Pennsylvania Hunting Laws Licensing & Regulations

Hunting in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has both large and small games. According to the Pennsylvania wildlife Commission, there are numerous hunting seasons in the state for various categories of hunters to take wildlife.

Pennsylvania Hunting Laws

Pennsylvania’s hunting regulations are strict. The state has tight restrictions in place to safeguard game and animal harvesting. If you want to go hunting in Pennsylvania, you must first grasp all of the criteria and limits imposed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

The following are some Pennsylvania hunting regulations:

Hunting Regulations in General

Pennsylvania Sunday hunting is not permitted. Exceptions are made during the fox season for commercial red fox hunting. In addition, pending legislation allows deer hunting on Sundays during deer seasons. However, it is best to check with the wildlife division first.

It is illegal to hunt in Pennsylvania unless you have a valid state license. The state also forbids taking games beyond the specified bag limits or possessing games obtained illegally.
In Pennsylvania, it is forbidden to hunt within 100 yards of an occupied structure. This requirement is waived if the hunter owns the building or obtains permission from the property owner to hunt on its premises. Also, for bow and arrow deer shooting, a hunter must be 50 years away from an occupied building.
It is illegal to discharge a hunting firearm fewer than 15 yards from a public road. It is also illegal to fire a firearm across a public road.
Trespassing on private lands and properties with a rifle or trap without authorization from the landowner is illegal. It makes no difference whether or not the land contains a sign prohibiting the use of guns.
It is illegal to destroy any wildlife or game animal or bird cave, den, or nest.
The use of artificial light in animals for hunting games is prohibited. This restriction also applies to light emitted by cars.
During Pennsylvania hunting season, you are not permitted to use night vision or infrared gadgets.

Regulations Concerning Firearms and Archery

While hunting in Pennsylvania, you may not have a loaded firearm or cocked crossbow in or on your vehicle.

It is illegal to transport muzzleloader rifles with a charge in their barrel. If the firearm primer or cap has been removed or the firearm is in an enclosed case, this restriction is waived.
It is illegal to hunt at night, and the night time is defined as 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. There are exceptions to this rule for hunting opossums, frigs, and raccoons with the use of a handheld light source.
It is illegal to hunt game using a shotgun that is larger than 10 gauge, an automatic firearm that fires more than once when the trigger is pulled, or a centerfire rifle. There are exceptions for hunting predators such as foxes and coyotes with a centerfire rifle.
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to use a shotgun with more than three shells for hunting. There are exceptions for hunting snow geese.
It is illegal in Pennsylvania to take or try to take game or wildlife using poisoned arrows or arrows with explosive points.
It is illegal to use a swivel rifle or a punt that cannot be fired from the shoulder.

Regulations for Hunting Furbearers

In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to employ a bait, pen, trap, cage, deadfall, pen, chemical, poison, pitfall, or drug for game-taking. Wildlife and games, such as raccoons, rabbits, foxes, and coyotes, are exempt.
In Pennsylvania, it is illegal to hunt or capture muskrats using a dog.
It is illegal in the state to shoot or capture muskrats. The trapping of muskrats is exempt from this rule.

Other hunting regulations in Pennsylvania include the following:

It is illegal to sell or exchange wildlife, games, or animal parts. Those who obtain approval from the Pennsylvania Division of Fish and Wildlife may make an exception. If you are a hunter and wish to ship games taken legally in the state, you must first obtain a notarized declaration proving that the game was taken legally. The document must also include the sender’s information and the number of games packaged.
It is illegal to shoot wild birds, such as owls and hawks. Pennsylvania only allows legal bird-game hunting for sparrows and starlings.
Having live wildlife and game animals in your hands is illegal.
It is illegal to bring live rabbits from other states into Pennsylvania without a health certificate.
Allowing hunting dogs to run at large is illegal. Private properties are granted exceptions to allow the dog to run from October 1st to February 18th. The dogs may only run on the owner’s property.
It is illegal to let hunting dogs run at large between the hours of sunset and morning at any time of year. In addition, hunting dogs in Pennsylvania must be registered.
It is illegal to use bait to hunt game. The only exception to this is hunting for deer on privately held state property.
It is illegal to release swine animals into the wild, charge a fee for hunting swine, or shoot at swine without a state hunting division license.
It is illegal to harvest deer antlers using traps or any other technology that removes antlers from the game. You can openly carry a handgun or a shotgun when hunting in Pennsylvania. However, open carry is not permitted in the state when bow hunting.

