A Pennsylvania fishing license is a great way to ensure you can continue to enjoy fishing and the many other great things the state has to offer. However, knowing exactly how much you need to spend to get one is essential. You should also know that there are several different types of licenses that you can purchase. For example, there is a trout stamp, a senior resident lifetime license, and a lifetime license for Native Americans.
Senior resident lifetime license
Those 65 or older qualify for a Senior Resident Lifetime Fishing License with a trout stamp. The county treasurer’s office issues this special permit. The license holder only needs to purchase a Lake Erie Permit once for the rest of their lives.
These licenses are available for seniors and military personnel. In addition, these licenses are offered at a reduced rate. They are also available for people with a disability. These include the following:
— Those not legal residents of the state must have a state-recognized identification document. These documents may be printed or electronic. They can also be submitted to the Licensing and Registration Service Center.
— A valid social security number is required for non-commercial licenses. Those who provide false information are committing a crime. These licenses are effective from March 1 to February 28 of the following year.
— Those not legal Pennsylvania residents are not eligible for a resident fishing license. Those with a valid PA license must carry it at all times when afield. This includes hunting.
— Residents of this state are also eligible for the Railroad Retirement Act benefit. This benefit allows legal residents of this state to receive disability benefits for at least six months.
— Students residing outside the state are not legal residents of this state. To be a student, the student must be a legal resident of the state for at least eight months of the year. In addition, the student must certify that the home of record is outside the state. This may include a driver’s license or a location where the person votes.
— There are several other types of licenses available for residents. They include:
— Those who are not eligible for the Railroad Retirement Act benefit are not eligible for the Multiple Injury Trust Fund benefit. These licenses are available for residents who are legally blind or deaf. They can also be purchased online.
— Those not eligible to buy a license at retail can purchase discounted fishing licenses through the Department’s website.
Lifetime licenses for Native Americans
Historically, Native Americans have had a special right to hunt and fish off their reservations. However, the legal basis for using these rights has been debated. The Supreme Court has upheld Native American hunting and fishing rights on and off reservations. Still, state wildlife agencies have been wary of off-reservation hunting and fishing.
For example, the Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma have a state-to-state compact that allows the tribal government to issue hunting and fishing licenses to citizens of both states at no cost. Oklahoma bought 150,000 of the permits from the Cherokee each year but never gave all of them away.
The same holds for the state of Kansas. Several tribes in Kansas have treaty-reserved hunting and fishing rights on non-reservation lands.
The Choctaw Nation and the southeast Oklahoma tribe, the Cheyenne, are among those expressing their displeasure with the decision of Governor Kevin Stitt. The state has not renewed its gaming and hunting agreements with the Cherokee and the Choctaw, a move that Stitt contends will undermine tribal sovereignty. He also wants the state to adopt a full-price system for hunting and fishing licenses, which would bring in more money than the negotiated rates.
The Cherokee and Choctaw are two of the five tribes that have issued statements in support of tribal sovereignty. The Department of Natural Resources may also develop a form affidavit for Native American Indian hunting and fishing licenses.
While the Policy focuses on the needs and interests of the tribes, the Policy also stresses the importance of respect and coordination between the Service and its tribal partners. It requires the Service to involve federally recognized tribal governments and delegated inter-tribal agencies. The Policy also stresses the need to educate employees about their responsibilities to their tribal partners.
The Native American Policy Team, comprised of representatives from the four Service Regions and the Service’s tribal partner, the Catawba Native American Indian Tribe, wrote the Policy together. It includes several exhibits similar to the Service’s other policy documents.
Fees set by the Legislature
Historically, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission had to seek approval from the Legislature to raise the cost of a fishing license. However, in recent years, the prices have been relatively flat. As a result, the Commission is now looking to raise its fees.
The Commission is seeking a fee increase and is planning to hold a public hearing on the proposal. After the hearing, the proposal would go to the general assembly. If the general community agrees, the PFBC can resubmit the bid. The PFBC will then have a final rule-making vote.
The proposed fee adjustments include a $2.50 increase for a resident trout/Lake Erie permit in 2023 and a $5 increase for a resident annual fishing license in 2023. These increases are part of a more significant effort to retain and recruit anglers. The new license fee will also benefit aquatic resources.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission has been working on raising the price of a fishing license since 2005. While the Commission does not receive funding from the state’s general fund, it has been facing declining license sales in recent years. It sells fishing licenses and unpowered boat launch permits to fund the Commission.
The Commission has cut back on its trout fishing program in recent years. The agency has also reduced staff. In 2013, the Commission moved most of its personnel to a newly opened Centre Region Office in Bellefonte. The Centre Region Office is located at 595 E Rolling Ridge Dr. Earlier this year; the Commission canceled the originally scheduled June 2 Fish-for-Free Day.
According to the PFBC’s current annual report, there is more than $75 million in the fishing reserve fund. The agency has more than a dozen fish culture facilities throughout the state.
During the recent pandemic, revenue from fishing license sales went up dramatically. But revenue has been relatively flat over the past few years. This is because the hobby numbers have declined. While the PFBC has not raised fishing license costs in 16 years, it has continued to deal with diminishing funds.
Expiration date
Whether a veteran or a beginner, you’ll need a Pennsylvania fishing license before you take to the water. A permit is required for anglers over 16 to catch any fish species, including trout. You can buy a fishing license online or in stores. The charges are available to residents and non-residents.
If you’re a resident of Pennsylvania, you can purchase a Senior Resident Lifetime POW (Prisoner of War) license. You can also apply for a Disabled Veterans License. This license is free for veterans who are either blind or disabled. To obtain a request, you must provide a valid ID.
Residents, not residents of Pennsylvania and whose home address is outside the state, are not eligible for the Resident license. They may purchase discounted fishing licenses at retail outlets or the GoneFishingPA website. The website accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and E-Check.
Military personnel stationed in Pennsylvania under PCS for less than six months are required to purchase a non-resident fishing license. They must also carry a military identification card. Those deployed overseas must show an official military document, such as a valid military order, instead of a fishing license.
You must have a license if you plan to fish in any of Pennsylvania’s 85,000 stretches of water. There are two types of permits available: freshwater only and saltwater only. Both licenses are valid for the year you purchase them. During the licensing year, which starts on January 1 and ends on August 31, you must carry the license with you at all times. You can purchase an appointment at several retailers, including Walmart, bait-and-tackle shops, and hardware stores.
Purchasing a license is easy and affordable. The best way to do it is online. The GoneFishingPA website will give you options for buying a request, and you’ll need to log in. You can call toll-free or use the system’s Visa, MasterCard, or Discover debit cards.
