Resident deer tag or permit entry cost.
PA
Deer Hunting in Pennsylvania: Tags, Seasons & Regulations (2026)
Deer hunting in Pennsylvania starts with the current deer cost entries, season dates, bag limits, and CWD rules.
Resident Tag $6.97 Deer tag/permit
Non-Resident Tag $26.97 Non-resident deer tag
Primary Season Oct 4 – Nov 15 Archery
Draw Required? No (OTC) Over-the-counter tags
DEER QUICK ANSWER
Pennsylvania Deer Tag Cost, Season & Rules: Quick Answer
Start here for Pennsylvania deer tag cost, primary season timing, draw status, and CWD planning before using the full tables below.
Use this before adding the base license and trip permits.
Most hunters can start from the state license portal and available deer permits.
Archery; also check Muzzleloader (Antlerless).
For Pennsylvania deer hunting, use the listed resident and non-resident deer cost entries together with the note: General hunting license covers antlered deer privilege; listed $6.97/$26.97 prices are antlerless deer licenses by WMU. Because this page lists over-the-counter access, the main risk is choosing the correct weapon season, zone, and add-on permit. CWD has been detected in Pennsylvania, so carcass movement and testing rules deserve an early check.
OVERVIEW
Deer Hunting in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania deer planning starts with the general hunting license, because that base license carries the standard antlered deer privilege. Antlerless deer licenses are separate purchases tied to WMUs, and DMAP permits are separate again for enrolled properties. CWD rules also depend on whether your hunt falls inside a current Disease Management Area, where carcass movement, urine-based attractants, and related rules can differ from the rest of the state. Pennsylvania's antler point restriction structure also varies by WMU group, so hunters should read the current digest instead of relying on one statewide deer-tag shorthand.
Species present: White-tailed Deer
SEASONS
Pennsylvania Deer Season Dates (2026)
All archery, firearm, and muzzleloader season dates.
Multiple Seasons
Pennsylvania offers 4 distinct deer seasons. Check specific zone dates with the Pennsylvania Game Commission — dates and bag limits may vary by management unit.
COSTS
Pennsylvania Deer Tag Fees
Resident vs. non-resident tag and permit costs.
Resident
$6.97
Deer tag / permit
Non-Resident
$26.97
Over-the-counter tag available
General hunting license covers antlered deer privilege; listed $6.97/$26.97 prices are antlerless deer licenses by WMU
PLAN YOUR NEXT STEP
Choose the right Pennsylvania deer planning path
Jump into the state hub, shortlist pages, and deer-planning tools before you work through every remaining section.
Check the full Pennsylvania license setup
Move back to the main state hub when you need the base license, non-resident options, or add-on permits outside deer tags.
Compare Pennsylvania with other deer options
Use shortlist pages when you are deciding between states instead of reviewing each deer page one by one.
Use deer-planning tools next
Shift from deer-tag detail into season timing, trip budgeting, and cross-state deer planning helpers.
Add a wider 2026 cost view
Check benchmark and non-resident premium reports before you commit to one deer state or trip budget.
REGULATIONS
CWD & Deer Hunting Regulations in Pennsylvania
Chronic Wasting Disease status, antler restrictions, and weapon rules.
CWD Status
Detected
Disease Management Areas (DMAs) and related county rules can change; check the current PGC DMA map
CWD Testing / Transport
CWD detected
Zones: Disease Management Areas (DMAs) and related county rules can change; check the current PGC DMA map
Strict carcass transport restrictions apply. Whole carcasses generally cannot leave CWD zones or be imported from positive states.
Bag Limit
Daily: 1 · Season: 1 antlered + antlerless via DMAP/tags
Antler restrictions: 3 points on one side in most WMUs
Allowed Weapons
Bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader
Official Source
Always verify current regulations with the official source: Pennsylvania Game Commission . Season dates, bag limits, and CWD regulations may change annually.
FAQ
Deer Hunting in Pennsylvania — FAQ
Is CWD testing mandatory in Pennsylvania?
Hunter testing is generally voluntary, but Pennsylvania Game Commission collection and DMA rules change over time. If you hunt in or move deer from a current DMA, check the latest PGC CWD transport and sampling guidance first.
What are the antler restrictions in Western Pennsylvania?
In specific western WMUs (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2D), a legal buck must have three antler points on one side, and crucially, the brow tine DOES NOT count toward this total.
Can I use deer urine in a DMA?
No. It is fully unlawful to use or possess any deer or elk urine-based attractants within any established Disease Management Area (DMA).
What deer species can I hunt in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania is home to White-tailed Deer. Allowed weapons include bow, rifle, shotgun, muzzleloader.
Can non-residents hunt deer in Pennsylvania?
Yes. Nonresidents can deer hunt in Pennsylvania, but the base nonresident adult hunting license is the main starting cost for antlered deer access. The $26.97 figure on this page is the listed nonresident antlerless deer license price, not the full nonresident deer-hunting cost by itself.