Hunting at Ridley Creek

Ridley Creek State Park allows deer hunting only, and only with archery equipment except during two controlled shotgun hunts each December. About 1,200 acres are open in deer season, six days a week, mainly the area north of Gradyville Road plus a small area east of Ridley Creek near the Orange Trail. In 2026, Sunday hunting is allowed on November 15, 22 and 29. The whole park, and part of Gradyville Road, closes to everyone except permitted hunters on December 3 and December 10, 2026.

For Hikers and Families: Closure Dates

Ridley Creek holds its controlled deer hunts on December 3 and December 10, 2026. On those two days DCNR shuts down the entire park and part of Gradyville Road for the whole day, except for hunters taking part. Plan another park for those dates.

During the rest of deer season, archery hunting goes on in the open areas six days a week. Trails stay open. Wear blaze orange or another bright color, keep dogs leashed and close, and stay on marked trails (Hiking).

Where Hunting Is Allowed

Excluding safety zones, DCNR opens all of the park north of Gradyville Road and a small section east of Ridley Creek near the Orange Trail. The DCNR park map shows the hunting boundaries and the no-hunting areas. Seasonal hunter parking is available.

Rules for Hunters

• A current Pennsylvania hunting license from the Pennsylvania Game Commission is required.
• Deer only, archery only, except the controlled shotgun hunts. Woodchuck (groundhog) hunting is banned in all state parks.
• Blinds and tree stands must be portable and removed every day.
• Dog training is allowed only from the day after Labor Day to March 31, in designated hunting areas.
• The park is in the Game Commission's Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP).
• DCNR and Game Commission regulations both apply.

Controlled Shotgun Hunts

Two controlled shotgun hunts take place in December. Permits are awarded by a lottery held in early October; applications are available at the park office in late summer. Contact the office at 610-892-3900 for details.

Accessible Hunting

Visitors with a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can ask the park office about accessible hunting locations. The permit allows powered mobility devices on designated administrative roads and trails; apply at any state park or forest office.

Firearms in the Park

Outside open hunting areas and seasons, firearms and archery gear must stay in your vehicle or an enclosed trailer. Holders of a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry concealed in the park.