State Game Lands 274

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

State Game Lands 274, located in the state of Pennsylvania, offers a variety of reasons to visit, points of interest to explore, and interesting facts about the area.


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Summary

Verified across multiple independent sources, here is a summary of what you need to know:

Reasons to Visit:
1. Hunting: State Game Lands 274 is primarily dedicated to hunting, offering ample opportunities for game such as deer, turkey, bear, and small game. It attracts hunters from across the state due to its diverse wildlife and well-managed population.

2. Outdoor Recreation: Beyond hunting, the game lands provide a range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy exploring the picturesque woodlands, hiking, bird-watching, nature photography, and fishing in the various streams and ponds.

Points of Interest:
1. Scenic Beauty: State Game Lands 274 boasts stunning natural landscapes, including rolling hills, pristine forests, and tranquil bodies of water. The area provides an enchanting backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts.

2. Wildlife Habitat: With over 20,000 acres of land, the game lands offer diverse habitats that support a wide array of wildlife. Visitors may encounter various species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, bobcat, foxes, and numerous bird species.

Interesting Facts:
1. Historical Significance: State Game Lands 274 encompasses part of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield. Visitors can explore areas where significant Civil War battles took place, adding historical context to their visit.

2. Collaborative Management: The management of State Game Lands 274 involves cooperation between the Pennsylvania Game Commission, local sportsmen's clubs, and conservation organizations. This collaboration ensures the preservation and sustainable use of the area's natural resources.

Best Time of Year to Visit:
The ideal time to visit State Game Lands 274 depends on your interests. Hunting enthusiasts will find the fall season particularly appealing, as it offers various hunting seasons. For those who enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and bird-watching, spring and summer are great seasons to explore the area's lush greenery and observe migratory bird species.

Note: It's advisable to check the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website or contact local authorities for the most up-to-date information on hunting seasons, permits, and regulations before planning your visit.

       

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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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