Deehntr56
04-22-2008, 08:00 PM
Release #039-08
April 22, 2008
BOARD ADOPTS 2008-09 DEER SEASONS
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to a slate of deer seasons for the 2008-09 seasons, which retains nearly all of the opportunities provided in the past to address the goals of the agency's deer management plan.
A substantial change for the deer hunting seasons is a five-day, antlered deer only season in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B starting the Monday after Thanksgiving (Dec. 1-5), followed immediately by seven days of concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer hunting (Dec. 6-13). The approved package retains the two-week (Dec. 1-13) concurrent, antlered and antlerless season in the remaining 18 WMUs.
"The goals of the deer management plan have not changed," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "The changes to these four WMUs will allow us to investigate the relationship between antlerless allocations and season length as we move forward with our deer management plan."
Roe noted that the four WMUs were chosen because: WMUs 2G and 4B have ongoing deer research in them; WMU 2D is an area where antler restrictions are set at four points on one side, and is where the agency previously had deer research conducted; and WMU 3C is an area where antler restrictions are set at three points on one side, and is a physiographic area of the state where no extensive deer research has been conducted.
"Antlerless deer harvest versus number of days of opportunity, or the overall season length, will be evaluated over the next four years of five days of antlered deer and seven days of concurrent seasons," Roe said. "Also, we will conduct annual surveys of hunters to address other aspects of the program.
"In the future, stakeholders may be able to provide input by sharing whether they'd like more opportunity via time, such as two weeks or more, or more people involved through perhaps more tags and shorter seasons."
Game Commission staff, per Board direction in January, is preparing a four-year study to determine the impact and effectiveness of the proposed five-day antlered/seven-day concurrent season before additional WMUs may be considered for this season configuration.
The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) that addresses landowner deer management objectives within WMUs remains in place. And, noting that the focus of DMAP is to allow landowners to direct additional hunting pressure on specific areas to meet that landowner's objectives, the Board gave preliminary approval to a measure to allow DMAP antlerless deer permit holders to hunt for antlerless deer in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4D for the full two-weeks of the firearms deer season, Dec. 1-13, similar to all other 18 WMUs. The Board must approve this measure in June before it takes effect for the upcoming 2008-09 deer hunting seasons.
The Board also gave preliminary approval to a regulatory change to allow hunters in special regulation areas counties (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia) to harvest more than one deer at a time without first lawfully tagging previous harvest, provided all deer harvested are lawfully tagged immediately thereafter. This change is part of the agency's continuing efforts to find solutions to the high deer-human conflicts in these urban counties. For all other areas, hunters must continue to tag the first deer harvested before attempting to harvest a second.
BOARD APPROVES ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSE ALLOCATIONS
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved antlerless license allocations for each of the 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) based on measurements of deer health; habitat health; and level of deer-human conflicts based on Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) input; as well as deer population trends.
The agency continues to seek a decrease in the population trends in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, which are the three most developed areas of the state. Based on CAC input, and supported by scientific measurements, the agency is continuing to allow for an increase in the population trend in WMU 4B, which was initiated in 2006, and has proposed to begin to allow for an increase in the population trends in WMUs 4E and 5A. In all other WMUs, the agency continues to seek stabilization of population trends.
For more information on these measurements, both the quantitative thresholds and qualitative labels, please see "Deer Program" on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in the "Quick Clicks" box in the right-hand column of the homepage.
Following is a listing of the approved allocations for each WMU, along with last year's allocation. More detailed information for each WMU allocation will be posted on the agency's website in the near future, in the "Deer Program" section.
WMU 1A allocation will be 42,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's allocation.
WMU 1B allocation will be 30,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2A allocation will be 55,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 60,000. The Deer Management Section noted that the deer harvest declined in 2007-08. This is a return to the allocation level from 2004-2007 until the agency can better assess population trend changes in 2008.
WMU 2B allocation will be 68,000 to continue to decrease the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2C allocation will be 49,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2D allocation will be 56,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2E allocation will be 21,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2F allocation will be 28,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2G allocation will be 26,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 3A allocation will be 26,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 29,000.
