Public hunting is permitted on over 5,000 acres of Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge during specific times of the year. The hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Some special regulations apply. All hunters must obtain a refuge hunting permit in addition to state licenses, prior to scouting or hunting. Hunt permits are administered through a lottery drawing due to the limited number of permits available. Lottery tickets may be purchased between July 1st and July 20th each year. Refuge permits and refuge-specific regulations can be found at .
The FALL 2025-SPRING 2026 Hunt Permit Lottery Ticket purchase window will begin July 1st, 2025 and run through July 21st, 2025. Lottery tickets are $5.00 per tract. Lottery winners will be notified and hunt permits will become available for sale for lottery winners beginning August 1st, 2025.
Public hunting is permitted on the Aquashicola, Godfrey's Ridge, and Headwaters hunt areas during specific times of the year. Hunting is a wildlife management tool used to control some animal populations and is also a Congressionally mandated priority public use. The hunting program is administered by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).
Hunting Permit Information:
All hunters must obtain a Refuge Hunting Permit prior to scouting or hunting and review all refuge hunting regulations and maps. Hunt permits will be administered through a lottery drawing due to the limited number of permits available, ensuring a quality hunt for all hunters. Hunt permits are combination permits that cover all species allowed to be hunted on the refuge; each permit is valid at one hunt area within the refuge.
Lottery Applications have a $5.00 processing fee for each lottery entry. If selected, permits may be purchased for $35 each. Youth permits (available for those 16 and under) are available at no cost. Remember to review the refuge hunting regulations and maps on the website prior to purchasing your permit.
For questions about the refuge hunting program, please email [email protected]
Mentored Hunts:
Interested in learning how to hunt? The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has partnered with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and National Deer Association to offer two mentored deer hunts at the Cherry Valley National Wildlife Refuge this upcoming hunting season. Participants will be provided an opportunity to hunt on a manage deer hunt with the help of an experienced hunter. Participants are required to attend a one-day orientation where they will learn about deer biology and habitat, scouting, hunting equipment, ethical shot placement, tracking game, field dressing, and much more! Learn more about this opportunity here:
