Pennsylvania Game Commission- Southeast Region

06/01/2026

“Objects from another time carry the fingerprints of history.”

Calling all PA pickers: join us at Pennsylvania Game Commission - Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center for our Conservation Collectibles Expo & Gear Exchange!

There’s something special about old things with honest wear — the kind of authenticity that's seen muddy trails, early mornings in the field, campfire smoke, and seasons long past. Every patch, pin, poster, faded publication, and piece of outdoor gear carries a story.

Come buy, sell, or trade conservation-related memorabilia and outdoor gear. We welcome hunting, fishing, camping, hiking, and backpacking items, and well-loved pieces with character, craftsmanship, and charm!

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Middle Creek Visitor Center Parking lot, RAIN OR SHINE.

Event proceeds benefit Lancaster County Bird Club initiatives with Middle Creek.

For additional information or to register as a vendor, visit: https://bit.ly/MCCollectibles.

Rare finds, forgotten treasures, and rugged nostalgia await.

05/29/2026

Earlier this month, we celebrated National Police Week across our agency, with members of our Honor Guard participating in ceremonies held in Washington, D.C.

But did you know that a small group of game wardens took it literally a STEP (well, lots of steps) further and participated in a three-day, 150-mile run from Philadelphia to D.C.

State Game Wardens Jim Crown, Alex Cook, and Kaitlyn Corle, along with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officer Erin Czech ran in the Law Enforcement Memorial Run.

This relay style run is held each year in conjunction with National Police Week and this year it had over 150 participants from all across the U.S. and Canada. Participants run in honor of law enforcement officers who made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting their communities, as well as their survivors.

Thank you to our wardens for representing the Game Commission and Pennsylvania in this event!

05/28/2026

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 Southeast Region Junior Game Warden will be held on Friday, July 24, at Middle Creek Visitors Center in Stevens.

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

05/27/2026

Are you interesting in learning how to hunt, but don't know where to start? We've got you covered!

Each year, several conservation partners host mentored deer hunts at John Heinz, and this is your opportunity to get your first deer hunting experience.

Apply today for the lottery for the 2026-2027 Mentored Archery Deer Hunts at John Heinz.

See the post below for more details.

Are you interested in learning how to hunt at John Heinz NWR with a supportive team and your own mentor? Apply now to the lottery for the 2026-2027 Mentored Archery Deer Hunt. This program is free and include equipment loans, extensive training on hunting ethics, firearm safety, field dressing, and meat preparation. It is open to all adults and kids over the age of 12. All children must be accompanied by a guardian.

The deadline for the lottery application is August 22, 2026. We will notify you of your selection via email by August 28th. To be eligible to participate on assigned hunt days, SELECTED HUNTERS MUST ATTEND THE ORIENTATION. Hunters will then be assigned a hunting period, with the opportunity to be on stand by for other hunt dates.

Application deadline: August 22, 2026
Mandatory Orientation: Sunday, September 13th, 2026
Heinz Hunt #1: October 8-10, 2026
Ben Rush Hunt #1: October 22-24, 2026
Heinz Hunt #2: November 20-22, 2026
Heinz Hunt #3: January 8-10, 2027
Heinz Hunt #4: January 21-23, 2027
Ben Rush Hunt #2: January 21-23, 2027

Please email [email protected] for more information and/or if you would like to be considered to participate as a mentor.

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/JHNWRHUNT26

This program is in partnership with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, National Deer Association, and Friends of Heinz Refuge.

05/26/2026

Ready to take aim, focus, and have some fun?

Join us for our annual Learn to Shoot event on Saturday, July 11 — perfect for families, friends, and anyone curious to learn a new skill in a safe, supportive environment.

With one-on-one guidance, you can try archery, air rifles/ pistols, shotgun, or rifle shooting while learning the basics of marksmanship and equipment handling. No experience or gear needed — we provide everything! PLUS, it’s FREE to attend!

Participation in live fire shooting is restricted to those 12 and older, but there are plenty of activities for those under 12, too!

📍 State Game Lands 205 Range Complex – New Tripoli, Lehigh County
🕘 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
📆 Saturday, July 11, 2026

Pre-registration is preferred. You can find the registration and participation waiver at: https://bit.ly/LearntoShoot.

No outside ammo or fi****ms are permitted during this event.

Spend the day outdoors, build confidence, and enjoy time together—plus, there will be a food truck on site. Bring the whole crew and join us for a day of hands-on learning and fun!

05/25/2026

In honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country, our region office will be closed Monday in observance of Memorial Day.