WMU 3B allocation will be 43,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 3C allocation will be 27,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 3D allocation will be 37,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 38,000. The decrease in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the border between WMUs 3D and 5C, which also was approved by the Board today.
WMU 4A allocation will be 29,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 4B allocation will be 23,000 to continue to allow an increase in the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 4C allocation will be 35,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 39,000. The decrease in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the border between WMUs 4C and 5C, which also was approved by the Board today. While the CAC for this unit recommended an increase in the population trend, scientific measurements could not support such a move at this time.
WMU 4D allocation will be 40,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's. While the CAC for this unit recommended an increase in the population trend, scientific measurements could not support such a move at this time.
WMU 4E allocation will be 30,000 to allow an increase in the population trend, which is decrease from last year's allocation of 38,000.
WMU 5A allocation will be 19,000 to allow an increase in the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 22,000.
WMU 5B allocation will be 51,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 53,000. The decrease in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the border between WMUs 5B and 5C, which also was approved by the Board today.
WMU 5C allocation will be 92,000 to continue to decrease the population trend, up from last year's allocation of 84,000. The increase in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the borders between WMUs 5C and 3D, 4C and 5B, which also were approved by the Board today, and the CAC for this unit recommended a decrease in the population trend.
WMU 5D allocation will be 22,000 to continue to decrease the population trend, which an increase from last year's allocation of 20,000.
MENTORED YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM TO CONTINUE FOR 2008-09
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program, first implemented by the Board of Game Commissioners in 2006, will continue for the 2008-09 seasons. The list of eligible game for those youth under the age of 12 participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program will remain squirrel, woodchuck (groundhog), spring gobbler and antlered deer.
Youths participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program are required to follow the same antler restrictions as a junior license holder, which is two or more points on one antler or one antler three or more inches in length. Mentored youth may only pursue antlered deer, and may only participate in seasons in which antlered deer are legal and must follow appropriate sporting arm restrictions.
The program also requires that both the mentor and the youth abide by any fluorescent orange regulations, and that the mentored youth must tag and report any antlered deer or spring gobbler taken. Mentored youth may participate in the youth-only squirrel season and the youth-only spring gobbler day, as well as the general squirrel and spring gobbler seasons.
Under the program, a mentor is defined as a properly licensed individual at least 21 years of age, who serves as a guide to a mentored youth while engaged in hunting or related activities, such as scouting, learning firearm and hunter safety and wildlife identification. A mentored youth is defined as an unlicensed individual less than 12 years of age who is accompanied by a mentor while engaged in hunting or related activities.
The mentor to mentored youth ratio may not exceed one mentor to one youth, and the pair may possess only one sporting arm while hunting. While moving, the sporting arm must be carried by the mentor. When the pair reaches a stationary hunting location, the mentor may turn over possession of the sporting arm to the youth and must keep the youth within arm's length at all times.
BOARD APPROVES NOVEMBER ELK SEASON
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to Pennsylvania's upcoming elk season, which will be held Nov. 3-8. This year, hunters will submit applications for one of 45 licenses, of which 17 will be designated for antlered elk and 28 for antlerless elk. Applications soon will be accepted via mail, drop-off at agency offices and the agency's website, and the public drawing will be held on Sept. 20.
All applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $10 application fee. Those selected for one of the limited licenses will need to purchase a general hunting license ($20 for residents and $101 for nonresidents), as well as the elk license, which costs $25 for residents and $250 for nonresidents. Online applications will be accepted through "The Outdoor Shop" on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) beginning in mid-May.
Additionally, the Board gave final approval to a technical change to refer to "elk hunt zones," consistent with the agency's elk management plan, rather than "elk management areas" or "elk management units."
