Pennsylvania · License · 2026 Edition
Pennsylvania Hunting License Cost 2026: Fees, Deer & Turkey Permits
A year costs $20.97 for residents and $101.97 for nonresidents. The cheapest short-term option for nonresidents is the Nonresident 7-Day Small Game at $31.97 — Not valid for deer, bear, elk or turkey.
Pennsylvania's base license ALREADY INCLUDES one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag and one spring turkey tag, plus small game privileges — there is no separate 'deer permit' or 'turkey permit' purchase for those first tags. Antlerless deer, archery, muzzleloader, bear and migratory-bird privileges are separate add-ons priced below.
01 — Base hunting license
| Type | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Resident Adult Hunting | $20.97 | Includes 1 antlered deer tag, 1 fall turkey tag, 1 spring turkey tag, small game. |
| Resident Junior Hunting (ages 12–16) | $6.97 | No archery/muzzleloader/furtaker add-ons — use the Junior Combination license for those. |
| Resident Junior Combination (ages 12–16) | $9.97 | Adds archery, muzzleloader and furtaker privileges to the junior tags. |
| Resident Senior Hunting (65+) | $13.97 | |
| Resident Senior Lifetime Hunting (65+) | $51.97 | |
| Nonresident Adult Hunting | $101.97 | Includes 1 antlered deer tag, 1 fall turkey tag, 1 spring turkey tag, small game. |
| Nonresident Junior Hunting (ages 12–16) | $41.97 | |
| Nonresident 7-Day Small Game | $31.97 | Not valid for deer, bear, elk or turkey. |
02 — Deer permits
| Permit | Total |
|---|---|
| Antlerless Deer License | $6.97 |
| Antlerless Deer License | $26.97 |
| Archery Add-On (deer archery seasons) | $16.97 |
| Archery Add-On (deer archery seasons) | $26.97 |
| Muzzleloader Add-On (muzzleloader & flintlock seasons) | $11.97 |
| Muzzleloader Add-On (muzzleloader & flintlock seasons) | $21.97 |
03 — Waterfowl & migratory bird permits
| Stamp | Total | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Migratory Game Bird Add-On (dove/duck) | $3.97 | Required in addition to the base license to hunt dove, duck or other migratory birds. Waterfowl hunters 16+ also need a Federal Duck Stamp. |
| Migratory Game Bird Add-On (dove/duck) | $6.97 | |
| Federal Duck Stamp (eDuck) | $28.97 | Also valid for nonresidents. Temporary e-stamp is valid 45 days; the physical stamp is mailed. |
Waterfowl hunters 16 and older also need HIP registration and a Federal Duck Stamp. Pennsylvania duck season dates →
04 — Other permits
| Permit | Total |
|---|---|
| Bear License Add-On | $16.97 |
| Bear License Add-On | $36.97 |
05 — Hunter education
Pennsylvania requires a hunter education certificate for most first-time license buyers. A Hunter-Trapper Education Course is required before a first-time Junior (12-16) license may be issued; younger hunters may enter the Mentored Hunting Program without it.
Pennsylvania hunter safety course — options, costs and where to register →
06 — Where to buy
Licenses and permits are sold through HuntFishPA, the state's official portal.
Where to hunt public land in Pennsylvania — WMAs by county & access rules →
Pennsylvania hunting licenses are valid July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. 2026-27 licenses go on sale June 22, 2026.
FAQ
Can I hunt on my own land in Pennsylvania without a license?
Pennsylvania's exemption only covers someone whose primary livelihood is farming that specific land — owner, tenant, family member, or farmhand — who may then hunt and take furbearers on it without a license. Owning rural land you don't farm for a living doesn't qualify; discounted Landowner Hunting Licenses exist separately for owners of 50 or more acres.
How much is a hunting license in Pennsylvania?
A resident annual Pennsylvania hunting license costs $20.97, and the nonresident annual license costs $101.97. Species permits for deer, turkey and waterfowl are charged on top — see the tables above. Prices are set by Pennsylvania Game Commission and were read from their own license document on Aug 1, 2026.
How much is a nonresident hunting license in Pennsylvania?
$101.97 for the annual nonresident license. The cheapest short-term option is the Nonresident 7-Day Small Game at $31.97 — Not valid for deer, bear, elk or turkey. Species permits come on top of the base license.
How much is a deer permit in Pennsylvania?
Antlerless Deer License — $6.97. Antlerless Deer License — $26.97. Archery Add-On (deer archery seasons) — $16.97. Archery Add-On (deer archery seasons) — $26.97. Muzzleloader Add-On (muzzleloader & flintlock seasons) — $11.97. Muzzleloader Add-On (muzzleloader & flintlock seasons) — $21.97. A deer permit is charged on top of the base hunting license.
What do I need to get a hunting license in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania requires a hunter education certificate for most first-time license buyers. Licenses are sold through HuntFishPA, the state's official portal. Pennsylvania hunting licenses are valid July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. 2026-27 licenses go on sale June 22, 2026.
Do I need a hunter safety course to buy a Pennsylvania hunting license?
Yes, for most first-time buyers. A Hunter-Trapper Education Course is required before a first-time Junior (12-16) license may be issued; younger hunters may enter the Mentored Hunting Program without it.
Verified · Pennsylvania Game Commission · Last verified 2026-08-01
Publisher's note. Prices read from the PGC license offerings document, retrieved 2026-08-01. Review due 2027-06-01. Fees are set by the state and change without notice — confirm current prices before purchase.