pa-56-36-1281: Hunting and furtaker licenses; antlerless deer licenses

Summary

To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (commission) proposed at its January 24, 2026, meeting to amend §§ 143.41, 143.44 and 143.45 (relating to general; antlerless deer license application schedule; and antlerless deer license application limits) to eliminate the current prescriptive antlerless license application schedule. This proposed rulemaking will not have an adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth. The authority for this proposed rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code). This proposed rulemaking was made public at the January 24, 2026, meeting of the commission. Comments can be sent until September 20, 2026, to the Bureau of Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797. 1. Purpose and Authority In an effort to streamline the way antlerless deer licenses are sold, the commission is proposing to amend §§ 143.41, 143.44 and 143.45 to eliminate the current prescriptive antlerless license application schedule. The proposed amendment maintains the current first-come, first-served process for obtaining an antlerless deer license and further requires the commission to ensure their fair and equitable distribution. The proposed amendment also clarifies that a person exercising the privileges of the license exemption provided under 34 Pa.C.S. § 2706(a) (relating to resident license and fee exemptions) is limited to one antlerless deer. The...

The agency’s own summary, as published.