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Beaver County Sportsmen's Conservation League

To promote and foster, the protection and conservation of our wildlife resources

PRELIMINARY 2023-24 HUNTING & TRAPPING SEASONS APPROVED

February 2, 2023 by BCSCL Staff

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to the 2023-24 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits.

Modifications proposed for the 2023-24 seasons include:

 

  • For black bear, WMUs 1B, 2C, 4A, 4B and 4D would be removed from the extended firearms black bear season because of declining nuisance complaints in these units.
  • For elk, the proposed archery season would be a week later than in 2022-23 to provide additional time between the license drawing and the beginning of the season.
  • For furbearers, WMUs 3B and 4E would be opened to river otter trapping because habitat and population data indicate that these units can support sustainable otter harvest.
  • For small game, a significant expansion of opportunity for put-and-take hunting of captive-reared bobwhite quail in most of Pennsylvania is proposed through an earlier season opening date, later season closing date, and removal of the daily bag limit. Also, adjustments to crow season dates and addition of Thursdays as hunting days are proposed to shift hunting opportunity from the peak breeding season to the fall and winter months.
  • For falconry, an expansion of falconry opportunities, to include the period of overlap with the regular firearms deer season and the authorization of falconers to take certain furbearers are proposed.
  • No substantive changes are proposed for white-tailed deer or wild turkey seasons, although the 2024 youth and regular spring turkey seasons are proposed to open five days later than in 2023 due to normal calendar fluctuation and the wild turkey management plan guideline of opening the regular season the Saturday closest to May 1. The seasons and bag limits preliminarily approved by the board would continue with a Saturday opener to the firearms deer season. Prior to their vote, the board reviewed recent license data showing a positive change following the implementation of the Saturday opener. In particular, the license data showed that the move to a Saturday opener was followed by increased license sales by hunters ages 18 to 34 and female hunters. The board will vote to finalize the 2023-24 season dates, including those for the firearms deer season, at its upcoming meeting on April 15, 2023. The board also preliminarily approved a measure that would make all mentored hunters, including mentored adults, eligible to participate in the October special firearms season for antlerless deer and bears.

 

The public may offer comments on all proposed 2023-24 seasons and bag limits, as well as other board actions, between now and the board’s April meeting, when 2023-24 seasons and bag limits will be finalized, and antlerless deer license allocations will be determined.

The board will meet April 14 and 15 at the Game Commission’s Harrisburg headquarters.

PROPOSED 2023-24 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

 

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Sept. 9-23 (6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Sept. 9-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 29, 2024 (6 daily, 18 possession).

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 14-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24 and Dec. 11-23 (2 daily, 6 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Sept. 30–Oct. 14 (4 daily, 12 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 14-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 29, 2024 (4 daily, 12 possession).

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 7-14 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.

PHEASANT: Oct. 21-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Feb. 29, 2024 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male and female pheasants may be taken in all WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-March 30, 2024. No limit. There is no open season for the taking of bobwhite quail in the Letterkenny Army Depot Bobwhite Quail Recovery Area.

HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, 2024, statewide (1 daily, 3 possession).

WOODCHUCK (GROUNDHOG): July 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24 and Dec. 11-June 29, 2024. No limit.

CROW: Aug. 24-March 24, 2024, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.

STARLING AND ENGLISH SPARROW: No closed season, except during the regular firearms deer season. No limit.

WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): WMU 2B – Oct. 28–Nov. 17 and Nov. 22-24; WMUs 1A, 1B, 4A, 4B, 4D and 4E – Oct. 28-Nov. 4; WMUs 2A, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4C – Oct. 28-Nov. 11; WMUs 2C, 2D and 2E – Oct. 28-Nov. 11 and Nov. 22-24; 5B – Oct. 31-Nov. 2; WMUs 5A, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored hunters 16 and under – April 27, 2024. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt. Hunting hours end at noon.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): May 4-31, 2024. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.) From May 4-18, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 20-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

BLACK BEAR, ARCHERY (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Sept. 16-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19 and Nov. 20-24. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR, ARCHERY (WMU 5B): Sept. 30–Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12 and Nov. 13-17. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR, ARCHERY (WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A): Oct. 14-Nov. 4. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR, MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 14-21. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR, SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide): Oct. 19-21, Junior and Senior License Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only. 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. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 18, Sunday Nov. 19 and Nov. 20-21. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A): Nov. 25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-Dec. 2. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D): Nov. 25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-Dec. 9. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

ELK, ARCHERY: Sept. 16-30. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Oct. 30-Nov. 4. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.

ELK, LATE: Dec. 30-Jan. 6, 2024. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 16-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 27, 2024. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. One antlered deer per hunting license year.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Sept. 30–Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-17 and Dec. 26-Jan. 15, 2024. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 14-21. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide): Oct. 19-21. Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Youth Permit Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in 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, REGULAR FIREARMS (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Nov. 25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-Dec. 9. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 15, 2024. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 27, 2024. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 27, 2024. 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.

 

 

PROPOSED 2023-24 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS

 

COYOTE: No closed season. No limit. Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.

FOX: Oct. 21-Feb. 17, 2024. No limit. Sunday hunting permitted.

RACCOON: Oct. 21-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-Feb. 17, 2024. No limit.

OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNK and WEASEL: No closed season, except during the firearms deer season. No Sunday hunting with the exceptions of Nov. 12, Sunday Nov. 19 and Nov. 26. No limits.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 6-31, 2024. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

PORCUPINE: Oct. 7-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-24, Dec. 11-23 and Dec. 26-Jan. 27, 2024. (3 daily, season limit of 10).

 

 

PROPOSED 2023-24 TRAPPING SEASONS

 

MINK and MUSKRAT: Nov. 18-Jan. 7, 2024. No limits.

COYOTE, FOX, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, STRIPED SKUNK and WEASEL: Oct. 21-Feb. 18, 2024. No limits.

COYOTE and FOX, CABLE RESTRAINTS (Statewide): Dec. 26-Feb. 18, 2024. No limits. Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.

BEAVER (Statewide): Dec. 16-March 31, 2024 (Limits vary depending on WMU).

BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 16-Jan. 7, 2024. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

FISHER (WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 16-31. One fisher per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

RIVER OTTER (WMUs 1A, 1B, 2F, 3B, 3C, 3D and 4E): Feb. 10-17, 2024. One river otter per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

 

 

PROPOSED 2023-24 FALCONRY SEASONS

 

SQUIRRELS (combined): Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (6 daily, 18 possession).

BOBWHITE QUAIL Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (No limit).

RUFFED GROUSE Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (2 daily, 6 possession).

COTTONTAIL RABBIT Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (4 daily, 12 possession).

SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARES Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (1 daily, 3 possession).

PHEASANT (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (2 daily, 6 possession).

MINK, MUSKRAT, FOX, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, STRIPED SKUNK and WEASEL Sept. 1-Nov. 11, Sunday Nov. 12, Nov. 13-18, Sunday Nov. 19, Nov. 20-25, Sunday Nov. 26 and Nov. 27-March 30, 2024 (No limits).

 

No open season during the regular firearms deer season.

No hunting on Sundays with the exceptions of Nov. 12, Nov. 19 and Nov. 26.

No open season on other wild birds or mammals.

 

Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons to be established in accordance with federal regulations at a later date.

 

 

 

 

 

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

Episode 33 Know Your Public Land and Its History

February 2, 2023 by BCSCL Staff

Whether you hunt, fish, hike, or simply enjoy viewing wildlife, Pennsylvania has millions of acres of public lands for you to take advantage of. Host Matt Morrett is joined by Division Chief of Habitat Planning and Development of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Scott Bearer and Chief of the Forest Resource Planning and Information Division of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Seth Cassell.

