Pennsylvania’s 2025 hunting and fishing license regulations are comprehensive and designed to manage wildlife resources while ensuring access for residents and nonresidents. Here’s a breakdown of the key laws and requirements for 2025:
Hunting Licenses and Regulations
License Requirements:
Residents: Adults (17–64) pay $20.97 for a general hunting license; seniors (65+) pay $13.97.
Nonresidents: Adults pay $101.97 for a general hunting license.
Antlerless Deer Licenses: Residents pay $6.97; nonresidents pay $26.97. Antlerless licenses are available in rounds, with each hunter able to purchase up to six per season in later rounds.
Special Licenses: Bear, archery, muzzleloader, and migratory game bird licenses are available at additional cost.
Lifetime Licenses: Available for seniors and provide ongoing hunting privileges, but annual harvest tags are still required.
2025–26 Season Dates:
2025–26 hunting licenses go on sale June 23, 2025.
General hunting and furtaker licenses expire June 30 each year; new licenses are required after July 1.
Antlerless licenses are available in rounds, with sales starting in late June for residents and July for nonresidents.
Hunter Education:
First-time hunters must complete a Hunter-Trapper Education course, which can be done online or in person.
Special Seasons:
Archery bear season is shortened to one week in most WMUs for 2025.
Extended firearms antlerless deer season is available on DMAP properties and in certain WMUs affected by Chronic Wasting Disease.
Elk Licenses:
Awarded by lottery; hunters must apply and pay a fee for each drawing.
Fishing Licenses and Regulations
License Requirements:
Residents (16–64): $27.97 for an annual license; seniors (65+) pay $14.47.
Nonresidents: $60.97 for an annual license; students pay $27.97.
Disabled Veterans: Eligible for reduced or free licenses.
Special Permits: Trout permit ($14.97), Lake Erie permit ($9.97), and combination permits are available.
License Validity:
2025 licenses are valid from December 1, 2024, through December 31, 2025.
Multi-year and lifetime options are available for residents and seniors.
Where to Buy:
Online at HuntFishPA, via the Fish and Boat Commission website, or at issuing agents.
Special Regulations:
Trout permits are required for trout fishing in most waters.
Lake Erie permits are required for fishing in Lake Erie and its tributaries.
Fish-for-Free Days: No license required on the final Sunday in May and July 4 each year.**
Summary Table
| Activity | License/Permit Type | Resident Cost (2025) | Nonresident Cost (2025) | Notes/Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hunting | General License | $20.97 | $101.97 | Ages 17–64 (res), 17+ (nonres) |
| Hunting | Senior License | $13.97 | — | Ages 65+ |
| Hunting | Antlerless Deer License | $6.97 | $26.97 | Available in rounds |
| Hunting | Bear License | $16.97 | $36.97 | |
| Fishing | Annual License | $27.97 | $60.97 | Ages 16–64 (res), 16+ (nonres) |
| Fishing | Senior License | $14.47 | — | Ages 65+ |
| Fishing | Trout Permit | $14.97 | — | Required for trout fishing |
| Fishing | Lake Erie Permit | $9.97 | — | Required for Lake Erie fishing |
Key Takeaways
-Hunting and fishing licenses are required for most adults in Pennsylvania.
-Special permits are needed for certain species and locations.
-Hunter education is mandatory for first-time hunters.
-Licenses can be purchased online or at issuing agents.
-2025 licenses are valid for the calendar year (fishing) or license year (hunting, July 1–June 30).
For the most current information, consult the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission websites.
Sources:
- https://www.adamscountypa.gov/departments/treasurer/hunting
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pgc/newsroom/final-2025-26-seasons-adopted.html
- https://www.pa.gov/agencies/fishandboat/fishing/buy-fishing-license-permit.html
- https://www.eregulations.com/pennsylvania/fishing/fishing-licenses-permits