There are also hunter-gatherer harassment laws in Pennsylvania. The legislation stipulates that no one shall intentionally interfere with or disrupt a legitimate hunting activity in the state, which includes taking aquatic species such as fish, frogs, crabs, oysters, and so on, as well as hunting game such as birds or other animals.

In Pennsylvania, open carry is permitted while hunting.

While hunting in Pennsylvania, open carry of a firearm is permitted. Bow hunting, on the other hand, does not allow the use of firearms to kill an animal.

To protect the activity, Pennsylvania has hunter-harassment regulations in place.

It is prohibited to interfere with hunting in a location where such activity is permitted. This law can be broken in the following ways:

By disturbing wildlife or game animals, you are interfering with a permitted hunting activity in the state.
intercepts or harasses a hunter who is participating in licensed hunting or any other connected activity in the state.
uses any type of stimulation to disrupt wildlife, making hunting more difficult or entirely prohibiting the sport.
builds a barrier to limit access to areas of the state where authorized animal taking is permitted.
puts himself or herself in danger while hunting in the state.
It affects the condition of a property utilized for permitted hunting activities, making it more difficult to successfully hunt game.
Before hunting, trespass on a public or privately held property without the authorization of the owner or the appropriate authority.
ignores any instructions issued by a peace officer enforcing any of these laws on licensed hunting property.

Permits and tags for hunting in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania issues hunting licenses based on where you live. In the state, there are many sorts of resident and non-resident licenses. You must have lived in Pennsylvania for at least six months to get any of the state’s resident licenses. You must also not be a resident of any other state or region of the United States.

Although you may own property in multiple states, you must declare residency in only one, and it must be the state for which you pay federal income taxes.

Pennsylvania residents licenses, permits, and tags include the following:

Adult hunters with a hunting license

This is a hunting license accessible to Pennsylvania residents between the ages of 16 and 64. It will set you back $39.5.

Junior Resident Hunting License

This license is offered to 13- to 15-year-old inhabitants who desire to hunt in the state. It will set you back $5.

Resident Guide Hunting Permit

This license is accessible to Pennsylvania residents aged 18 and above who want to work as hunting guides. It is $159,50.

Resident Trapping Permit

Residents of Pennsylvania who want to trap games in the state must obtain a trapping license after finishing a trapping education course in the state. This license is available to those aged 13 to 64 and costs $10.

Residents’ Fur Dealer Permit

This license is required for Pennsylvania residents who want to deal with furs and pelts on a commercial scale. Muskrat furs and pets, on the other hand, are an exception. It will set you back $50.

Waterfowl Stamp for Residents

This stamp is accessible to state residents between the ages of 16 and 65. Only individuals who possess this stamp will be permitted to shoot ducks in the state. It is priced at $15.

Permit to Hunt Waterfowl and Deer in Pennsylvania (WMA)

Residents in Pennsylvania’s wildlife areas can receive a mix of waterfowl and deer hunting permits. The fee for permission is $20.

Quality Buck Tag for Resident Hunters

This tag is accessible to local hunters for $20.

Deer Tags with No Antlers

This tag, which costs $20, allows antlerless deer shooting in Pennsylvania.

The following nonresident licenses, permits, and tags are issued in the state:

Adult Non-Resident Hunting License

This is an out-of-state Pennsylvania hunting license for nonresidents aged 16 and up. It is $199.5.

Junior Non-Resident Hunting License

Nonresidents between the ages of 13 and 15 are eligible for this license. It will set you back $50.

Non-resident hunting guide license

Nonresidents who want to work as guides in the state can obtain this license. The license requires that you be at least 18 years old. The price is $475.

Permit for Waterfowl Blind and Deer Stand in Pennsylvania Wildlife Area

This permit will allow nonresidents to shoot both waterfowl and deer in Pennsylvania wildlife management areas. It is priced at $20.

Non-Resident Trapping Permit

Nonresidents who want to trap in Pennsylvania must first complete a trapping education course and obtain this license. It will set you back $75.

