MANAGEMENT GOALS & OBJECTIVES

Whitetail deer are an important big game species in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the overpopulation of which can generate public health and safety concerns related to traffic accidents, Lyme disease density, Chronic Wasting Disease, depletion of the understory of woodlands, and damage to private landscaping. It is the responsibility of the Township to recommend and enact means of deer population controls that help mitigate these concerns. Regulated hunting using guidelines established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission is an important tool. Through a regulated white tail deer hunting program on the Township’s Properties, New Hanover Township seeks to better manage the white tail doe population by permitting the harvesting of white tail doe populations on such property consistent with current seasons, bag limits and objectives established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The regulated hunting on the Township’s Properties will be permitted in limited areas, as depicted on the Deer Management Program Maps, and will only be authorized by permit issued by the Township to qualified archery hunters.

SAFETY STATEMENT

Hunting within the boundaries of New Hanover Township’s Properties is a privilege granted by the New Hanover Township Board of Supervisors through the New Hanover Township Deer Management Program. Archery hunting will be allowed by permit only. New Hanover Township conducts these hunts in an effort to scientifically manage wildlife populations within the Township and in an effort to preserve a balanced ecosystem while providing ongoing viewing opportunities for the general public. The future success of these hunts depends on the ethical and safe conduct of all those who participate in these hunting programs. If these programs are to continue, each participant must make their personal safety and the safety of the public, the first and foremost priority. 

ZONE MAPS

The application process opens on June 1, 2026, and must be completed and returned to the Township by July 30, 2026. 

  • Pennsylvania Wildlife Management 5C archery deer seasons run from September 19,2026 to December 12, 2026 and from December 26, 2026 to January 23, 2027. 
  • We will split those dates into an Early Season (9/19/26 – 10/31/26), a Middle Season (11/1/26 –12/12/26), and a Late Season (12/26/26 – 1/23/27).
  • Half of those picked will be placed in the Early Season slots and half will be placed in the Middle Season Slots. Both groups of individuals will be eligible to hunt the Late Season slots within their zone.
  • For this year we will have slots for 32 hunters.

Frequently Asked Questions


For questions not answered below, please email DMC@newhanoverpa.gov.

General Program Info
To address issues caused by overpopulation such as traffic accidents, Lyme disease, and environmental damage.
No. Hunting is only allowed in designated areas on Township-owned properties, shown in the official Deer Management Program Maps.
Only permitted archery hunters who pass all requirements and are selected by the Township.
No. This program is strictly for the harvesting of antlerless deer only under (DMAP) regulations. The harvesting of bucks is prohibited on Township-owned property included in the program.

Safety & Regulations
Yes. Strict safety zones are in place, and hunters must stay at least 50 yards from residences and right-of-ways. Additional safety measures include signage and mandatory safety meetings.
Only archery equipment (compound, recurve, longbow, or crossbow). Firearms are strictly prohibited.
No. Baiting is strictly prohibited on Township property.

Resident Visibility & Safety
Yes. Outward-facing signs will be posted in active hunting zones advising residents to wear bright colors for visibility.
Yes, portable stands and blinds are permitted with restrictions. They must be approved, labeled with the permit number, and removed after the season.

Application Process (For Residents Interested in Hunting)
All applications must be submitted by July 30, 2026.
You may print the application online, or if you don't have access to a printer you may pick up an application at the Township Building.
No, but New Hanover residents are prioritized. If applications exceed the 32 available slots, a separate lottery for non-residents will be held.
You'll need to pass an archery proficiency test and attend the mandatory Pre-Hunt Safety Meeting on September 8, 2026, at 6:30 PM.

Season Dates & Hunting Schedule

· Early: Sept 19 – Oct 31, 2026

· Middle: Nov 1 – Dec 12, 2026

· Late: Dec 26, 2026 – Jan 23, 2027

Half of the selected hunters will be assigned to the early season and half to the middle season. All may participate in the late season.

Other Concerns
No. Field dressing must be done out of public view, and remains must be placed in low-access areas.
New Hanover Township Police, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and other relevant authorities.
Yes. Residents should report unauthorized hunting activity to the New Hanover Township Police Department at 610-327-1150.