BOARD CHANGES TO EXPAND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to a host of other seasons and bag limits designed to expand opportunities for hunters and trappers in 2008-09. Among the changes, the Board voted to:
* Eliminate the previously closed season on ruffed grouse in the portion of State Game Land 176 in Centre County, which has been posted "RESEARCH AREA - NO GROUSE HUNTING," and commonly referred to as the Barrens;
* Direct the Executive Director to use his regulatory authority to remove protection of wild boars, and provide exceptions to allow protection in townships and/or counties where trap-and-removal efforts are underway. On Dec. 27, 2007, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that wild boars are protected mammals under the Game and Wildlife Code. As a result, the agency must take regulatory action to remove protection from wild boars. By doing so, the Game Commission is seeking to avoid confusion that feral swine, also referred to as wild boars, are a game species, and clearly deliver the message that the agency's goal is the eradication of this invasive species.
For more details on these seasons, please see the table of approved 2008-09 seasons and bag limits at the end of this news release.
ADOPTED 2008-09 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license - Oct. 11-17 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Fall Season - Oct. 18-Nov. 29; Late Seasons - Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 18-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24 (2 daily, 4 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 25-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (4 daily, 8 possession).
PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license - Oct. 11-18 (2 daily, 4 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs.
PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B - Oct. 25-Nov. 29. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs - Oct. 25-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (2 daily, 4 in possession).
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 25-Nov. 29 (4 daily, 8 possession). (Closed in WMUs 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.)
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26-Jan. 1 (1 daily, 2 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except: Sundays; during the antlered and antlerless deer seasons; and until noon daily during the spring gobbler turkey season.
CROWS: July 4-April 5, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the regular firearms antlered and antlerless deer seasons and until noon daily during the spring gobbler turkey season. No limit.
WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B and 2A (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Nov. 1-15; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Nov. 1-22; WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 4A and 4B- Nov. 1-15; WMUs 2D, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E - Nov. 1-22; WMUs 5A and 5B - CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Nov. 1-7. (1 bird limit, either sex).
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license - April 18, 2009. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 25-May 25, 2009. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D) Bow and Arrow only: Nov. 19-20. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 24-26. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMU 3C and Portions of WMUs 3B, 4E and 2G): Dec. 1-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. All of WMU 3C. Also, in that portion of 3B, East of Rt. 14 from Troy to Canton, East of Rt. 154 from Canton to Rt. 220 at Laporte and East of Rt. 42 from Laporte to Rt. 118 and that portion of 4E, East of Rt. 42. Also, in that portions of WMUs 2G in Lycoming and Clinton counties, and 3B in Lycoming County, that lie North of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the Rt. 405 Bridge, West to Rt. 15 at Williamsport, Rt. 15 to Rt. 220, and North of Rt. 220 to the Mill Hall exit, North of S.R. 2015 to Rt. 150; East of Rt. 150 to Lusk Run Road and South of Lusk Run Road to Rt. 120, Rt. 120 to Veterans Street Bridge to S.R. 1001; East of S.R. 1001 to Croak Hollow Road, South of Croak Hollow Road to Rt. 664 (at Swissdale), South of Rt. 664 to Little Plum Road (the intersection of S.R. 1003), South of S.R. 1003 to S.R. 1006, South of S.R. 1006 to Sulphur Run Road, South of Sulphur Run Road to Rt. 44, East of Rt. 44 to Rt. 973, South of Rt. 973 to Rt. 87, West of Rt. 87 to Rt. 864, south of Rt. 864 to Rt. 220 and West of Rt. 220 to Rt. 405 and West of Rt. 405 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 3-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Rockview State Correctional Institution): Dec. 1-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. Prior approval must be obtained from prison to hunt.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 3-8. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Sept. 1-27, 2008. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlerless Only) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 20-Oct. 3, Nov. 17-29 and Dec. 15-23. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Oct. 4-Nov. 15 and Dec. 26-Jan. 10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Dec. 1-13. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 1-5. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 6-13. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 23-25. Junior and Senior License Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 18-25. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 10. One antlered per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, Antlerless (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
April 22, 2008
BOARD ADOPTS 2008-09 DEER SEASONS
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to a slate of deer seasons for the 2008-09 seasons, which retains nearly all of the opportunities provided in the past to address the goals of the agency's deer management plan.