Non-Resident Fur Dealer Permit

This is an annual license that is accessible to nonresidents who want to start commercial fur and pelt operations in Pennsylvania. Muskrat furs and pelts, on the other hand, are exempt. The price is $475.

Waterfowl Stamp for Non-Residents

Nonresidents who want to hunt ducks in the state can purchase this stamp. This license requires a minimum age of 16 years old. It is priced at $15.

3-Day Hunting License for Non-Residents

This is a nonresident license that is only good for three days. It will allow small game hunting and grant a license to shoot ducks. It will set you back $75.

Deer Dag Antlered by Non-Residents

This license is required for nonresidents who want to hunt antlered deer in Pennsylvania. It was $50.

Additional Antlerless Deer Tags for Non-Residents

This $20 tag allows nonresidents to go antlerless deer hunting in Pennsylvania.

Fishing Licenses, Tags, and Permits in Pennsylvania

The following fishing licenses, tags, and permits are available in Pennsylvania:

General Fishing License in Pennsylvania

This is the most frequent fishing license offered in Pennsylvania to both residents and non-residents. Residents pay $8.5, while non-residents pay $20.

Tourist Fishing License for 7 Days

This fishing license is exclusively accessible to nonresidents of Pennsylvania and visitors to the state. It is accessible for one week for $12.5.

Boat Fishing Permit for

This Pennsylvania fishing license is available to both state citizens and non-residents. Residents and non-residents of the state pay $40 for 20 feet and $50 for more than 20 feet.

Head Boat Fishing Permit

The holder of this license will be able to fish from a boat. Residents pay $300, while nonresidents pay $600.

License for Charter Boat Fishing

Holders of this license may fish from a chartered boat. Residents pay $150, while non-residents pay $300.

Guide Fishing Permit

A guide fishing license allows the holder to be in command and serve as a guide during a fishing trip. Residents pay $100, while non-residents pay $300.

Stamp for Young Angler Trout

This stamp allows youth aged 12 to 15 to mount a trout while fishing. Residents pay $2.1, while non-residents pay $6.2.

Stamp for Adult Trout

This stamp permits adults aged 16 to 64 to mount a trout while fishing. Residents pay $4.8, while non-residents pay $6.2.

The following are some things you should know about fishing in Pennsylvania: You can only fish in Pennsylvania if you have a state-issued fishing license. Pennsylvania has no reciprocity with any other state or region iDeer hunting in Pennsylvaniaishing licenses.

Hunting season in Pennsylvania

Connecticut’s shooting season for various wildlife in 2020–21 includes the following:

Deer hunting season in Pennsylvania

Archery and crossbow hunting season (September 19th to November 27th and December 26th to January 23rd)
Regular Firearm Hunting Season (November 28th to December 4th and December 5th to December 12th)
Season for Muzzleloading Firearms (17th to 24th of October)

Pennsylvania’s hunting seasons are determined by the state’s distinct regions. Aside from the regular hunting days, some sections of the state may have their own dates. Hunters may consult the state game commission’s website for further information about the game they wish to hunt in Pennsylvania.

Elk hunting season in Pennsylvania

Archery Hunting Season (September 12th to September 26th)
Archery Hunting Season (November 2nd to November 7th and January 2nd to January 9th)
Deer hunting season dates vary depending on Pennsylvania hunting zones and whether antlerless or antler deer are taken.

Season for Hunting Black Bears in Pennsylvania

Archery Hunting Season (September 19th to November 27th)
Regular Firearms Season (October 22nd to October 24th and November 21st to November 24th)
Muzzleloader Hunting Season (October 17th to October 24th)
Bear hunting in Pennsylvania differs depending on where you live.

