Release #056-10
June 1, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us

 
GAME COMMISSION REGION BOUNDARY CHANGE IMPACTS YORK COUNTY

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that York County residents who need to contact one of the agency’s three full-time Wildlife Conservation Officers should direct their inquiries to the Southcentral Region Office, headquartered in Huntingdon, Huntingdon County. 

Calls for WCO services would include those seeking to report a hunting or trapping violations or violations against wildlife, requesting a speaker for a wildlife education program, or those interested in serving as a volunteer Deputy WCO or instructor for the agency’s Hunter-Trapper Education programs.

Roe noted that, in the past, York County residents had been directed to contact the agency’s Southeast Region Office in Reading, Berks County.

“This transfer of responsibility for servicing York County was made following an internal review to improve efficiency and workload distribution,” Roe said. “The transition should not directly impact the public, as the current three Wildlife Conservation Officers will remain in their York County districts and continue to provide the exemplary service they always have.”

Roe also noted that all other inquires relating to the Game Commission’s other programs, such as land management or State Game Lands, habitat management on private lands or wildlife management, should continue to be directed to the agency’s Southeast Region Office in Reading, Berks County.

The Game Commission’s Southcentral Region Office is at 8627 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, PA 16652.  The telephone number is 814-643-1831.  In addition to York County, the Southcentral Region Office also serves residents of Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry and Snyder counties.

The Game Commission’s Southeast Region Office is at 448 Snyder Rd., Reading, PA 19605.  The telephone number is 610-926-3136.  The Southeast Region Office serves residents of Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties.

Release #55-10
May 26, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSION ENROLLS 28TH CLASS OF WCO CADETS
 

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s 28th Class of Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Cadets recently took up residence at the agency’s Ross Leffler School of Conservation, which adjoins the headquarters building along Elmerton Avenue in Harrisburg.

The class, comprising 23 men and one woman, will undergo 49 weeks of training, including field duty with veteran officers, before graduation in March of 2011, which will mark the 75th Anniversary of the agency’s graduation of its first class of WCOs. 

“The 24 individuals who made it into the 28th Class were chosen from a field of more than 900 applications,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “They now will be challenged to successfully complete the 49 weeks of intensive training.  Those who pass will join a proud team of Wildlife Conservation Officers, and be entrusted by the public to protect and conserve Pennsylvania’s wildlife resources and habitats and enforce the state’s hunting and trapping laws.”

Cadets were selected through a series of written tests, interview boards and physical examinations. Training will include subjects such as: wildlife management; law enforcement; legal procedures; physical fitness; firearms proficiency; unarmed self-defense; land management practices; computer skills; conservation education; and public relations. Cadets will be evaluated throughout the weeks and required to meet stringent standards to continue.

Upon graduation, each cadet will be commissioned a Wildlife Conservation Officer and given an assignment within the Commonwealth.  Following a probationary period of at least one year, the WCO’s performance will be evaluated and, if acceptable, he/she will be granted permanent status.  Continued training will be required on a regular basis for certain skills, such as firearms proficiency and legal updates.  Other advanced skills training may be offered on a voluntary basis.

Of the 24 individuals enrolled in this class, 13 have college or advanced degrees; six are veterans; nine have served as Deputy WCOs for the Game Commission; three had served as full-time Game Commission employees in other capacities; and two worked for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  Other careers included probation and parole officers; security officers; construction foreman; cook; electrician; sales technician; utility line worker; business owner; corrections officer; forklift driver; bank customer services associate; counselor; sales manager; animal care technician; lawn care business crew leader; and aquatics specialist.

The minimum age of those enrolled is 24 years, the maximum is 50 years.

Officer cadets and their hometowns are: Steven Ace, Knox, Clarion County; Kevin Anderson, New Bloomfield, Perry County; Christopher Bergman, Monongahela, Washington County; Edward Berryman, Zionsville, Lehigh County; Ronda Bimber, Lucinda, Clarion County; Brandon Bonin, Patton, Cambria County; Daniel Bookser, Pittsburgh, Allegheny County; Matthew Chipego, Noxen, Wyoming County; Jeremy Coughenour, Berlin, Somerset County; Eric Erdman, Milton, Northumberland County; Gregory Graham, Lititz, Lancaster County; Lawrence Harris, Northampton, Northampton County; Kevin Halbfoerster, Bath, Northampton County; Kyle Jury, Halifax, Dauphin County; Jason Kelley, Rome, Bradford County; A. Wade Kramer, Lancaster, Lancaster County; Matthew Lucas, Ebensburg, Cambria County; Richard Macklem II, McElhatton, Clinton County; Daniel Murray, Elizabethtown, Lancaster County; Shawn Musser, New Cumberland, York County; Jacob Olexsak, Butler, Butler County; Michael Papinchak, Murrysville, Westmoreland County; Brian Singer, Clarks Summit, Lackawanna County; and Philip White, Bear Creek, Luzerne County.

The Game Commission has budgeted nearly $2 million to train these 24 individuals, who will help fill vacant districts throughout the state.  The agency anticipates that there may be as many as 31 vacant districts before the class graduates in March. 

Release #054-10
May 25, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSION OFFERS PROJECT WILD PROGRAMS FOR EDUCATORS

HARRISBURG – With summer recess for schools just around the corner, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is announcing a series of upcoming Project WILD professional development opportunities for educators and Scout and youth group leaders this summer throughout the state. 

Project WILD is an award-winning, international, hands-on conservation education program. Started nearly 25 years ago, Project WILD focuses on wildlife and the environment and how humans interrelate with both. WILD provides educators, primarily kindergarten through 12th grade, with interdisciplinary activities that help address state and national education standards. WILD’s materials are scientifically sound and use educational practices proven to be effective.

The basic 500-page, K-12 Project WILD Guide has more than 120 activities to help educators teach skills from observation to synthesis using a variety of environmental-related topics. The activities have been designed so educators can easily incorporate them into almost any classroom curriculum and nearly any subject, such as science, reading, English, social studies, math, civics, physical education or art.

WILD’s mission is to provide wildlife-based conservation education that fosters responsible action. WILD’s goal is to develop the awareness, skills, knowledge and commitment that are necessary for people to make informed decisions and act constructively and responsibly toward wildlife and the environment.

WILD is one of the most widely used conservation and environmental education programs among K-12 educators. Recognized as the nation’s most successful wildlife education program, WILD is bringing hundreds of thousands of students from awareness to action as conservationists worldwide each year.

Theresa Alberici coordinates the program in Pennsylvania through the Game Commission’s Bureau of Information and Education. She works closely with the Pennsylvania Department of Education as well as prominent conservation and environmental education organizations throughout the state and the country. Her dedication to wildlife and environmental awareness, along with her talents in creating curricula and ability to work with educators have earned her recognition from the state Department of Education and Pennsylvania’s conservation education community.

“Educators leave Project WILD with a renewed appreciation of wildlife and are excited about how they’re going to share what they’ve learned with their students,” Alberici said.  “This year, wildlife agencies nationwide celebrated one million educators ‘Gone WILD.’ More than one million educators have been trained in the program since Project WILD originated in 1983.

“Project WILD isn’t about teaching kids what to think about wildlife; it’s about teaching kids how to think about wildlife and giving them the skills they need to become responsibly active citizens who recognize the importance of wildlife and the environment. The milestone of training one million educators means that, through Project WILD, more than 53 million people worldwide have experience in thinking responsibly about natural resources. Last year alone, state wildlife agencies ordered more than 65,000 guides for distribution to educators across the country, reaching 1.8 million students with information on wildlife conservation.”

Following is a listing of workshops for educators scheduled for the coming months.  All workshops are approved for Act 48 hours.
 
JUNE
PROJECT WILD (2-day training): Participants will experience hands-on activities that help address Department of Education state standards.  This workshop is for formal and non-formal educators who work with youth in K-12 grades. This workshop will be held on Saturday, June 5 and 12, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, at the Prince Gallitzin State Park, 966 Marina Road, Patton, Cambria County.   Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather conditions as a portion of the class will be held outdoors. To register, please contact Intermediate Unit #8, 4500 Sixth Avenue, Altoona, at 814-940-0233 or www.iu08.org. This workshop will earn educators IU Credit and Act 48 hours.
 
Orienteering (2-day training): Educators will learn how to use a traditional map and compass, as well as GPS units, and discover how important this new technology is to wildlife and its management.  This opportunity will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 9 and 10, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, at the Game Commission Southwest Region Office, 4820 Route 711 in Bolivar, Westmoreland County. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather conditions as a portion of the class will be held outdoors.   To register, contact Intermediate Unit #1 in Coal Center at 724-938-8722 or www.solutionwhere.com. This workshop will earn educators IU Credit and Act 48 hours.
 
