WMU 3C, Pennsylvania
Unit info
- Game species
- Deer, Turkey, Bear
- Group
- WMU Group 3
- Area
- 2,190 mi²
- Public land
- N/A
Black Bear — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 145
Draw odds for Black Beararen't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Wild Turkey — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 2,805
Draw odds for Wild Turkeyaren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
White-tailed Deer — season & harvest
- Reported harvest
- 22,800
Draw odds for White-tailed Deeraren't on file for this unit yet. Check your state wildlife agency website for current draw statistics.
Season & harvest data is published for Black Bear, Wild Turkey, White-tailed Deer so far. Deer, Turkey, Bear also occur here — that data can be added as the community contributes.
About this unit
AI-compiled · sourcedWMU 3C covers south-central Pennsylvania across Franklin, Fulton, and portions of adjacent counties, encompassing the South Mountain ridges, agricultural valleys, and significant blocks of public land including Buchanan State Forest and Michaux State Forest. The unit receives a liberal antlerless allocation (57,000 licenses for 2026-27) reflecting an actively managed deer herd, and offers expanded bear hunting with archery season running the full length of archery deer season.
Ridge-and-valley topography dominated by South Mountain and Tuscarora Mountain ridgelines alternating with productive agricultural valleys in Franklin and Fulton counties. Predominantly hardwood forest (oaks, hickory, maple) on ridges transitioning to crop fields and orchards in the valleys. Elevation ranges from approximately 500 to 2,000 feet. Roughly 2,191 square miles total with about 5.8% (~126 sq mi) in public land.
moderate
Antlered buck tag included with hunting license (OTC, statewide). Antlerless licenses: 57,000 allocated for 2026-27 (unchanged from prior year) — this is a liberal allocation indicating active herd management. Residents guaranteed first antlerless license in chosen WMU if purchased before July 13; additional rounds open July 27, Aug 10, Aug 24. Up to 6 antlerless licenses may be held. 2024-25 harvest: ~10,500 antlered, ~12,300 antlerless (up 17% antlerless YOY). No elk — WMU 2G is the PA elk zone.
DEER: Archery Oct 3-Nov 20 and Dec 26-Jan 24 2027 (antlered and antlerless); Muzzleloader Oct 17-25 (antlerless only); Regular Firearms Nov 28-Dec 13 (antlered and antlerless); Flintlock Dec 26-Jan 24 2027 (antlered and antlerless). BEAR: Archery Oct 3-Nov 20 (WMU 3C-specific expanded season, coincides with full archery deer season); Regular Firearms Nov 21-24 (statewide); Extended Firearms Nov 28-Dec 6 (WMUs 3A/3B/3C/3D/4C/4E/5A). 1 bear per license year. TURKEY: Spring Gobbler May 1-31 2027, one bearded bird daily (statewide, no Sundays); Fall Turkey Oct 31-Nov 15 and Nov 25-27 (WMU 3C specific). ELK: Not applicable — WMU 3C is not an elk management zone; elk permits are restricted to WMU 2G in north-central PA.
Large contiguous public land blocks in Buchanan and Michaux State Forests provide backcountry hunting opportunities unusual for south-central PA. Expanded archery bear season (full archery deer season length) is a standout for bear hunters. Liberal doe tag allocation makes filling the freezer realistic. Agricultural edge habitat along valley floors creates excellent turkey and deer hunting at public/private interfaces.
Questions, tips & discussion
Ask anything about WMU 3C— or drop a tip or trick: access points, where game holds, glassing spots, conditions, crowding, gear that worked. This is where the unit's species-specific intel gets built, hunter by hunter.
Nothing posted yet about WMU 3C.
Be the first — ask a question (“Best public access on the north end?”) or share a tip (“Glass the burn scars off the main ridge at first light”).
Boundaries: PA Game Commission official Wildlife Management Units. Community info last updated 23d ago.