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Tired of Deer Damage? Updates to the Red Tag Program Might Help

Starting in November, the ag deer control program will be a little more user-friendly.

Updated:

September 21, 2022

This farmer would benefit from participating in Agricultural Deer Control Program. Photo Credit: Heidi Reed, Penn State Extension

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Unfortunately, we haven't found a miracle cure for deer damage to crops just yet. However, updates to The Pennsylvania Game Commission's Agricultural Deer Control (Red Tag) Program could make use of the program slightly easier for landowners.

Changes were announced in April 2022, with the new regulations to start in November 2022.

The main changes are as follows:

Old Rule	New Rule
Hunter may obtain one permit per Red Tag property	Hunter may obtain up to four permits per Red Tag Property
Permits are valid from July 1-September 28, then February 1-May 15, excluding Sundays	Permits valid from August 1-September 15, then February 1-April 15, excluding Sundays
Program is closed for summer period May 16-June 30	Program is closed for summer period April 16-July 31
Landowner is required to report Red Tag harvests	Hunter reports for each permit, regardless of harvest success
Only licensed hunters that are Pennsylvania residents qualify for Red Tag permits	All licensed hunters qualify for Red Tag permits, including out-of-state hunters
Red snap tags are used	Standard harvest tags issued through HuntFishPA are used
Landowners need to enroll in the Game Commission’s Hunter Access Program	Landowners do not need to enroll in the Hunter Access program

Permits will be issued for the license year that begins July 1 and goes through June 30.

Hopefully these changes, plus the additional 23,000 doe tags for the 2022-2023 season, will help better manage deer populations and reduce crop damage.

Reach out to your regional Game Commission Office with questions or for more information about the program.

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