WILD about Elk (2-day training):  This opportunity chronicles the history and management of elk in Pennsylvania. Meet with elk biologists, habitat managers and Wildlife Conservation Officers and go out to elk range to view habitat and hopefully see elk.  This workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 15, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, June 16, from 7 a.m. to noon.  On Thursday, lunch and dinner will be provided.  A small stipend reimbursement is available to help cover cost of travel.  On June 15, participants will meet at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County, and on June 16, participants will meet in Benezette Township, Elk County, at the Game Commission’s elk viewing area on Winslow Hill on State Game Land 311.  If you are interested in receiving more information and a registration form, email Theresa Alberici at  talberici@state.pa.us, or call her at 717-787-1434.  Participants will earn Act 48 hours.
 
WILD ABOUT BEARS (2-day training): Educators will explore the world of the black bear and black bear research and management and have the opportunity to view black bears.  This workshop will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 16 and 17, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, at the Game Commission Southwest Region Office at 4820 Route 711 in Bolivar, Westmoreland County.  Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather conditions as a portion of the class will be held outdoors. To register, contact Westmoreland IU 7 in Greensburg at 724-836-2460 or www.wiu.k12.pa.us.  This opportunity will earn educators IU Credit and ACT 48 hours.
 
APPLYING WILDLIFE & NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE CLASSROOM (MSE 820.26): Wednesday through Friday, June 16-18, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This graduate-level course is offered cooperatively through Lebanon Valley College and the Pennsylvania Game Commission and is part of the Lebanon Valley College Masters of Science Education program. It is designed to increase the knowledge base of educators in grades 3-12 regarding native Pennsylvania birds and mammals. Through both classroom and field studies, participants will develop strategies to enhance their student’s learning of local ecosystems, wildlife species, habitat types and develop connections to address some of the science/technology and environment and ecology standards mandated by the state Department of Education. Field work will include explorations of various habitats, hands on educational activities as well as actual banding of waterfowl with commission biologists. For more information or to register call (717) 867-6213, toll free at 1-877-877-0423, or on-line at continuing-education@lvc.edu. Registration deadline is June 7. Participants should bring a lunch and drink, binoculars, camera, rain coat and comfortable walking shoes.
 
PA Songbirds (2-day training): Pennsylvania Songbirds is a state-specific bird education program designed for K-12.  During this workshop, participants will explore background information of songbirds and their habitat and participate in hands-on activities about birds, bird ID, people and bird habitat. This workshop is for formal and non formal educators who work with youth in K-7th grades.  This workshop will be held on Saturday, June 19 and 26, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days, at Prince Gallitzin State Park, 966 Marina Road, Patton, Cambria County.   To register, please contact Intermediate Unit #8, 4500 Sixth Avenue, Altoona, at 814-940-0233 or www.iu08.org. This workshop will earn educators IU Credit or Act 48 hours.
 
WILD ABOUT BEARS (2-day training): Educators will explore the world of the black bear and black bear research and management and have the opportunity to view black bears.  This workshop will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, June 23 and 24, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, at the Game Commission Southwest Region Office at 4820 Route 711 in Bolivar, Westmoreland County.  Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather conditions as a portion of the class will be held outdoors.  To register, contact Intermediate Unit #1 in Coal Center at 724-938-8722 or www.solutionwhere.com.  This opportunity will earn educators IU Credit and ACT 48 hours.
 
WILD about Elk (2-day training):  This opportunity chronicles the history and management of elk in Pennsylvania. Meet with elk biologists, habitat managers and Wildlife Conservation Officers and go out to elk range to view habitat and hopefully see elk.  This workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 24, from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and Wednesday, June 25, from 7 a.m. to noon.  On Thursday, lunch and dinner will be provided.  A small stipend reimbursement is available to help cover cost of travel.  On June 15, participants will meet at Parker Dam State Park in Clearfield County, and on June 16, participants will meet in Benezette Township, Elk County, at the Game Commission’s elk viewing area on Winslow Hill on State Game Land 311.  If you are interested in receiving more information and a registration form, email Theresa Alberici at  talberici@state.pa.us, or call her at 717-787-1434.  Participants will earn Act 48 hours.
 
WONDERS OF WETLANDS (2-day workshop):  During this workshop the participants will see first hands the results of interagency cooperation in the construction of the Kirby Wetlands.  They will be introduced to water quality testing, wetlands ID, macro invertebrate study, flora and fauna ID and hands – on wildlife habitat projects.  This workshop will be held on Monday and Tuesday, June 28-29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days, at State Game Land 223 headquarters building at 480 Garards Fort Road in Waynesburg, Greene County.  This workshop is for formal and non-formal educators who work with youth in K-12 grades.  Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and dress for the weather conditions as a portion of the class will be held outdoors.  To register, contact Intermediate Unit #1 in Coal Center at 724-938-8722 or www.iu1.k12.pa.us.  This workshop will earn educators IU Credit and ACT 48 hours.
 
WILD about Owls (1-day workshop): During this workshop, educators explore natural history and identification of Pennsylvania owls and have the opportunity to view barn owls being banded.  This workshop will be held on Tuesday, June 29, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, along Hopeland Road, just south of Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County.  To register contact, contact the Middle Creek office at 717-733-1512. The registration deadline is June 10.   Please plan to bring a lunch and a drink, binoculars, camera, rain coat and comfortable walking shoes. This workshop will earn educators Act 48 hours.
 
WATERSHED EDUCATION (3-day training): This program is an educational, watershed-based, interdisciplinary curriculum for students in grades 6-12.  It will be held in the classroom on Tuesday and Wednesday, June 29-30, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., and on the river on Thursday, July 1, from 8 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.  The classroom work will be conducted at the Olewine Nature Center in Wildwood Park, Harrisburg, and Thursday’s trip will be on the nearby Susquehanna River. The program promotes classroom and field research, hands-on ecological investigations, networking, partnerships, stewardship and community service in an effort to produce environmentally literate students.  Watershed education also takes a comprehensive approach to learning, allowing students to analyze the effects both of the past and present factors may have on watersheds.  Bring lunch and come prepared for indoor and outdoor activities.  Canoes, life jackets and safety boaters will be provided.  To register, contact the Olewine Nature Center at 717-221-0292.  This workshop will earn educators ACT 48 hours.
 
 
JULY
FORESTRY FOR EDUCATORS: Wildwood Park and the Game Commission will offer a workshop for classroom and non-formal educators for children in grades 6-12 to focus on timber as a sustainable resource, as well as topics covering basic tree identification and backyard or school property woodlots. The program will be held on July 7, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Olewine Nature Center, Wildwood Park in Harrisburg.  Curriculum manuals are provided by the Department of Education.  To register, contact the Olewine Nature Center at 717-221-0292.  This workshop will earn educators ACT 48 hours.
 
Project WILD (2-day workshop): During this workshop, participants will experience hands-on activities that help address Department of Education state standards. This workshop is for formal and non formal educators who work with youth in K-7th grades. This workshop will be held on Wednesday and Thursday, July 28 and 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., both days, at the Game Commission’s Southwest Region Office, 4820 Route 711 in Bolivar, Westmoreland County.  To register, contact Westmoreland IU 7 in Greensburg at 724-836-2460 or www.wiu.k12.pa.us.  This opportunity will earn educators IU Credit and ACT 48 hours.
 
 
AUGUST
APPLYING WILDLIFE & NATURAL RESOURCES TO THE CLASSROOM (MSE 820.26): Tuesday through Thursday, August 17-19, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. This graduate level course is offered cooperatively through Lebanon Valley College and the Pennsylvania Game Commission and is part of the Lebanon Valley College Masters of Science Education program. It is designed to increase the knowledge base of educators in grades 4-12 regarding native Pennsylvania birds and mammals. Through both classroom and field studies, participants will develop strategies to enhance their student’s learning of local ecosystems, wildlife species, habitat types and develop connections to address some of the science/technology and environment and ecology standards mandated by the state Department of Education. Field work will include explorations of various habitats, hands on educational activities as well as actual banding of waterfowl with commission biologists. For more information or to register call (717) 867-6213, toll free at 1-877-877-0423, or on-line at continuing-education@lvc.edu. Registration deadline is June 7. Participants should bring a lunch and drink, binoculars, camera, rain coat and comfortable walking shoes.
 
Project WILD (1-day workshop): During this workshop, participants will experience hands-on activities that help address Department of Education state standards. This workshop is for formal and non formal educators who work with youth in K-7th grades. This workshop will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Game Commission’s Harrisburg Headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue.  There is no fee for workshop, and coffee will be provided in the morning.  However, participants should bring a lunch.  To register, email Theresa Alberici at talberici@state.pa.us or call her at 717-787-1434.  The deadline is June 10.  This workshop will earn educators Act 48 hours.
 
GROWING UP WILD! (1-day training): Early childhood educators can discover this new Project WILD program designed especially for those who teach children ages 3-7. The program will be held on Thursday, Aug. 19, from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Monroe County Environmental Education Center, 8050 Running Valley Road, Stroudsburg. Through indoor and outdoor, hands-on activities, participants will learn about wildlife of Pennsylvania while exploring materials and methods to engage children in learning about the environment.  This program is offered in partnership with the Monroe County Conservation District. Registration deadline is Aug. 6. To register, contact Monroe County EE Center at 570-629-3061, e-mail to monroecd@ptd.net or visit the website (www.mcconserve.org). This workshop will earn educators Act 48 hours.
 
WILD about WATERFOWL (1-day training): This program represents another unique workshop opportunity for educators of those in grades 3-12.  It will be held on Aug. 24, from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m., at the Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area, along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Klinefeltersville, Lebanon County.  Participants will be taught identification, habitat requirements, aging techniques, conservation measures and more!  A key component of this workshop will be time spent in the field with Game Commission personnel as they capture and band ducks.  The registration deadline is Aug. 6. To register, contact the Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area at 717-733-1512. Plan to bring lunch, a drink, binoculars, camera, weather-appropriate clothing, comfortable hiking shoes and waders or rubber boots. This workshop will earn educators Act 48 hours.

Release #053-10
May 21, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us

 
CWD NOT FOUND IN PENNSYLVANIA HUNTER-KILLED DEER SAMPLES

 
HARRISBURG – Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was not detected in samples taken from hunter-killed deer during the state’s 2009 hunting season, according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian. 
 

In 2009, 4,029 samples from hunter-killed deer were tested, and CWD was not detected.  This marked the eighth year for testing hunter-killed deer.  In total, more than 26,000 deer have been tested.  CWD was not detected in any samples from previous years.
 

Results showing that the CWD tests of hunter-killed elk from 2009 were all negative were announced on Feb. 17.
 

“We are pleased to report that Pennsylvania continues to have no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD in wild deer or elk,” Cottrell said.  “By conducting these tests from a random sample of hunter-killed deer and on all hunter-killed elk, we help to assure ourselves and the general public that it is unlikely that CWD is present in wild deer and elk in the state.”
 

The CWD tests on deer and elk samples were conducted by the New Bolton Center, which is the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory.  Under a contract with Penn State University, the elk samples also were tested for brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis and found to be free of those diseases.
 

Heads from hunter-killed deer were collected from deer processors by deer aging teams during the two-week rifle deer season.  Specific tissues were collected from these heads at Game Commission region offices by agency personnel and Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of agriculture animal health officials. 
 

“The test results are good news,” Cottrell said.  “Although CWD has not been found in Pennsylvania, we must continue to be vigilant in our CWD monitoring efforts.  The surveillance work we are doing is important for the early detection of CWD.  Let’s not forget that CWD has been found in New York and nearly 20 miles from our state’s border in West Virginia.
 

“We already are planning to continue testing hunter-killed deer and elk during the 2010-11 seasons, and we are pleased that the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of agriculture will continue to play an important role in this disease surveillance program. However, we will also be increasing our surveillance by sampling road-killed deer adjacent to West Virginia and investigating every clinically suspect deer that our time and budget allows.”
 

For more information on CWD and the state’s CWD-prevention plan, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Wildlife” in the menu bar in the banner at the top of the page, then click on “Wildlife Diseases Home,” and choose “Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD).” Additional information on CWD can be found on the CWD Alliance’s website (www.cwd-info.org).

Release #51-10
May 20, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSION ADVISES MOTORISTS TO WATCH FOR DEER
 
HARRISBURG –Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today urged motorists to stay alert and slow down when driving after dusk and before dawn to reduce their risk of colliding with a white-tailed deer.

“Each spring, deer congregate on the grassy areas along the state’s busy highways, and cover greater distances in search of food,” Roe said.  “This activity makes vehicle collisions with deer all but inevitable.

“For the sake of public safety, the Game Commission is asking motorists to watch for deer and to drive defensively after dark and before sunrise, which is when deer are most active.  Your efforts can help to keep accidents to a minimum, which, in turn, will reduce or eliminate hardships to your family and other Pennsylvanians.”

Roe noted that being more knowledgeable about deer can help Pennsylvanians steer clear of a deer-vehicle collision. For instance, in spring, young deer – last year’s fawns – are on the move as does chase them away to prepare to give birth to this year’s fawns. Yearling does usually travel no farther than necessary and will often later reunite with the doe after her new fawns begin traveling with her. However, young bucks typically disperse farther to set up their own home range.

“Unfortunately, these young deer make tragic mistakes when crossing roads in spring and moving through areas unfamiliar to them,” said Roe. “They’re no longer following the leader, they’re moving independently. And that increases the potential for an accident, especially in areas harboring large deer populations.”

If a deer steps onto a road, Roe said, motorists should slow down and come to a controlled stop as soon as possible, and turn on their hazard flashers.  Stopping may not be an option on busy highways, unless the driver can reach the shoulder of the road.

“Don’t risk trying to drive around a deer,” Roe said.  “Since deer usually move in single file, more deer may be following, so you should stop, or at least slow down, to make sure all deer have passed.

“Also, deer sometimes abruptly reverse their direction right after crossing a road.  This is a defensive mechanism that often kicks in when deer are startled, and they retrace their footsteps to other deer they’re traveling with or return to an area they’ve already checked for danger.”

Deer in northern counties spend a good deal of time in spring feeding on the tender shoots in grassy areas alongside busy highways. Motorists should slow down immediately whenever they see grazing deer along roads.  While deer dining next to busy highways and interstates are often not bothered by the traffic, deer along rural roads seem less tolerant and are more edgy.

“The only thing predictable about whitetails is that they’re definitely unpredictable,” Roe said. “The moment you think you have them figured out, they start showing you something new.

“However, we also know that deer are creatures of habit. If you see a deer-crossing sign posted along a road you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to slow down especially around dawn and dusk. These signs are placed in areas where deer have been crossing roads for years. Ignoring these signs is asking for trouble.”

Drivers who hit a deer are not required to report the accident to the Game Commission. If the deer dies, only Pennsylvania residents may claim the carcass.  To do so, they must call the Game Commission for a permit number within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer.

However, to report a dead deer for removal from state roads, motorists can call the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation at 1-800-FIX-ROAD.

The permit number issued by the agency lets meat processors and law enforcement officials know that possession of the deer is legal, and not the result of poaching.  Antlers from bucks killed in vehicle collisions must be turned over to the Game Commission. 

If a deer is struck by a vehicle, but not killed, drivers are urged to stay their distance because some deer may recover and move on.  However, if a deer does not move on, or poses a public safety risk, drivers are encouraged to report the incident to a Game Commission regional office or other local law enforcement agency.  If the deer must be put down, the Game Commission will direct the proper person to do so.

Other tips for motorists:
 
* Stay alert and don’t count on deer whistles or deer fences to deter deer from crossing roads in front of you. Deer can’t hear ultrasonic frequencies and there is no scientific evidence that deer whistles are effective.
 
* Watch for the reflection of deer eyes and for deer silhouettes on the shoulders of roads. If anything looks slightly suspicious, slow down.
 
* Slow down in areas known to have a large deer population; where deer-crossing signs are posted; places where deer commonly cross roads or are struck by motorists; areas where roads divide agricultural fields from forests; and whenever in forested areas between dusk and dawn.
 
* Deer do unpredictable things. Sometimes they stop in the middle of the road when crossing. Sometimes they cross and quickly re-cross back from where they came. Sometimes they move toward an approaching vehicle. Assume nothing. Slow down, blow your horn to urge the deer to leave the road. Stop if a deer stays on the road; don’t try to go around it. 