A substantial change for the deer hunting seasons is a five-day, antlered deer only season in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B starting the Monday after Thanksgiving (Dec. 1-5), followed immediately by seven days of concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer hunting (Dec. 6-13). The approved package retains the two-week (Dec. 1-13) concurrent, antlered and antlerless season in the remaining 18 WMUs.
"The goals of the deer management plan have not changed," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "The changes to these four WMUs will allow us to investigate the relationship between antlerless allocations and season length as we move forward with our deer management plan."
Roe noted that the four WMUs were chosen because: WMUs 2G and 4B have ongoing deer research in them; WMU 2D is an area where antler restrictions are set at four points on one side, and is where the agency previously had deer research conducted; and WMU 3C is an area where antler restrictions are set at three points on one side, and is a physiographic area of the state where no extensive deer research has been conducted.
"Antlerless deer harvest versus number of days of opportunity, or the overall season length, will be evaluated over the next four years of five days of antlered deer and seven days of concurrent seasons," Roe said. "Also, we will conduct annual surveys of hunters to address other aspects of the program.
"In the future, stakeholders may be able to provide input by sharing whether they'd like more opportunity via time, such as two weeks or more, or more people involved through perhaps more tags and shorter seasons."
Game Commission staff, per Board direction in January, is preparing a four-year study to determine the impact and effectiveness of the proposed five-day antlered/seven-day concurrent season before additional WMUs may be considered for this season configuration.
The Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) that addresses landowner deer management objectives within WMUs remains in place. And, noting that the focus of DMAP is to allow landowners to direct additional hunting pressure on specific areas to meet that landowner's objectives, the Board gave preliminary approval to a measure to allow DMAP antlerless deer permit holders to hunt for antlerless deer in WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4D for the full two-weeks of the firearms deer season, Dec. 1-13, similar to all other 18 WMUs. The Board must approve this measure in June before it takes effect for the upcoming 2008-09 deer hunting seasons.
The Board also gave preliminary approval to a regulatory change to allow hunters in special regulation areas counties (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia) to harvest more than one deer at a time without first lawfully tagging previous harvest, provided all deer harvested are lawfully tagged immediately thereafter. This change is part of the agency's continuing efforts to find solutions to the high deer-human conflicts in these urban counties. For all other areas, hunters must continue to tag the first deer harvested before attempting to harvest a second.
BOARD APPROVES ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSE ALLOCATIONS
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved antlerless license allocations for each of the 22 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) based on measurements of deer health; habitat health; and level of deer-human conflicts based on Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) input; as well as deer population trends.
The agency continues to seek a decrease in the population trends in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, which are the three most developed areas of the state. Based on CAC input, and supported by scientific measurements, the agency is continuing to allow for an increase in the population trend in WMU 4B, which was initiated in 2006, and has proposed to begin to allow for an increase in the population trends in WMUs 4E and 5A. In all other WMUs, the agency continues to seek stabilization of population trends.
For more information on these measurements, both the quantitative thresholds and qualitative labels, please see "Deer Program" on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in the "Quick Clicks" box in the right-hand column of the homepage.
Following is a listing of the approved allocations for each WMU, along with last year's allocation. More detailed information for each WMU allocation will be posted on the agency's website in the near future, in the "Deer Program" section.
WMU 1A allocation will be 42,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's allocation.
WMU 1B allocation will be 30,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2A allocation will be 55,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 60,000. The Deer Management Section noted that the deer harvest declined in 2007-08. This is a return to the allocation level from 2004-2007 until the agency can better assess population trend changes in 2008.
WMU 2B allocation will be 68,000 to continue to decrease the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2C allocation will be 49,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2D allocation will be 56,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2E allocation will be 21,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2F allocation will be 28,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 2G allocation will be 26,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 3A allocation will be 26,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 29,000.
WMU 3B allocation will be 43,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 3C allocation will be 27,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 3D allocation will be 37,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 38,000. The decrease in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the border between WMUs 3D and 5C, which also was approved by the Board today.
WMU 4A allocation will be 29,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 4B allocation will be 23,000 to continue to allow an increase in the population trend, which is the same as last year's.
WMU 4C allocation will be 35,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 39,000. The decrease in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the border between WMUs 4C and 5C, which also was approved by the Board today. While the CAC for this unit recommended an increase in the population trend, scientific measurements could not support such a move at this time.
WMU 4D allocation will be 40,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is the same as last year's. While the CAC for this unit recommended an increase in the population trend, scientific measurements could not support such a move at this time.
WMU 4E allocation will be 30,000 to allow an increase in the population trend, which is decrease from last year's allocation of 38,000.
WMU 5A allocation will be 19,000 to allow an increase in the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 22,000.
WMU 5B allocation will be 51,000 to continue to stabilize the population trend, which is a decrease from last year's allocation of 53,000. The decrease in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the border between WMUs 5B and 5C, which also was approved by the Board today.
WMU 5C allocation will be 92,000 to continue to decrease the population trend, up from last year's allocation of 84,000. The increase in allocation reflects impacts from changes in the borders between WMUs 5C and 3D, 4C and 5B, which also were approved by the Board today, and the CAC for this unit recommended a decrease in the population trend.
WMU 5D allocation will be 22,000 to continue to decrease the population trend, which an increase from last year's allocation of 20,000.
MENTORED YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM TO CONTINUE FOR 2008-09
The Mentored Youth Hunting Program, first implemented by the Board of Game Commissioners in 2006, will continue for the 2008-09 seasons. The list of eligible game for those youth under the age of 12 participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program will remain squirrel, woodchuck (groundhog), spring gobbler and antlered deer.
Youths participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program are required to follow the same antler restrictions as a junior license holder, which is two or more points on one antler or one antler three or more inches in length. Mentored youth may only pursue antlered deer, and may only participate in seasons in which antlered deer are legal and must follow appropriate sporting arm restrictions.
The program also requires that both the mentor and the youth abide by any fluorescent orange regulations, and that the mentored youth must tag and report any antlered deer or spring gobbler taken. Mentored youth may participate in the youth-only squirrel season and the youth-only spring gobbler day, as well as the general squirrel and spring gobbler seasons.
Under the program, a mentor is defined as a properly licensed individual at least 21 years of age, who serves as a guide to a mentored youth while engaged in hunting or related activities, such as scouting, learning firearm and hunter safety and wildlife identification. A mentored youth is defined as an unlicensed individual less than 12 years of age who is accompanied by a mentor while engaged in hunting or related activities.
The mentor to mentored youth ratio may not exceed one mentor to one youth, and the pair may possess only one sporting arm while hunting. While moving, the sporting arm must be carried by the mentor. When the pair reaches a stationary hunting location, the mentor may turn over possession of the sporting arm to the youth and must keep the youth within arm's length at all times.
BOARD APPROVES NOVEMBER ELK SEASON
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to Pennsylvania's upcoming elk season, which will be held Nov. 3-8. This year, hunters will submit applications for one of 45 licenses, of which 17 will be designated for antlered elk and 28 for antlerless elk. Applications soon will be accepted via mail, drop-off at agency offices and the agency's website, and the public drawing will be held on Sept. 20.
All applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $10 application fee. Those selected for one of the limited licenses will need to purchase a general hunting license ($20 for residents and $101 for nonresidents), as well as the elk license, which costs $25 for residents and $250 for nonresidents. Online applications will be accepted through "The Outdoor Shop" on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) beginning in mid-May.
Additionally, the Board gave final approval to a technical change to refer to "elk hunt zones," consistent with the agency's elk management plan, rather than "elk management areas" or "elk management units."
