The Pennsylvania Game Commission announced a host of important dates for hunters, from the start of license and antlerless deer permit sales to migratory game bird seasons for 2026-27.
Residents can purchase their 2026-27 hunting and trapping licenses starting at 8 a.m. Monday, June 22.
The Game Commission is again guaranteeing every Pennsylvania resident hunter an antlerless license in any Wildlife Management Unit during the first round that runs for 21 days.
Starting at 8 a.m. Monday, July 13, nonresidents can purchase any remaining antlerless licenses on a first-come, first-served basis and subject to WMU allocations.
One antlerless license may be purchased per round in the first three rounds. The second round begins July 27 followed by the third round Aug. 10, both beginning at 8 a.m.
In the fourth round opening at 8 a.m. Aug. 24, a hunter is eligible for up to six antlerless deer licenses total for all WMUs except 5C and 5D. In those two WMUs — which cover most of the Lehigh Valley and the southeastern Special Regulations Area counties in and surrounding Philadelphia — hunters may purchase up to nine antlerless licenses, for a maximum total of 15.
Based on biologists’ objectives for managing white-tailed deer populations, the Game Commission allocated a record-high 1,469,000 antlerless licenses for the upcoming seasons — up 12% from 2025-26.
Once sales begin, hunters can find remaining allocations for each WMU at huntfish.pa.gov.
Hunters must have either their state identification, such as a driver’s license, or their customer identification number to complete purchases online or in person. The CID number appears on a previous year’s hunting or fishing licenses.
The commission encourages hunters to log into their HuntFishPA account before purchasing to update their email address for important information and regulatory updates.
Licenses are available for purchase online at huntfish.pa.gov or in person at any authorized license agent. Hunters can locate the nearest agent at huntfish.pa.gov/agentlocator.
Pennsylvania expands Canada goose hunting season in response to population growth
The Game Commission on Thursday, May 28, announced expanded hunting opportunities for Canada geese in the southeastern part of the state as part of Pennsylvania’s 2026-27 migratory game bird seasons.
The regular Canada goose season in the Atlantic Population Zone of southeastern Pennsylvania will increase from 30 days to 45 days. The daily bag limit in this zone will triple from one bird to three birds. State officials made the changes in response to rising Canada goose populations on northern Quebec breeding grounds.
Andrew Ward, game bird section supervisor for the Game Commission, said the adjustments reflect current population trends that allow for expanded hunting in migration and wintering areas.
The commission also shifted the regular season for light geese in both goose zones to later dates. Greater snow goose populations fell below goals in 2025, prompting officials to delay a decision on a potential conservation season until after spring 2026 population surveys are completed.
“A decision on whether to hold a light goose conservation season in 2027 will be made after spring 2026 population surveys are conducted,” Ward said. He noted that the regular season continues to provide ample opportunity even if the conservation season is suspended.
The commission selected its seasons from frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service based on a review of previous hunter harvests, population surveys and public feedback.
Other migratory bird seasons remain largely unchanged from last year. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners voted to maintain the closure of Sunday hunting for migratory game birds after reviewing information from focus groups and public surveys. The agency plans to continue investigating the issue for the 2027-28 season.
Wildlife officials are encouraging hunters to report banded ducks, geese, doves and woodcock at reportband.gov. Ian Gregg, commission wildlife operations division chief, said reporting these bands helps the commission and federal partners track bird movements and survival rates.
“Information provided by hunters is essential to manage migratory game bird populations and support sustainable hunting opportunities through time,” Gregg said.
All hunters must possess a Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl, doves, woodcock and other migratory species. Waterfowl hunters 16 years of age or older also require a federal duck stamp. Federal authorities have authorized the electronic “E-Stamp” for use throughout the entire waterfowl season, which can be purchased online at huntfish.pa.gov or through any issuing agent.
Season dates vary by zone. For ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers, the North Zone will run Oct. 10-24 and Nov. 17-Jan. 9. The South Zone is scheduled for Oct. 10-17 and Nov. 18-Jan. 18. The Northwest Zone dates are Oct. 10-Nov. 27 and Dec. 21-Jan. 9, while the Lake Erie Zone runs Nov. 2-Jan. 9. The total daily duck bag limit is six birds.
Visit the Game Commission’s website at pa.gov for full migratory bird seasons and bag limits.
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