Headline Takeaways
Two-state license cost decisionUse this comparison when you already have two states in mind and need to decide which one is cheaper, easier, or more realistic for a real trip. Open each state page for full license rules, then use the national cost table when you need to widen the shortlist again.
- Pennsylvania is cheaper for the primary resident base license by $3.03.
- Pennsylvania is cheaper for the primary non-resident base license by $58.03.
- Pennsylvania deer planning starts with "Archery: Oct 4 - Nov 15", while Wisconsin starts with "Youth Gun Deer: Oct 10 - Oct 11".
Side-by-Side Table
Planning Item Pennsylvania Wisconsin
Resident base license $20.97 $24
Non-resident base license $101.97 $160
Hunter education Required before license purchase Required for hunters born after 1973-01-01
Resident deer tag $6.97 $24
Non-resident deer tag $26.97 $160
Deer season snapshot Archery: Oct 4 - Nov 15 Youth Gun Deer: Oct 10 - Oct 11
Deer draw rule No deer draw required for the primary path No deer draw required for the primary path
Official agency Pennsylvania Game Commission Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Planning Notes
- Pennsylvania official purchases flow through Pennsylvania Game Commission; Wisconsin uses Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
- Pennsylvania: Required before license purchase. Wisconsin: Required for hunters born after 1973-01-01.
- Pennsylvania: No deer draw required for the primary path. Wisconsin: No deer draw required for the primary path.