff will be on site this fall to answer your questions and point you in the right direction!

You can expect to see someone at the ‘Shack’ starting the weekend of September 11, on Friday evenings, Saturday mornings and evenings, and maybe some Sundays, too. Staffing will run through October 17.

Visiting elk country during the week instead? Tune into station 1620 AM for visitor information.

If you venture to elk country this fall, be sure to stop in and say ‘hi’. We’re glad you are in elk country.

09/01/2026

Poachers are thieves, help us catch them!

Operation Game Thief (OGT), created in 2015, is a silent witness, anti-poaching program that encourages the public to report any suspicious activity or knowledge about a poaching violation.

How do I report a wildlife crime?
You can report information about a wildlife crime, by calling the OGT hotline — 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year — at 1-888-PGC-8001 or report online at http://bit.ly/PGCOGT.

What should I report?
Wildlife crimes would include activities like illegal shooting or taking of big game or protected, endangered, or threatened species or any crime against those species.

Other violations like illegal use of state game lands, illegal dumping, etc. can also be reported.

What information do I need?
When reporting, try to provide as many details as possible. Even small details prove helpful in some cases. If possible, note:

- Description of what you saw and the wildlife involved
- Date and time of the incident
- Location or address
- Description of the person(s) including height, weight, hair color, eye color, approximate age, tattoo or other distinguishing feature, clothing, fi****ms/ weapons involved, etc.
- Description of the vehicle(s) including color, make, model, dents, decals, bumper stickers, license plate number and state, road/route, direction of travel

Thank you in advance for your assistance in helping to protect Pennsylvania wildlife!

08/27/2026

Don’t become a meme!

At this point, we’ve all seen a viral video (or 10) of a wildlife onlooker getting a little too close to wildlife, then something horrible happens. Next thing you know, the video has 10 million views, and your image ends up on a t-shirt… for the WRONG reason.

If you’re visiting Pennsylvania’s elk country this fall, we DON’T want this to happen to you. We strongly encourage you to DO YOUR PART to keep Pennsylvania elk wild and you safe!

Here are some reminders:

Give Elk Space – Keep a distance of at least 100 yards. Never approach or attempt to pet or take selfies with them.

Never Feed Elk – Not only is it illegal to feed elk in PA, but it also teaches them to associate people, cars, and/or homes with food.

Don’t Name Elk – Characterizing elk, or any other wildlife, by naming them degrades their wild essence.

Do Your Part – If you see something, say something. If you see disruptive or careless behavior, whether intentional or not, kindly ask them to stop or report it to the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD.

Remember, we would rather you go viral for a dance-off with a pal than face off with an elk.

Always stay .

08/10/2026

You may have missed this weekend's event but there's still more planned for August at Bald Eagle State Park!

Join us on Saturday, August 29, for a LIVE demonstration on how to field dress a deer.

The workshop will begin at 10 a.m. at the Environmental Learning Center below the Main Park Office.

See the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website for additional details!

We have some exciting events coming up this month with the Pennsylvania Game Commission--starting THIS SATURDAY! 🦅

🦫Sat., August 8, 2026 - Learn to Trap with the PGC, 10-12 PM @ the Environmental Learning Center below the Main Park Office

🦌Sat., August 29th - Field Dress a White-tailed Deer: Demonstration with PGC, 10 AM @ Environmental Learning Center below the Main Park Office

Keep an eye on the Events section on our page or the DCNR Calendar of Events website for more information and weather-related updates. See you at the park! 😎🦅

08/07/2026

If you switched to “fall mode” on July 5, we’re with you.

But we aren’t talking pumpkin spice, ghosts, and leaf peeping. We’re talking bugling, bulls, and FULL RUT ACTION!

That’s right — the Pennsylvania Elk Cam is BACK, and it’s now LIVE! Catch all the action now through mid-October with our partner HDOnTap.

From bugles to bears, clucking to coyotes, the Pennsylvania Elk Cam is full of wildlife, both day and night! This livestream camera is placed in the heart of Pennsylvania’s elk country, so you won’t miss a minute of action.

And here’s your HOT TIP — wildlife will be most active at early morning or dusk, so they are the best times to tune in!

Tune in day or night at: https://bit.ly/PAElkCam.

08/06/2026

Shooting range closure alert ⚠️

The State Game Lands 176, Scotia shooting range located in Centre County, will be temporarily closed to the public TOMORROW Friday, August 7 at dawn and will reopen at 4 p.m. — please plan accordingly.

Game Commission and contractors are working on habitat projects in various areas down range during this time.

We appreciate your patience and THANK YOU for being a Pennsylvania hunter AND shooter!

For more information about public shooting ranges, please visit: https://bit.ly/PAPublicShootingRanges

08/02/2026

Hit the sirens and flash those lights, it’s almost time for National Night Out! 🚓

Join the Northcentral Region staff for one of many National Night Out events across our region happening soon.

This nationwide special event is all about building safer, stronger, more connected communities, and having a blast while doing it! They are family-friendly and high-energy, where local neighborhoods come alive with festivities highlighting local law enforcement — including your local state game wardens.

Mark your calendars now for these events happening across the Northcentral Region on Tuesday, August 4. Let’s come together, show our community pride, and make this night unforgettable!

Lycoming Co.- Jersey Shore Pool Complex [410 Thompson St, Jersey Shore] from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lycoming Co.- Montoursville Volunteer Fire Dept. [821 Broad St, Montoursville] from 6 to 8 p.m.

Lycoming Co.- Trout Run Park [Lycoming Creek Rd, Trout Run] from 6 to 8 p.m.

Potter Co.- Galeton Public Library [5 Park Lane, Galeton] from 5 to 8 p.m.

07/30/2026

Shooting range closure alert ⚠️

The State Game Lands 176, Scotia shooting range located in, Centre County, will be temporarily closed to the public on TOMORROW, Friday, July 31, beginning at dawn and will reopen for public use at 5:00 p.m. — please plan accordingly.

We appreciate your patience and THANK YOU for being a Pennsylvania hunter AND shooter!

For more information about public shooting ranges, please visit: https://bit.ly/PAPublicShootingRanges