BOARD CHANGES TO EXPAND OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to a host of other seasons and bag limits designed to expand opportunities for hunters and trappers in 2008-09. Among the changes, the Board voted to:
* Eliminate the previously closed season on ruffed grouse in the portion of State Game Land 176 in Centre County, which has been posted "RESEARCH AREA - NO GROUSE HUNTING," and commonly referred to as the Barrens;
* Direct the Executive Director to use his regulatory authority to remove protection of wild boars, and provide exceptions to allow protection in townships and/or counties where trap-and-removal efforts are underway. On Dec. 27, 2007, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that wild boars are protected mammals under the Game and Wildlife Code. As a result, the agency must take regulatory action to remove protection from wild boars. By doing so, the Game Commission is seeking to avoid confusion that feral swine, also referred to as wild boars, are a game species, and clearly deliver the message that the agency's goal is the eradication of this invasive species.
For more details on these seasons, please see the table of approved 2008-09 seasons and bag limits at the end of this news release.
ADOPTED 2008-09 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license - Oct. 11-17 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Fall Season - Oct. 18-Nov. 29; Late Seasons - Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 18-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24 (2 daily, 4 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 25-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (4 daily, 8 possession).
PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license - Oct. 11-18 (2 daily, 4 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs.
PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B - Oct. 25-Nov. 29. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs - Oct. 25-Nov. 29, Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 7 (2 daily, 4 in possession).
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 25-Nov. 29 (4 daily, 8 possession). (Closed in WMUs 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.)
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26-Jan. 1 (1 daily, 2 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except: Sundays; during the antlered and antlerless deer seasons; and until noon daily during the spring gobbler turkey season.
CROWS: July 4-April 5, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the regular firearms antlered and antlerless deer seasons and until noon daily during the spring gobbler turkey season. No limit.
WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B and 2A (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Nov. 1-15; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Nov. 1-22; WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 4A and 4B- Nov. 1-15; WMUs 2D, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E - Nov. 1-22; WMUs 5A and 5B - CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Nov. 1-7. (1 bird limit, either sex).
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license - April 18, 2009. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 25-May 25, 2009. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 4A, 4B and 4D) Bow and Arrow only: Nov. 19-20. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 24-26. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMU 3C and Portions of WMUs 3B, 4E and 2G): Dec. 1-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. All of WMU 3C. Also, in that portion of 3B, East of Rt. 14 from Troy to Canton, East of Rt. 154 from Canton to Rt. 220 at Laporte and East of Rt. 42 from Laporte to Rt. 118 and that portion of 4E, East of Rt. 42. Also, in that portions of WMUs 2G in Lycoming and Clinton counties, and 3B in Lycoming County, that lie North of the West Branch of the Susquehanna River from the Rt. 405 Bridge, West to Rt. 15 at Williamsport, Rt. 15 to Rt. 220, and North of Rt. 220 to the Mill Hall exit, North of S.R. 2015 to Rt. 150; East of Rt. 150 to Lusk Run Road and South of Lusk Run Road to Rt. 120, Rt. 120 to Veterans Street Bridge to S.R. 1001; East of S.R. 1001 to Croak Hollow Road, South of Croak Hollow Road to Rt. 664 (at Swissdale), South of Rt. 664 to Little Plum Road (the intersection of S.R. 1003), South of S.R. 1003 to S.R. 1006, South of S.R. 1006 to Sulphur Run Road, South of Sulphur Run Road to Rt. 44, East of Rt. 44 to Rt. 973, South of Rt. 973 to Rt. 87, West of Rt. 87 to Rt. 864, south of Rt. 864 to Rt. 220 and West of Rt. 220 to Rt. 405 and West of Rt. 405 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 3-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Rockview State Correctional Institution): Dec. 1-6. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year. Prior approval must be obtained from prison to hunt.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 3-8. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Sept. 1-27, 2008. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlerless Only) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 20-Oct. 3, Nov. 17-29 and Dec. 15-23. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Oct. 4-Nov. 15 and Dec. 26-Jan. 10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Dec. 1-13. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 1-5. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B: Dec. 6-13. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 23-25. Junior and Senior License Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 18-25. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 10. One antlered per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, Antlerless (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 15-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 24. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.