Pa. Game Commission: Antlerless deer licenses guaranteed to most hunters

WILKES-BARRE — When 2024-25 antlerless deer licenses go on sale alongside general hunting licenses in late June, far fewer people will be waiting in line.

And for most hunters, there won’t be a need.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has modified the antlerless deer license sales schedule, and additionally is guaranteeing most resident hunters will get an antlerless license in the Wildlife Management Unit of their choice, as long as they do so before sales to nonresidents begin.

Here’s how it will work.

Antlerless licenses again will be sold over the counter and online. But when 2024-25 general hunting licenses go on sale to Pennsylvania residents at 8 a.m. on Monday, June 24, antlerless licenses for only three Wildlife Management Units — WMUs 1B, 2G and 3A — will be sold. For three days, antlerless licenses only will be available for these WMUs, which typically sell out the fastest and drive much of the customer demand seen at the start of sales.

There’s no guarantee in getting a license in WMUs 1B, 2G and 3A. Licenses for these WMUs will be sold on a first come, first serve basis until the allocated number of licenses is exhausted.

On Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m., antlerless licenses for the remaining 19 WMUs will go on sale to residents. Residents seeking licenses in any of these WMUs won’t need to wait in line for them — they’ll be guaranteed to get one, as long as they buy before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 8 — when the resident-only portion of the first round of sales ends.

Once the non-resident portion of the first round begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 8, all remaining antlerless licenses will be sold on a first come, first serve basis until the allocated number of licenses is exhausted.

The changes to the sales schedule and process should work in tandem to reduce wait times for hunters buying licenses throughout the first round. By opening antlerless license sales initially in the three WMUs that are likely to sell out the fastest, and taking the others out of the mix, demand can be better met for those license buyers who need it most. And by guaranteeing an antlerless license to a resident hunter in any other WMU from June 27 to July 8, it largely eliminates the need to stand in line, allows demand to be spread out over more than a week and gives hunters greater flexibility to buy at a time that’s convenient for them.

Even then, there are sure to be plenty of licenses left in most WMUs.

Last year, when antlerless sales were sold over the counter and online for the first time, only WMU 2G sold out before sales to nonresidents began. WMUs 1B and 3A sold out in the final days of the first round. Licenses for every other WMU were available into the second round. Some WMUs sold out quickly thereafter while others made it to a third or fourth round of sales.

Outside of beginning antlerless license sales for high-demand WMUs first, the sales schedule and process is similar to last year. A hunter is limited to buying one antlerless license per round in the first three rounds. Sales begin at 8 a.m. on the first day of any round, and there will be no sales between 7 a.m. and 7:59 a.m. on the first day a round opens, allowing for online customers to join the buying queue.

The second round of sales begins on Monday, July 22, at 8 a.m. and the third round begins Monday, Aug. 12, at 8 a.m. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits also go on sale when the third round begins. During the fourth round, which begins Monday, Aug. 26, at 8 a.m., a hunter may purchase more than one license for any WMU where licenses are available. No hunter may possess more than their personal limit of six antlerless licenses at a time.

Science-based antlerless license allocations are set within each WMU to achieve deer-management goals. By guaranteeing a license to resident hunters in most WMUs, there is a chance more than the allocated number of licenses will be sold. That’s unlikely based on the sales patterns established last year, and if it happened, it wouldn’t necessarily have negative impacts on deer populations. But if license sales exceeded the allocation and adjustments were needed, they would be made in the next license year, as is routine in wildlife management.

North Branch Land Trust to host

auction in time for Mother’s Day

North Branch Land Trust’s Annual Dinner & Auction, on Wednesday May 1, at the Westmoreland Club in Wilkes-Barre, is the regional conservation organization’s most important annual fundraiser.

The Auction will open on April 24, at 3 p.m. and close on May 1, leaving ample time to shop for Mother’s Day while supporting conservation in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

“As Co-Chairs, we extend a warm invite to join us on the evening of May 1st in support of the North Branch Land Trust,” says Chair Stacia Arnaud. “There will be dinner, dancing, and the opportunity to bid on local favorites. Plus, your attendance will contribute to a sustainable future for generations to come.”