The Game Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources both have conservation at the core of their missions, however there are some differences when it comes to managing public lands. Learn how these two agencies work together for recreation, conservation and the betterment of Pennsylvania.

Listen here or on your favorite podcasting platform.

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

Meeting Highlights PA Board of Game Commissioners

February 2, 2023 by BCSCL Staff

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met Saturday, Jan. 28, at the Pennsylvania Game Commission headquarters in Harrisburg. Read updates at the links below.

* MEETING HIGHLIGHTS can be found here.

* PRELIMINARY* 2023-24 HUNTING & TRAPPING SEASONS APPROVED and can be found here.

The public may offer comments on all proposed 2023-24 seasons and bag limits, as well as other board actions, between now and the board’s meeting on April 14-15, when 2023-24 seasons and bag limits will be finalized, and antlerless deer license allocations will be determined.

Email us at pgccomments@pa.gov for your comments to be shared with the board.

Call us with questions at 1-833-PGC-WILD.

Visit us online at pgc.pa.gov to learn more.

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

PA Hunters Update Your Contact Information In Hunt Fish PA

February 2, 2023 by BCSCL Staff

www.huntfish.pa.gov

A new state law, Act 148 of 2022, allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to modernize and simplify how Pennsylvania’s antlerless deer licenses are sold. The new antlerless licensing process proposes that hunters will be able to purchase antlerless deer licenses, for the 2023-24 license year, online at www.huntfish.pa.gov, or at any in-store hunting license issuing agent.

Pennsylvania’s general hunting licenses are preliminarily scheduled to go on sale on Monday, June 26, 2023, at 8 a.m. It is proposed that resident hunters would be able to purchase one antlerless license at that time. The new process proposes to include four rounds of sales. The new process is scheduled to be voted on by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners at its meeting on April 15, 2023.

Please ensure your contact information is correct in your online profile, at www.huntfish.pa.gov, so the agency can be in direct contact with information related to the new process, once approved by the board this spring.

Have questions? Call the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-HUNT. Opening day of hunting license sales is a BIG day in PA. The agency asks for hunters’ patience, in advance, as this is a major change in the way antlerless licenses are distributed.

THANK YOU FOR BEING A PENNSYLVANIA HUNTER!

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

Pennsylvania’s 2023-24 elk hunting seasons!

February 2, 2023 by BCSCL Staff

Three seasons (archery, general, and late) have been preliminarily approved by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners. 

 🔸 APPLY for just $11.97 per season. Or $35.91 to apply for all three. Applications can be purchased online at www.huntfish.pa.gov or at any in-store hunting license vendor. [Review Elk Hunt Zone descriptions here.]. 

 🔸 Seasons and bag limits will be approved at the board meeting on April 15, 2023. *Changes can be made to application preferences (hunt zones and sex) until the application period closes on Sunday, July 16, 2023. 

 🔸 Important changes have been made to the application timeframe in response to the adjustment of the drawing date, which will take place on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at the Keystone Elk Country Alliance’s Elk Expo, in Benezette, PA. The drawing date was moved up to allow archery elk hunters more time to prepare. 

Watch this video on how to apply for a Pennsylvania elk hunting license online.

Learn more about elk hunting in PA here. 

GOOD LUCK! Thank you for being a Pennsylvania hunter and supporting wildlife conservation in the Keystone State. 

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

Safe Hunting Tips

October 5, 2022 by BCSCL Staff

STEPS to Safe Tree Stand Hunting

By remembering these STEPS to tree stand safety, you can reduce your risk of falling and be prepared to signal for help if you do fall.

Safety harness or belt: Always wear a full-body safety harness whenever your feet leave the ground. Tree stand maintenance: Check your stand for missing or broken parts before each use. Evaluate your stand site: Select trees that are alive and will support your weight. Partners and plans: Hunt with a partner and have a plan in case of an emergency. Signals: Carry a whistle or other signaling device should you need assistance.

Also, after you are secured in the stand, use a haul line to bring gear up to you. Make sure firearms are unloaded with the action open. For more tips, take this free online treestand safety courseOpens In A New Window.

Hunting Safety Tips

  • Positively identify your target. Be sure you are shooting at legal game. Never shoot at sounds or movement.
  • Stay in the zone! Hunters should be spaced 25 to 40 yards apart, and always in sight of one another. Each hunter’s zone of fire spans about 45 degrees directly in front of the hunter. Never shoot at game moving between you and someone else. Follow the link for more information on maintaining your safe zone-of-fireOpens In A New Window.
  • Plan your hunt! Let someone know where you’re hunting and when you’ll return.
  • Buckle up! If you hunt from an elevated stand, always wear a full-body, fall-restraint device as soon as your feet leave the ground until they return.
  • Keep fit! Hunting is hard work. Don’t become a statistic. keep physically fit. Start with a check-up and follow your doctor’s advice.
  • Stay found! Become familiar with your hunting area. Learn how to use a map and compass or GPS unit. Be prepared for emergencies. Carry a basic survival kitOpens In A New Window and know how to use it.
  • Be seen! Wear or display the required amount of fluorescent orange clothing.

Turkey Hunting Safety Tips

To keep turkey huntingOpens In A New Window a safe and enjoyable activity, follow these rules:
  • Positively identify your target! Be certain the bird is fully and plainly visible before pulling the trigger. Don’t shoot at sounds or movement.
  • Never stalk a turkey! Movement or sounds you think are a turkey may be another hunter. Be patient; let the bird come to you.
  • Protect your back. Select a large tree, rock or other natural barrier while calling. Hunt in open woods.
  • Shout “STOP” to alert approaching hunters. Never move, wave or make turkey sounds to alert others of your position.
  • Dress to be safe. Never wear red, white, blue or black clothing. These are the colors found on mature gobblers.
  • Cover up. Don’t carry harvested birds in the open. Cover them with fluorescent orange or completely conceal from view in a game bag.
  • Be seen. Wear or display the required amount of fluorescent orange, particularly when moving.

Primary Firearm Safety Rules

When using a firearm, be sure to follow these five primary safety rules. You can remember these rules by thinking SMARTOpens In A New Window.

Safe Direction: Keep your firearm pointed in a safe direction at all times.
Make sure: Positively identify your target.
Always check: Know what’s beyond your target before shooting.
Respect firearms: Treat all firearms as if they are loaded.
Trigger caution: Don’t touch the trigger until you are ready to shoot.

More information on Game Commission website

 

Filed Under: Hunting, PA Game Commission

Statewide Regular Firearms Deer Season Begins Saturday, Nov. 27

November 25, 2021 by BCSCL Staff

Pennsylvania’s 2021 statewide regular firearms deer season begins this Saturday, Nov. 27 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 11.

The statewide, 14-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season is intended to simplify regulations and provide increased opportunity, especially for younger hunters.

Don’t forget, hunters who harvest a deer, (and/or bear, elk or turkey), must properly fill out and tag their harvest before the carcass is moved.  Additionally, this year, hunters will have to notch the date of the harvest on the new, green tags.  Details about how to properly tag big game can be found on page 22 of the 2021-22 Hunting and Trapping Digest or online at www.pgc.pa.gov. 

Don’t forget, those who hunt on private land are required to carry written permission from the landowner when hunting on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.  Click here for more details about Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania.

Hunt PA Link for Deer Season

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

NEWLY DETECTED CWD-POSITIVE LEADS TO DMA3 EXPANSION AND A NEW DMA

November 9, 2021 by BCSCL Staff

HARRISBURG, PA – A CWD-positive deer recently detected in Jefferson County has led to new regulations to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission today announced the expansion of Disease Management Area 3 (DMA 3) and the creation of a new DMA (DMA 6).

Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a road-killed deer on the northern boundary of DMA3 prompted these changes. The adult male was collected as part of ongoing CWD surveillance efforts.

CWD affects deer, elk, and other members of the deer family. The disease is fatal to any deer or elk infected with it, and CWD has no treatment or cure.

When a new CWD-positive is detected in either a wild or captive deer or elk in Pennsylvania, a Disease Management Area (DMA) is established. DMAs are created to reduce risk of human-assisted spread of CWD.

This new CWD detection is within 2 miles of Pennsylvania’s elk management area. The short distance to the elk management area required creating DMA 6 within the elk management area. DMA 6 will prevent high-risk parts from the entirety of DMA 3 being moved into the elk management area.

“If a CWD-positive animal is found within any elk hunt zone, all elk hunt zones will become a DMA due to the behavior and longer distance movements of elk,” said Andrea Korman, Game Commission CWD wildlife biologist. “If this were to occur, the impact on deer and elk populations, hunters, and the public will be significant. Although this has not occurred yet, this newly found positive deer shows how close it is.”

DMA 6 was created to restrict movement of high-risk parts into the elk management area and to restrict human activities known to increase disease risk.

Within all DMAs, it is unlawful to:

 

  • Remove or export any deer or elk high-risk parts (e.g., head, spinal column, and spleen) from a DMA. This also prevents movement of high-risk parts between adjacent DMAs
  • Use or possess deer or elk urine-based attractants
  • Directly or indirectly feed wild, free-ranging deer. It is already illegal to feed elk regardless of DMA location
  • Rehabilitate wild, free-ranging deer or elk

To increase surveillance around the detection, a new DMAP Unit (#4760) was also created. Over 1,300 permits have been made available for this unit and allow hunters to take up to two additional antlerless deer. Hunters can get DMAP permits by providing the unit number (4760) online or at license-issuing agents.

In conjunction with the additional hunting opportunities, hunters are asked to provide samples for CWD testing. Submitting harvested deer heads for CWD testing helps determine the extent of CWD infection.

The Game Commission offers free CWD testing within the DMAs. Hunters should deposit the heads of deer they harvest with properly filled out and legible harvest tags in one of the head-collection containers the Game Commission provides within DMAs. Locations of head-collection containers can be found at http://bit.ly/PGC-CWDMapOpens In A New Window. Antlers should be removed from bucks before the double-bagged head is placed in a collection container. Hunters can check for their test results online or by calling the CWD hotline (1-833-INFOCWD).

For deer hunters in DMAs – especially those who live outside the DMA – it’s important to plan their hunt and know ahead of time what they will do with any deer harvested. Since high-risk cervid parts can’t be removed from any DMA, even if they share a boundary like DMAs 3 and 6, successful hunters cannot transport whole deer outside the DMA.

Hunters can take deer they harvest to a processor within the DMA or on the list of approved processors for the DMA where they harvested the deer. The list of approved processors and taxidermists is available at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD. Approved processors properly dispose of the high-risk parts. Hunters can also dispose of high-risk parts in trash that is destined for a landfill or quarter the animal and leave the high-risk parts at the kill site. The meat, antlers (free of brain material) and other low-risk parts then can be transported outside the DMA.

Deer hunters getting taxidermy mounts also must take their harvests to a taxidermist within the DMA or on the list of approved processors and taxidermists for the DMA in which they harvested the deer available at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD.

Although CWD has not been documented in humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends never eating the meat of a CWD-positive deer.

Much more information on CWD is available at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD.

