License Buyers Should be Aware of the Following Changes.
Antlerless deer licenses now may be purchased anywhere hunting licenses are sold, including online. Sales began alongside 2023-24 general license sales on Monday, June 26 at 8 a.m. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permit sales start later this year, on Monday, Aug. 14 at 8 a.m. More details about these changes can be found in this digest. DMAP permits also will be available for use on select state game lands.
The Game and Wildlife Code protects all of Pennsylvania’s wildlife. The code classifies wildlife as follows:
Black bear, cottontail rabbit, elk, squirrel (red, gray, black and fox), snowshoe hare, white-tailed deer and woodchuck (groundhog)
Brant, bobwhite quail, coot, gallinule, geese, grouse, merganser, mourning and Eurasian collared dove, pheasant, rail, snipe, swan, wild ducks, wild turkey and woodcock
Badger, beaver, bobcat, coyote, fisher, mink, muskrat, opossum, otter, pine marten, raccoon, red and gray fox, striped skunk, weasel and porcupine
Bear, elk, white-tailed deer and wild turkey
Game birds and game animals not classified as big game
Wild mammals not classified furbearers or game animals (For example, chipmunks are protected)
Wild birds not classified game birds
Protection is removed from wildlife, except migratory birds, big game and threatened or endangered species, when personal property, other than an agricultural crop, is being destroyed or damaged. Wildlife may be taken only by the owner or person in charge of the personal property affected. Wildlife taken to protect personal property must be surrendered to a Game Commission representative.