← Pennsylvania hunting laws›Hunting License
Pennsylvania Hunting License (2026)
Restricted: A Pennsylvania hunting license is required; all first-time hunters/trappers, regardless of age, must complete Basic Hunter-Trapper Education before buying a license.
General legal information, not legal advice — verify important decisions with a licensed attorney.
Hunting License in states bordering Pennsylvania
The same rule in each neighboring state LawLert has verified, from that state’s own official source.
- DelawareRestricted
Delaware requires a hunting license, and a hunter-education course is mandatory for anyone born after Jan 1, 1967. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through DNREC.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnrec.delaware.gov · Full Delaware rule →
- MarylandRestricted
Maryland requires a hunting license, and first-time hunters need a Certificate of Competency in Hunter Safety unless they held a Maryland license before July 1, 1977. Licenses are available through MD DNR.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dnr.maryland.gov · Full Maryland rule →
- New JerseyRestricted
New Jersey requires a hunting license, and a hunter-education course is required for first-time hunters of all ages. Licenses are available through NJ Fish & Wildlife.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dep.nj.gov · Full New Jersey rule →
- New YorkRestricted
New York requires a hunting license, and first-time hunters age 12 and older must complete a hunter-education course. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through NYSDEC.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: dec.ny.gov · Full New York rule →
- OhioRestricted
Ohio requires a hunting license, and first-time license buyers must complete hunter education (apprentice license exempt). Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the ODNR Div. of Wildlife.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: ohiodnr.gov · Full Ohio rule →
- West VirginiaRestricted
West Virginia requires a hunting license, and hunter-education certification is mandatory for those born on or after Jan 1, 1975. Resident and nonresident licenses are available through the WV Division of Natural Resources.
Verified Jun 18, 2026 · Source: wvdnr.gov · Full West Virginia rule →
We watch the official sources behind Pennsylvania hunting rules. If a tracked rule changes, you get one short email — never more than one a week. Free, unsubscribe anytime.