Deer Management Assistance Program permits now on sale

Above: PA plans to add more Sunday hunting dates in state parks next year

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) — Permits are on sale now for the Deer Management Assistance Program in Pennsylvania’s state parks and forests.

“White-tailed deer play an important role in our forest ecosystems, but when populations grow too large, they can hinder regeneration and impact overall forest health,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “Our state forest and state park staff regularly monitor habitat conditions and use science-based data to guide where and how DMAP is implemented. This program helps us maintain a healthy balance between sustaining deer populations and ensuring long-term forest vitality.”

The program offers 28,607 permits in 95 units, including more than 1.2 Million acres of land, 27 state parks and 18 state forest districts.

One of the largest areas in the Midstate is a unit encompassing most of Dauphin County north of Interstate 81. You can view a map of units here.

DCNR says the program is intended to promote a diverse, healthy natural habitat that supports wildlife diversity and healthy deer populations, provide additional hunting opportunities, establish and maintain regeneration to support sustainable forestry practices with minimal need for deer fencing, and promote a healthy, sustainable forest and native, wild plant communities.

Requests for program-targeted areas, and the number of permits sought, are science-driven, DCNR says.

DMAP tags are now on sale. Hunters obtain permits directly from license issuing agents or the Pennsylvania Game Commission website.

Hunters can get two permits per unit generally. A landowner of a DMAP-approved property can provide a coupon for an additional two.

Cost is $10.97 for a resident and $35.97 for a non-resident and each permit is good for one anterless deer on the permitted property.