The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s start-up was anything but easy.
Established by law in 1895, the agency’s existence hinged on an appropriation that could be used only for postage.
The six commissioners and chief game protector financed operations from their own pockets, with a handful of wardens working for half the fine money they collected.
With the timely establishment of a resident hunting license to provide indispensable capital, and through partnering with legislators to strengthen wildlife laws, the Game Commission quickly became a leader in wildlife conservation that attracted attention and requests for guidance from across the country.
Depleted game populations were brought back, songbirds were protected, a state game lands system was assembled to provide habitat and hunting opportunities, and laws to ensure fair-chase and fair-share standards were enforced to enhance the experiences of all Pennsylvanians who cared about The Great Outdoors.
These 125 years, the agency has held true to the same principles on which it was founded. The Pennsylvania Game Commission remains a national leader in conservation.
While it’s true the agency in the past century and a quarter has assumed greater responsibilities and today carries out its mission amid shrinking habitat statewide and mounting concerns for wildlife’s wellbeing, the Game Commission’s resolve to protect and manage wildlife and habitat is as resolute now as ever.
Learn more at www.pgc.pa.gov
Tracy A. Graziano: script, cinematography, editing, graphics Hal Korber: cinematography Joe Kosack: script Jack Hicks: narrator Music licensed through stockmusic.net “Legends” by Kirkhaug, 407 Productions “Guardians of Hope” by Kirkhaug, 407 Productions “Reconstruction” by Marshall Smith, APRA