PENNSYLVANIA, USA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission is already considering the fall deer season, as licenses for some parts of the state were made available on Monday.
Deer hunters will remember the frustration of last year when they endured long wait times online, at sporting goods stores, and other retailers to get their antlerless deer licenses.
The state is out to change that. Antlerless tags are available starting Monday, but only if you hunt in a couple of areas of the state.
A map from the Game Commission shows them in the north-central region and the northwest corner.
Deer licenses in the rest of the state go on sale Thursday.
At first, only Pennsylvania residents can buy licenses—first come, first served. The licenses will be sold until the number runs out.
June 24 – 26, 2024 - Antlerless licenses for WMUs 1B, 2G, and 3A ONLY go on sale for residents on a first come, first served basis.
June 27 – July 7, 2024 - Antlerless licenses for all other WMUs available and will be guaranteed for residents.
July 8, 2024 - Antlerless licenses for all WMUs available for non-residents on a first come, first served basis.
But here's an important change if you want an antlerless tag to hunt in the rest of the state. The sale starts Thursday, and you are guaranteed to get a license as long as you buy one before 7 a.m. on July 8.
The Game Commission wants to guard against a repeat of last year when hunters stood in long lines and hoped for the best. The goal is to be flexible, spread out sales, and allow hunters to buy a license at a time that's convenient for them.
The state chose north-central and northwestern Pennsylvania because they are the areas where licenses are likely to sell out the fastest.
Rifle deer season begins November 30, the Saturday after Thanksgiving.