Pennsylvania Game Commission- Northeast Region

08/06/2026

Did you know that together with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service we offer mentored deer hunts RIGHT HERE in the northeastern region of the state!

Mentors can have the opportunity to experience hunting for the first time at Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Stroudsburg.

For more information, visit the link in the post below, or you can apply today, by visiting https://bit.ly/4w8hGvh

You always hear people talk about the “thrill of the hunt,” but what if you were never given the opportunity to experience that?

Maybe no friends or family ever shared the experience, or you lived in an area that didn’t really accommodate hunting, or maybe you just never really thought it was for you… until now.

Whatever the reason, the Game Commission, in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is offering Pennsylvanians the opportunity to experience that thrill for the first time through our mentored hunting programs.

The mentored hunting programs are designed to give new hunters, ages 12 and up, with little to no hunting experience, the opportunity to participate in managed deer hunts while accompanied by an experienced hunter.

New hunters will be provided with all necessary equipment and matched with a mentor for the hunts. Each hunt requires a mandatory orientation day to become familiar with the process. Minors must have a parent or guardian present for all orientation and hunt days.

Hunts are available at four locations this fall including John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge and Benjamin Rush State Park, both in Philadelphia, Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge in Stroudsburg, and Marsh Creek State Park in Downingtown.

Full lists of dates, types of opportunities, and how to apply can be found at: https://bit.ly/StartHuntingPA.

Take a step to try something new this fall and experience that thrill with us.

08/04/2026

Pennsylvania farms and agribusinesses are the leading economic drivers in our state. With more than seven million acres of farmland across the Commonwealth, it’s a resource to be protected.

In 2025, the Pennsylvania Game Commission designed a new program to help Pennsylvania landowners—particularly farmers—who were dealing with significant crop damage caused by deer and other wildlife.

The Certified Hunter Program connects landowners with certified hunters who are trained to manage deer populations effectively. This program removes barriers but still allows landowners to address crop damage in a safe and effective way, while also maintaining control of access on their property.

Landowners in other parts of our state have seen success with the program and we are now in the process of expanding statewide.

Together, with PA State Rep. Michael Stender, we are hosting an in-person event to learn more about the Game Commission’s new Certified Hunter Program.

The “Night Out with the Pennsylvania Game Commission” event will take place on Thursday, August 27, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Montour Preserve Environmental Education Center in the Visitors’ Center near Danville.

While RSVPs are not required, State Rep Stender’s office requests a call if you are planning to attend at 570-286-5885.

There will be a presentation on the Certified Hunter Program, along with a Q&A session to follow. If you have any questions about the program, feel free to call the number above.

We look forward to seeing you there!

07/30/2026

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

Join the Northeast 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 Northeast Region. Let’s come together, show our community pride, and make this night unforgettable!

🚨 Thursday, July 30:
Pike Co.- Fawn Hill Family Park [500 Forest Drive, Lords Valley] from 6 to 9 p.m.

🚨 Tuesday, August 4:
Carbon Co.- Palmerton Borough Park [322 Delaware Ave, Palmerton] 6 to 8 p.m.

Columbia Co. – Bloomsburg Fairgrounds [912 W. Main St., Bloomsburg] from 5 to 8 p.m.

Lackawanna Co.- Scranton High School [63 Mike Munchak Way, Scranton] from 6 to 9 p.m.

Luzerne Co. – Wright Township Municipal Building [321 S Mountain Blvd., Mountain Top] from 6 to 8 p.m.

Luzerne Co.- Misericordia University [301 Lake Street, Dallas] from 5:30 to 8 p.m.

07/27/2026

Shooting range closure alert ⚠️

The State Game Lands 300 shooting range located in Archbald Borough, Lackawanna County, will be temporarily closed to the public on Thursday, July 30, starting at dawn and will reopen for public use at 2:00 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

07/22/2026

It started with a call and a plan — taking passion and turning it into real-life wildlife conservation!

Blake Bohn, a native of Swoyersville, Luzerne County, set his sights on earning the rank of Eagle Scout and wanted his service project to benefit wildlife in need. As a member of Boy Scout Troop 143, Blake turned his vision into reality through hard work and dedication.

As part of his Eagle Scout project, Blake constructed and donated three large bat boxes to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. These bat boxes provide valuable roosting habitat and will be installed at various locations throughout the Northeast Region where they can help support local bat populations.

Thank you, Blake, for your passion, hard work, and commitment to conserving Pennsylvania's wildlife. Congratulations on achieving the rank of Eagle Scout!

