The State Parks That Allow Hunting In November

As early winter clears the trails of casual hikers, several state parks become destinations for licensed hunters. Thinning foliage opens sightlines, while seasonal wildlife movements bring big and small game within reach. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, old-growth forest and rocky ridges line the shore of Lake Superior. Nevada offers open wetlands in a high-desert valley. In New York, hunters work the wooded slopes of a river gorge where cliffs rise as much as 600 feet.

Across the country, several state parks allow hunting during November, although permitted species, equipment, and access restrictions vary. Depending on the park, hunters can pursue white-tailed deer, elk, black bear, or waterfowl during established seasons. All hunters must follow state regulations and park-specific rules, including designated hunting boundaries and permit requirements.

Letchworth State Park, New York

Along the Genesee River Gorge, where cliffs rise as much as 600 feet, November brings regulated hunting to designated portions of Letchworth State Park. White-tailed deer are a primary target, with black bear hunting also permitted during applicable seasons. Known as the "Grand Canyon of the East," the park features steep slopes, dense forests, and rugged terrain, making retrieval of harvested deer challenging where motorized vehicle access is restricted. Hunters should consult the park's hunting maps before entering the field.

Archery, crossbow, and firearm hunting are regulated through separate permits and schedules. The regular big-game firearms season runs from November 21 through December 13 in 2026, with shotguns and qualifying handguns permitted but rifles prohibited. Regular big-game hunting permits require an application submitted by mail, while archery hunters can use the park's self-issued permit system. In addition to the appropriate New York hunting license, firearm hunters must comply with state visibility regulations and the park's additional fluorescent orange requirements.

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, Michigan

Spanning roughly 60,000 acres along Lake Superior, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park offers extensive backcountry hunting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Old-growth hemlock forests, swampy lowlands, and rocky ridges create difficult terrain. November can bring freezing temperatures and accumulating snow, making navigation and equipment preparation particularly important.

Michigan's 2026 statewide deer archery season runs through November 14, followed by the regular firearms season from November 15 to 30. White-tailed deer are a primary hunting target, with ruffed grouse and waterfowl also open to hunters during their respective seasons. Hunting equipment must comply with Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations, including applicable firearm, archery, and species-specific restrictions. Hunters should also check with park management for local restrictions before visiting.

State Forest State Park, Colorado

Spanning approximately 71,000 acres in northern Colorado, State Forest State Park offers an expansive hunting landscape of lodgepole pine forests, alpine meadows, and mountain ridges. Located near Walden, the park encompasses portions of Game Management Units 6 and 171, where licensed hunters can pursue deer, elk, and other game. Its remote terrain and high elevations present additional challenges as November temperatures drop and snow begins accumulating.

Hunting is permitted in designated portions of the park, with firearms and archery equipment allowed in season. Weapons may only be discharged while actively hunting, and hunters must remain at least 100 yards from campgrounds, roads, nature trails, and structures. Moose hunting is also prohibited within a quarter-mile of the specified stretch of Highway 14 between Cameron Pass and Forest Service Road 740. Seasonal road and trail closures can affect access, making advance planning essential.

Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

Ohiopyle State Park encompasses approximately 20,500 acres in southwestern Pennsylvania, with around 20,000 acres open for hunting. Popular hunting locations include the Sugarloaf Recreation Area, Old Mitchell/Greenbriar area, and Firetower Road. White-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, rabbits, squirrels, and wild turkeys are among the game species found in the park. Black bear hunting is also permitted, with Pennsylvania's regular statewide bear firearms season scheduled for November 21 through 24 in 2026.

One advantage of hunting at Ohiopyle is its proximity to State Game Lands 51 and 111, which provide additional public hunting grounds outside the park boundaries. The park imposes no additional firearm restrictions beyond state regulations, allowing centerfire rifles where otherwise lawful. Hunting is permitted daily in season, although migratory game bird hunting is prohibited on Sundays. Hunters must remain within designated hunting areas and follow Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations.

Farragut State Park, Idaho

Once the second-largest naval training station in the world during World War II, Farragut State Park is an accessible hunting destination near Lake Pend Oreille in northern Idaho. Connected to the surrounding region by US Highway 95 and Interstate 90, the park is open to archery hunting. Unlike many Idaho state parks, Farragut permits hunting, although firearms are prohibited for hunting within the park.

In 2026, Farragut's deer archery season runs from November 1 through December 1, with white-tailed and mule deer both in play depending on the hunter's tag and season restrictions. The park's dense conifer forests provide substantial concealment, while its rolling hills and wooded trails create varied hunting terrain. Hunters must stay within authorized areas and observe restrictions around developed facilities and recreational spaces. The adjacent Farragut Wildlife Management Area also permits archery hunting but operates under its own management rules.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park, Colorado

Elevations at Golden Gate Canyon State Park range from approximately 7,600 to 10,400 feet, making hunting physically demanding. Forested slopes, rocky outcrops, and steep ravines add to the challenge, while November snow and freezing temperatures can complicate travel and game retrieval. Its location near Denver makes it a practical option for hunters seeking mountain terrain without traveling deep into Colorado's backcountry.

Hunting is permitted on the Jefferson County side of the park in season, with reservations limited to 20 hunters per day. Reservations are required and may be made up to 14 days in advance. Hunters must also register at the visitor center and purchase a vehicle pass. The Green Ranch portion offers limited-access elk hunting from September through November through an annual permit lottery. Hunting is prohibited on the Gilpin County side of the park.

Washoe Lake State Park, Nevada

Located in western Nevada, Washoe Lake State Park offers hunting in a high-desert landscape of open wetlands, sagebrush, and grasslands. The Sierra Nevada, Carson Range, and Virginia Range surround the broad valley, creating a setting distinct from the forested hunting areas found farther north. Its proximity to Reno and Carson City makes it accessible for hunters who would rather not travel into remote mountain terrain.

Hunting is permitted from October through February during established seasons, but only with shotguns in designated hunting areas. Firearms such as rifles and handguns are not permitted for hunting within the park, and hunters must follow Nevada's ammunition and species-specific regulations. Hunting is prohibited at Little Washoe Lake, and additional boundaries protect developed recreational areas. Hunters should consult the official hunting-zone map and park staff before entering the field.

Hunting Big And Small Game Across State Lines

November hunting spans a wide range of state park landscapes. Colorado's entries climb through alpine forest and meadow, where snow and freezing temperatures can complicate travel and game retrieval. Washoe Lake offers open wetlands and sagebrush in a high-desert valley, and the Porcupine Mountains stretch across roughly 60,000 acres of backcountry along Lake Superior. Some parks sit close to major population centers, while others demand careful navigation and preparation.

Regulations vary by state, species, and hunting method. Letchworth prohibits rifles, and Washoe Lake allows only shotguns. Farragut limits hunters to archery, while Golden Gate Canyon caps reservations at 20 hunters per day. Checking current season dates, hunting boundaries, permit requirements, and weather-related access restrictions is essential before planning a trip.