HARRISBURG, PA — Big changes could be on the horizon for Pennsylvania hunters and trappers. The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners’ Wildlife Management Committee convened virtually on Thursday to review a series of proposed updates to the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons. These recommendations are now set to be considered at the January Board of Commissioners meeting, hinting at potential shifts in some of the state’s iconic hunting traditions.
Proposed Changes Aimed at Expanding Opportunities
The committee advanced several key proposals, each designed to either expand opportunities for hunters or refine current regulations. Here’s what made it to the agenda for the January 2025 meeting:
- Expanded “Ag Tag” Program
Hunters could soon see longer and more flexible seasons for “Agricultural Deer Control” permits—commonly known as “Ag Tags.” Alongside this, the application process would be simplified, making it easier for landowners to access these permits and manage deer populations impacting agricultural lands. - More Antlerless Licenses in Select Areas
Wildlife Management Units 5C and 5D, which encompass parts of southeastern Pennsylvania, could see an increase in the number of antlerless licenses that individuals can hold. This change aims to address chronic overpopulation in these densely developed regions, where deer-human conflicts are common. - Changes to Elk Hunting Regulations
Nonresident elk hunters may face tougher restrictions under two new proposals. First, the number of elk licenses awarded to nonresidents each year could be capped. Second, hunters would be required to purchase a qualifying Pennsylvania hunting license before applying for an elk license. These measures are aimed at preserving elk hunting opportunities for state residents while managing the growing demand for these coveted tags.
While these advances represent initial movement toward change, nothing is set in stone—yet. To be enacted, these proposed changes must pass through two rounds of formal approval by the full Board of Commissioners, first in January and then again in April.
Ideas That Didn’t Make the Cut
Not every concept on the Wildlife Management Committee’s radar advanced to the January agenda. A handful of additional proposals failed to move forward, including ideas like a general unit antlerless deer license usable across multiple Wildlife Management Units and establishing an early archery season for antlerless deer. Discussions also covered expanding muzzleloader use across specific programs and removing the requirement for mentored youth under age seven to use transferred big-game tags, but none of these potential changes gained enough traction for further consideration—at least not yet.
A Bigger Picture in Wildlife Management
The Wildlife Management Committee, reactivated this fall, serves as a critical forum for shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s hunting and trapping seasons. Its work highlights the balancing act between maintaining traditional hunting opportunities and addressing evolving conservation challenges. From crop damages and deer overpopulation in urban areas to increasing public interest in elk tags, these proposals reflect the complexity of wildlife management in a modern, growing state.
What’s Next?
The full Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is expected to meet on January 24 and 25 at the Game Commission’s headquarters in Harrisburg (2001 Elmerton Ave) to review the proposed changes further. The agenda for that meeting, which promises to be closely watched by hunters and landowners alike, will be posted online prior to the session.
For those who miss the live meeting or want a closer look, Thursday’s virtual discussion is available for replay on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel. Meanwhile, every Pennsylvania hunter should stay tuned—these decisions could redefine the experience for years to come.
The message from the Wildlife Management Committee is clear: Pennsylvania’s hunting future is subject to change, and now is the time to make your voice heard. Whether you’re an elk chaser, a crop-preserving landowner, or a first-time mentored youth, what happens in January will set the tone for seasons to come.
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