DMA 3 boundary has been expanded and is as follows:

Beginning at the southernmost point at the intersection of State Highway 403 and State Highway 286 in the town of Clymer, proceed east on State Highway 286 for 4.9 miles to State Highway 240. Follow in State Highway 240 east for 8.5 miles to the intersection of US Highway 219. Follow US Highway 219 north for 2.4 miles to Sylvis Road. Follow Sylvis Road east for 5.8 miles to the intersection of State Highway 36. Follow State Highway 36 east for 8.8 miles to the intersection of La Jose Road (SR-3016) in Newburg. Follow La Jose Road east for 3.6 miles becoming Cherry Corner Road (SR-3005) for another .3 mile to the intersection of Marron Road (SR-3016). Turn left onto Marron Road and follow northeast for 2.7 miles to the intersection of State Road 729. Follow State Road 729 east for .9 miles to the intersection of Old Station Road. Follow Old Station Road (SR-2012) east for 2.4 miles to the intersection of Douglas Road (SR-3007). Continue east on Douglas Road for .3 miles to the intersection of Zion Road (SR-2012) near New Millport. Follow Zion Road east for 4.5 miles to the intersection of Faunce Road (SR-2012). Turn right and follow Faunce Road east for 3.1 miles becoming Sanborn Road (SR-2012) in Woodward Township. Continue east on Sanborn Road for 2.5 miles to the intersection of State Highway 153. Follow State Highway 153 north for 5 miles to the intersection of Valley Road (SR-2027). Follow Valley Road north for 2.1 miles becoming Hogback Hill Road (SR-2027). Continue north on Hogback Hill Road for 1 mile to the intersection of Main Street in Mineral Springs. Turn right on Main Street for .2 miles to the intersection of Bigler Cutoff Road. Turn left on Bigler Cutoff Road for .1 miles to the intersection of US Highway 322. Follow US Highway 322 east for .7 miles to the intersection of State Highway 970. Follow State Highway 970 north for 1.5 miles to the intersection of Interstate Highway 80. Follow I-80 west for 26.4 miles to the exit for State Highway 219 north. Follow State Highway 219 north for 21.2 miles to Boot Jack becoming State Route 948. Follow State Route 948 for 4.2 miles to the Clarion River in Ridgway. Follow the Clarion River for 28.3 miles to Bridge Road. Continue south on Bridge Road for 0.05 mile to the intersection of State Highway 949. Turn right on State Highway 949 and continue west for 16.3 miles to the intersection of US Highway 322 in Corsica. Follow US Highway 322 east for 0.3 miles to the intersection of State Highway 949. Follow State Highway 949 south for 4.2 miles to the intersection of State Highway 28. Follow State Highway 28 south for 13.2 miles to the intersection of State Highway 839 in New Bethlehem. Follow State Highway 839 south for 21 miles to State Highway 85. Follow State Highway 85 south for 11.7 miles to the intersection of US Highway 119 in the town of Home. Turn left on US Highway 119 and follow 3.4 miles to the intersection of State Highway 403 in Marion Center. Follow State Highway 403 south for 8.5 miles to Clymer at the place of beginning.

DMA 6 is in portions of Clearfield, Elk, and Jefferson Counties and its exact boundary is as follows:

Beginning at the northeast corner at the intersection of Chicken Hill Road and State Route 948 in the town of Kersey, proceed south on Chicken Hill Road for 0.9 mile becoming South Kersey Road. Follow South Kersey Road south for 1.4 miles. Continue straight onto Boone Mountain Road for 6.5 miles to the intersection with State Route 153. Turn left onto State Route 153 and continue south 4.9 miles to State Route 255. Turn right on State Route 255 and continue south for 9.5 miles to Interstate Highway 80. Turn right on Interstate Highway 80 and continue west 4.4 miles to State Highway 219. Turn right on State Highway 219 and continue north 21.1 miles to State Route 948. Turn right on State Route 948 and proceed east for 5.3 miles to Kersey at the place of beginning.

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/game-commission-details.aspx?newsid=513

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

OPERATION GAME THIEF PROTECTS PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE

November 9, 2021 by BCSCL Staff

HARRISBURG, PA – Poachers are thieves. Help us catch them. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) program protects wild birds and wild mammals by encouraging those with information related to wildlife crimes to report it as soon as possible. Wildlife crimes affect everyone and reporting illegal wildlife activity helps to protect wildlife for current and future generations.

