Groundhog Hunting in PA: When You Can Hunt

If you're looking for big fun in a small and speedy package, groundhog hunting in PA is a must-try.

Whether you're getting into hunting or you've hunted for years, sometimes you just want to get outside and enjoy a low-pressure, tons-of-fun hunt. We get it, and that's what groundhog season is all about.

Today, we'll explain why groundhog hunting is worth your time, how to get started, and what Pennsylvania's regulations allow.

Why Hunt Groundhogs in Pennsylvania?

Even if you aren't Bill Murray, there are plenty of reasons to go after these burrowing critters, especially during the slower months between seasons. Groundhogs (AKA woodchucks) may look harmless, but they cause significant headaches for landowners.

They dig deep burrows that damage equipment, weaken pastures, and even injure livestock when animals stumble into the holes. Farmers will often welcome hunters who can help keep the population under control, if you ask them.

Are There Any Bag Limits When Groundhog Hunting in PA? 

Hunting groundhogs in PA is a great way to practice your marksmanship. Since there's no bag limit, you can spend a whole afternoon spotting and stalking without worrying about tags or quotas. Some hunters also use the pelts or cook the meat, though that's a personal preference.

If nothing else, it's a chance to hone your fieldcraft with less pressure than a high-stakes whitetail hunt. You develop skills in glassing, wind control, and stealth that pay off when deer season rolls around.

How to Hunt Groundhogs

Chances are, you've seen a groundhog pop its head up on a field edge or dart across a gravel road. But when you're out to hunt them, the trick is knowing where and when to look.

When is the Best Time to Hunt Woodchucks?

Groundhogs are most active during late morning and early evening, especially on warm, sunny days. They come out to feed on grasses and crops, and they'll often pause near the mouth of their burrows to scan for predators.

Where to Find Them

Look for open pastures, hayfields, and field edges bordered by woodlots or hedgerows. You'll often spot dirt mounds or worn paths near the burrows. They also love old equipment lots, abandoned barns, and embankments near roads or train tracks.

When you're hunting on private land, always get permission first. If it looks unoccupied, use an app like HuntWise to find the landowner. And if you're targeting public land, check first to make sure groundhog hunting is allowed in that area.

Firearms and Calibers

You don't need a big-game rifle to hunt 'chucks, but you do need precision. For that, .22 LR or .17 HMR are ideal rounds.

They're relatively quiet, accurate, and affordable. If you're spotting from a distance, especially across large fields, centerfire rounds like .223 Rem or .22-250 give you the reach and stopping power you'll need.

Always match your caliber to the environment. On small parcels or near buildings, keep shots low-impact and at close range. You can dial in your long-range setup and take your time on open farms or hillsides.

Optics and Spotting

Binoculars are great for spotting movement and locating burrows. Once you've found a target burrow, using a good rifle with quality glass and adjustable zoom is the best way to make a confident shot.

Many hunters carry a shooting stick or use a bipod for extra stability, especially when working from uneven ground.

Calling and Baiting

Some hunters use a sharp whistle or predator call to grab a groundhog's attention, especially if the animal ducks into a hole before a shot. While it can be effective in late-season setups, calling isn't always necessary. Groundhogs rely more on sight and scent than sound, so movement discipline and wind control are more important.

As for baiting, it's generally not needed. These animals are drawn to food. Gardens, soybean fields, and alfalfa patches are irresistible to them. Set up where they feed and sit still, and they'll come right to you.

PA Groundhog Hunting Regulations

Before you head out, it's important to understand all PA groundhog hunting regulations. The state gives hunters a lot of flexibility, but there are still rules to follow.

Open Season

Pennsylvania offers one of the most generous opportunities around. Groundhog hunting in PA takes place nearly year-round, with lots of open days and no bag limits. Hunting whistle pigs (groundhogs) is perfect for off-season practice or summer weekend trips with young hunters.

License Requirements

You'll need a general hunting license to hunt groundhogs in Pennsylvania. No special tags or permits are needed, which keeps things simple. Check that your license is current before heading out.

Sundays and Public Land

Pennsylvania lets hunters go groundhog hunting on certain Sundays on public lands where hunting is allowed. However, regulations can vary by location, so double-check with the PA Game Commission or posted signage at your chosen spot.

Legal Weapons

Rifles, shotguns, and archery equipment are all legal means of take for groundhogs in Pennsylvania. That flexibility lets you practice with different weapons, depending on your goals or hunting conditions.

Always verify local laws, especially in areas near residential neighborhoods or roads.

Are There Blaze Orange Requirements?

While it's not mandatory for all groundhog hunts, wearing blaze orange is the easiest way to ensure safe hunting. This is especially true if you're on public land or sharing space with other hunters.

Wearing hunter orange improves safety and visibility, so it's a common-sense precaution worth taking.

Enjoy Safe Groundhog Hunting in PA with Hunter Education

If you're looking for a low-pressure way to practice your aim and enjoy the outdoors, groundhog hunting in PA delivers in spades. It combines practical benefits, such as helping to control a pest species, with plenty of opportunities to practice your glassing, stalking, and shooting. With no bag limit, almost year-round access, and a wide range of legal hunting options, it's one of the most flexible pursuits in the state.

Even though it may feel like an easy hunt, it's still important to put safety first when hunting groundhogs. Taking a hunter education course through Hunter-Ed is the best way to learn everything you need to know to stay safe and compliant with Pennsylvania hunting laws.

Now is a great time to get safety certified for hunting this season!
Whether you plan to go after groundhogs or whitetail this fall, take the Hunter-Ed course for Pennsylvania.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are answers to your questions about hunting groundhogs in PA!

1. When is the open season for hunting groundhogs in Pennsylvania?

In general, groundhog hunting is open year-round. However, there are a few days throughout the 2025-2026 season when hunting is closed. Check with the Pennsylvania Game Commission for details. 

2. What weapons and methods are legally allowed for hunting groundhogs in Pennsylvania?

During woodchuck season, you may use manually operated or semiautomatic rifles or handguns with single-projectile ammunition, centerfire or muzzleloading shotguns (greater than 10 gauge) with shot no larger than #4 lead or #2 steel (non-toxic), bows and arrows (including crossbows), and air rifles or air handguns (.22 caliber or larger; single-projectile only—no BBs).

3. Do I need a hunting license or permission to hunt groundhogs?

Yes, you must have a valid Pennsylvania hunting license to hunt groundhogs, even on private property. However, hunting or disturbing groundhogs is prohibited in state parks unless expressly allowed.

4. Are there limits on how many groundhogs I can harvest?

There is no bag limit on groundhogs. This means you may take as many as you can hunt during the open season.

Before hunting this fall, take the Hunter-Ed course for Pennsylvania.