Pennsylvania Game Hunting Deer License

For adult hunters in Pennsylvania, deer must have three points on one antler. The above picture does not show a legal deer for adult hunters in Pennsylvania.

To hunt deer in Pennsylvania, both residents and nonresidents must purchase a current, valid hunting license that is appropriate to the hunters’ residency. All hunters must display their license on an outer garment during all hunting activities, though licenses may be folded to fit in a license holder. Deer licenses are valid from July 1 and expire the following June 30. General and combination licenses may be purchased directly from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, or at any in-state outfitter that is an approved agent for hunting licenses. Hunter information is tracked and cataloged by the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).

General Hunting Licenses

General hunting licenses permit the taking of one legal antlered deer. This is often called a “buck tag.” The Pennsylvania Game Commission defines antlered deer as any deer having at least three points on either antler. The exception to this rule is the junior hunting license. Junior hunters may harvest any deer with antlers. A breakdown indicating type, age and cost is as follows. Information and fees are as of July 2010.

Resident Adult Hunting; ages 17 – 64; $20.70

Resident Junior Hunting; ages 12 - 16; $6.70

Resident Senior Hunting; ages 65 and up; $13.70

Resident Landowner Hunting; no age restriction age; $4.70

Resident Disabled Veteran; no age restriction; No Charge

Nonresident Hunting; ages 17 and up; $101.70

Nonresident Junior Hunting; ages 12 - 16; $41.70

Nonresident 7-day Small Game Hunting; 12 and up; $31.70

Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting; 65 and up; $51.70

The total cost of the purchase is subject to a $1 issuing fee. Replacements for lost or damaged licenses cost $6.70, and replacement hunter training certificates carry a $10 fee. All deer licenses come with carcass tags. Upon you taking any deer, you must fill out the appropriate tag and attach it to the animal, usually by making an incision through the ear and using string or twist tie to attach the tag.

Archery Licenses

In addition to a general hunting license hunters who wish to participate in the archery season may do so with an archery license. These can be purchased for $16.70 for residents and $26.60 for nonresidents.

Muzzleloader Licenses

As with archery licenses, hunters must also purchase a general hunting to participate in the muzzle loader seasons. Muzzle loader licenses can be obtained for $11.70 for residents and $21.70 for nonresidents.

Combination Hunting Licenses

Combination hunting licenses include hunting, fur taker, archery and muzzle loader privileges. They are only available to junior and senior hunters.

Resident Junior Combo Hunting; ages 12 - 16; $9.70

Nonresident Junior Combo Hunting; ages 12 - 16; $51.70

Resident Senior Lifetime Combo Hunting; 65 and up; $101.70

Antlerless Deer Licenses

Antlerless deer licenses (or “doe tags”) are required to hunt for antlerless deer during any deer season. An exception to this rule is during the after-Christmas flintlock season but only if the hunter has not used his general license tag. Antlerless deer licenses are valid only in the specific Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) of issuance. Check the antlerless deer schedule on the Pennsylvania Game Commission website as unsold tags for WMUs will be open for sale to all hunters at various points throughout the year, allowing hunters to obtain multiple antlerless deer tags.

Junior Licenses, Military Hunting Licenses and Resident Landowner Hunting and Antlerless Deer Licenses

When hunting in the field or when applying for a junior license, junior hunters must adhere to different criteria than adult hunters. For a more in depth look, reference the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.

The state offers special military hunting licenses for members of the armed services for $2.70. Contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission or your county treasurer for more information. There is also a license for disabled veterans at no charge to the hunter. The disabled veterans license may only be obtained directly through county treasurers.

Pennsylvania residents who own 80 contiguous acres or more that are open to public hunting in a Cooperative Public Access Program may be entitled to a landowner hunting and antlerless license with fees of $6.70 for residents and $26.70 for nonresidents. Contact the PGC for more information.

Other Documents

In addition to their hunting license, when afield all sportsmen are required to carry some form of written documentation on their person that confirms both their identity and determines residency. Documents must be shown upon request to any Pennsylvania game official, officer or landowner.

At the time of purchase, proof of residency in the state of Pennsylvania must be shown to obtain a resident hunting license.

Prospective hunters who have not held a hunting license issued in Pennsylvania or another state or nation are required to attain certification in an accredited hunter-trapper education program before applying for a hunting license.

References

• Pennsylvania Game Commission: License Types
• Pennsylvania: Hunting & Trapping Digest

Resources

• Pennsylvania Game Commission