Hunting and Trapping Licenses for the 2025-2026 Pennsylvania seasons are now available, and there are a few significant changes you need to be aware of.
If you are interested in obtaining a doe permit, the procedure has undergone significant changes. In the past, you had to mail in your application for a doe license and then hope that the clerks processed your application before the allotment for the WMU you applied for ran out.
This year, AS LONG AS YOU PURCHASE YOUR HUNTING LICENSE BY JULY 13, you are guaranteed a doe tag for the WMU of your choice — if you want one. There will be a second and third round to secure a doe tag, and the procedure as to how they are conducted is spelled out in detail in the current Hunting and Trapping Digest. Yes, you read that right — as long as you purchase your hunting license by July 13, you are guaranteed a doe tag for the WMU of your choice!
Sunday hunting is a contentious issue among Pennsylvania hunters, and it appears that it may become legal in our state, as a bill is currently moving through the state’s legislature and may soon be on the Governor’s desk for his signature. Patience please!
In the meantime, Sunday hunting is permitted on Sunday, November 16 (during the Antlered and Antlerless deer Archery season), Sunday, November 23 (during the statewide regular firearms bear season), and Sunday, November 30 (during the statewide regular firearms deer season).
Sales of DMAP antlerless tags will open on August 11, and a hunter can purchase up to two tags at the cost of $10.97 per tag. The extended firearms season for antlerless deer (December 26-January 24) has been approved for all DMAP properties regardless of WMU. There are changes to the Ag Tag Program, which can be best understood by reading about them on page 30 of the current digest.
An important note for archery bear hunters is that the archery bear season has been shortened and will run from October 18 to October 25 statewide.
Notably, the trapping season for bobcats and fishers will run consecutively from December 20 to January 11. Those interested in hunting for bobcats will be able to do so from January 10 to February 4.
Through adjustments to the Mentored Hunting Program, this hunting season, a mentor can accompany up to three additional hunters — any combination of junior or mentored hunters. Previously, a mentor could accompany only one mentored hunter, sometimes creating issues for families with additional young hunters.
All of the above appear to be the major changes for the 2025-2026 seasons. The exact season dates and limits appear to have not changed significantly and are spelled out on pages 6 and 7 of the digest.
Don’t forget — if you are interested in obtaining a doe license in the WMU of your choice, you have until the 13th of July to do so.
