General hunting, antlerless deer licenses go on sale Monday

Pa. residents are guaranteed an antlerless license for any Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) of their choice if purchased before July 13. After July 13, licenses are sold on a first-come, first-served basis with no guarantee, and the first round of antlerless license sales will open to non Pa. residents.

One antlerless license can be purchased per round in the first three rounds of sales. In the fourth round, hunters in most WMUs can hold up to six tags — hunters in WMU 5C and 5D in Southeastern Pa. have a higher limit. After reaching the limit, hunters cannot buy additional licenses until tags are used by harvesting and reporting deer.

There are four rounds total, listed below. Sales begin at 8 a.m. for all rounds.

• Round 1, Pa. residents only: Monday, June 22 through 7 a.m. on July 13

  • Round 1 for non-residents: July 13 through July 26

• Round 2: Monday, July 27. Unsold licenses available on a first-come, first-served basis

• Round 3: Monday, Aug. 10. Unsold licenses available on a first-come, first-served basis. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permit sales also begin on this date.

• Round 4: Monday, Aug. 24. Any remaining unsold licenses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis

Hunters can check how many licenses remain for each WMU in real-time on the Game Commission’s Antlerless Deer Quota page.

Pa. general hunting licenses for resident adults are $20.97, and $101.97 for non-resident adults. Antlerless deer licenses are $6.97 each for residents and $26.97 each for non-residents. To see a full listing of hunting license prices, including junior, senior, and veteran options, visit the Game Commission’s License Catalog.

“The 2026-27 seasons are full of expanded opportunities, including all hunting seasons being open on Sundays, with the exception of migratory game birds,” said Pa. Game Commission Executive Director Stephen Smith. “Thank you to all our hunters, trappers, recreational shooters, and license buyers who support the great conservation work of the agency through the purchase of their licenses.”

Hunters can purchase new licenses in person at commercial license issuing agents, which include county treasurer offices and Game Commission offices. Find the nearest outlet using the Game Commission’s interactive map, or purchase a license online at huntfish.pa.gov. Hunters who purchase licenses online will receive their license and harvest tags by mail.

Hunters are encouraged to have their Customer Number (CID#) on hand before going to purchase a new license. Having this information will help ensure a smooth and quick transaction.

The Pa. Hunting & Trapping Digest for the 2026-27 license year will be available at license issuing agents, and may also be read for free online.

Applications are still open for the 2026-27 elk license lottery and will remain open through July 12. License drawings will take place at the Elk Expo in Benezette on July 25, and winners will be notified by phone and/or email. If phone or email contact information is not provided in the application, winners will be notified by mail.