We will reopen Tuesday with normal business hours. Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful holiday.

05/15/2026

Upgrades are coming soon!

The shooting range at State Game Lands 43 located in Chester County, near Warwick, will be receiving some much needed upgrades!

The range will be closed starting Monday, May 18, and will reopen on Saturday, May 23, ahead of the Memorial Day weekend.

The range will receive upgrades including new shooting benches, steal traps to capture lead at the shotgun patterning range, as well as a general cleanup of garbage and debris.

Users are reminded that a valid hunting license OR a shooting range permit are required to use all state game lands ranges and shooters are expected to remove and properly discard trash and debris prior to leaving the range.

For more information about public shooting ranges, visit: pa.gov/agencies/pgc/huntingandtrapping/where-to-hunt/shooting-ranges.

05/01/2026

Jot it down, mark your calendars, or save this post — there is A LOT happening at Middle Creek this summer!

We’ve got a jam-packed schedule of events including our seasonal favorites and more.

In addition to our monthly Speaker and Outdoor Explorer Series events, we are hosting regular showings of the popular film, Mountain Souls, and pop-up archery events from now until September.

But we DEFINITELY want to see you here for our BIG events this summer. Here is a quick rundown of what to expect…

May 9: World Migratory Bird Day
June 27: Conservation Collectibles Expo & Outdoor Exchange
July 31- August 2: Wildlife Art Show
August 29: Wild Goose Chase 5K
September 27: National Hunting and Fishing Day

You can find additional details about ALL of our events at Middle Creek at: https://bit.ly/4vMSb3H

You can also follow the Pennsylvania Game Commission - Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area page for more events or updates!

The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Visitors Center is located in Stevens, Lancaster County, PA.

We hope to see you on your next outdoor adventure!

04/20/2026

Join us for a hands-on habitat field day! 🌲

Come spend a day outdoors learning about the importance of forest wildlife habitat with the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society Chapters of Southeastern Pennsylvania and PGC staff.

📆 Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕙 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
📍 State Game Lands 80, Lebanon County (Swopes Valley Road near Suedberg). Access Swopes Valley Road via Routes 645 or 443 from Interstate 81 (Pine Grove exit).

Wear sturdy walking shoes, work gloves, and safety glasses. Tools will be provided.

We’ll kick things off with light refreshments at the PGC parking lot followed by chapter updates, RGS national news, and objectives for the site, including details about the newly constructed access trail.

Hot lunch and drinks will be provided — please bring a baked good for the morning or a dessert to share.

That afternoon, volunteers will work alongside PGC foresters to assemble six 20x20-foot habitat diversity enclosures and plant seedlings inside and outside the enclosures in a recent timber harvest area.

Biologists will discuss deer browsing impacts on forest regeneration and current ruffed grouse management efforts.

You’ll also tour the harvest site to see deer impacts firsthand. Future field days will revisit the site to evaluate planting success and deer activity.

Enjoy helping improve wildlife habitat and spend a great day outdoors!

04/15/2026

The forecast is looking good for Saturday, are you joining us?

Saturday is our first ever Prescribed Fire Festival at Middle Creek and we hope to see you there!

There will be burn demonstrations, a hands-on experience with tools, vehicles, and other various fire equipment, PLUS you can chat with Certified Prescribed Burn Managers about how YOU can use fire on your own property!

The event kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Visitors Center. See you Saturday!

We are ready to turn up the heat on your weekend plans! 🔥

Join us for the all-new Prescribed Fire Festival on Saturday, April 18, starting at 10:00 a.m. (rain date: April 25) at the Middle Creek Visitors Center in Stevens.

This is your chance for a one-of-a-kind, up-close experience with the Game Commission’s habitat management in action. You’ll learn how prescribed fire plays a critical role in improving wildlife habitat, promoting healthy forests, and reducing wildfire risk and this is your chance to see exactly how it works.

Here’s what you can expect at the event:
Live prescribed burn demonstration.
Meet the experts who safely use fire to manage forests and fields.
Get an up-close look at the tools, vehicles, and equipment used in the field.
Watch a special drone demo.
Take guided walks to view other burn units.
Chat with Certified Prescribed Burn Managers about using prescribed fire on your own property.

Event runs approximately 2–3 hours (depending on fire behavior). We will also have a food truck on site for the event!

Call the Middle Creek Visitors Center at 717-733-1512 for details and last-minute updates. If the event is postponed to the rain date, we will post on the page.

Come feel the heat, ask questions, and see conservation come to life!