Hunting and Trapping Licenses and Permits
2024-25 Important Updates
Changes have been made to the process of purchasing antlerless deer licenses.
First Round – Only 1 antlerless license per hunter.
- June 24 – 26, 2024 - Antlerless licenses for WMUs 1B, 2G, and 3A ONLY go on sale for residents on a first come, first served basis.
- June 27 – July 7, 2024 - Antlerless licenses for all other WMUs available and will be guaranteed for residents.
- July 8, 2024 - Antlerless licenses for all WMUs available for non-residents on a first come, first served basis.
In late 2023, the federal government modernized their Federal Duck Stamp validity and process. The printed and digital permits are valid throughout the entire waterfowl season. The actual Federal Duck Stamp will be mailed directly to the customer after March 10. Orders placed after March 10th for the Duck Stamp will be mailed within 7-10 business days after purchase.
Please be sure to select the option to include a physical copy of a Hunting & Trapping Digest with your order. A hunter can opt for lower S&H cost added to their online order by not selecting a physical copy of the Digest to be shipped with their order.
*Verify your mailing address: Remember to verify your mailing address when placing orders online to be sure your license arrives without delay. Hunters with an email address on their profile will also receive a digital copy of licenses and permits, no harvest tags included.
View the various hunting and trapping license and permit types and their associated costs.
There are a total of four rounds to purchase an antlerless deer license. Antlerless deer licenses can now be purchased online and at PGC license issuing agent locations. Please review the round dates, requirements, and location of sales.
Elk licenses are limited and only available through drawing. You do not need a general hunting license to apply for the drawing, but if chosen you must purchase a general hunting license and elk tag to hunt.
Deer Management Assistance Program is offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to help manage deer populations.
Some hunting opportunities at Middle Creek (Lancaster/Lebanon counties) and Pymatuning (Crawford County) wildlife management areas require additional application.
Permits for Hunters & Trappers with Disabilities are available through an approval process. Resident Lifetime Disabled Veteran licenses are available at participating county treasurer locations only. Resident Disabled Veteran licenses (validation needed every year) for 100% and 60-99% disability ratings are available online, at participating county treasurer locations and at PGC Offices.
The Mentored Hunting Program has expanded to offer opportunities to unlicensed hunters of all ages. Mentored hunters are not required to take a Hunter Education class before obtaining a permit to hunt through the program.
Information on how to become a License Issuing Agent.
Find frequently asked licensing questions and answers.