Season for Hunting Wild Turkeys in Pennsylvania

General Fall Hunting Season (October 31st to November 27th)
Spring Hunting Season (May 1st to May 31st)
Youth Spring Hunting Season (April 24th)

Pennsylvania Small Game Season

Season for Squirrel Hunting (12th September to 27th November, 14th December to 24th December, and 26th December to 27th December)
Season for hunting rabbits (3rd October to 17th October, 14th December to 24th December, and 26th December to 26th February)
Pheasant Hunting Season (October 10th to October 17th, October 24th to November 17th, and December 14th to December 24th)
Hunting Season for Bobwhite Quail (10th October to 17th October, 14th December to 24th December, and 26th December to 27th February)
Season for grouse hunting (17th October to 27th November and 14th December to 24th December)
Groundhog Hunting Season (except during normal rifle deer hunting seasons and on Sundays)

Pennsylvania Fishing and Wildlife Games

Pennsylvania’s games and animals include the following:

Pennsylvania deer hunting

Deer hunting is highly regarded in Pennsylvania. Hunters adore the game, and deer are one of the most abundant in the state.

Turkey hunting in Pennsylvania

Turkey hunting is becoming more popular in Pennsylvania. They are valuable to state hunters and can be found throughout the state.

Hunting for elk in Pennsylvania

Elk hunting is popular in certain of Pennsylvania’s WMAs with elk herds. Herds will be taken by hunters with permission.

Waterfowl hunting in Pennsylvania

Waterfowl hunting is popular in Pennsylvania due to the state’s abundance of bodies of water. Waterfowls also prefer agricultural grounds, where they may forage for food and live. Pennsylvania duck hunting and Pennsylvania goose hunting are two of the most popular waterfowl hunting activities in the state.

Hunting for foxes in Pennsylvania

The most prevalent fox species in Pennsylvania is the red fox. They are difficult to hunt since they are extremely attentive and will most likely detect a hunter before being spotted themselves. Handguns, muzzleloading firearms, shotguns, centerfire rifles, longbows, and crossbows can all be used to hunt.

Hunting for doves in Pennsylvania

Dove hunting is a popular shooting sport in Pennsylvania. Doves are widely distributed throughout the state and are easily accessible to hunters.

Hunting for black bears in Pennsylvania

Bears may be found in every county in Pennsylvania, and they currently inhabit approximately 34 percent of the state. Pennsylvania black bear hunting takes place in densely forested areas of the state.

Hunting for rabbits in Pennsylvania

Shotguns, recurves, and longbows are permitted for rabbit hunting in Pennsylvania. Hunters must also follow the dress code during firearm hunting seasons.

Hunting for groundhogs in Pennsylvania

There are no licenses, permits, or tags required in the state to hunt groundhogs. They are unprotected game species that can be hunted with weapons and archery.

Hunting for Quail in Pennsylvania

The bobwhite quail is the species of quail permitted for hunting in Pennsylvania. Only shotguns and longbows can be used to hunt the wildlife.

Shooting ranges in Pennsylvania

The following are some of the shooting ranges in Pennsylvania that are open to the public:

Wicen’s target range
Western Pennsylvania Sportsmen’s Association
The Black Ash Sportsmen
Blair County Football
Bradford Gun Club is a private club.
The Bull Creek Rod and Gun Club
The Cacoosing Gun Club
West Branch Sportsman’s Association is a non-profit organization.
Sporting Clays in Warrington
Valley Gun and Country Club is located in Valley, California.
The Sportsman’s Range at St. Mary’s
Tyrone Sportsmen’s Range is located in Tyrone, Ireland.
Hunting Land in Pennsylvania for Sale and Lease

Pennsylvania hunting lands for sale include the following:

600 acres in Morris, Pennsylvania (Tioga County).
48 acres in Jamestown, Pennsylvania (Mercer County).
Meyersdale, Somerset County, Pennsylvania (86.96 acres)
204 acres in Greensburg, Pennsylvania (Westmoreland County).
75.4 acres in Corry, Pennsylvania (Warren County).
52 acres in Albion, Pennsylvania (Erie County).

Pennsylvania hunting lands for lease include the following:

210 Acres of Glaciated-Rich Soil in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Erie County
Circle S Farm Semi-Guided Deer and Turkey Hunts, Armstrong County, 70 acres
60 Acre + Farm—River Bottom White Tail and Waterfowl Paradise in Lair County’s Private Greenway Wildlife Corridor
In Warren County, Pennsylvania, there are 820 well-managed acres.
Ohio Trophy Whitetail Hunts on 1,500 acres of private land in Athens County
Whitetail deer hunting on 70 acres in Indiana County, Pennsylvania
Deer hunting on 600 acres in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania