Pennsylvania Outdoors Columnist
Jan. 21, 2026, 3:17 p.m. ET
- Proposed changes would allow hunters to take deer to any processor but require proper disposal of high-risk parts.
- The commission is also looking to add an early October firearms season for elk hunting.
- Hunters will now need a general Pennsylvania hunting license before applying for the elk license lottery.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is looking at easing some of the restrictions for deer hunters in areas where Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) has been found and there will also be improvements for those applying for an elk license.
The commission is meeting Jan. 23-24 for its quarterly meeting in Harrisburg for a variety of topics, including deer and elk regulations.
The board may reduce some of the regulations on those who hunt in areas where deer have been found to have CWD.
The neurological disease is fatal to deer and can be transmitted to other deer through liquids, such as saliva and feces.More: Rifle deer hunting season may start week earlier in Pa. this yearNeed a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!
Jan. 24 meeting preview: Game Commission considers 13 properties for hunters across Pennsylvania
The meeting agenda proposes to eliminate the restriction on interstate and intrastate movement of high-risk parts like the brain, spine and spleen.
The agenda also looks at removing the requirements for deer processors and taxidermists, and eliminates the prohibition on cervid (deer) urine-based attractants for hunting.
There is a proposal to expand the prohibition against the disposal of high-risk parts of deer on the landscape.
If the changes are approved, a hunter in a Disease Management Area will be able to take their deer to be processed at the processor of their choice or butcher it themselves, but they need to properly dispose of the high-risk parts.
As of Jan. 21, the agency’s online CWD Surveillance Map revealed 86 of 6,792 deer tested for CWD were positive for the 2025-26 license year. Those detections were mostly in southcentral Pennsylvania, and all were found within existing DMA boundaries. Testing of deer, including those found along the highways, will continue through the license year.
In the 2024-25 license year, the commission had 530 positive CWD detections from 13,526 deer.
More: Of 140 elk hunters in Pennsylvania, 108 get elk this fall and winter
Elk hunting changes in Pennsylvania
For elk, the agency is looking at offering an early October firearms season segment.
In previous years, the rifle season was only the first week of November. There have also been archery and late rifle seasons.
Get the Go Outdoors PA newsletter in your inbox.
Join Brian Whipkey in new adventures every Thursday.
Delivery: THURSYour Email
This year, elk seasons are proposed to include Sept. 12-27 for archery, Oct. 3-11 for the first regular (firearms), Oct. 31 to Nov. 8 for the second regular season, and Jan. 9-17 for the late season.
The agency reports the early October firearms season segment is proposed to limit crowding and maintain hunter satisfaction under current and potential future increased license allocations. The late firearms elk season is proposed to be moved later in January to avoid conflicts with major holidays. This year, it was held Dec. 27-Jan. 3.
The commission is looking at a new process for applying for an elk licenses that will benefit those who live in the commonwealth.
Among the changes being implemented to the program is a new requirement for hunters across the nation to have a general Pennsylvania hunting license before applying for the elk license lottery.
In past years, a hunting license wasn’t required to purchase a $11.97 chance for an elk license. The winners of the license lottery are then required to purchase their hunting license and elk permit. General hunting licenses cost $20.97 for residents of Pennsylvania and $101.97 for nonresidents.
The agency is also limiting each year’s allocation of elk licenses to a maximum of 10% going to nonresidents of Pennsylvania.
Rifle deer hunting season may start week earlier in Pa. this yearIf you want to start living the van life, here’s what to considerOf 140 elk hunters in Pennsylvania, 108 get elk this fall and winterFinal pheasant releases happening now, but there may be a bonus onePennsylvania flintlock hunter gets massive buck while still-huntingOutdoor shows slated soon in Harrisburg, Clearfield, Pittsburgh, EriePennsylvania archer with bad luck borrows flintlock to get heavy buck5 hunters shot, including 2 fatalities, during Pennsylvania deer seasonPennsylvania hunters get at least 200 more black bears than last yearLook at some of 2025’s big bucks, bears, elk and fish in Pennsylvania
The Game Commission’s two-day public meeting begins at 1 p.m. Jan. 23 and will include staff presentations on a range of wildlife management topics, including elk and turkey management, as well as other key agency initiatives. No public comment will be accepted Friday.
The meeting resumes at 8:30 a.m. Jan. 24. Public comment, limited to five minutes per speaker, will be accepted on a first-to-register, first-to-speak basis.
Game Commission meetings are held at the agency’s headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, just off the Progress Avenue exit 69 of Interstate 81. Those unable to attend may watch them live on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel.
Exposing the Big Game 