Release #049-10
May 13, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us
 

GAME COMMISSION TO BEGIN ACCEPTING DMAP LANDOWNER APPLICATIONS
 

HARRISBURG – Landowners looking to enroll in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which is designed to help landowners manage deer on their properties, have until June 12 to mail an application to the appropriate Game Commission Region Office.  Applications will be accepted by U.S. mail only, as postmarks will be required to establish processing priorities.

In addition, a map delineating the property boundaries must be enclosed with the application. Landowners may obtain DMAP applications from the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on “D.M.A.P.” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the homepage.  Applications also can be obtained from any Game Commission Region Office or the Harrisburg headquarters.

Eligible lands for DMAP are: public lands; private lands where no fee is charged for hunting; and hunting club lands owned in fee title so long as the club was established prior to Jan. 1, 2000, and it provides a club charter and list of current members to the agency.

Coupons for DMAP antlerless deer harvest permits are issued to landowners at a rate of one coupon for every five acres in agricultural operations or one coupon for every 50 acres for all other land uses.  Management plans are required when an applicant for DMAP requests more than the standard rate for issuance of DMAP harvest permits, or when the property acreage falls below the minimum for the standard issuance rate.

Landowners must designate their boundaries in a manner approved by the Game Commission.  Landowners will be allotted one coupon for each DMAP permit allocated for their property, and they may provide up to two DMAP coupons per DMAP area to a licensed hunter.  Landowners may not charge or accept any remuneration for a DMAP coupon. 

The cost of DMAP permits is $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

Based on a regulatory change approved by the Board of Game Commissioners at its April meeting, each WMU antlerless allocation has been reduced by the number of DMAP antlerless deer permits issued in each WMU during the 2009-10 seasons. The Board’s action also prohibits the issuance of more DMAP permits for the 2010-11 seasons than were issued for the 2009-10 seasons for each WMU. 

With the amendment in place, the maximum number of DMAP antlerless deer permits available for public and private landowners in each WMU is as follows: WMU 1A, 295; WMU 2A, 656; WMU 2A, 121; WMU 2B, zero; WMU 2C, 793; WMU 2D, 277; WMU 2E, 593; WMU 2F, 3,052; WMU 2G, 10,790; WMU 3A, 753; WMU 3B, 1,239; WMU 3C, 642; WMU 3D, 1,678; WMU 4A, 1,479; WMU 4B, 852; WMU 4C, 649; WMU 4D, 1,948; WMU 4E, 101; WMU 5A, 731; WMU 5B, 188; WMU 5C, 40; and WMU 5D, zero.

The application process and deadline have been revised this year.  There is an accelerated schedule, and applications will be accepted and processed in priority tiers on a first-come, first-served basis, and will be based on postmarks by the U.S. Postal Service.  Top priority will be given to properties enrolled in one the Game Commission’s three public access programs (Forest-Game, Farm-Game or Safety Zone) allowing public deer hunting, followed by publicly-owned lands then private lands not in one of the Game Commission’s public access programs.  Applications will be processed until quotas for each WMU (see above) are exhausted.  Those applications remaining after quotas are exhausted will be denied DMAP permits.

A significant change that took effect last year for landowners and hunters participating in DMAP is that DMAP coupon redemption can be done at any license issuing agent or the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS) website - https://www1.pa.wildlifelicense.com/start.php - rather than through the mail, thanks to the implementation of the agency’s new point-of-sale electronic license system.  The PALS website

Landowners have the option of receiving DMAP coupons and directly distributing them to hunters of their choice, or they can choose the “no coupon” option and allow any hunter to directly purchase a DMAP permit from the license issuing agent to hunt on their property.

The first option on the landowner application is “Yes, I want to distribute coupons directly to hunters that I choose.”  With this option, the landowner will receive the coupons and distribute them to specific hunters.  The hunters will then take coupons to any license issuing agent or go on the PALs website to acquire the antlerless deer harvest permits.

The second option on the landowner application is “No, any hunter can get a permit to hunt my property through the electronic licensing system without a coupon.”  With this option, no coupons will be sent to the landowner.  Any hunter will be able to go to any license issuing agent or the PALS website to get an antlerless deer permit for this DMAP property.  If landowners choose this second option, they also will be asked whether they want to advertise the location of the property on the Game Commission’s website so that their DMAP information can be made available to the public.

Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them only on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season. Also, in WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E, which have a split season structure of Nov. 29-Dec. 3 for antlered deer only and Dec. 4-11 for antlered and antlerless deer, hunters will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer with DMAP permits on DMAP properties from Nov. 29-Dec. 11.

Hunters can purchase DMAP antlerless harvest permits as soon as coupons are available.  Hunters without access to the Internet can obtain listings of eligible DMAP properties by mailing a self-addressed, stamped envelope along with a letter indicating their county of interest, to the Game Commission Region Office responsible for that particular county.  Region Office contact information, and a listing of counties in its jurisdiction, is as follows:
 
Northwest Region Office, P.O. Box 31, Franklin, PA 16323.  814-432-3188.  Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties.
 
Southwest Region Office, 4820 Route 711, Bolivar, PA 15923.  724-238-9523.  Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Cambria, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Somerset, Washington and Westmoreland counties.
 
Northcentral Region Office, P.O. Box 5038, Jersey Shore, PA 17740.  570-398-4744.  Cameron, Centre, Clearfield, Clinton, Elk, Lycoming, McKean, Potter, Tioga, and Union counties.
 
Southcentral Region Office, 8627 William Penn Highway, Huntingdon, PA 16652.  814-643-1831.  Adams, Bedford, Blair, Cumberland, Franklin, Fulton, Huntingdon, Juniata, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder and York counties.
 
Northeast Region Office, P.O. Box 220, Dallas, PA 18612.  570-675-1143.  Bradford, Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties.
 
Southeast Region Office, 448 Snyder Rd., Reading, PA 19605.  610-926-3136.  Berks, Bucks, Chester, Dauphin, Delaware, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton, Philadelphia and Schuylkill counties.

Release #047-10
May 5, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSION/STATE COLLEGE SPIKES ANNOUNCE TWO-FOR-ONE DEAL 
 
HARRISBURG – Coupling two of America’s favorite pastimes – baseball and hunting – Pennsylvania Game Commission and the State College Spikes officials today announced that fans who bring their 2010-11 Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker license to the Medlar Field at Lubrano Park Box Office will receive one free outfield bleacher ticket with the purchase of a full-price outfield bleacher ticket. This offer is only available in the outfield bleacher seating area, based on availability, when the Spikes’ season begins in mid-June.
 

“This agreement has provided an added value to the price of a Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker license,” said Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director. “We are pleased that the State College Spikes recognizes the importance of our license buyers to wildlife management, as well as the economy, of the state and the State College region, by offering this discount.”
 

“The State College Spikes are proud to partner with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to offer fans another way to enjoy Central Pennsylvania’s Best Family Value during our 5th Anniversary Season,” said Spikes General Manager Jason Dambach.
 

While the first home game for the State College Spikes is set for June 19, Game Commission hunting licenses for the 2010-11 seasons go on sale beginning June 15.
 

The State College Spikes is the Class A-Short Season Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and has its field on Porter Road in State College.  For more information and a schedule of games, visit the State College Spikes’ website (www.statecollegespikes.com).
 

On April 12, a similar arrangement with the Altoona Curve was announced by the Game Commission (see News Release #032-10 in the “Resources” section of the agency’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us).  Under that agreement, fans who bring their current Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker license to any Wednesday home game, now through Aug. 25, will earn a $1 discount on grandstand tickets.

Release #044-10
April 29, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
WILKES-BARRE MAN GUILTY OF ILLEGALLY KILLING LARGEST BEAR OF 2009 SEASON OVER BAIT
 
HARRISBURG – Charles W. Olsen Jr., 39, of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, was found guilty today of illegally killing a 707-pound bear over bait during the 2009 hunting seasons, and ordered to pay fines and restitution of $6,800, plus court costs, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Vic Rosa, of Wyoming County.

District Judge Carl Smith, of Tunkhannock, found Olsen guilty of unlawfully killing a bear, for which he was fined Olsen $1,500, and of hunting over bait, for which he fined Olsen $300.  In addition, Judge Smith assessed Olsen with a $5,000 restitution penalty since the bear was considered “trophy-class,” which means that it exceeded a field-dressed weight of 350 pounds. 

Olsen also stands to lose his hunting and trapping privileges for at least three years.

The origins of the case began when Luzerne County WCO Cory Bentzoni became suspicious when he saw a truck loaded with pastries from a local store traveling along Route 309 in Dallas, Luzerne County.

