An early green-up this past spring and an early leaf drop in Penn's Woods have paved the way for outstanding wild turkey and small game hunting when seasons open Saturday, Oct. 28. This fall's hunting opportunities are overwhelming in many regions of the Commonwealth, and our conservation officers and biologists are reporting turkey and rabbit populations are phenomenal in counties with adequate habitat. Spring green-up started early this year in Pennsylvania. So did other natural cycles such as insect egg hatches, wild berry development, and acorn and leaf drop. The early start was pushed by a mild winter, coupled with a wet spring.
Rabbits appear to have had excellent reproductive success.
Hunters should do well focusing on areas that provide protective cover. Remember, the availability of fall foods and winter escape cover greatly influences rabbit abundance during hunting season. Many Game Commission field officers are seeing conditions that support Hardisky's forecast. This will be a good year for hunters with or without a dog. In Cumberland County, the abundance of rabbits wasn't necessarily good news for some sportsmen.