With the 90-degree weather we’re having it’s tough to think about hunting, especially deer hunting. But mark your calendar because on Monday, June 24, 2024, at 8 a.m., Pennsylvania’s 2023-24 general hunting licenses go on sale.

Also on that date, the first round of resident antlerless licenses go on sale at 8 a.m. for WMUs 1B, 2G and 3A on a first come first served basis says the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC).

The PGC promises that there should not be long wait lines for doe licenses this year as they’ve improved the ordering system and computer to eliminate last year’s problems that angered many hunters who also applied online and didn’t receive the tags or experienced lengthy lines who went to license agencies.

Then on Thursday, June 27, 2024, all remaining WMUs go on sale for residents and this time the PGC is guaranteeing they’ll be available until Sunday, July 7, 2024. This will be followed by any unsold licenses for nonresidents on a first come first served bases at 8 a.m. on July 8.

On Monday, July 22, the second round of sale will kick off beginning at 8 a.m. for residents and nonresidents who may purchase any unsold licenses, again on a first come basis.

For the third round of license sales, residents and nonresidents may apply beginning at 8 a.m. on Aug. 12 for any unsold licenses and at the same time, DMAP permits go on sale.

The fourth and final round of unsold licenses go on sale for residents and nonresidents beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26 - on a first come first served basis.

As a reminder, only one antlerless license may be purchased per round in the first three rounds. Hunters can update account information and purchase licenses online at HuntFish.pa.gov. For more information on antlerless license rounds go to http://bit.ly/45wPHcH.

The cost for resident antlerless licenses is $6.97 while it will cost nonresidents $26.97.

If you have any questions on this contact the PGC at 1-833-PGC-Hunt, or email them at pgclicdiv@pa.gov.

BIG BUCK

CONTEST

Weaknecht Archery in Kutztown is holding their annual Big Buck Contest with over $12,000 in prizes. According to owner Rick Weaknecht, to enter just stop in the shop and fill out a card. There will be drawings for those signing up to win prizes and the top 20 entries will gets a prize and everyone will get a free hat or T-shirt.

For any buck entered, a drawing will be held for a Ravin R10 crossbow package, 18-1 Rhinehart target and DryShod Gusset boots.

There will be an Any Entry Drawing winners will get a Stoeger pistol or BigShot Bigfoot 3D target or a $50 Weaknecht Archery gift card.

For the Youth Drawing for Any Buck entered winners will receive a $200 Weaknecht Archery gift card from Miller’s Sanitation.

The Youth Biggest Buck contest will be eligible for Hunter Safety System Life Line, a Monopod Shooting Rest and a Youth Safety Harness.

During the archery season, there will also be prizes of top bows, crossbows and more for 1st to 15th place prizes.

The entry fee for these drawings is $5. For more information and rules, call Weaknecht at 610-683-7405.