PA Hunting License Cost: Average Fees Explained

Pennsylvania prices its hunting licenses by residency and by age. A resident adult pays the lowest standard rate, juniors and seniors pay less, and nonresidents pay several times as much. The Pennsylvania Game Commission publishes the full list, and the license year runs from the start of July.

This guide lists the main license fees and the add-ons that raise the total. It covers fees only. Eligibility rules, hunter education requirements, and season dates are set by the Game Commission, so read its rules before you buy.

The resident adult license is for Pennsylvania residents in the adult age bracket. It includes an antlered deer tag, a fall turkey tag, a spring turkey tag, and small game privileges for the license year. Junior and senior residents pay reduced rates, and military and landowner categories exist with their own low prices.

A junior combination license adds extra hunting privileges to the basic junior license for a small additional amount. The senior lifetime license is a one-time purchase, after which license holders apply for free annual renewals to receive the harvest tags for each year.

Nonresidents from any state or country pay a higher rate. The general nonresident license includes the same standard tags as the resident license. Nonresident juniors pay less than nonresident adults, and a short-term small game license is available for visitors who plan a brief trip.

For an out-of-state hunter, the choice between the full nonresident license and the short-term small game license depends on what you plan to hunt. The short-term license is limited to small game, so it will not cover deer or turkey.

The general license does not cover every type of hunt. Archery, muzzleloader, and bear seasons each require an additional license, and nonresident rates for those add-ons are listed here.

Resident hunters also need add-ons for certain seasons and species, and antlerless deer licenses are sold separately from the general license. The Game Commission license page lists every add-on and permit with its price.

• Residency: Residents pay the lowest rates, and nonresidents pay the highest.
• Age: Junior and senior categories are cheaper than the adult license.
• Season and method: Archery, muzzleloader, and bear hunting need add-on licenses.
• Hunting type: Small game visitors may be able to use the short-term license instead of a full one.
• Special categories: Military, National Guard, reserve, and landowner licenses have their own reduced prices when you meet the criteria.

Licenses are sold online through the state's license system and in person at issuing agents, including county treasurer offices. Replacement licenses carry a fee of their own. Check the receipt total, since it can differ from the list price if the seller adds a service charge.

Hunter-trapper education is required for many first-time hunters, and a course may have its own cost. Contact the Game Commission for the current requirements.