Hunting

The fields and forests around Tioga-Hammond & Cowanesque Lakes are popular destinations for hunters. This area abounds with both large and small game species native to the US Eastern Hardwood Forests. Hunting, fishing and trapping is permitted on project lands, except in posted public use areas that include Campgrounds, Day Use Areas and Trails. You may walk outside a recreation area to hunt or walk through an area to access water with an unloaded hunting apparatus. A Pennsylvania hunting license is required and hunters are subject to Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. Please be courteous of adjacent land owners and know boundary line locations. Observe safety zones. In addition to the public lands at Tioga-Hammond and Cowanesque Lakes, Pennsylvania Game Lands 37 is located between and adjacent to Tioga-Hammond Lakes. Call (570) 835- 5281 for specific information.


Hunting Dogs
Dogs must be on a leash six feet in length or less in designated recreation areas. Dogs may be off leash outside of said areas. Fields located along road to Lambs Creek Recreation Area are open to public hunting, multiple events are also held yearly and schedules are utilized to minimize conflicts. Please be mindful of birdwatchers, cross country skiers, runners, and walkers that may also be using this area. Be mindful of your dogs, targets, and surroundings.
Hunting Waterfowl
Hunters are allowed to park in designated recreation areas. Hunting apparatus will not be loaded while in recreation areas but can once water is reached. Targets must be shot outwards from recreation areas. Hunters must be mindful of Targets and happenings around them. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers lands are multipurpose lands and several recreational opportunities may be taking place during hunting season.
Junior Pheasant Hunt Stocking Locations
Although pheasants may be hunted statewide (except in WPRAs) during the Junior Pheasant Hunt, birds will be stocked at specific locations throughout the commonwealth prior to the hunt. Please reference current Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest for updated information.
Tioga County, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Tioga Dam complex north of Mansfield along Tioga River west of Rt. 15 (Lambs Creek), and at the Hammond Dam complex from Ives Run, access road west along old railroad grade (Bryant Hollow) to Holiday. If flooding restricts access to Lambs Creek or Bryant Hollow, alternate location is U.S.A.C.E. Cowanesque Lake Complex on north side of lake as accessed by Bliss Road in Nelson. Number of pheasants stocked subject to funding. Further information may be found at www.pgc.state.pa.us
Turn in a Poacher
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has established a "Turn-In-a-Poacher" program to strengthen the Commonwealth's efforts to apprehend people who are suspected of killing threatened or endangered species or big game animals, and a witness report was instrumental in securing a successful conviction. You can get involved by calling 1-888-PGC-8001.

Safety

Wear Blaze Orange: Pennsylvania law requires hunters to wear fluorescent orange during certain seasons.
  • Wear the required amount of blaze orange for the species and season you are hunting.
  • Blaze orange is strongly recommended at all times, even when not legally required, due to mixed public use of project lands.
  • Keep blaze orange visible on your head, chest, and back.
Firearm & Archery Safety:
  • Treat every firearm as loaded. Keep the muzzle pointed in a safe direction at all times.
  • Be certain of your target and what lies beyond it—roads, trails, campsites, and homes may be nearby.
  • Never shoot across roads, trails, or bodies of water.
  • Unload firearms before crossing obstacles or entering vehicles.
  • Keep broadheads covered and arrows nocked only when ready to shoot.

Tree Stand Safety: Falls from tree stands are one of the leading causes of hunting injuries.

  • Inspect tree stands, straps, and steps before each use.
  • Always wear a full-body fall-arrest harness.
  • Use a haul line to raise and lower firearms or bows—never climb with equipment in hand.
  • Three points of contact should be maintained while climbing.
  • Tree stands must be tagged with the name and contact information of the owner and must be removed from USACE property no later than 72 hours after the conclusion of deer hunting season.  Untagged tree stands or tree stands that remain in place after deer hunting season will be considered abandoned property and handled as such.

Alcohol & Hunting Don't Mix: Using alcohol or drugs while hunting is dangerous and illegal. Impaired judgment increases the risk of accidental shootings, falls, and other serious injuries.

Be Aware of Other Visitors: USACE lands are open to the public year-round.

  • Expect to encounter hikers, anglers, campers, and dog walkers.
  • Never fire toward sounds, movement, or unidentified targets.
  • Choose safe backstops and hunting positions that account for public traffic.

In an Emergency

  • Call 911 immediately for any hunting-related injury or accident.
  • Provide clear location information.
  • Notify a park ranger or law enforcement officer as soon as possible.

Know the Law

Hunters must comply with:

  • Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations, including licensing, seasons, bag limits, and weapon restrictions.
  • Federal regulations governing USACE project lands.
  • Local and posted project-specific rules.

Violations may result in citations, loss of hunting privileges, or removal from project lands.