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Ag Tags: deer control permits for farmers

In shortPennsylvania’s Agricultural Deer Control Program, formerly called “Red Tags” and now “Ag Tags,” lets farmers with deer damage to crops get permits to take antlerless deer on their farm during an extended control season. Farmers apply through their district state game warden, and the farmer chooses the hunters.

White-tailed deer crossing a farm lane. Photo: USFWS Midwest Region, public domain.

How does a farmer apply for Ag Tags?

Call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT to reach the district state game warden for your county. Applications are made through the warden on a Commission form.

White-tailed buck at the edge of a field. Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, public domain.

White-tailed deer grazing. Photo: USFWS Mountain-Prairie, public domain.

Who can hunt under Ag Tags?

The farmer gives coupons to the hunters it chooses. Hunters redeem them for permits at a license agent or online and must hold a valid hunting license unless exempt. Only antlerless deer may be taken.

When are Ag Tags valid?

Permits are valid during the agricultural deer control season and legal hunting hours set by regulation, and can also be used during regular deer seasons under that season’s rules. In the 2025-26 digest, the Special Regulations Area season ran from August 1 into mid-April.

What reports are required?

Every hunter must report a harvest or no harvest by April 30 each year.

Can Ag Tag hunters use bait in southeastern Pennsylvania?

Yes. Under 58 Pa. Code § 147.556, hunters with an agriculture deer control harvest permit in the southeast Special Regulations Area may hunt over bait in the manner the Game Commission allows. The farmer may restrict methods further. There is no fee for the farmer to enroll, and the default allotment is one coupon for every 5 cultivated acres.

How do we help farmers with Ag Tags?

We help you enroll, bring a reliable team that follows your rules on gates, livestock, equipment and planted ground, and track every permit so your reporting is simple. When deer damage outruns the season, we can help you apply for an agricultural damage depredation permit. See our page for farms.

Last updated October 18, 2026. Reviewed by DelChester Wildlife Conservation Group.

Frequently asked questions

Are Red Tags still available in Pennsylvania?

Yes, under a new name. The Red Tag program is now the Agricultural Deer Control Program, known as Ag Tags.

Can Ag Tags be used for bucks?

No. Only antlerless deer may be taken under the Agricultural Deer Control Program.

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