Name: Keystone Shooting Center
Address: 925 SHERATON DR, MARS, PA, 16046
Telephone: (412) 357-8000

If you’re new to hunting in Pennsylvania and looking to get a license, you’re in luck. This guide teaches you the steps you’ll need to take to obtain your license and get afield as soon as you’re set. There are plenty of reasons to hunt in Pennsylvania. You can bag smaller game like rabbits, grouses and quail, as well as larger animals like deer and even elk or bears.

Follow these steps to get started on your journey!

How to Get a Hunting License in PA

Thankfully, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) makes the process of obtaining a hunting license simple.

1. Completing the Hunter-Trapper Education Course

According to the PGC, you must first complete the Hunter-Trapper Education Course to obtain a hunting license. You can find an education course on the organization’s Get Started Hunting Page.

The course is designed to teach you the basics of safe and responsible hunting before you get your permit. It covers wildlife conservation, firearm safety and hunting ethics. It is available online and in person, typically taking several hours to complete. Upon completion, you will receive a Hunter Education Certificate.

2. Choosing the Correct Type of License

Pennsylvania offers various types of hunting licenses, depending on your age, residency status and the kind of game you intend to hunt. Common types include:

Resident Adult Hunting License: For Pennsylvania residents ages 17-64
Nonresident Adult Hunting License: For non-Pennsylvania residents aged 17 and older
Resident Senior Hunting License: For Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and older

There are also specialized licenses for archery, muzzleloader and furtaking. Make sure you select the license that best fits your needs and hunting plans.

3. Gathering the Required Documentation

Before purchasing your hunting license, you must gather all necessary documentation. This typically includes your Hunter Education Certificate, proof of address or residency and identification, such as a driver’s license or a state ID. Having these documents ready beforehand will streamline the application process.

4. Determining Where to Buy a Hunting License in PA

There are several ways to purchase your hunting license in Pennsylvania:

Online: Visit the PGC Licenses and Permits page and use the HuntFishPA system to buy your license. This convenient option allows you to print your license at home.
By mail: You can order specific licenses by mail — however, this option can take longer, so plan accordingly if you choose it.
In person: You can purchase your license at one of the various authorized issuing agents, such as sporting goods stores, county treasurer offices and some big-box retailers.

5. Understanding License Validity and Regulations

Once you have your hunting license, it is essential to understand the validity and applicable regulations. Pennsylvania hunting licenses are typically valid from July 1 to June 30 of the following year.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with the specific hunting seasons, bag limits and any special regulations that apply to the game you plan on hunting. The Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, available online and in print, is a valuable resource for this information.

If you have any concerns or additional questions, please consult the Frequently Asked License Questions page on the PGC website.

6. Knowing the Additional Permits and Tags

Depending on the type of game you wish to hunt, you may need additional permits or tags. For example, antlerless deer permits, bear licenses and migratory game bird permits are required for certain species. You can purchase these separately through the same method you use to buy your hunting license.

You’ll need to check the requirements for the game you plan to hunt and obtain the necessary permits. If you need help, contact the commission or ask one of the issuing agents.

How to Get a Junior Hunting License in PA

You can get a junior hunting license in the same manner as an adult hunting license. Navigate to the License Types page on the PGC website to see which junior license best suits your needs. The options are:

Resident Junior Hunting License: For Pennsylvania residents ages 12-16
Resident Junior Combo License: For Pennsylvania residents ages 12-16, but includes additional furtaking privileges
Nonresident Junior Hunting License: For non-Pennsylvania residents ages 12-16
Nonresident Junior Combo License: For non-Pennsylvania residents ages 12-16, but includes additional furtaking privileges

They will also need to complete the Hunter-Trapper Education Course. Then, as you would for any other license, you purchase the junior hunting license via the Licenses and Permits page and use the HuntFishPA system. A parent or guardian will need to sign the license in addition to the junior applicant.

Junior licenses are obtainable between the ages of 12 and 16. Juniors may apply for a hunting license if they are 11 years old and turn 12 by June 30 of that year. However, they may only go hunting once they turn 12.

Can a 16-Year-Old Hunt Alone in PA?

Hunters 16 and older may hunt alone and do not require a mentor to be with them.

Please note that hunters under the age of 16 and between the ages of 12 and 13 need to be accompanied by an adult who is at least 18 years old. This should be either a family member or someone acting in the place of a parent. If a junior is between the ages of 14 and 15, they do not require a family member but an adult 18 years or older.

Adults aged 21 and older may take more than one junior, but the junior hunter must remain in sight and within verbal control. Sound amplification devices and electronic communication cannot replace verbal communication.

How Much Are Hunting Licenses in PA?

There is a wide variety of hunting licenses with varying costs, depending on age, residency and what you intend to hunt. Here are the prices for standard resident hunting licenses as of 2024:

Resident Adult: $20.97
Resident Junior: $6.97
Resident Junior Combination: $9.97
Resident Senior Annual: $13.97
Resident Adult Furtaker: $20.97
Resident Junior Furtaker: $6.97
Resident Senior Furtaker: $13.97
Resident Migratory Game Bird: $3.97
Resident Bear: $16.97
Resident Antlerless Deer: $6.97
Resident Archery: $16.97
Resident Muzzleloader: $11.97

Please note that these costs are subject to change, and you should always refer to the PGC License Types page for updated information. Nonresidents and those looking for additional licenses can find the prices for these hunting licenses on the same page.

Do You Have to Display Your Hunting License in PA?

You do not need to carry a physical hunting license or receipt while hunting, but you need to at least have a digital license on you while in the field.

However, physical harvest tags are required, and you can print them on durable license stock. These are mainly required for any deer, elk, turkey or bear you intend to transport. Also, if you want to take these and certain other animals out of Pennsylvania, you must have the completed appropriate tags attached.

Visit Keystone Shooting Center for All Your Hunting Needs

At Keystone Shooting Center, we understand the excitement of first-time hunting and the importance of gun safety and compliance. Before hunting, please ensure you have the licenses to enjoy yourself afield, knowing you are fully compliant.

We are a veteran-owned gun store, indoor range and training facility. We offer various firearm instruction and training courses, including rifle training for adults and youth. Before you go hunting, visit us in Mars, Pennsylvania, and choose one of our rental guns to practice at the range.

If you want to purchase a gun for your hunting expedition, we have a range of new and used firearms. For more information on our offerings, contact us online or call us at (412) 357-8000.

Listed Sources:

Beautiful facility with an amazing retail area. The staff is very friendly and knowledgable; the customer service was excellent. I really enjoyed the bay I used, and it’s amazing how clean they keep the bay areas! Great experience for this first-time visitor. This fellow local small business owner is already looking forward to returning!

Heidi H.

view more testimonials

stay on

target

Stay up to date with everything Keystone Shooting Center has going on right in your inbox.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: . You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

Guide to PA Hunting Licenses