State Game Lands 317
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
State Game Lands 317 is a notable destination in Pennsylvania for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.
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Summary
Located in Crawford County, this 2,230-acre tract offers a variety of recreational activities and features that make it worth visiting.
One of the primary reasons to visit State Game Lands 317 is the abundance of wildlife and the opportunity for hunting and trapping. It is home to a diverse range of species, including deer, turkey, pheasants, and small game. Hunters can enjoy various game seasons throughout the year in this area.
Additionally, State Game Lands 317 provides an excellent environment for birdwatching and wildlife observation. Its diverse habitat attracts numerous bird species, making it an ideal spot for bird enthusiasts. Visitors may spot birds such as woodpeckers, owls, hawks, and migratory songbirds.
The region also offers several points of interest that visitors can explore. The French Creek Conservation Area, which borders State Game Lands 317, provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and canoeing. The nearby Erie National Wildlife Refuge is another attraction, offering a chance to see waterfowl and other wildlife.
Interesting facts about State Game Lands 317 include its previous history as farmland that was transformed into wildlife habitat. This area serves as a prime example of habitat restoration and conservation efforts. The management practices implemented have resulted in a thriving ecosystem that attracts a wide range of wildlife.
The best time of year to visit State Game Lands 317 depends on the visitor's interests. For hunters, the various game seasons in the fall and winter offer exciting opportunities. Spring and summer are ideal for birdwatching and wildlife observation, as the area is teeming with migratory birds and other wildlife.
To ensure accuracy, it is recommended to verify information about State Game Lands 317 across multiple independent sources. The Pennsylvania Game Commission's official website, local tourism websites, and reputable nature and wildlife organizations can provide reliable and up-to-date information about this destination.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
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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