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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Hunting License: Cost, Requirements & How to Apply (2026)

Complete guide to Pennsylvania hunting license costs, requirements, seasons, and regulations for the Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026 season.

Last updated: March 2026
Resident License $20.97 General hunting
Non-Resident License $101.97 General hunting
Hunter Education Required Born after 1900-01-01
Online Purchase Yes Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026
LICENSE FEES

Pennsylvania Hunting License Fees 2026

Current hunting license costs for residents and non-residents. License year: Jul 1, 2025 – Jun 30, 2026.

Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Resident Adult Hunting $20.97
Resident Junior Hunting (12-16) $6.97
Resident Junior Combination (12-16) $9.97
Resident Senior Hunting (65+) $13.97
Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting $51.97
Resident Senior Lifetime Combination $101.97

Non-Resident Licenses

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Non-Resident Adult Hunting $101.97
Non-Resident 7-Day Small Game $31.97
Non-Resident Junior Hunting (12-16) $41.97
Non-Resident Junior Combination (12-16) $51.97

Tags & Permits

License Type Resident Non-Resident
Antlerless Deer $6.97 $26.97
DMAP Antlerless Deer $10.97 $35.97
Bear $16.97 $36.97
Turkey (Spring/Fall) Free Free

Endorsements & Stamps

Archery Permit $16.97 Required for archery deer and turkey hunting; NR: $26.97
Muzzleloader Permit $11.97 Required for muzzleloader season; NR: $21.97
Migratory Bird Permit $3.97 Required for dove, duck, goose, and other migratory birds
Federal Duck Stamp $25 Required for waterfowl hunters 16+; valid Jul 1 – Jun 30
HIP Certification Free Free, required for migratory birds
PURCHASE

How to Buy a Pennsylvania Hunting License

Multiple convenient options to get your license quickly.

1

Buy Online (Recommended)

Visit HuntFish.PA.gov. Create an account or sign in with your CID number. Select your license type and any additional permits. Verify hunter education completion. Pay with credit/debit card. Print your license and tags

2

Buy In Person

Walmart stores statewide, Bass Pro Shops / Cabela's, Dick's Sporting Goods, County Treasurer offices, Local sporting goods and hardware stores (700+ agents)

3

Buy By Phone

Call 717-787-4250. Service fee may apply

Pro Tip

The easiest way to buy your Pennsylvania hunting license is online through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. You'll get your license instantly and can start hunting right away.

EDUCATION

Hunter Education Requirements in Pennsylvania

Who needs it: All hunters born on or after January 1, 1900
Online course: Available — Cost: Free
Field day required: Yes, in-person field day required
Minimum age: 11 years old
Apprentice/deferral program: Available — hunt under supervision while completing education
Military exemption: No military exemption
EXEMPTIONS

Who Can Hunt for Free (or at a Discount) in Pennsylvania?

Category Benefit Details
Mentored Youth (Under 12) Free No license or hunter ed needed; must hunt with licensed adult mentor within arm's reach
Junior (12-16) $6.97 Reduced-fee junior license; no hunter education required until first adult license
Senior (65+) $13.97 annual / $51.97 lifetime Discounted annual or one-time lifetime license for residents 65+
Disabled Veteran Reduced fee PA residents with 60%+ service-connected disability receive reduced fees
Active Military Resident rates Active duty military stationed in PA may purchase at resident rates
SEASONS

Pennsylvania Hunting Seasons 2026-2027

Key hunting season dates and weapon restrictions.

Species Season Dates Weapon
White-tailed Deer Archery Sep 13 – Nov 15 Bow and crossbow
White-tailed Deer Regular Firearms Nov 29 – Dec 13 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
White-tailed Deer Muzzleloader Dec 26 – Jan 10 Muzzleloader and bow
White-tailed Deer Late Archery Dec 26 – Jan 24 Bow and crossbow
Turkey (Spring) Spring Gobbler May 3 – May 31 Shotgun, bow
Turkey (Fall) Fall General Nov 1 – Nov 15 Shotgun, bow, rifle (varies by WMU)
Bear General Nov 22 – Nov 26 Rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader, bow
Dove Regular Sep 1 – Nov 29 Shotgun
BAG LIMITS

Pennsylvania Bag Limits

Daily and seasonal harvest limits for major game species.

Species Daily Limit Season Limit Notes
White-tailed Deer 1 1 antlered + antlerless via DMAP/tags Antler restrictions: 3 points on one side in most WMUs
Turkey (Spring) 1 2 Bearded turkeys only; 1 per spring period
Turkey (Fall) 1 1 Either sex; 1 per fall season
Bear 1 1 One bear per license year
Dove 15 No season limit Mourning and white-winged combined
COMPARE

How Pennsylvania Compares to Neighboring States

See how hunting license costs stack up in the region.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses

How much is a hunting license in Pennsylvania?

A resident adult hunting license in Pennsylvania costs $20.97 for the 2025-2026 season, making it one of the most affordable in the country. Non-residents pay $101.97. Juniors ages 12-16 pay $6.97 (resident) or $41.97 (non-resident).

Do I need hunter education in Pennsylvania?

Yes, all first-time hunters must complete a hunter education course before purchasing their first adult hunting license. Pennsylvania offers a free online course followed by a required in-person field day. Mentored youth under 12 are exempt.

Can I buy a Pennsylvania hunting license online?

Yes, you can purchase your Pennsylvania hunting license online at HuntFish.PA.gov. Licenses are also available at over 700 issuing agents statewide, including Walmart and sporting goods stores.

How much is a Pennsylvania antlerless deer tag?

An antlerless deer license costs $6.97 for residents and $26.97 for non-residents. You can apply for multiple antlerless tags through the DMAP (Deer Management Assistance Program) for $10.97 each.

What is the minimum age to hunt in Pennsylvania?

There is no minimum age to hunt in Pennsylvania under the Mentored Youth Program. Children under 12 can hunt with a licensed adult mentor within arm's reach. Ages 12-16 need a junior license ($6.97). Hunter education is required for the first adult license.

Do I need a separate archery permit in Pennsylvania?

Yes, Pennsylvania requires a separate archery permit ($16.97 resident, $26.97 non-resident) for deer and turkey archery hunting. A muzzleloader permit ($11.97/$21.97) is also required for muzzleloader season.

How much is a Pennsylvania bear license?

A Pennsylvania bear license costs $16.97 for residents and $36.97 for non-residents, in addition to the general hunting license. PA has one of the largest black bear populations in the Northeast.

Is there a short-term non-resident hunting license in PA?

Yes, Pennsylvania offers a 7-Day Small Game License for non-residents at $31.97. It's valid for 7 consecutive days of small game hunting only — deer and turkey hunting require the full non-resident annual license ($101.97).

Ready to Get Your Pennsylvania Hunting License?

Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website to purchase your license online today.