“It was about one week from the opening of the statewide bear season, and I thought that something illegal might be underway,” WCO Bentzoni said.  “Being that we were so close to bear season, seeing that person drive by with an unusual amount of pastries was like watching an individual go down a row of parked vehicles testing each handle to see if it were would open.  Something just didn’t seem right.

“However, as ‘possession of pastries’ is not an unlawful offense, there was no probable cause that would have permitted me to pull him over and question him, so I did the only thing I could; I wrote down truck’s license plate number, found that it was registered to Olsen and then instructed all Game Commission personnel operating bear check stations throughout the region to notify him me if Olsen brought a bear into one of the check stations.”

Sure enough, on Nov. 25, Olsen brought a bear with an estimated live weight of 707 pounds into the bear check station at the Northeast Region Office in Dallas, Luzerne County. WCO Rosa was immediately contacted by the Northeast Region Office, since Olsen reportedly harvested the bear in Noxen Township, Wyoming County.

Northeast Region Land Management Supervisor Peter Sussenbach, who also was aware of the tip provided by WCO Bentzoni, approached Olsen and said, “There may be a problem with this bear.”  At that point, Olsen confessed he had killed the bear over a bait pile.

“What is most unfortunate is that law-abiding bear hunters in the area were robbed of the opportunity to legally harvest truly a trophy bear by fair chase means,” said Northeast Region Law Enforcement Supervisor Dan Figured. “It was thanks to the quick thinking of an observant Wildlife Conservation Officer, and some basic investigative work, that helped resolve this case.” 

Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: Cases such as this would carry increased fines and penalties if House Bill 1859, sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback (D-Lackawanna), is enacted. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, by a vote of 196-3.  The bill was approved by the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee on Jan. 26, and presently awaits further consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Additionally, under Senate Bill 1200, sponsored by Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Richard Alloway II (R-33), if Pennsylvania were a member of the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact, defendants in cases such as this would lose their ability to lawfully hunt in other states that prohibit the use of bait.  SB 1200 passed the Senate by a unanimous vote, and presently is awaiting further action in the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

Release #042-10
April 27, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
HABITAT WORK UNDERWAY ON STATE GAME LANDS
Game Commission food and cover crews begin season of wildlife habitat improvements
 
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s teams of land managers, foresters and Food and Cover Corps crews are focusing their efforts – and the agency’s resources – on a massive amount of habitat improvement projects on the more than 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands this spring.

“Wildlife habitats are changing across the landscape as farming practices evolve and urban/suburban expansion convert former wildlife habitats into various types of developments, from homes to shopping malls,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “According to Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Action Plan, 300 acres of wildlife habitat are being lost every day, primarily to sprawl. Some counties have seen an increase in housing units exceeding 20 percent in recent decades.

“For this reason, the Game Commission’s network of State Game Lands is critical to ensuring that wildlife will always have access to the three habitat components it needs to survive: food, shelter and water. And, through our habitat improvement efforts, we strive to ensure habitat diversity for all wildlife.”

As an example, Dan Yahner, Land Management Group Supervisor (LMGS) for Fayette and Somerset counties, said plans are being made to develop SGL 93 in Somerset County into small game habitat.

“The majority of the 600-plus-acre SGL is a reclaimed strip mine backfill,” Yahner said. “Phase one is conversion of the mining sediment ponds into large shallow wetland areas. Phase two will be spraying to eliminate the fescue grasses and locust trees that were planted solely to establish ground cover. These plants have practically zero benefit to wildlife. Then the land will be laid out into contour strips and planted with a variety of annual and perennial plants. 

“Fields of mixed clover and small grains such as sorghum, wheat, rye and sunflower will be planted for food. Fields of warm season grasses will be planted for nesting and escape cover. Fence rows of fruit-producing shrubs and trees also will be added. The Food and Cover Crew in Somerset County is basically starting with a blank slate that currently is barren of small game. If all goes according to plan, within five years, this new SGL 93 should be a paradise of small game hunting.”

Northcentral Region Field Forester Larry Sheats said a detailed analysis was completed on SGLs 98, 114 and 323 in Clearfield, Lycoming and Centre counties, respectively.

“The analysis included habitat species composition, soil production potential, operability, age class and spatial distribution of habitats, proposed permanent early successional (seedling/sapling stage) extended rotation (mast) areas, and desired future habitat age class distribution,” Sheats said. “All of this data will be used by the agency to guide future habitat improvement decisions for these SGLs.”

Lycoming/Union Counties LMGS Tom Smith said, in an effort to provide better quality small game habitat on SGL 252 in Lycoming and Union counties, the Game Commission will contract out about 145 acres for brush-cutting.

“Predominantly invasive shrubs, such as honeysuckle, multiflora rose, and autumn olive, all stems less than five inches in diameter, are to be cut to ground level,” Smith said. “Desirable species that benefit wildlife, such as crabapple, apple, dogwood, and red osier dogwood, will be retained.  The Food and Cover Crew also will be doing the same type of brush-cutting on another 21 acres.”

Bucks/Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton Counties LMGS Dave Mitchell reported that, on SGL 168, in Northampton, Carbon and Monroe counties, his crews have cleared almost 40 acres of invasive barberry from some old fields. As a result, 20 acres will be planted in corn, soybeans and clover, and the remaining acreage will be allowed to revert to native plants.

“This should provide more food for wildlife than the area had in the past,” Mitchell said. “In addition, the crew recently ‘daylighted’ around 1,500 spruce trees on SGL 217, in Lehigh, Carbon and Schuylkill counties. These trees were planted in clear-cuts over the past 10 years.  By daylighting them, the lower branches will continue to grow, providing good cover all the way to the ground. This is important thermal cover for many types of wildlife, including grouse. On SGL 234, in Montgomery County, the crew will be planting loblolly pines with the hopes of establishing dove-roosting areas.”

Crawford/Erie Counties LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander reports that his Erie County Food and Cover Corps crew is using a vegetation-cutting machine mounted on a CAT skid steer machine to release apple and oak trees, regenerate shrub habitat, and convert small diameter single-leader red maple stands to shrubs on SGL 161 in Erie County.

Bedford/Fulton Counties LMGS Jonathan S. Zuck said crews have purchased spring planting supplies, including seed and fertilizer, and have already begun top-dressing clover plots.

“Crews now are planting fruit-producing trees and shrubs, as well as conifers on SGLs,” Zuck said. “In addition to planting duties, crews will be assisting with prescribed fires on warm-season grass stands and old field areas.”

Wayne/Pike/Lackawanna/Susquehanna Counties LMGS John C. Shutkufski said several acres of apple trees have been daylighted and pruned, and some areas also have been browse-cut on a number of SGLs in Wayne and Pike counties.

Roe noted that the Game Commission is mandated, by state law, to spend a specific amount of money on habitat improvement each year. That minimum is based on an established rate of $4.25 for each resident and nonresident adult general hunting license and $2 for each antlerless deer license.  During the 2008-09 license year, the Game Commission sold 831,968 resident and nonresident adult general hunting licenses and 858,512 antlerless deer licenses, for a total minimum of $5,312,612.

“In reality, we spent $6,169,952 on habitat improvement projects, which was $857,340 more that the legislatively-mandated minimum,” Roe said. “This was not a one-time aberration, however, as we have routinely exceed the minimum threshold set by the Legislature because we recognize how important habitat improvement is for all wildlife.

“However, when you combine our stable license sales with the increasing costs of conducting habitat work – from gas prices to repairs of heavy equipment – we are seeing the amount of work we are able to accomplish stagnate or decline.  Fortunately, with organizations such as the National Wild Turkey Federation and Pheasants Forever, we are able to do more than what our license dollars allow.”

Mercer/Venango Counties LMGS James J. Donatelli reports that deer and turkey are utilizing clover plots planted last summer on five Venango County SGLs with funding assistance from the Allegheny Sultans Chapter of the Wild Turkey Federation.

“As soon as the snow melted the new clover plots acted like wildlife magnets,” Donatelli said.

Columbia/Montour/Northumberland Counties Keith Sanford said Food and Cover Corps employees Jim Roberts and Marc Sechrist spent two weeks in February clearing about 15 acres of reverting brush habitat on PPL’s Montour Preserve, which is a part of Farm Game Project 91 in Montour County.

“The men used the Game Commission’s CAT 277 and 297 loaders/mowers to clear the acreage, which were re-planted with almost 11,000 aspen and alder seedlings and cuttings on April 10,” Sanford said. “The project goal is to create early succession habitat for ruffed grouse and woodcock, and is a cooperative effort with PPL, The Wildlife Management Institute, Woodcock Limited, the National Wild Turkey Federation, Pheasants Forever and the Game Commission.”

