A detailed comparison of two of America's most popular hunting states
Pennsylvania and New York are hunting powerhouses - Pennsylvania issues nearly 1 million hunting licenses annually (second only to Texas), while New York offers diverse terrain from the Adirondacks to farmland. Both states provide affordable non-resident access and strong deer populations. However, they differ significantly in license inclusions, digital systems, and hunting regulations. This guide breaks down license costs, what's included, season structures, and overall value.
Best license value - tags included for residents and non-residents
Pennsylvania's hunting license is arguably the best value in America. Both resident ($20.97) and non-resident ($101.97) licenses include 1 antlered deer tag AND 2 fall turkey tags. No state offers more included tags for the price. However, the HuntFishPA app has reliability issues.
Better app, lifetime license option, first-time DMP priority
New York's $22 resident and $100 non-resident licenses are base hunting only - deer tags cost extra. However, New York offers a $765 lifetime sportsman license, first-time applicants get priority for antlerless deer permits, and the HuntFishNY app is more reliable than Pennsylvania's system.
Different goals call for different destinations. Here are our top recommendations by category.
Best Overall Value
Pennsylvania's license includes 1 buck tag and 2 fall turkey tags for both residents and non-residents. No other state offers this much value in a base hunting license.
View Pennsylvania license detailsBest Digital Experience
New York's HuntFishNY app (3.8 stars) is significantly more reliable than Pennsylvania's troubled HuntFishPA app (2.8 stars), which has crashed with 85,000+ users in queue.
View New York license detailsBest for Long-Term Residents
New York's $765 lifetime sportsman license includes all hunting and fishing privileges for life. Pennsylvania doesn't offer a lifetime license option.
View New York license detailsBest for First-Time Visitors
At $101.97 with deer AND turkey tags included, Pennsylvania is the best deal for non-residents wanting an all-inclusive hunting experience. New York's base license requires additional tag purchases.
View Pennsylvania license detailsAll the key metrics in one view. Scroll horizontally on mobile to see all columns.
Click any column header to sort
| PA Pennsylvania | Resident License | $20.97 | $22 | Pennsylvania |
| PA Pennsylvania | Non-Resident License | $101.97 | $100 | Pennsylvania (tags incl.) |
| PA Pennsylvania | Buck Tag Included? | Yes | No (separate) | Pennsylvania |
| PA Pennsylvania | Turkey Tags Included? | 2 fall turkey | No (separate) | Pennsylvania |
| PA Pennsylvania | App Reliability | Poor (2.8 stars) | Better (3.8 stars) | New York |
| PA Pennsylvania | Lifetime License | Not available | $765 resident | New York |
| PA Pennsylvania | Licenses Issued | ~976,000 | ~550,000 | Tie (both crowded) |
| PA Pennsylvania | Sunday Hunting | Expanded | Full | New York |
In-depth breakdowns of our top recommendations with highlights and considerations.
Pennsylvania issues nearly 1 million hunting licenses annually - second only to Texas in hunting participation. The $20.97 resident (and $101.97 non-resident) license includes 1 antlered deer tag AND 2 fall turkey tags, making it arguably the best value in American hunting. However, the HuntFishPA app has experienced serious reliability issues, including a June 2023 meltdown that left 85,000+ hunters in queue. Always print a paper backup.
Our Verdict
Pennsylvania offers unbeatable value with tags included in the license price. If you can tolerate the problematic digital system and crowded woods, Pennsylvania is a no-brainer for budget-conscious hunters seeking deer and turkey.
New York offers diverse hunting from Adirondack wilderness to Long Island coastal areas. While the base license doesn't include deer tags like Pennsylvania, New York provides a $765 lifetime sportsman option, first-time priority for antlerless deer permits, and a more reliable digital system (HuntFishNY at 3.8 stars). Crossbows are now legal, expanding hunting options. The separate DECALS purchase system and HuntFishNY display app require navigating two systems.
Our Verdict
New York is the better choice if you value reliable digital systems, want a lifetime license option, or are a first-time hunter seeking priority antlerless permits. The total cost is higher than Pennsylvania once you add tags, but the technology and diversity of terrain compensate.
Pennsylvania is significantly cheaper for deer hunting. The $20.97 resident ($101.97 non-resident) Pennsylvania license INCLUDES a buck tag and 2 turkey tags. New York's $22 resident ($100 non-resident) license is base-only - deer tags cost extra. Pennsylvania offers the better all-in value.
New York's HuntFishNY app (3.8 stars) is significantly more reliable than Pennsylvania's HuntFishPA app (2.8 stars). Pennsylvania's system famously crashed in June 2023, leaving 85,000+ hunters in queue. Always carry a paper backup in Pennsylvania.
New York allows full Sunday hunting. Pennsylvania recently expanded Sunday hunting from just three Sundays per year to many more dates. Check current Pennsylvania regulations for specific allowed Sundays.
New York offers a $765 resident lifetime sportsman license that includes all hunting and fishing privileges for life. Pennsylvania does not currently offer a lifetime license option.
Both states have substantial public land. Pennsylvania has extensive state game lands across the state. New York has diverse public hunting from the Adirondack Park to state forests. Both experience significant hunting pressure due to high participation.
Pennsylvania licenses include 1 antlered deer tag and 2 fall turkey tags - exceptional value. New York base licenses are hunting-only; deer and turkey tags must be purchased separately. For deer and turkey hunters, Pennsylvania's included tags save significant money.
Get detailed information on prices, regulations, and digital license requirements.
Pennsylvania wins decisively on value - no other state includes a buck tag AND two turkey tags in the base license. At $101.97, Pennsylvania's non-resident license is the best deal in American hunting for deer and turkey. New York wins on technology reliability, lifetime license availability, and first-time hunter benefits. If you can tolerate Pennsylvania's troubled app (print backups!), it's the budget champion. If you want a smoother digital experience and plan to hunt long-term, New York's lifetime license and better app make sense.
Hunting the Northeast? Store your Pennsylvania and New York licenses in Hunter Passport for reliable offline access - especially important when Pennsylvania's system goes down.