hunter pulling their deer harvest

2025-26 GENERAL HUNTING LICENSES ON SALE JUNE 23

KNOW YOUR CID: Hunters will need their driver’s license or CID number to purchase licenses online or in store. Your nine-digit CID number is printed on last year’s hunting or fishing license.

NEW FOR 2025-26

  • The extended firearms season for antlerless deer will be open on all DMAP properties and WMUs 2B, 5C, and 5D from Dec. 26-Jan. 24. In WMUs 4A, 4C, 4D, and 5A, the season runs from Jan. 2-19.
  • Hunters can purchase up to nine antlerless licenses in WMUs 5C and 5D on top of the personal limit of six for all other WMUs for a total of up to 15.
  • The antlerless-only Ag Tag season is set for Aug. 1-April 15.
  • The statewide archery bear season has been shortened to one week and will run Oct. 18-25. 
  • There is now a season limit of three for snowshoe hares.
  • In the Atlantic Population Zone, the Canada goose daily bag limit during the regular season has been reduced to one bird.
  • During the regular season for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three, an increase.  
antlerless deer

IMPORTANT ANTLERLESS LICENSE DATES

Resident antlerless licenses for all WMUs go on sale June 23. Resident hunters are GUARANTEED an antlerless license in any WMU in the first round if purchased prior to July 14, when the first round of antlerless sales opens to nonresidents. 
  • Prequalified Round - Starts June 16, 2025, at 8:00am
  • 1st Round, Residents Only - Starts June 23, 2025, at 8:00am
  • 1st Round, Nonresidents - Starts July 14, 2025, at 8:00am
  • 2nd Round - Starts July 28, 2025, at 8:00am
  • 3rd Round, DMAP - Starts August 11, 2025, at 8:00am
  • 4th Round - Starts August 25, 2025, at 8:00am
elk bugle

APPLY TO HUNT PENNSYLVANIA ELK

Pennsylvania’s elk application period is open through Sunday, July 13, 2025.

  • Archery Season: Sept. 13 -​ 27, 2025
  • General Season: Nov. 3 - 8, 2025
  • Late Firearms Season: Dec. 27 - Jan. 3, 2026

Apply for $11.97 per season or $35.91 for all three. The license reveal will be held at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Elk Expo on July 26, 2025. 

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