HARRISBURG, PA - Some internet users might be unable to buy their 2018-19 Pennsylvania hunting licenses online due to an upcoming Internet security update.
The update affects all purchasing websites – not just the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing System – and users of older-model computers are impacted most because many of these systems will be unable to make online purchases of any kind once the update is complete.
Newer computers largely won’t be affected, though users might need to install updated versions of operating systems and web browsers.
The easiest way to determine whether your computer will be capable of making Internet purchases once the update is complete is by going to https://tls1test.salesforce.com/s/ to test your system. If your machine passes the test, it should be good to go in making future online purchases, including buying a hunting license.
Licenses for the 2018-19 license year go on sale Monday, June 18.
The licenses become valid July 1 and, after that date, all who hunt, trap or who want to apply for an antlerless deer license must have an up-to-date 2018-19 license to do so.
Buying licenses as soon as they go on sale increases a hunter’s chances of securing a Deer Management Assistance Program permit for properties where few permits are available.
License buyers also should be aware of some important changes for the 2018-19 license year.
A pheasant permit will be required in 2018-19 for all junior hunters, as well as adult hunters and some senior hunters who pursue pheasants in Pennsylvania.
There is no fee for a junior pheasant permit, but the free permit will help the Game Commission track youth participation. A pheasant permit costs $26.90 for adults and seniors. However, hunters who acquired their senior lifetime hunting or combination licenses prior to May 13, 2017 no longer need a pheasant permit to hunt and harvest pheasants.
Additionally, the fisher trapping season in the 2018-19 license year will include WMUs 4B and 4C, in addition to those WMUs where the season had been open.
General hunting licenses and furtaker licenses each continue to cost $20.90 for Pennsylvania residents and $101.90 for nonresidents.
Resident senior hunters and furtakers, ages 65 and older, can purchase one-year licenses for $13.90, or lifetime licenses for $51.90. For $101.90, resident seniors can purchase lifetime combination licenses that afford them hunting and furtaking privileges. Like other hunters and trappers, seniors still need to purchase bear licenses to pursue bruins and obtain permits to harvest pheasants, bobcats, fishers or river otters.
A complete list of licensing requirements can be found at www.pgc.pa.gov.
A resident Pennsylvanian who buys his or her 2018-19 hunting license is eligible to apply for an antlerless deer license July 9. Nonresidents can apply July 16. And a second round in which a hunter can receive a second antlerless deer license begins Aug. 6 for wildlife management units where licenses remain.
The deadline to apply for a 2018-19 elk license is July 31, and submitting an application costs $10.90. A total of 125 elk licenses – 26 antlered, 99 antlerless – have been allocated this year and will be awarded by lottery.
MEDIA CONTACT: Travis Lau - 717-705-6541
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