Pennsylvania's White-tailed Deer

• Pennsylvania's white-tailed deer are reddish-brown to blue-gray or tan and the underside of the tail is white. Bucks, or adult males, grow antlers, which help hunters differentiate them from female deer. Antlers form a main cross beam with tines growing from it. The white-tails live in forests, swamps, open brushy areas, foothills, plains and river bottoms. They live up to 16 years and mate from October through December.
  
  

Deer Seasons

• Deer hunting seasons in Pennsylvania begin in October. Archers are able to take one antlered deer per year. The year is divided into two seasons, roughly between Oct. 2 through Nov. 13 and Dec. 27 through Jan. 29 for 2010 into 2011, according to the state game commission. There are periods within this range for hunting with muzzle-loading rifles and flintlocks. Additionally, exceptions to the state law are made for hunting on national military properties based on federal law.
  
  

Hunting Licenses and Fees

• A basic hunting license for an adult resident of Pennsylvania costs $20.70 and is required of hunters between 17 and 64 years old, according to the game commission. All license fees listed in this article are based upon June, 2010 numbers established by the commission.
  
  Junior licenses, for those 12 to 16, start at $6.70. Those who turn 12 by June 30 may also apply for the license, but use is restricted until after their 12 birthday. A mentored youth permit is available for those under 12 for $2.70. Seniors can get a license for $13.70 and a lifetime license for $51.70. Landowners who possess 80 or more contiguous acres that are open to public hunting and trapping yearlong can obtain a license for $4.70.
  
  Non-resident licenses run $101.70 and non-resident junior licenses are $41.70. Archery licenses run $16.70 for residents and $26.70 for non-residents and resident muzzle loader licenses run $11.70 and cost $21.70 for non-residents. Resident military personnel, reservists and former prisoners of war can obtain a license for $2.70.
  
  

Hunting Areas

• Maps of state game lands that are open to licensed hunters are available at the Pennsylvania Game Commission's website. Many counties have multiple sites. The commission also maintains at least 29 gun ranges divided among six different regions of the state for hunters to hone their shooting skills before the deer season. Information about these ranges are also available at the commission's web site.
  
  

DMAP Licenses

• Deer Management Assistance Programs (DMAPs) allow landowners to open hunts to adjust the deer population.. However, a DMAP license does not include bucks. DMAP hunts are conducted on public and private lands where no hunting fees are charged. These licenses cost $10.70 for residents and $35.70 for non-residents.