Where to Buy Your Pennsylvania Hunting License

You buy a Pennsylvania hunting license directly from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, either online at their website or in person at a Game Commission office, or through an authorized vendor. The online route is fastest — you can purchase and print your license the same day. Authorized vendors include most sporting goods stores, bait and tackle shops, and some Walmart locations across the state.

If you go in person, bring a valid photo ID and payment. The Game Commission has regional offices in Harrisburg, Pittsburgh, and other locations; you can find the nearest one on their website. Vendors operate during their own business hours, which are often longer than government offices.

Key Takeaways

  • Pennsylvania residents pay $20.97 for an annual hunting license; non-residents pay $50.97, plus an additional $10.97 for a non-resident small game license if you want to hunt small game.
  • You must be at least 12 years old to hunt in Pennsylvania, and anyone born after 1951 must have completed a hunter safety course before purchasing a license.
  • The online purchase at the Game Commission website takes about 10 minutes and lets you print your license when ready at home.
  • Your license is valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year, regardless of when you purchase it during that period.
  • You must carry your printed license or a digital copy on your phone while hunting, and it must be visible on your person.

Age Requirements and Hunter Safety Certification

You must be at least 12 years old to hunt in Pennsylvania. If you were born on or after January 1, 1951, you are required to complete a hunter safety course before you can buy a license. This is a one-time requirement — once you complete it, you do not need to repeat it.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers hunter safety courses both online and in person. The online course takes about 10 to 12 hours and you can complete it at your own pace over several days. In-person courses are typically one full day (8 hours) and are held at various locations throughout the state. After finishing either format, you receive a certificate that you will need when you purchase your license.

If you were born before 1951, you are exempt from the safety course requirement. You can purchase a license without it, though taking the course is still recommended if you have not hunted in many years.

What Information and Documents You Need

To purchase a hunting license, have your valid photo ID ready — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card all work. You will also need a way to pay: credit card, debit card, or cash if buying in person at a vendor.

If you were born after 1951, have your hunter safety certificate number available. You can find this on the certificate itself or in your Game Commission account if you took the course online. If you are buying in person and do not have the number memorized, bring the certificate with you.

Non-residents should note that Pennsylvania does not recognize out-of-state hunter safety certificates. If you are a non-resident who completed a course in another state, you will need to take Pennsylvania's course before purchasing a license.

License Types and What You Can Hunt

Pennsylvania offers several license types depending on what you want to hunt. The standard hunting license covers deer, turkey, and other big game. If you want to hunt small game — rabbits, squirrels, pheasants, and similar animals — you need a small game license in addition to or instead of the hunting license.

Residents can buy a combination license that covers both big game and small game for $20.97. Non-residents pay $50.97 for a big game license and an additional $10.97 for small game. You can also buy just a small game license for $6.97 as a resident or $16.97 as a non-resident.

Special licenses exist for specific game — turkey licenses, for example, are separate from the general hunting license and cost $6.97 for residents. Waterfowl hunting requires a federal duck stamp in addition to your state license. Check the Game Commission website for the current list of what each license covers, since regulations change year to year.

Purchasing Online Step by Step

Go to the Pennsylvania Game Commission website and click on the "Buy a License" link. You will be asked to log in or create an account. Use your email address and a password you choose.

Select the license type you want — hunting, small game, or both. Choose whether you are a resident or non-resident. Enter your date of birth. If you were born after 1951, you will be asked for your hunter safety certificate number at this point.

Review the hunting regulations summary that appears on screen. This confirms you understand the current season dates and bag limits. Check the box to confirm you have read it. Enter your payment information and complete the purchase.

Your license will appear on screen when ready as a PDF. Print it in color on standard paper. You must carry this printed copy while hunting — a digital copy on your phone is also acceptable. Your license is valid starting when ready and runs through June 30 of the following year.

Buying in Person at a Vendor or Game Commission Office

Walk in with your photo ID and let the vendor or staff member know which license you want. If you were born after 1951, have your hunter safety certificate or certificate number ready. Tell them whether you are a resident or non-resident.

The staff will process your purchase and print your license on the spot. This usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. You will receive a printed copy to carry with you. Ask for a receipt as well — keep it with your license in case there are any questions.

Authorized vendors are scattered across Pennsylvania; the Game Commission website has a searchable list by county. Call ahead if you are traveling to an unfamiliar area, because not all vendors carry all license types at all times.

What to Do If You Lose Your License

If you lose your printed license before the season ends, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission directly. You can request a replacement by phone or through their website. Bring your receipt if you have it, or be ready to provide your name, date of birth, and the date you purchased the original license.

Replacement licenses cost $5.97. The Game Commission will mail a new copy to you, which usually arrives within 5 to 7 business days. In the meantime, you cannot legally hunt — you must carry a valid license. If you are close to a Game Commission office, you may be able to pick up a replacement in person the same day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hunt with a digital copy of my license on my phone?

Yes. Pennsylvania accepts either a printed copy or a digital image of your license on your phone. Make sure the image is clear and shows your full name, license number, and dates of validity. A screenshot of the PDF works fine.

What if I turn 12 during hunting season?

You can purchase a license once you turn 12, even if it is mid-season. Your license will be valid through June 30 of the following year, so you will have the full year of validity even though you bought it partway through.

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

Not always. A standard hunting license covers big game like deer and turkey. Small game requires a separate small game license. Some hunters buy both. Check what you plan to hunt and ask the vendor which licenses you need.

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

Yes, but the person receiving it must be present or you must have their information. Online, you enter their details during purchase. In person, they should come with you or provide their photo ID and date of birth so the vendor can process it correctly.

What happens if I hunt without a valid license?

Hunting without a license is a violation of Pennsylvania law and can result in fines, loss of hunting privileges, and confiscation of equipment. Always carry your license while hunting, even on your own property.