Archery deer hunting seasons in both states, New York and Pennsylvania, are already underway. New York opened on October 1st and runs to November 17th, and then again from December 11th to December 19th.

Pennsylvania opened on September 30th and runs to November 17th, and then again from December 26th to January 15th, 2024.

The Archery Trade Association put out its first ever estimate of bowhunters nationwide, around 350,000 hunters will head afield this year in pursuit of whitetails with either a vertical bow or crossbow.  

The Archery Trade Association also credits Pennsylvania with more bow hunters than any other state, and 10% of all the bow hunters in the country. 

The total 2022-23 archery harvest nationwide was 145,640, 75,770 antlered deer and 69,870 antlerless deer. 

Pennsylvania’s Game Commission Executive director Bryan Burhans said, “It’s no wonder Pennsylvania’s archery deer season is so popular, hunters can pursue whitetails across multiple weeks, before during and after the peak of the rut, against a backdrop of vibrant autumn colors and increasing cooler temperatures. It’s where opportunity meets demand. Hunters appreciate what’s available and they take advantage of it.”

Safety Tips for  Bow Hunters

Make sure someone knows where you’re hunting and when you expect to return home. Leave a note or topographic map with your family or a friend. Take a cell phone for emergencies.

Practice climbing with your tree stand before the opening day of the season, especially at dawn and dusk. Consider placing non-slip material on the deck of your tree stand if it’s not already there.

Always use a fall-restraint device, preferably a full-body harness when hunting from a tree stand. Wear the device from the moment you leave the ground until you return. Don’t climb dead, wet or icy trees. Stay on the ground on blistery days.

Use a hoist rope to lift your bow and backpack to your tree stand. Trying to climb with either will place you at unnecessary risk. 

Don’t sleep in a tree stand. If you can’t stay awake, return to the ground.

Always carry a whistle to signal passersby in the event you become immobile. A compass or GPS unit and map, matches or lighter and tinder also are essential survival gear items to have along. A flashlight with extra bulbs or a portable charger for the light and your phone also can be helpful. 

Always carry broadhead tipped arrows in a protective quiver. Know how to uncock a crossbow safely, too.

If you use a mechanical release with a vertical bow, always keep your index finger away from the trigger when drawing.

Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for all equipment and check your equipment before each use.

Deer harvested when the weather is warm should be field dress quickly, then taken from the field and cooled down as soon as possible. Refrigerating is best. While hanging a deer carcass in a shady area might be fine in cooler temperatures, it’s not so good when air temperatures are above 40°.

Wishing all bow and crossbow hunters a safe and enjoyable hunting season!