Berks/Schuylkill Counties LMGS Matthew D. Belding has been working for the last several years with the Schuylkill Spurs Chapter of the NWTF upgrading food plots on SGLs 326 and 257, both in Schuylkill County.

“The Turkey Federation will be spending more than $1,500 for lime, clover seed and fertilizer to improve the growing conditions for the food plots,” Belding said. “The NWTF volunteers have planted many apple trees on SGL 326 to produce a fall food source.  Jeff Thomas from the NWTF has spent countless hours working on the food plots by spreading lime, planting and applying herbicide.  All of the assistance we receive from the Schuylkill Spurs allows our Food and Cover Corps crew to work on other food plots throughout the county. This benefits not only the turkeys but deer, grouse and bears, too.”

Dauphin/Lebanon Counties LMGS Scott Bills reported that this spring the Food and Cover Corps crews will be planting a 1.5-acre field on SGL 145, in Lebanon County, with a mix of warm-season grasses and native forbs, including coneflowers, tick trefoil, and partridge pea.       “SGL 80, in Lebanon County, also will have a similar seed mix planted on the Boyer Tract and, through funding provided by the Lykens Valley Chapter of the NWTF, four acres of herbaceous openings in the Monroe Valley area will be limed and fertilized,” Bills said. “On SGL 211 near Yellow Springs in Stony Valley, in Dauphin, Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, a four-acre field of crown-vetch and grasses will be killed, making way for a productive planting of half clover and half in mixed warm-season grasses and native forbs, and is being sponsored by the Stony Valley Chapter of NWTF.

“In the Clark’s Valley portion of SGL 211, old hedgerows made up of autumn olive and multi-flora rose will be removed and replanted in native shrubs and trees. Through a grant of $6,000 from NWTF, two ramped blinds will be constructed for disabled hunters along Luke’s Trail. In addition to the blinds, the road surface will be improved to make it more passable for hunters’ vehicles.”

Roe noted that the agency also has been using its share of federal Pittman-Robertson funds – which are derived from an excise tax collected on the sale of sporting arms and ammunition – to increase habitat-improvement projects.  For example, Southwest Region Assistant Regional Forester Andy Hetrick reported on how federal aid funds benefit wildlife.

“As a result of an increase in Pittman-Robertson funding this year, the Southwest Region was provided an excellent opportunity to create 421 acres of early succession habitat in aspen forests on SGLs in Beaver, Cambria, Indiana and Washington counties,” Hetrick said. “The dense, young growth of recently cut aspen forests provides important food and cover for ruffed grouse, woodcock, and many other wildlife species.”

Southcentral Region Field Forester Roy Bucher recently completed drafting plans for a Pittman-Robertson funded project on SGL 170, in Perry County.

“The project is 24 acres and is in an old gypsy moth salvage block,” Bucher said. “In the block, most of the trees will be felled, herbicide will be applied to control invasive species, and many different species of trees will be planted in the block. The goal of the project is rehabilitate the site and improve habitat on the SGL.”

Roe said that the Game Commission’s land management teams have accomplished much so far this year, and that they have plans to do even more.

“I’ve long said that it is not our employee’s enthusiasm and ingenuity that limits our abilities to accomplish habitat projects to benefit wildlife; it is our limited financial resources that inhibits our capability to do more for wildlife,” Roe said. “There is no doubt that we can do more for wildlife if only provided the means to do so.”

Following is a summary of other habitat projects underway in each of the Game Commission’s six regions.
     
NORTHWEST REGION:
Butler/Lawrence Counties LMGS Dale E. Hockenberry reports that his crews are working hard to remove old hedgerows on SGL 216, in Lawrence County, so there will be more early successional habitat there in accordance with Comprehensive State Game Lands Planning.
 
Mercer/Venango Counties LMGS James J. Donatelli reports that the Mercer County crew has almost completed the servicing of waterfowl and bluebird nesting structures. “In addition, they finished an aspen regeneration cut on SGL 270, shrub release cuts on SGL 130 and SGL 284 and removed a large Scotch pine stand on SGL 284,” he said. LMGS Donatelli also said the entire Northwest Region Food and Cover Corps attended fire training at a two-day meeting. “The fire training will eventually qualify everyone at the firefighter 1 level or above,” he said. “This will enable the Game Commission to greatly expand the use of fire to create quality wildlife habitat.”
 
Clarion/Jefferson Counties LMGS George J. Miller reports that nesting boxes and structures in Clarion County had the following success in 2009: wood ducks 121 boxes available and 52 were used successfully; 21 mallard structures available and 18 used successfully; 16 goose structures available and 14 used successfully. LMGS Miller also reports that, of the 284 bluebird nesting boxes available for use in Clarion County, 129 were used by bluebirds, 84 by wrens, 34 by chickadees, three by swallows and 34 by mice, bees or were empty.
 
Forest/Warren Counties LMGS Richard T. Cramer reports that the Warren County Food and Cover Corps crew have been busy utilizing the new habitat machine recently purchased by Harrisburg for numerous habitat improvement projects on SGLs. “Several areas have been treated on SGL 143 and 282,” he said. “Aspen cuts, tree and shrub releases and alder regeneration cuts have been performed by crews working with this new and valuable machine.”
 
Crawford County LMGS Jerry A. Bish reports much of his time for the last month has been spent working on eagles. “As the population continues to spread at a rate of 15 percent each year, new nests must be checked out,” he said. “Many eagles are moving to private property to nest because the SGLs are saturated. I met with landowners to discuss the various issues. Even though eagles have been removed from the endangered species list, they still are protected by law. Human disturbance is the major reason for nest failure.”
 
Butler/Lawrence Counties LMGS Dale E. Hockenberry stated that the warmer weather has a lot of people going fishing. “While SGLs have numerous fishing ponds, please be aware that it is waterfowl nesting season,” he said. “Please stay away from nest boxes, and try to avoid weedy shore areas where ducks and geese might nest.”
 
Crawford/Erie Counties LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander is planning a prescribed burn of about 20 acres of warm season grasses on SGL 218 this April. “This practice helps control woody vegetation within grassland areas and also removes dense layers of ground duff that inhibits the movement of grassland ground-nesting birds and their offspring,” he said.  LMGS Hoachlander also said spring is the time for prescribed burning in many warm-season grass fields. “Plans for burning require reviews by DCNR, DEP and Game Commission staff,” he said. “Burning windows are often short due to very specific weather and fuel parameters, and the Food and Cover Corps crews have to be ready to burn with only a days notice.” LMGS Hoachlander added that his crews have been trying to catch-up on SGL boundary maintenance since the heavy snows have gone. “They try to mark each SGL boundary at least once every five years,” he said. “This helps sportsmen identify the SGL and reduces conflict with adjoining landowners. Unfortunately, some survey pins and monuments are lost by stream movement, flooding, windstorms, and vandalism. This ultimately results in lost resources because of the effort it requires in survey work to reestablish these lines and corners.”
 
 
SOUTHWEST REGION:
Southwest Region Field Forester Roger Brown reports SGL 285, in Beaver County, has hundreds of acres of un-reclaimed surface mines that have come back in aspen for the most part. “While these un-reclaimed areas are not very attractive to our human eyes, wildlife is taking advantage of this unique habitat,” he said.  “Deer trails run the tops and between the spoil piles, and turkey tracks can be found going up, over, and around the spoil piles. Grouse and rabbits can be found under brush piles along the edges of open areas, and beavers are building dams between the spoil piles and taking advantage of the aspen as a food source. Our planned cutting of some of these aspen areas will create early succession habitat providing even more valuable habitat.”
 
Forester Brown and Southwest Region Diversity Biologist Tammy Colt, in October, joined other foresters and biologists from the Game Commission and the DCNR Bureau of Forestry for a “Rockrat Management Workshop.” Part of the curriculum was training in how to identify habitat that the rockrats, more commonly known as the Allegheny woodrat, would use. “We also received training in management practices that can improve habitat for these animals,” he said. “Tammy and I decided to put our new training to use on SGL 51 in Fayette County. We were able to find a new site with evidence of woodrat activity, but we also found areas that had had a past history of woodrats where we could no longer find any evidence of recent use. Tammy and I will have our 15 minutes of fame as we named the new site the ‘Brown-Colt’ rockrat site.”
 