07/21/2026

We're batty about conservation! 🦇

Join us on Saturday, August 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the William E. Chatlos Environmental Education Center at Lacawac Sanctuary, Lake Ariel, PA for an engaging and enlightening program that explores the world of Pennsylvania bats!

Bats play a vital role in Pennsylvania’s ecosystems, yet many species face serious threats. PGC’s Environmental Education Specialist Kelly Po***ck will introduce us to the fascinating world of bats, how they live, and why they're important.

Featuring the Appalachian Bat Count, the presentation shows how scientists and community members work together to monitor bat populations and protect these essential animals.

Participants will discover simple ways they can help bats and become part of local conservation efforts.

This program is for adults and interested teens ages 13+. It’s FREE to attend, but registration is required. Sign up now: https://bit.ly/44GVIo1

Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, nature lover, or simply curious about these amazing creatures of the night, this is a program you won’t want to miss!

07/17/2026

Please join us in congratulating Graham Rhone on his recent promotion to Wildlife Management Supervisor for the Northeast Region!

A native of Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Graham is a 2014 graduate of Central Columbia High School and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Penn State University in 2018.

Following graduation, Graham began his career with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, where he served as a Wildlife Technician. He later joined Pheasants Forever as a Farm Bill Wildlife Biologist.

In 2022, Graham joined the Pennsylvania Game Commission, serving first as a Wildlife Technician and later as a Wildlife Biologist before earning his recent promotion.

As Wildlife Management Supervisor for the Northeast Region, Graham will oversee wildlife management efforts across 13 counties, including the management of wildlife populations and other regional wildlife responsibilities.

Congratulations on this well-deserved promotion, Graham! We wish you continued success in your new role.

07/15/2026

Don't wait! The junior game warden camp is quickly approaching, and this is something you don't want to miss!

We have very limited spaces still available, click the link below to register now!

It’s time to make THIS SUMMER a memorable one!

Across PA, regional offices are getting ready for their annual Junior Game Warden Camps where youth, ages 12 to 15, can spend the day learning what it’s like to be a Pennsylvania state game warden.

Campers will join wardens in light physical fitness, confidence-building exercises, and hands-on learning stations.

They’ll have the opportunity to go all-in with wildlife forensics, wildlife-capture techniques, woodland tracking, outdoor survival, and all things wild!

There will be six camps hosted across our state, in each of the regions, with varying dates throughout the summer. The Northeast Region's Junior Game Warden Camp will be held Thursday, July 30 at Moscow Sportsmen's Club in Covington Township.

For more info including dates, locations, and registration, visit https://bit.ly/JrGameWarden.

07/08/2026

Blueberries & Fire: A Summer Fest at Eales event has been RESCHEDULED to Sunday, August 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. due to unforeseen circumstances. Please see full event details below.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We look forward to seeing you on August 2. See the link below and register now!

Blueberries and fire may sound like a VERY odd combination but trust us on this one.

The Game Commission is partnering up with The Nature Conservancy for an exciting outdoor event next month in Lackawanna County.

Join us on Sunday, July 12 for Blueberries & Fire: A Summer Fest at Eales at the Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve in Jessup.

This family-friendly event brings together blueberry picking, wildlife discoveries and hands‑on learning about prescribed fire and habitat conservation. PLUS, you can learn more about local wildlife and get to experience the unique barrens habitat on the preserve.

Come explore how conservation partners work together to keep this special habitat healthy and thriving for wildlife and future generations.

This event is FREE and open to all ages! To register, visit: https://bit.ly/berriesandfire. We can’t wait to see you there!

07/06/2026

From dusk to dawn, learning never takes the night off. Hang on to your curiosity and spread your wings at your next professional development opportunity!

If you're an educator looking to get a little WILD this summer, join the Game Commission for an engaging, hands-on WILD About Bats workshop.

This educator workshop is focused on the ecology, management, and research of Pennsylvania’s bats.

Date & Time: Thursday, July 30 from 3:00-9:00 p.m. AND Friday, July 31 from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
Location: Nescopeck State Park
Cost: $15.00

Attendees will receive a Project WILD K-12 Curriculum & Activity Guide packed with wildlife-themed lesson plans that meet PA STEELS standards AND 9.5 Act 48 credits!

Participants can expect hands-on field activities including mist netting demonstrations,
acoustic bat monitoring, FLIR thermal imaging, and observation of bat gates used to protect
important roosting habitats.

Class availability is limited and registration is required. Sign up NOW at: https://bit.ly/4f2GVZu