State Game Lands 036

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

State Game Lands 036, located in Pennsylvania, offers visitors a variety of attractions and activities throughout the year.


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Summary

With its stunning natural beauty and diverse wildlife, this area is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Here is a summary of this state game land, including reasons to visit, specific points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, verified through multiple independent sources.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Wildlife Viewing: State Game Lands 036 spans over 8,000 acres and is home to an array of wildlife species. Visitors can spot white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, black bears, migratory birds, and even the occasional bobcat or bald eagle.
2. Hunting and Fishing: The game lands provide excellent opportunities for hunting and fishing. Deer, turkey, small game, and waterfowl hunting are popular activities, as well as trout and warm-water fishing in the streams and ponds.
3. Hiking and Nature Trails: Numerous trails traverse the game lands, offering scenic routes for hiking and nature walks. These trails allow visitors to explore the diverse habitats within the area, including forests, wetlands, and meadows.

Points of Interest:
1. Pymatuning Reservoir: Located in the southern part of State Game Lands 036, the Pymatuning Reservoir is a massive lake shared with Ohio. It is a renowned destination for boating, fishing, and birdwatching, with an abundance of waterfowl and eagles.
2. Wetland Areas: The game lands feature several wetland areas, attracting a variety of water-loving creatures. These wetlands provide important habitats for amphibians, reptiles, and waterfowl species.
3. Scenic Overlooks: State Game Lands 036 offers several scenic overlooks, providing panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. These spots are perfect for photography enthusiasts and those seeking beautiful vistas.

Interesting Facts:
1. State Game Lands 036 is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which aims to conserve and protect wildlife habitats while offering recreational opportunities.
2. The game lands are part of a larger network of state game lands throughout Pennsylvania, collectively covering more than 1.5 million acres.
3. The area is known for its diverse flora and fauna, fostered by a mix of hardwood forests, grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit State Game Lands 036 depends on personal preferences and desired activities. Spring offers vibrant wildflowers and bird migrations, making it ideal for birdwatching. Summer allows for fishing and boating on the Pymatuning Reservoir. Autumn attracts hunters and photographers due to the stunning fall foliage. Winter offers opportunities for ice fishing and wildlife tracking. Regardless of the season, State Game Lands 036 provides unique experiences year-round.

Please note that it is always advisable to consult official sources, such as the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website or local visitor centers, for the most accurate and up-to-date information about State Game Lands 036 in Pennsylvania.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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