Brian Whipkey

Pennsylvania Outdoors Columnist

Aug. 25, 2026Updated Aug. 27, 2026, 9:41 a.m. ET

Pennsylvania deer spotting rules you should know

• The Pennsylvania Game Commission permits spotlighting wildlife from vehicles with certain restrictions.
• It is illegal to shine lights on buildings or farm animals, or to possess a hunting weapon while spotlighting, with some exceptions.
• Hunters pursuing specific animals like coyotes and raccoons on foot may use handheld lights.

Late August is a great time to start looking for deer as their velvety antlers are now as large as they are going to be for the year.

By early September, most of the bucks will have stripped the velvety dead skin to reveal the hardened bone that has developed over the past four months.

A common way to see deer this time of year and into the fall is through spotlighting (spotting) fields in the evening hours. The deer are out grazing on alfalfa, soybeans and edges of cornfields as they try to gain weight for winter.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission allows motorists to spotlight wildlife but there some things that you need to remember.Go Outdoors PA: Several Pennsylvania hunting seasons soon open, even before Labor DayNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!

Archery tips for fall: Ex-world archery champ explains how to get your bow ready for deer

Spotting can be done throughout the year until 11 p.m. except during the regular firearms deer season which is the two-week period that starts the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The key is being respectful to the property owners and other vehicles using the highways.

Spotlighters are prohibited from casting their lights upon any building, farm animal or photoelectric cell like a porch or pole light that automatically turns on between dusk and dawn.

If a person shines a light too long on the sensor for a security light pole, the spotting light can cause the sensor to turn the security light off.

It is also unlawful to spot wildlife while in possession of a firearm, archery gear or other device capable of killing wildlife. Individuals who have a license to Carry Firearms permit are excepted, but only regarding their carrying of firearms authorized by the permit, such as a pistol used for self defense.

Hunting at night with spotlights

There are a few times when hunters can actually use spotlights when hunting.

Those who are hunting raccoons, skunks, opossums, bobcats, weasels, foxes and coyotes on foot may use a handheld light, including a gun-mounted light. Furbearer hunters may not use a flashlight or spotlight that projects a laser light beam.

For additional details or to report illegal spotlighting activities, call the Game Commission’s 24-hour dispatch center at 833-PGC-WILD.

Spotting is a fun activity throughout the fall to see what deer are spending time in the fields near you, just remember the regulations and be sure to email me where you’re seeing those big bucks. Your secret is safe with me.

Dove and squirrel hunting seasons open Sept. 1 statewide, as do several ­— if less popular — waterfowl hunting opportunities followed by early goose and teal becoming fair game Sept. 5.

August 27, 2026 Country Life, Top Headlines

• Let the hunting begin! – Ohio Ag Net | Ohio’s Country Journal 
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By Dan Armitage

For many Ohio hunters, the fall fun is underway. Early September marks the start of Ohio’s 2026-27 hunting seasons, with squirrel and mourning dove opening on Sept. 1. Several waterfowl hunting seasons open on that Tuesday as well, when rail, gallinule (aka moorhen), and snipe become fair game. On Sept. 5, the early goose season and early teal seasons begin, continuing through Sept. 13 statewide.

Of all those, dove hunting is my favorite. Not only is it the first chance to hear my gun go “boom” at live game since spring turkey season, but it’s one of the few hunting experiences where it’s often “the more the merrier” when it comes to keeping the feathered targets on the move and in the air. The other group hunting I enjoy is gun season deer drives. I am first and foremost an archery hunter when it comes to whitetails, which begins Sept. 26, but there’s something about the group effort of a well-organized deer drive that I consider fun as heck.    

Free wing shoots

Speaking of wing shooting, the Seneca County chapter of Pheasants Forever is offering free clay shoots on the Tuesdays of Sept. 1 and Oct. 6. The shooting is open to adults and kids from 5-6 p.m., and shotgun shells in 12 and 20 gauges will be provided. The free shot will be held at the Sandusky River Coon Hunter grounds at 7575 S. Twp Road 135 in Tiffin. Call Don Hunter (!) at 567-278-1551 for details.