WILKES-BARRE — When antlerless deer licenses for 2024-25 go on sale with general hunting licenses in late June, there will be far fewer people waiting in line.
And most hunters won't need to wait.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission has changed the antlerless deer license sales schedule and is guaranteeing that most resident hunters will receive an antlerless license in the Wildlife Management Unit they want, as long as they buy before sales to nonresidents begin.
Here's how it will happen.
Antlerless licenses will be sold over the counter and online. But when general hunting licenses for 2024-25 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 available. For three days, antlerless licenses will only be sold for these WMUs, which usually sell out the fastest and drive most of the customer demand at the beginning of sales.
There is no guarantee of 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 gone.
On Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m., antlerless licenses for the remaining 19 WMUs will go on sale to residents. Residents looking for licenses in any of these WMUs won't need to wait in line — they will be guaranteed to get one, as long as they buy before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 8 — when the resident-only part of the first round of sales ends.
Once the non-resident part 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 gone.
The changes to the sales schedule and process should work together to reduce wait times for hunters purchasing licenses throughout the first round. By starting 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 is 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.
Apart from starting antlerless license sales for high-demand WMUs first, the sales schedule and process is similar to last year. A hunter can only buy one antlerless license per round in the first three rounds. Sales start 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 online customers to join the buying queue.
The second round of sales starts on Monday, July 22, at 8 a.m. and the third round starts Monday, Aug. 12, at 8 a.m. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits also go on sale when the third round starts. During the fourth round, which starts Monday, Aug. 26, at 8 a.m., a hunter can buy more than one license for any WMU where licenses are available. No hunter can have 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 ensuring 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 occurred, it wouldn’t necessarily have negative impacts on deer populations. But if license sales surpassed the allocation and adjustments were required, 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.
Ellen Ferretti, the Executive Director, said that the donors' generosity is only surpassed by the wide range of auction items this year. It's a great chance to shop for yourself, your family, and Mom for Mother’s Day while supporting conservation in your area. The variety is astounding and fun, with items like hand tied flies, jewelry, creative glass vases, an iPad, and a boxing glove signed by Sly Stallone. There's something for everyone.
The Boxing Glove signed by Sylvester Stallone with Certificate of Authenticity will be among the 60-plus available items from various businesses and private collectors.
To learn more about the event, visit https://nblt.org/annual-dinner-auction/ or contact [email protected].
Bloomin’ Byways: Back Mountain
beautification initiative blossoms
with thousands of daffodils
Spring has arrived in the Back Mountain region of Northeastern Pennsylvania, bringing a burst of color and cheer thanks to the “Bloomin’ Byways” initiative.
Led by dedicated volunteers and the Back Mountain Bloomers, this community-driven beautification project has adorned the landscape with thousands of daffodils, creating a picturesque sight for residents and visitors alike.
Many enthusiastic volunteers, along with the Back Mountain Bloomers gardening club, have diligently 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 lovely flowers return each year, heralding the arrival of spring and bringing joy to all who behold them.
“The ‘Bloomin’ Byways’ project was created to enhance the beauty of the 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 so, the Bloomin’ Byways initiative was born.”
Over the years, the project has expanded in scope and impact, with over 10,000 daffodil bulbs planted so far. The group invites the public to join them in their efforts to continue nurturing and growing this beautiful initiative. Many local groups and businesses, such as Sprau Dental and Beynon Beautiful, have also decided to participate.
Residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania are urged to explore the Bloomin’ Byways and enjoy the breathtaking sights of daffodils in bloom. A map detailing the various planting locations is available to guide visitors through the scenic routes of the Back Mountain region.
For more information on “How to Plant Daffodils,” please review the Back Mountain Bloomer’s website at backmountainbloomers.org.
