HARRISBURG, PA – January 29, 2026 − Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) introduced recent bipartisan legislation to encourage more novice hunters and reduce crop damage caused by deer overpopulation. His bill, SB 1142would reduce barriers for recent hunters by guaranteeing them a free antlerless deer tag for one year after completing the Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Educational Course and purchasing their first standard hunting license.
“Hunting is an important tool for protecting Pennsylvania’s wildlife and crops,” said Senator Malone. “Pennsylvania, and Lancaster County in particular, has a rich hunting and fishing tradition. As minority chairman of the Senate Game and Fishing Committee, I want to see it successfully passed on to future generations.”
“I also grew up hunting for meat, so I know from personal experience how valuable it can be as a source of healthy food for families. I hope my legislation will help reduce barriers to hunting for young people and help more people of all ages experience the joy of hunting for the first time.”
Similar to national trends, Pennsylvania has seen a decline in the total number of hunters since the 1980s. However, Lancaster consistently ranks among the top counties statewide for hunting license sales, with 38,145 licenses sold in 2025, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
A standard Pennsylvania hunting permit includes one antlered deer tag, one fall turkey tag, one spring turkey tag, and a one-year tiny game hunting license. Antlerless deer tags must be purchased separately within a specific time frame.
By eliminating the cost and complexity of securing an antlerless tag, Senator Malone’s bill aims to make it easier for recent hunters to hunt their first deer. The bill also seeks to reduce crop damage and other negative effects of deer overpopulation by increasing the total number of antlerless deer harvested statewide.
To learn more about hunting and trapping licenses and permits in Pennsylvania, visit the PA Game Commission Licenses and Permits website.
To start the hunt, find the nearest educational course for hunters and trappers.
#####
The post Senator Malone Introduces Legislation to Encourage More People to Take Up Hunting appeared first on Pennsylvania Senate Democrats.