 
NORTHCENTRAL REGION:
Northcentral Region Field Forester Kirk Bainey said a recent field check of a 19-acre aspen regeneration cut on SGL 204 in Potter County confirmed that the treatment of this stand was successful. “Cut in the winter of 2006 by the Food and Cover Corps after pre-cut work by a forester, abundant aspen sprouts and other tree and shrub species now are mostly above the reach of deer and have attained the size where grouse and other wildlife should heavily utilize this prime habitat for the next several years,” he said. “Enhancing the cut’s value to wildlife are adjacent spring seeps, two small streams, conifer cover and a maintained herbaceous opening.”
 
Northcentral Region Field Forester P.B. Selfridge reports that a new pipeline on SGL 28 near Owl’s Nest to connect a Marcellus Shale gas deep well to an existing large transmission pipeline has been laid out and construction begun. “The trees removed for the new construction required an assessment of value to be reimbursed to the Game Commission,” he said. “This pipeline passed near one of the more unique habitats on this property. In meetings Elk/McKean Counties LMGS John Dzemyan and I attended with representatives from the gas and logging industries, we produced a plan to minimize any damage to wildlife habitat and biodiversity along the proposed pipeline. These changes include moving the pipeline from one side of an existing road to the other side to protect a spring/seep area and some apple trees. Also, a section of the construction corridor was narrowed to reduce loss of plant diversity.”
 
Northcentral Region Field Foresters Bainey and Selfridge noted that the foresters’ field-work phase of the SGL 14 comprehensive plan recently was completed, requiring most of the winter to accomplish. “Cameron County foresters performed ground truthing and aerial photo interpretation while the local Food and Cover Corps crew, with the approval of Cameron/Clearfield Counties LMGS Colleen Shannon, utilized a bulldozer and 4x4 pickups to keep roads open, allowing foresters the mobility required to adequately map the nearly 14,000 acres of this rugged SGL,” Bainey said. “Plowed roads also permitted wildlife research folks to get around to their deer and elk work and the local WCO to set up his turkey trapping operation. Judging from the many tracks, various species of wildlife also appreciate these more easily traveled routes.”
 
Northcentral Region Field Forester Travis W. McNichol has been spending much of his time over the past few months cover-typing SGL 103. “The heavy precipitation, persistent snow cover and limited access made this a difficult task for much of the winter,” he said. “However, I did manage to cover several thousand acres and learned much about the area and timber types. It was particularly enjoyable to discover the abundance of wildlife in the remote sections of this SGL.”
 
Northcentral Region Forester Frank L. Chubon said a three-year infestation (2006-08 ) of gypsy moths, combined with dry summer conditions, resulted in large acreages of tree mortality on some Centre County SGLs. Gypsy moth timber salvage operations have been in full swing throughout this winter on SGLs 33, 60, 100 and 176 in Centre County. “Harvesting operations were halted in March to prevent damage to roads and wet forest soils,” he said. “Increased light to the forest floor has improved tree regeneration in some areas. Cuttings in these areas should result in excellent deer, bear, and grouse habitat in the future. Areas that died and have no regeneration will need expensive remediation in the form of herbicide spraying, fencing and planting.”  Region Forester Chubon, while inspecting a salvage timber sale on SGL 33, watched opportunistic chickadees, juncos and nuthatches taking advantage of the disturbance caused by the logging operation. “They would watch from a safe distance as the cutters felled the dead trees and dislodged the loose bark then would brazenly swoop in and feed on the wood borer larvae before it had a chance to escape,” he said. “Sometimes they would ride along on the harvested trees as the skidders transported them to the landing.”
 
Northcentral Region Assistant Regional Forester Gary Glick said gas exploration companies are increasing their activities on some SGLs. “Many hours are being spent on tallying the timber cut to create gas well pads and gas pipeline rights-of-ways,” he said.
 
Centre/Clinton Counties LMGS Michael Ondik said that, in preparation for a spring with many varied projects on the horizon, Food and Cover crews in Centre and Clinton counties recently attended and completed some very important and ongoing training initiatives. “They have attended the Wild Lands Firefighter Refresher course, in preparation for the use of prescribed fire this spring and summer,” he said. “They also have attended a pesticides use refresher course, enabling fresh thoughts for safety of persons and the environment if using pesticides and fertilizers this spring planting season.”
 
Northcentral Region Field Forester Larry Sheats and Vanessa Nichols, a clerk typist with the Northcentral Region Office, researched and confirmed parcel acreages on SGL 134.
 
Forester Sheats and Lycoming/Union Counties LMGS Tom Smith recently compiled a database for the various sharecroppers on SGLs in these two counties. “Using aerial photographs, we digitally composed maps for each share cropper and computed the actual acreages,” Sheats said.
 
LMGS Smith said that his crews recently completed cleaning and repairing wildlife nesting boxes on SGLs. “This work includes erecting 316 waterfowl nesting structures, such as wood duck boxes, mallard cylinders and goose nesting platforms; 100 other boxes, such as bat, squirrel, bluebird and owl; and constructing 22 new rabbit brush piles,” he said. “The Union County foreman stated that the waterfowl nesting success is the best that he has seen in 10 years with very little nest predation.” LMGS Smith also said, with the break in the weather, the crews are gearing up for the planting season. “Some of their activities include burning or mowing food plots to remove last season’s growth; top-dressing and enhancing existing clover plots with fertilizer; and applying lime to ensure proper pH,” he said.
 
Elk/McKean Counties LMGS John Dzemyan and Food and Cover Forman Jim Olszak reported that, on the warm day of March 12, woodcock returned to portions of SGL 44.  “Also, numerous deer ticks were out and about after being absent since December’s winter onset,” said LMGS Dzemyan, who also noted that Food and Cover Foreman Jim Olszak, accompanied by Roger Beck and Brad Carnahan, recently completed winter-cutting projects on SGL 311, involving two locations totaling 72 acres of aspen stands and non-commercial trees; on SGL 44, involving 18.5 acres of non-commercial cuts and some aspen; and on SGL 28, involving 12 acres in the form of 2,400 feet of border cuts. “All these areas will sprout blackberry briers, young trees and shrubs for the next 10, 20 to 30 years providing much improved conditions for deer, grouse and other species of wildlife,” he said. “Deer, ruffed grouse and even some rabbits took immediate advantage of the cuts as they were being done.”
 
Cameron/Clearfield Counties LMGS Colleen Shannon reports that her three Food and Cover Corps crews recently completed timber stand improvement cuts on SGL 14 (43 acres), SGL 77 (42 acres) and SGL 100 (12 acres). “The work on SGL 100 was the second segment of a large aspen cut done specifically to encourage regeneration of young aspen and occurred on a recently purchased tract of SGL off of Woolridge Road in Clearfield County, Covington Township,” she said. “Snow depth was a challenge for the crews this winter but they continued to work hard for habitat improvement in spite of the weather.” LMGS Shannon also reports that her three Food and Cover Corps crews are busy with their springtime work, including: maintaining about 350 bluebird nesting boxes and 130 duck nesting boxes; and grafting more than 100 young apple trees and pruning more than 100 established apple trees. “The crews also are continuing to improve border edges and hedgerows, maintain boundary lines and are preparing fences for the soon-to-arrive seedlings from Howard Nursery,” she said.
 
Northcentral Region Field Forester Chris Folmar finished cover-mapping SGL 90 and completed the GIS portion of the comprehensive management plan. He also began to gather GPS coordinates for SGL 103’s boundary corners, prepare maps and aerial photos to help start the cover-mapping process. Forester Folmar also spent a fair amount of time assessing timber on SGL 100 for several new Marcellus shale gas wells, water impoundments and a pipeline right-of-way. Forester Folmar also added that he has continued cruising timber on SGL 100 for a gas pipeline right-of-way, and also continued the cover-mapping process on SGL 103. “During this time, I completed cover-mapping compartment one and will begin compartment two next,” he said. “While cover-mapping, I was surprised at the number of grouse I saw. I would say I averaged seeing eight grouse each day, even in open habitat where you normally wouldn’t expect to flush grouse.”
 
Potter/Tioga Counties LMGS Denise Mitcheltree said her Food and Cover crews, in March, cleaned out 41 duck nesting boxes, 23 bluebird boxes and eight kestrel boxes in order to prepare for the return of nesting birds. “The crews also released 502 apples trees from encroaching over-story trees and branches to promote more fruit production,” she said. “These trees also were lightly pruned to remove diseased or dead branches in efforts to create a healthier tree.  More than 25 percent of these apple trees were older, mature trees that recently were re-discovered on SGL 64 as part of crew efforts to find pockets of abandoned orchards from decades past.”
 
