Hunters in several southeastern Pa. parks limited to shotguns, muzzleloaders and archery

If you like hunting in southeastern Pennsylvania state parks, you might have to carry a different type of gun this fall.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources implemented new rules prohibiting rifles and handguns for hunters this fall at four state-managed properties in the southeastern region of the state.

The use of all centerfire and rimfire rifles and handguns for the purposes of hunting is prohibited at Evansburg (Montgomery County), Marsh Creek (Chester County) and Nockamixon (Bucks County) state parks, as well as White Clay Creek Preserve in Chester County.

The DCNR reports hunters can still use shotguns, muzzleloaders and bows and arrows during established hunting seasons, except for the portion of White Clay Creek Preserve in London Britain Township where only the use of muzzleloaders and archery gear is permitted.

Centerfire rifles are popular with deer hunters and rimfire rifles, like .22 caliber, are used for small game. These types of rifles have single bullet projectiles that travel farther than ammunition in shotguns and muzzleloaders.

“DCNR’s state parks staff have worked earnestly with key stakeholders to develop new firearms restrictions to increase public safety, while continuing to provide opportunities for those who hunt at state parks,” state parks Director John Hallas said in a news release. “We expect all parties to adhere to rules and regulations while visiting state parks and recreation areas to ensure the health and safety of our visitors.”

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The agency reports the changes were made to accommodate hunting in more heavily used state parks and to enhance the safety of everyone recreating in the park. The rules are effective immediately.

Wesley Robinson, DCNR press secretary, said, "With the increase in visitors to parks for passive recreation and a slight decline in hunters, we worked with stakeholders, including the Game Commission, to come up with the new guidelines. We still encourage hikers and recreators to wear orange during hunting season and use caution. We also encourage hunters to practice safe behaviors as well."

One person died in a shooting hunting accident in October 2020 at Nockamixon State Park. A Warminster man was hunting and mistakenly fatally shot an 18-year-old man he thought was a groundhog, a game animal. Kenneth Troy Heller, 52, was sentenced to 7 to 20 years in state prison for his plea to involuntary manslaughter in the death of Jason Kutt.

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By restricting the use of rifles and handguns for the purposes of hunting at these state parks, the department will be able to provide necessary visitor safety and mitigate risks at these multi-recreational-use parks. Non-hunters should be aware that hunting occurs in state parks and wear orange during hunting seasons.

Full text of the policy has been posted to the PA Bulletin website.

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The DCNR points out firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting, or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer, or leased campsite.

Hunting is only permitted in designated areas during designated times at state parks. Questions about the new regulations may be directed to ra-park-operations@pa.gov, 717-787-6640 or (800) 654-5984 (TDD users).

Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com and sign up for our weekly Go Outdoors PA newsletter email on your website's homepage under your login name. Follow him on social media @whipkeyoutdoors.

This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: DCNR removes rifles, pistols from hunting in southeastern Pa. parks