The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that the process of buying deer licenses in Pennsylvania has been difficult in the past due to long lines and wait times. However, they have stated that the licenses for the 2024-25 season will be quick and easy to obtain.
When antlerless deer licenses become available for purchase in late June, the Game Commission mentioned that there will be fewer people waiting in line. In fact, most hunters won’t need to wait in line at all. However, there is a small condition to keep in mind.
The Game Commission changed the schedule for selling antlerless deer licenses. Now, most residents will be able to get a license in the Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) they want, as long as they get them before licenses are sold to non-Pennsylvania residents.
Here’s how this will work:
Monday, June 24:
Antlerless licenses for only three Wildlife Management Units (WMUs 1B, 2G, and 3A) will be sold at 8 a.m. Antlerless licenses will be available for these WMUs for three days. These licenses usually sell out quickly and are in high demand when sales start.
Getting a license in WMUs 1B, 2G, and 3A is not guaranteed. Licenses for these WMUs will be sold in the order they are requested until all the available licenses are taken.
Thursday, June 27:
Antlerless licenses for the remaining 19 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) will be available for purchase by residents starting at 8 a.m. Residents who want licenses in any of these WMUs won’t have to wait in line. They are guaranteed to get one if they buy it before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 8th.
Also read: Bill Banning Handheld Cell Phones While Driving: PA House
Monday, July 8:
Starting at 8 a.m., people who are not residents of Pennsylvania can start buying licenses, as the resident-only portion of the first round of sales will be over. After the nonresident portion of the first round starts, any remaining antlerless licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until they are all sold out.
“The changes to the sales schedule and process should work together to make it faster for hunters to buy licenses during the first round.” The Game Commission stated. “To meet the demand of buyers who need it the most, we will start selling antlerless licenses in the three WMUs that are likely to sell out quickly. This way, we can ensure that those who really need the licenses can get them.”
The second round of sales starts on Monday, July 22nd at 8 a.m. The third round starts on Monday, August 12th at 8 a.m. Permits for the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) are also available for purchase during the third round.
During the fourth round, which starts on Monday, August 26th at 8 a.m., a hunter can buy multiple licenses for any Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) where licenses are still being sold. Hunters are not allowed to have more than six antlerless licenses at once.
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