Game Commission Approves Managed Dove Fields
Board also strengthens public hunting requirement in deer-control permits.
HARRISBURG, PA - The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to allow mourning dove hunting in managed dove fields, areas where grain or other agricultural or natural food has been scattered where it’s grown. Food or grain not naturally grown on the site cannot be added to managed fields.
Grain can be manipulated in managed fields until Sept. 15 through mowing, shredding, discing, rolling, chopping, trampling, flattening, burning or herbicide treatments.
CREATING CLARITY FOR DEER CONTROL PERMITS
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a measure that will strengthen the “public hunting” component for deer-control permits the Game Commission issues for deer problems on private and public properties, often within suburban and urban areas.
The goal of this permit revision is to improve the use and prominence of public hunting without unduly restricting the effectiveness of a deer-control permit.
Permit criteria always had stipulated that lawful hunting be allowed on public lands seeking deer-control permits, unless waived by the agency’s executive director. Often applicants established organized control hunts, while others have organized or invited hunting clubs to help reduce deer numbers. Still others invited only local government employees to engage in hunting on the permitted properties.
Apply Electronically For Goose Blind Hunts
Goose hunters in the 2018-19 license year again must apply online or in person to enter the drawing to hunt from goose blinds at Middle Creek and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Areas.
Applicants can apply online by visiting the Goose Blind Application link on the Waterfowl Hunting and Conservation page at www.pgc.pa.gov.
Those who do not have internet access can fill out the electronic application in person at the following locations:
Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center
100 Museum Road
Stevens, PA 17578
Pennsylvania Game Commission Northwest Regional Office
1509 Pittsburgh Road
Franklin, PA 16323
Pennsylvania Game Commission Headquarters
2001 Elmerton Ave.
Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797
Antlerless Licenses To Go On Sale July 9
If you haven’t yet purchased your 2018-19 Pennsylvania hunting license, now might be the time.
The new license year began July 1, so only 2018-19 licenses are valid when hunting or using Game Commission shooting ranges. And the sale of 2018-19 antlerless deer licenses is about to begin, and only hunters holding valid general licenses may apply.
Pennsylvania residents are given preference in applying for antlerless licenses, and resident hunters may apply for their first antlerless licenses beginning Monday, July 9.
Nonresidents may submit their first applications a week later, beginning Monday, July 16.
The application dates identified in the Game Commission’s 2018 Pennsylvania Wildlife Calendar do not represent the beginning of the application period.
There have been some slight modifications to the pink envelopes in which antlerless license applications are sent. The check boxes on the face of the envelope, which identify whether one, two or three applications are being sent, and whether the applicants are residents or nonresidents, have been grouped in one box. And peel-and-stick strips on the edges of the envelope have replaced the moisten-and-seal adhesive. Otherwise, the envelope essentially is the same. And the old envelopes still will be accepted by county treasurers.
2018-19 Pocket Guide Available Online
License buyers should make certain they were issued the booklet they wanted.
To ensure they’re informed before heading afield, those purchasing Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker licenses receive a complimentary pocket guide that summarizes seasons, bag limits, hunting hours and other basic requirements.
Whether buying licenses for 2017-18 or 2018-19, license buyers should make certain they’re receiving the pocket guide for the correct license year.
Through most of June, sales for the current 2017-18 license year and upcoming 2018-19 license year occur simultaneously, and it’s possible some license buyers are issued the wrong pocket guide.
The 2018-19 pocket guide is available online on the 2018-19 Hunting and Trapping Digest homepage, which can be accessed under Quick Clicks at www.pgc.pa.gov. The pocket guide can be printed at home on 8 1/2- by 14-inch legal paper.
Pocket guides also are available at the Game Commission’s headquarters and region offices.
The 2017-18 license year ends June 30 and the 2018-19 license year begins July 1.
Second Annual Wild Pheasant Youth Hunt Announced
Game Commission and Pheasants Forever invite junior hunters to pursue wild birds once again.
For the second year in a row, 48 junior hunters will have the chance this fall to harvest wild pheasant roosters in Pennsylvania.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission today announced the application process for the second annual Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area (WPRA) youth hunt.
Junior hunters between the ages of 12 and 16 are eligible to apply, and each applicant must obtain a 2018-19 Pennsylvania junior hunting or combination license, as well as a free 2018-19 junior pheasant permit, prior to applying. Applications must be filled out online and submitted by the close of business on Friday, Aug. 3.
Applicants will be selected at random during a Aug. 17 drawing, and those who are selected for permits will be notified by Aug. 24.
Youth hunters will be assigned one Saturday hunt date, either the morning of Nov. 3 or Nov. 10, and each hunter will be assigned a “hunt mentor” to ensure safety and guide the permittee. The Game Commission encourages each permittee to be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian so the experience can be shared. Following the hunt, permittees and their guests are invited to attend a free luncheon provided by Pheasants Forever.
2017 Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer Awards
Deputy Waterways Conservation Officers (DWCOs),
working with Waterways Conservation Officers (WCOs),
perform mainly specialized law enforcement duties in
protecting, conserving and enhancing the Commonwealth’s
aquatic resources.
Read more: 2017 Deputy Waterways Conservation Officer Awards
Final Hunting And Trapping Seasons Approved
Commissioners allocate 838,000 antlerless licenses for 2018-19.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2018-19 license year.
A list of all seasons and bag limits appears at the end of this news release.
The commissioners also set the number of antlerless deer licenses to be allocated, as well as the number of elk licenses to be allocated for the coming license year.
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