What Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses Cost

A Pennsylvania resident hunting license costs $20.97 for a year. A three-day license costs $10.97. Non-residents pay $51.97 for a year or $36.97 for a five-day license. These are the base license fees set by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. You will also need to buy a stamp — a separate tag for the specific game you hunt — and those cost between $5.97 and $10.97 depending on what you are hunting.

The total cost depends on what you hunt and for how long. A resident who wants to hunt deer and turkey for a year will spend roughly $42 to $52 in stamps alone, on top of the $20.97 license. A non-resident hunting for one week might spend $90 to $110 total. Prices change each year, usually in July, so check the Game Commission website before you buy.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania resident licenses cost $20.97 per year; non-residents pay $51.97 per year or $36.97 for five days.
  • You must buy a separate stamp for each type of game — deer, turkey, bear, or small game — and stamps cost $5.97 to $10.97 each.
  • You can buy licenses and stamps online through the Pennsylvania Game Commission website, by phone, or at authorized vendors like sporting goods stores.
  • Licenses are valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year, so a license bought in December covers only seven months.

Where to Buy Your License and Stamps

You can buy a Pennsylvania hunting license and stamps online at the Game Commission website (pgc.pa.gov), by phone at 717-787-4250, or in person at authorized vendors. Authorized vendors include Walmart, Dick's Sporting Goods, Cabela's, and most local sporting goods and bait shops. You do not need to visit a Game Commission office.

Online is the fastest option — you can print your license when ready or have it mailed to you. By phone, you can order and have the license mailed within a few business days. If you buy in person at a vendor, you get the license on the spot. Bring your driver's license or state ID to prove residency if you are buying in person.

Resident vs. Non-Resident Pricing

Pennsylvania charges different prices for residents and non-residents. A resident is someone who has lived in Pennsylvania for at least 60 days before buying the license. If you moved to Pennsylvania recently, you may not yet may have access to for resident pricing — the Game Commission will ask for proof of residency, usually a utility bill or lease dated at least 60 days before your purchase.

Non-residents pay roughly 2.5 times what residents pay for an annual license. Pennsylvania offers non-resident short-term licenses (five days for $36.97) specifically so out-of-state hunters do not have to pay the full annual rate. If you hunt in Pennsylvania more than once a year, the annual non-resident license becomes cheaper per trip.

What Stamps You Need for Different Game

A hunting license alone does not let you hunt anything. You must buy a stamp for each type of game. The most common stamps are the deer stamp ($10.97), turkey stamp ($10.97), and small game stamp ($5.97). If you want to hunt bear, you need a bear stamp ($10.97). Some hunters buy multiple stamps — for example, a resident hunting both deer and turkey needs the base license plus two stamps, totaling roughly $42.

Stamps are valid for the same license year (July 1 through June 30). If you buy a license in March and then decide in May that you want to hunt turkey, you can buy just the turkey stamp — you do not need to buy a new license. Each stamp is printed on your license or issued as a separate document, depending on whether you buy online or in person.

When Licenses Expire and How Long They Last

Pennsylvania hunting licenses run from July 1 through June 30 of the following year. This means a license bought in July lasts a full 12 months, but a license bought in December lasts only seven months. If you hunt in the fall and winter, buying your license in July or August is cheaper per month than waiting until later in the year.

Licenses do not renew automatically. When your license expires on June 30, you must buy a new one for the next hunting season. The Game Commission sends reminders to people who bought online, but you are responsible for knowing when your license expires. Check the expiration date printed on your license or the email receipt.

Special Licenses and Discounts

Pennsylvania offers reduced-price licenses for certain groups. Seniors (age 65 and older) pay $10.97 for a resident license instead of $20.97. Disabled hunters may may have access to for a free license if they have a disability that prevents them from hunting without information — contact the Game Commission to ask about this program. Military members on active duty may also may have access to for discounts, though you will need to provide proof of service.

Youth hunters (ages 12 to 16) can buy a junior license for $5.97, which includes a small game stamp. This is the cheapest way for a young person to start hunting. Apprentice licenses are also available for first-time hunters of any age who want to hunt under supervision before buying a full license — these cost $10.97 and are valid for one year.

What Happens If You Hunt Without a License

Hunting without a valid license in Pennsylvania is a violation of state law. The Game Commission can issue a citation, which carries a fine of at least $100 and up to $500 depending on the violation. A second offense within five years can result in a fine of $500 to $1,000 and loss of hunting privileges for up to three years. Your hunting equipment can also be confiscated.

The Game Commission employs officers who patrol hunting areas, especially during peak seasons like deer season in November. They check licenses randomly. It is not worth the risk — a license costs less than $25 for residents, and the fine for hunting without one is many times higher.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy a Pennsylvania hunting license if I live out of state?

Yes. Non-residents can buy Pennsylvania licenses online, by phone, or at authorized vendors. You will need a valid driver's license or ID from your home state to prove your residency there. Non-resident licenses cost more than resident licenses, but Pennsylvania offers short-term options (five days for $36.97) if you do not want to pay for a full year.

Do I need a separate license for each type of game?

No. You buy one hunting license, then buy stamps for each type of game you want to hunt. For example, one license plus a deer stamp lets you hunt deer; the same license plus a turkey stamp lets you hunt turkey. You do not need multiple licenses.

What if I buy a license but then decide not to hunt?

Pennsylvania does not offer refunds for unused licenses or stamps. Once purchased, they cannot be returned or transferred to another person. If you are unsure whether you will hunt, wait to buy until you are certain.

Can I buy a license as a gift for someone else?

You can buy a license online or by phone and have it mailed to someone else, but the person whose name is on the license must be the one who uses it. The license is not transferable. If you want to give someone a hunting license as a gift, buy it in their name and have it sent to their address.

Do I need to renew my license every year?

Yes. Licenses expire on June 30 each year and do not renew automatically. You must buy a new license for the next hunting season. The Game Commission does not send bills or automatic renewal notices, so mark your calendar or set a reminder before your license expires.