Each year, this event allows conservationists to catch up with fellow community leaders and celebrate Northeastern Pennsylvania’s natural resources. The highlight of the evening for many is the Annual Auction. Dinner guests and the community will have a chance to bid on items ranging from sporting goods to art and fun experiences and excursions.

“The Auction is community-driven, and it’s wonderful to see what our friends’ favorite things are,” Chair Tiffany Maakestad added. “We are personally looking forward to bidding on activities and experiences that remind us why we all love the outdoors.”

Emma Thompson, Land Conservation and Stewardship Coordinator, will be offering her Forestry expertise as an auction item. Thompson says, “I am looking forward to meeting with the winners to walk their land and teach them more about the trees they are caring for. This is really a gift to the future. I hope to not only help landowners better understand and appreciate the trees on their land, but also provide some expertise on helping their resources thrive for future generations.”

This year, North Branch Land Trust will host both a virtual and live Auction. Virtual Auction items will be displayed at the Dinner throughout the evening, but bidders do not need to attend to win! Winners of the virtual Auction can pick up their items at North Branch Land Trust offices the following week. And there is plenty to win. Many of North Branch Land Trust’s supporters and partners have offered their favorites including getaways, spirits, vintage and new jewelry, gift cards, fine art, professional services, and more.

Executive Director Ellen Ferretti said, “The generosity of our donors is eclipsed only by the shear variety of the auction items this year. What a great opportunity to shop for yourself, your family and Mom for Mother’s Day while supporting conservation in your backyard. Honestly, the variety is astounding and fun. From hand tied flies, gorgeous jewelry, amazingly creative glass vases, an iPad, and a boxing glove signed by Sly Stallone himself, there’s something for everyone.”

The Sylvester Stallone autographed Boxing Glove with Certificate of Authenticity will join the 60-plus biddable wares from Buka, Freidman Hospitality, Golden Business Machines, Ski Shack, Simon & Co., Valentine’s Jewelry, Verve Vertu, private collectors, and more.

For more details on the event, visit https://nblt.org/annual-dinner-auction/ or contact info@nblt.org.

Bloomin’ Byways: Back Mountain

beautification initiative blossoms

with thousands of daffodils

Spring has sprung in the Back Mountain region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and with it comes the vibrant burst of color and cheer courtesy of the “Bloomin’ Byways” initiative.

Spearheaded by dedicated volunteers and the Back Mountain Bloomers, this community-driven beautification project has transformed the landscape with thousands of daffodils, creating a picturesque sight for residents and visitors alike.

Dozens of enthusiastic volunteers along with the Back Mountain Bloomers gardening club, have tirelessly planted daffodils across 24 individual sites throughout the Back Mountain area. From Hillside Farms to the bustling Dallas roundabout area and the grounds of the Dallas Intermediate School, these pretty flowers return each year, heralding the arrival of spring and bringing joy to all who behold them.

“The ‘Bloomin’ Byways’ project was born out of a desire to enhance the beauty of our beloved Back Mountain,” said Kevin Harger-Blizzard, volunteer/project coordinator for the initiative. “Inspired by travels abroad, we asked ourselves, ‘Why not bring a touch of that beauty home?’ And thus, the Bloomin’ Byways initiative was born.”

With each passing year, the project has grown in scope and impact, with the hope of expanding further in the future. More than 10,000 daffodils bulbs have been planted thus far. The group extends a warm invitation to the public to join them in their efforts to continue nurturing and growing this beautiful initiative. Many local groups and businesses have decided to participate, including Sprau Dental as well as Beynon Beautiful.

Residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania are encouraged to explore the Bloomin’ Byways and enjoy the breathtaking sights of daffodils in bloom. A map detailing the various planting locations is available for reference, guiding visitors through the scenic routes of the Back Mountain region.

For more information on “How to Plant Daffodils,” review the Back Mountain Bloomer’s website — Bloomin’ ByWays (backmountainbloomers.org)