Keith Lusher 09.03.25
As Pennsylvania’s bow season starts on October 4th, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is giving hunters advice to help them gear up. Good preparation is the key to success, so the agency is recommending bowhunters to take these steps before opening day.
Use State Practice Ranges
To help hunter preparation, the Pennsylvania Game Commission runs 12 free public archery ranges across the state, with three more ranges opening this fall in Northampton and Berks counties. These places give hunters practice opportunities without membership fees, working for various skill levels, and offering broadhead-safe targets for complete hunting preparation.
Online maps are offered showing all practice range locations, making it easy for hunters to find nearby places. These ranges represent a big investment in hunter education and success, supporting the agency’s goal to promote safe hunting practices throughout Pennsylvania.
Get Your Bow Checked by a Pro
The Game Commission recommends hunters to have their bows checked at local pro shops well before opening day. String replacement, peep sight work, and arrow rest tuning should be done early, as replacement parts may need to be ordered. Hunters should not wait until the last minute, as busy shops may not have time for rush jobs during peak season.
Check Your Safety Gear
It’s a good idea to check your tree stand safety gear every season. Hunters should inspect ratchet straps for dry rot or animal damage, while safety harnesses and lifelines require a thorough check. Replace any questionable safety gear, as these items are essential for preventing falls and deaths.
Test Your Broadheads
Another important tip involves shooting broadheads before hunting season. Many hunters do not know that broadheads hit differently than field points, so the bow may need adjustments. The agency suggests doing this weeks before opening day to allow proper sight changes and build confidence through repeated practice.
Practice Real Hunting Shots
The Game Commission offers hunters 3D archery courses to copy actual hunting conditions. These courses have animal targets at different distances and angles, helping hunters practice the tough shots they will face in the woods. Shooting around obstacles, from high positions, and at different target setups builds the skills needed for clean kills in real hunting situations.
Pack the Right Gear
Another item on their list is directed toward hunting pack preparation. Must-have items include bow hooks, pull ropes, cover scents, flashlights, knives, deer drags, gloves, paper towels, hunting licenses, pens, and zip-ties for tags. The agency says that good preparation prevents missed chances and makes sure hunters can properly tag and move harvested deer.
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