To confidentially report information, call the Operation Game Thief’s toll-free hotline – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – at 1-888-PGC-8001 or fill out an online form at http://bit.ly/PGCOGTOpens In A New Window. Follow the “Operation Game Thief, Pennsylvania Game Commission” Facebook pageOpens In A New Window for current cases.

“Whether you’re a hunter, a trapper, a bird watcher or someone who enjoys walking in the woods, wildlife crimes affect us all,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “If you saw someone breaking into your neighbor’s house or witnessed someone shoplifting at a store, you would likely report it to the appropriate authorities. Reporting poaching incidents should be no different, as it is theft of a natural resource.”

With more than 1,500 submissions per year, Pennsylvania’s OGT program is the third-busiest in the nation behind Texas and Florida. The Game Commission averages a less than 20-minute turnaround from when an OGT tip comes in until an officer is dispatched to the incident

The illegal shooting or taking of big game or protected, endangered or threatened species, or any crime against those species should be reported through OGT. Other violations should be reported to the Game Commission region office serving the county in which the violation took place as quickly as possible.

To make an OGT report, share as many details as possible, including: a description of what was seen and the species involved; the date and time of the occurrence; the county, township and/or address of where the event occurred; a description of the person(s) height, weight, hair color, eye color, approximate age, tattoo or other distinguishing features, clothing, sporting arm, etc.; and a description of a vehicle(s) color, make, model, dents, decals, bumper stickers, license plate number and state, road/route and/or direction of travel.

If the suspected violation involves the killing of big game animals, or threatened or endangered species, an additional $500 penalty may be added to fines levied upon those found guilty of Game and Wildlife Code violations. The $500 enhanced penalty goes into a special fund from which half the amount ($250) may be paid to the individual who provided the information that led to the conviction. The remainder is used to offset the costs of the OGT program. Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania (COPA) also fully support the OGT program. COPA also supplies rewards in many incidents that lead to the successful prosecution of many Game and Wildlife code violations.

“Poaching is not hunting,” said Burhans. “Ethical hunters are conservationists who follow hunting rules, laws, season and bag limits when legally harvesting game. Poachers selfishly ignore the rules and illegally take wildlife from the landscape. Unfortunately, an increase in OGT reports usually occurs during the fall and winter months which is why we’re reminding the public about the program now.”

The Game Commission manages 136 districts across Pennsylvania’s more than 46,000 square miles. Currently 116 full-time state game wardens are assigned to those districts statewide. The eyes and ears of the public are crucial to wildlife protection efforts across the state.

The agency’s podcast “Call of the Outdoors,” featured OGT program managers in Episode 21: Operation Game Thief Protects Pennsylvania WildlifeOpens In A New Window. Podcast episodes are available on www.calloftheoutdoorspgc.comOpens In A New Window, Apple Podcasts, Google Play Store, iHeartRadio, Spotify and Stitcher.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is the state’s wildlife agency which manages and protects wildlife and their habitats, while promoting hunting and trapping, for current and future generations. More information about OGT and the agency is available online at www.pgc.pa.gov.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

Hunters Sharing The Harvest

November 9, 2021 by BCSCL Staff

Since 1991, Hunters Sharing the Harvest venison donation program has coordinated the processing and distribution of donated deer meat and wild game from hunters and municipal herd reduction resources to hungry people throughout Pennsylvania.  An average-sized deer will provide enough high protein, low fat meat for 200 meals.

This hunter-inspired community service outreach effectively channels hunter donated venison through a network of approved deer processors, food banks and some local charitable provider organizations throughout Pennsylvania’s urban and rural communities.  Visit www.sharedeer.org or call 866-474-2142 for more information.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

 

Filed Under: PA Game Commission

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