Rifles, Handguns No Longer Allowed For Hunting In Montco State Park & Others

SOUTHEASTERN, PA — New regulations that recently went into effect mean hunters who prefer to use rifles and handguns can no longer legally do so at four Southeastern Pennsylvania state parks, including Evansburg State Park in Montgomery County.

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said the new rules prohibit hunters from using any center fire or rim fire rifles and handguns at Evansburg, as well as Marsh Creek State Park and White Clay Creek Preserve, both in neighboring Chester County, and Nockamixon State Park in nearby Bucks County.

Hunters who frequent those four locations are still allowed to use shotguns, muzzleloaders and bows and arrows during established hunting seasons, except for the part of White Clay Creek Preserve in London Britain Township, Chester County, where only the use of muzzleloaders and bows and arrows is permitted.

DCNR officials said that the new regulations were instituted to accommodate hunting in more heavily used state parks in populated areas of Southeastern Pennsylvania and came out of a need to enhance safety for all individuals using the park amenities.

"DCNR's state parks staff have worked earnestly with key stakeholders to develop new firearms restrictions to increase public safety, while continuing to provide opportunities for those who hunt at state parks," State Parks Director John Hallas said in a statement. "We expect all parties to adhere to rules and regulations while visiting state parks and recreation areas to ensure the health and safety of our visitors."

DCNR officials said that non-hunters who use state parks in more populated counties in Pennsylvania are urged to be aware that hunting may occur in state park land and that they should consider wearing orange colored clothing while visiting certain areas of state parks during hunting seasons.

"By restricting the use of rifles and handguns for the purposes of hunting at these state parks, the department will be able to provide necessary visitor safety and mitigate risks at these multi-recreational use parks," the DCNR stated in a news release.

Hunting activities will still remain restricted, however, and will only be allowed in designated areas during designated times at state parks.

Evansburg State Park is located in central Montgomery County and straddles multiple municipalities, including Lower Providence Township.

Montgomery County is Pennsylvania's third most populous county.

Marsh Creek State Park is located in northcentral Chester County, White Clay Creek Preserve is located in southern Chester County, and Nockamixon State Park is located in northern Bucks County.