Pennsylvania Hunting License Requirements: What Every Hunter Needs to Know
June 16, 2026
Pennsylvania is home to some of the most diverse hunting opportunities in the eastern United States, from white-tailed deer and wild turkey to black bear and waterfowl. Before you step into the field, though, you need to make sure you’re properly licensed and compliant with state law.
This guide covers everything you need to know about hunting license requirements in Pennsylvania — who needs one, what it costs, what types are available, and how to get yours before the season opens.
Who Needs a Hunting License in Pennsylvania
A current hunting license is required and must be in possession to hunt, take, or kill any wildlife in Pennsylvania not classified as a furbearer. In other words, virtually anyone who hunts in the state needs to carry a valid license at all times while afield.
A current furtaker license is required to hunt, trap, take, or kill any furbearer, including coyotes. These are separate license types with their own requirements and fees.
- All resident and non-resident hunters ages 17 and older must hold a valid adult hunting license
- Hunters ages 12 through 16 must hold a junior hunting license
- Hunters under 12 may participate through the Mentored Hunting Program with a mentored permit
- Anyone pursuing furbearers must hold a furtaker or combination license
Important Note: You must carry your license on your person while hunting. A license left at home or in your vehicle does not satisfy the legal requirement.
Exemptions From Hunting License Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania law does provide a narrow set of exemptions from standard hunting license requirements. Understanding these exceptions helps you know where the rules apply — and where they don’t.
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. However, they must hold a valid mentored hunting permit and follow all program rules.
Residents who qualify for a Disabled Veteran (DV) Lifetime Hunting License receive it at no charge. A qualified veteran who has a disability rating of less than 100 percent may also be eligible if the disability is directly related to injuries incurred while on active duty during a war or armed conflict. Discharge papers may be required.
- Mentored Hunting Program participants — No standard hunting license required; a mentored permit is needed instead
- Disabled veterans — Qualifying residents may receive a lifetime license at no charge
- Active duty military — Active duty military stationed in Pennsylvania may purchase at resident rates
- Landowners — Qualifying landowners enrolled in a PGC cooperative public access program are eligible for a reduced-fee license, not a full exemption
Pro Tip: Exemptions are narrow and specific. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission directly before heading afield without a license.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Hunting Licenses in Pennsylvania
Whether you qualify as a Pennsylvania resident has a significant impact on what you pay for a hunting license. The state draws a clear distinction between the two, and the price difference is substantial.
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. That’s nearly a five-fold difference for the same base privileges.
To qualify as a resident, you must be a bona fide Pennsylvania resident. The resident adult hunting license is issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania ages 17 through 64. Non-residents include anyone from another state or country who does not meet the residency standard.
| License Type | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Hunting License (ages 17–64) | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| Junior Hunting License (ages 12–16) | $6.97 | $41.97 |
| Senior Hunting License (ages 65+) | $13.97 | N/A |
| 7-Day Small Game License | N/A | $31.97 |
Pennsylvania offers a 7-Day Small Game License for non-residents at $31.97. It is valid for 7 consecutive days of small game hunting only — deer and turkey hunting require the full non-resident annual license.
Types of Hunting Licenses in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania offers a range of license types to match different hunters’ ages, residency status, and needs. Each license type comes with a specific set of included privileges.
The Resident Adult Hunting License at $20.97 is issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania ages 17 through 64. This license includes one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag, and small game hunting privileges for one license year.
The Resident Junior Hunting License at $6.97 is issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania ages 12 through 16. Eleven-year-olds may apply for a junior license if they reach age 12 by June 30 of the current license year and have successfully completed the required Hunter-Trapper Education Course. The actual hunting privileges granted to the junior license holder may not be exercised until he or she reaches age 12.
Combination licenses include archery, muzzleloader, and furtaker privileges in addition to one spring turkey, one fall turkey, and one antlered deer tag. The Resident Junior Combination License costs $9.97 and is issued to bona fide residents of Pennsylvania ages 12 through 16.
Here is a summary of the main license categories available for the 2025–2026 license year, per the official Pennsylvania Game Commission license catalog:
- Resident Adult Hunting License — $20.97, ages 17–64
- Resident Junior Hunting License — $6.97, ages 12–16
- Resident Junior Combination License — $9.97, ages 12–16 (adds archery, muzzleloader, furtaker)
- Resident Senior Hunting License — $13.97, ages 65+
- Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting License — $51.97, ages 65+
- Resident Senior Lifetime Combination License — $101.97, ages 65+
- Resident Landowner Hunting License — $4.97 (must be enrolled in PGC cooperative public access program with 80+ contiguous acres)
- Non-Resident Adult Hunting License — $101.97, ages 17+
- Non-Resident Junior Hunting License — $41.97, ages 12–16
- Non-Resident 7-Day Small Game License — $31.97
- Disabled Veteran Lifetime Hunting License — No charge for qualifying residents
The Resident Landowner Hunting License at $4.97 is issued to qualified resident owners or possessors of land comprising 80 or more contiguous acres enrolled in a Pennsylvania Game Commission cooperative public access program. The land must be open to public hunting and trapping the entire license year, and applicants must provide their Game Commission cooperative public access program agreement number.
