Archery License

Pennsylvania Archery
License 2026

Complete guide to archery hunting in Pennsylvania — stamp and license requirements, crossbow rules, draw weight and broadhead specifications, and archery deer and elk season dates. Pennsylvania requires an archery license (Archery Deer License) separate from the general hunting license to hunt deer during the archery season. Crossbows are permitted for all hunters 65+ and those with disabilities; able-bodied hunters under 65 may use crossbows only during the late archery season.

Archery Stamp Required Crossbow Allowed Min. Draw Weight: 35 lbs No Sunday Hunting

2026 Archery License Quick Facts Verified 2026

Resident Fee

$26.97

Archery stamp fee

Nonresident Fee

$101.97

NR stamp fee

Min. Draw Weight

35 lbs

Minimum for legal archery hunting

Crossbow

Allowed

Crossbows legal for all hunters during late archery season. Seniors 65+ and hunters with qualifying disabilities may use crossbows during all archery seasons.

License & Stamp Details

Pennsylvania Archery License Requirements

Review all archery license and stamp requirements before your hunt. Regulations change annually.

Requirement	Details
Archery Stamp Required	Yes — separate archery stamp required
Stamp Fee (Resident)	$26.97
Stamp Fee (Nonresident)	$101.97
Resident License Fee	$26.97
Nonresident License Fee	$101.97
Standalone Archery License	Requires base hunting license
Sunday Hunting	Restricted or prohibited

Equipment Rules

Pennsylvania Archery Equipment Specifications

Legal archery equipment requirements in Pennsylvania. Using non-compliant equipment during archery season can result in citation and license revocation.

Draw Weight

35 lbs min.

Minimum draw weight required for big game archery hunting in Pennsylvania.

Arrow Length

No minimum arrow length specified. Standard hunting arrows (26"–32") are typical.

Broadhead Requirement

Broadheads are required for big game hunting. Both fixed-blade and mechanical broadheads are generally accepted.

Other Equipment Rules

Lighted nocks: Allowed
Rangefinder: Allowed
No electronic bows or bows with a trigger mechanism (except crossbows where permitted). Scent-blocking equipment allowed.

Crossbow Regulations

Pennsylvania Crossbow Rules for Archery Season

Crossbows are permitted during archery season in Pennsylvania. Crossbows legal for all hunters during late archery season. Seniors 65+ and hunters with qualifying disabilities may use crossbows during all archery seasons.

Season Dates

Pennsylvania Archery Season Dates

Approximate archery season dates for 2026. Season dates may vary by zone or wildlife management unit — always confirm with Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Archery Deer Season

Sep 18

Through Nov 13 (first segment); Dec 26 - Jan 17 (late season)

Important Notes

Pennsylvania-Specific Archery Rules

Pennsylvania prohibits Sunday hunting on all public lands; limited Sunday hunting is now permitted on private land with landowner permission on specific Sundays. Archery license required in addition to base hunting license.

Source: Pennsylvania Game Commission (www.pgc.pa.gov). Requirements verified 2026. Always confirm current license fees, equipment specs, and season dates directly with the agency before hunting.

Pennsylvania