Pennsylvania Hunting License

How Do I Get My State Hunting License?

Depending on your age, you may be required to have the Hunter Education Certificate in order to legally buy a license or permit to hunt.

1. Complete the Pennsylvania hunter education certification requirements.
2. Choose the correct license type.
3. Buy the license through the Pennsylvania Game Commission website or a Pennsylvania–approved agent.

Types of Pennsylvania Hunting Licenses

Pennsylvania Resident

A resident is a person who has lived in Pennsylvania for at least 30 days.

All Pennsylvania residents must have a resident hunting license. Additional permits may be required.

Pennsylvania residents age 18 or older who are first-time hunters may be eligible to participate in the Mentored Adult Hunting Program. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for full program details.

Non-Resident

All non-residents must have a non-resident hunting license. Additional permits may be required.

Non-residents age 18 or older who are first-time hunters may be eligible to participate in the Mentored Adult Hunting Program. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for full program details.

Youth Hunting License

Pennsylvania residents and non-residents between the ages of 12 and 16 may purchase a junior hunting license. Hunters ages 12 and 13 must be accompanied by a licensed family member age 18 or older. Hunters ages 14 and 15 must be accompanied by a licensed adult age 18 or older.

Pennsylvania residents and non-residents under the age of 12 may apply for the Mentored Youth Permit. Mentored youth must be accompanied by a licensed mentor age 21 or older. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for full program details.

Senior Hunting License

Pennsylvania residents age 65 or older may purchase the Resident Senior Hunting License for a reduced fee or the Resident Senior Hunting Lifetime License for a one-time fee. The lifetime license must be renewed each year to receive valid harvest tags; the renewal license is free.

Disability License

Hunters with physical disabilities may be eligible for disability permits. A current hunting license is required. Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for more details.

Military and Veteran License

Active-duty military members who are Pennsylvania residents but stationed elsewhere may purchase a reduced-fee hunting license while on leave.

Resident veterans who have a service-related disability may be eligible for the free Resident Disabled Veteran (DV) Hunting License or the reduced-fee Resident Reduced Disabled Veteran (DV) Hunting License.

Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for more information about military and veteran licenses.

Migratory Waterfowl Requirements

All hunters age 16 or older must purchase the Federal Duck Stamp when hunting migratory waterfowl. All hunters age 12 or older must purchase the Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License. The license is proof of Harvest Information Program (HIP) participation.

License Expiration

Hunting licenses are good from July 1 to June 30 of the next year.

Where to Buy a Pennsylvania Hunting License

• Visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.
• Visit a Pennsylvania Game Commission office, a county treasurer office, or an approved license agent.