Key Insight: The standard adult hunting license does not include archery or muzzleloader privileges. If you plan to hunt during those seasons, you need to add the appropriate permit to your license.
How Much a Hunting License Costs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s hunting license fees are among the most affordable in the Mid-Atlantic region. A resident adult hunting license costs $20.97 for the 2025–2026 season, making it one of the most affordable in the country. For comparison, neighboring states charge considerably more for equivalent access.
Beyond the base license, additional permits and tags carry their own costs. Here is a breakdown of the most common fees hunters encounter, as of the 2025–2026 license year per the Pennsylvania Game Commission:
| License / Permit | Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Hunting License | $20.97 | $101.97 |
| Junior Hunting License | $6.97 | $41.97 |
| Senior Hunting License (65+) | $13.97 | N/A |
| Antlerless Deer License | $6.97 | $26.97 |
| Bear License | $16.97 | $36.97 |
| Archery Permit | $16.97 | $26.97 |
| Muzzleloader Permit | $11.97 | $21.97 |
| Adult Pheasant Permit | $26.97 | $26.97 |
| DMAP Permit | $10.97 | $10.97 |
| Mentored Permit (under 12) | $2.97 | $2.97 |
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.
If you also enjoy fishing, you can review the Pennsylvania fishing license requirements to understand what additional licenses you may need for a full outdoor season.
Special Permits, Tags, and Stamps in Pennsylvania
Your base hunting license covers general small game and includes antlered deer and turkey tags, but pursuing certain species or seasons requires additional permits. Pennsylvania uses a layered system of tags, stamps, and special permits on top of the general license.
Antlerless Deer Licenses
The antlerless license purchasing process allows hunters to purchase 2025–26 antlerless licenses online at HuntFishPA or at any in-store hunting license issuing agent. All Pennsylvania residents are guaranteed to get an antlerless deer license as long as they buy one in time. Residents had priority access before non-resident sales opened.
Elk Licenses
Elk licenses are limited and only available through drawing. Pennsylvania has a limited elk hunting season in the north-central state forest region, and elk licenses are awarded by lottery through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This is one of the most sought-after tags in the state.
Bear Licenses
A Pennsylvania bear license costs $16.97 for residents and $36.97 for non-residents, in addition to the general hunting license. Pennsylvania has one of the largest black bear populations in the Northeast.
Waterfowl Permits and Federal Stamps
Waterfowl hunters must have a valid Pennsylvania hunting license, a federal duck stamp, and a PA migratory game bird license. These are required in addition to your base license and must all be in your possession while hunting.
Furbearers and Specialty Permits
- The Bobcat Permit at $6.97 is available to residents and non-residents who hold a current furtaker or combination license and wish to hunt or trap bobcats during the bobcat season.
- The Fisher Permit at $6.97 is available to residents and non-residents who hold a current furtaker or combination license and wish to trap fishers during the fisher season.
- The River Otter Permit at $6.97 is available to residents and non-residents who hold a current furtaker or combination license and wish to trap river otters during the river otter season.
You can apply for multiple antlerless tags through the DMAP (Deer Management Assistance Program) for $10.97 each. The Deer Management Assistance Program is offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission to help manage deer populations.
Common Mistake: Many hunters assume their general license covers all seasons and species. Always verify which additional permits apply to your specific hunt before going afield — missing a required tag can result in a citation even if you hold a valid base license.
Hunters in neighboring states can compare how permit systems work by reviewing resources like Ohio fishing license requirements or West Virginia fishing license requirements for a sense of how Mid-Atlantic states structure their licensing systems.
Hunter Education Requirements in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania takes hunter education seriously, and the law is clear: you must complete a certified course before you can purchase your first hunting license.
By law, all first-time hunters must complete a hunter-trapper education course to buy a Pennsylvania hunting license. All first-time hunters and trappers must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before they can purchase a PA hunting or trapping license.
For first-time hunters and trappers aged 11 and older, completing the hunter education course is mandatory before purchasing a hunting license. There are no exemptions based solely on age for first-time hunters and trappers, regardless of their age.
Course Format
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. The online portion allows you to study at your own pace before completing hands-on skills training in person.
Minimum Age
The minimum age to take the hunter education course is 11 years old. This aligns with the eligibility window for the junior license, which is available to hunters ages 12 through 16.
Mentored Hunting Program Exception
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. However, this pathway has limits.
Mentored hunters aged 12 or older may participate in the mentored hunting program for a maximum of three license years. After that time, they must take a Hunter-Trapper Education course to purchase a hunting license.
Out-of-State Certifications
Pennsylvania generally accepts out-of-state hunter education certificates, provided the course meets the standards set by the International Hunter Education Association-USA (IHEA-USA). This reciprocity means that if your hunter education course was approved by IHEA-USA, you should be able to use your certificate to purchase a hunting license in Pennsylvania without retaking the course.
It is important to carry your original certificate or a copy when hunting in Pennsylvania, as proof of completion may be requested by game wardens.
Pro Tip: Register for a hunter education course well before the season opens. Field day slots fill up quickly, especially in the spring and early summer ahead of the July license sale date.
How to Buy a Hunting License in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania makes it straightforward to purchase a hunting license through several channels. The easiest way to buy your Pennsylvania hunting license is online through the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The state’s online portal is available around the clock and delivers your license immediately.
Online Purchase
To purchase a license online, go to HuntFish.pa.gov and sign in or create a new account on the platform. From there, you select your license type, add any required permits, verify hunter education completion, and pay by credit or debit card.
In-Person Purchase
Licenses are also available at over 700 issuing agents statewide, including Walmart and sporting goods stores. In-person options include:
- Walmart stores statewide
- Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations
- Dick’s Sporting Goods
- County Treasurer offices
- Local sporting goods and hardware stores
By Phone
You can also purchase by calling 717-787-4250. A service fee may apply.
What You Need to Buy
When purchasing your license, you will need your Customer Identification Number (CID) if you have hunted in Pennsylvania before, or you will create a new account. A Social Security number is needed for a CID number to be issued. First-time buyers will also need proof of completed hunter education.
Important Note: Licenses purchased online may take up to 10 business days to arrive. During high sales periods, licenses may take up to 20 business days to arrive. If you need your license quickly, purchase in person at an issuing agent.
Hunters who also plan to fish should review the Pennsylvania fishing license requirements to make sure they have everything covered before hitting the water. Hunters traveling to or from other states may also find it useful to compare requirements in places like Michigan, Wisconsin, or Indiana.
License Validity and Renewal in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania hunting licenses operate on a fixed annual cycle tied to the state’s license year, not the calendar year.
The license year runs from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026. This means your license is valid for hunting seasons that fall within that window, including fall deer and turkey seasons as well as spring turkey season the following year.
The new license year begins July 1, at which time prior-year hunting and furtaker licenses, as well as mentored permits, expire and new licenses are needed. You cannot carry over an expired license into the new season.
When Licenses Go on Sale
General Hunting Licenses for the 2025–2026 season went on sale June 23, 2025 for residents. All WMUs went on sale June 23, 2025 for residents only, and for non-residents beginning July 14, 2025. Residents consistently receive a head start on antlerless license purchases each year.
Lifetime Licenses
Pennsylvania offers lifetime license options for senior residents. The Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting License is available for $51.97 to residents ages 65 and older. A combination lifetime option that adds archery, muzzleloader, and furtaker privileges is available for $101.97.
Renewal Process
Applicants may obtain yearly renewal licenses through any issuing agent. Renewal is available online through HuntFishPA or in person at any of the 700+ licensed agents across the state. Your CID number links your history and education records, making renewal straightforward in subsequent years.
Lost or Replacement Licenses
Lost permits and tags can be replaced for a fee of $6.97 per license or permit. Replacements are available through any issuing agent or the County Treasurer’s office.
If you hunt or fish across state lines, it is worth reviewing the licensing rules for nearby states as well. Resources covering New York-adjacent states like West Virginia and Connecticut can help you stay legal no matter where your season takes you. Hunters who also pursue fish in other regions may find guides for states like Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama useful for planning multi-state trips.
Final Thoughts
Pennsylvania’s hunting license system is well-structured and designed to accommodate hunters at every stage — from young mentored participants taking their first steps afield to experienced seniors renewing a lifetime of licenses. The key is knowing which license applies to your situation, what additional permits your specific hunt requires, and getting everything in order before the season opens.
Always verify the most current fees, season dates, and permit availability directly with the Pennsylvania Game Commission at HuntFish.PA.gov before purchasing. Regulations can change between license years, and staying current keeps you legal and supports the conservation programs that sustain Pennsylvania’s wildlife for future generations.