 
SOUTHCENTRAL REGION:
Blair/Huntingdon Counties LMGS Brad Myers said that April is a very busy month for those in the habitat business. “The month begins by completing the native grass prescribed burns that we did not get completed within the March burn window due to weather or equipment,” he said. “The humidity, wind speed and ground conditions have to meet certain criteria to have a safe and successful burn. If the conditions are not met, we don’t burn. We have about 40 acres of grass to burn at scattered sites on SGL 251 and 147, as well as Area 420 throughout the two counties. On April days when we can’t burn, the crews will be completing boundary line inspections, replacement of metal tags, and repainting the white line and corner markers. This involves walking the entire Game Land boundary with paint, brush, hammer, and tags. They also look for boundary line infractions –and document such things as illegal ATV trails, illegal tree stands, encroachment issues, invasive plants, and anything else needed to be brought to my attention. Each Game Lands receive this inspection at least once every five years. Due to the number of SGLs we have in my area, the crews must complete several SGLs each year in order to stay within rotation. This year we will be maintaining boundary lines on SGL 81,112, 113, 147 and 166, which will amount to about 153 total miles. The crews prefer to accomplish this in the spring prior to the snakes, bugs, and hot weather, and also the lines are easier to follow when there are no leaves on the trees. On rainy days, the crews will be servicing the tractors, repairing/sharpening brush cutters, and attending to other equipment and administrative duties.”
 
LMGS Myers also said the local Food and Cover Corps crews are now preparing for spring planting on SGLs. “This spring, we will be planting grains and legumes on many SGLs to benefit wildlife through the summer and fall,” he said. “We plant as many acres as our budget, available manpower and equipment will allow. Right now, we are short personnel due to a state hiring freeze, and must share sprayers, plows and planters between my three crews. Each crew has one four-wheel drive tractor that is really needed on the many rough mountain food plots in scattered areas that we try to maintain for deer and turkey. Due to the limitations we have, the strategic locations of these plots are important. Even though it means transporting equipment to remote sites, maintaining some of these small openings in big woods areas creates that diversity and habitat element wildlife really need. The plots maintained for small game are a little easier and more accessible, but the quantity is limited by equipment, men and funds. The bottom line is this: we create and maintain as much habitat as we can for wildlife and sportsmen, within the limitations we have. My crews have a passion for habitat.”
 
Southcentral Region Field Forester Roy Bucher currently is cover-mapping a new addition to SGL 107 in both Juniata and Mifflin counties. “The new addition is about 1,500 acres and is being mapped to complete the new SGL 107 Comprehensive Management Plan,” he said.
 
Forester Bucher also has another salvage timber sale to complete on SGL 170 in Perry County. “Gypsy moths have killed or severely injured most of the oak species in a stand on SGL 170,” he said. “As soon as the remaining trees leaf out, I will be laying out the sale area and conducting a stand analysis. I will run a PNDI for the sale area and we will have a timber sale meeting to go over all aspects of the timber sale.” Forester Bucher added that he recently marked a non-commercial habitat treatment project on SGL 256 in Perry County. “The stand that I am treating has a high amount of white pine and oak regeneration,” he said. “I am removing the small interfering trees to allow more sunlight to reach and invigorate the white pine and oak regeneration. My goal is to provide more thermal cover by allowing the white pine regeneration to grow and establish some early successional habitat by advancing the oak regeneration. The work will be completed by the local Food and Cover Corps crew.” Forester Bucher and a fellow forester recently looked at an oak shelterwood treatment on SGL 107 in Juniata County. “I would like to use prescribed fire as a management tool to increase and advance the oak regeneration that is present in the sale area,” he said. “We surveyed the site to see how feasible it would be to conduct a prescribed fire in the sale area that is enclosed by a deer fence exclosure.  A 2010 late summer/early fall prescribed fire may be conducted if conditions are favorable at that time.”  
 
Adams/Cumberland/Franklin Counties LMGS Barry Leonard reports that several timber stand improvement cuts have been completed on SGLs 235 and 169, with another cut in progress. “These cuts will improve cover and regeneration, allowing sunlight to the forest floor,” he said.
 
Southcentral Region Field Forester Brent McNeal has been writing the prescribed burn plans for the majority of the Southcentral Region.  The plans are primarily geared towards regenerating fields this year.  However, there are already some plans to do some forest burning this fall.
 
Southcentral Region Field Forester Brent McNeal has two timber sales that he will mark this spring/summer.  One is a 51-acre overstory removal cut that has a deer fence around it on SGL 76 in Franklin County.  The other sale is a 150 acre treatment in Franklin County on SGL 124.  This treatment includes three thinning blocks and an overstory removal block.
 
Forester McNeal said that Food and Cover Corps have been cutting areas non-commercially this winter across the region.  Several areas that I have managed this way are the following: 22-acre thinning SGL 235, Franklin County; nine-acre thinning SGL 121 Huntingdon County; and four-acre removal cut SGL 99 Huntingdon County.
 
Bedford/Fulton Counties LMGS Jonathan S. Zuck reports the second annual Sportsmen’s Habitat Day was held on SGL 97 at the Biddle Place on March 27. “A dozen volunteers joined Game Commission staff to improve wildlife habitat on SGL 97 by constructing four large brush piles, and fencing 50 fruit trees,” he said. “They also erected 15 bluebird boxes, planted 75 blackberry and black raspberry canes, and daylighted 20 crabapple and hawthorne trees. Everyone, including five children and youth who volunteered, worked extremely hard. In fact, everything went so well that we ran out of supplies and work projects well before lunch. However, after putting in hours of strenuous work, I don’t think anyone objected to partaking in lunch a little early.” LMGS Zuck also reports crews are wrapping up their winter-cutting projects and preparing to shift gears to springtime activities. “The Food and Cover Corps crews cut more than 100 acres over the winter months using chainsaws and two machines equipped with cutting heads,” he said. “Stands of aspen, scrub oak, birch, red maples, and other oak species were treated to improve habitat for wildlife.” LMGS Zuck added that an additional 52 acres of scrub oak were cut this past winter on top of Wills Mountain on SGL 48. “In the past year, my crews have used a hydro-ax (a tree skidder fitted with a large mowing head) to cut more than 110 acres of scrub oak habitat, with an additional 50 acres scheduled to be cut this fall,” he said. “The acreage that has been cut so far is comprised of six different patches ranging in size from 11 to 35 acres. Cutting the scrub oak rejuvenates it, increasing shrub health and future acorn production. Cut patches also may be treated with prescribed fire this summer to further benefit this scrub oak community.”
 
Southcentral Region Field Forester John L. Smith said that, this spring, seven different areas totaling about 330 acres on SGLs 26, 48 and 198 have been put up for bid to have small, undesirable trees cut. The three areas on SGL 26 are failed clear-cuts from the late 1980s and early 1990s that regenerated with striped maple and hayscented fern. The two areas on SGL 48 are failed clear-cuts from the same time frame that regenerated in mostly black birch. The two areas on SGL 198 have a similar history, but had regenerated in black locust, birch and striped maple. The two sites on SGL 198 currently are fenced, along with one of the sites on SGL 26.  The other four sites on SGLs 26 and 48 were bid out to receive a deer deterrent fence this summer. “After cutting is completed this spring on these sites, we will apply herbicide, probably this fall, to control sprouting of undesirable vegetation, especially fern and sprouting of cut trees,” he said. “Plans are to contract these areas out for tree planting next spring with a mix of trees more beneficial to wildlife.”
 
Juniata/Mifflin/Perry/Snyder Counties LMGS Steven Bernardi and his Food and Cover Corps crews have been gearing up for the new growing season. “The crews recently completed their assigned timber stand improvement cuts on SGLs 88, 107, 188 and 256,” he said. “Our seedling orders for SGLs and public access cooperators will be arriving shortly for distribution and planting.  The River Crew has been busy launching the four barges we use to haul equipment to our islands and the mainland crews are servicing equipment and gathering supplies, lime, seed and fertilizer, for spring planting.”
 
 
NORTHEAST REGION:
Carbon/Lackawanna/Luzerne/Monroe Counties LMGS Michael Beahm said that crews from the northeast completed six acres of prescribed fire on grasslands at Beltzville WMA. “Many of these fields were more than 15 years old, and had quite the thatch build up, and woody vegetation encroaching in them,” he said. “The fire burned very well and should revitalize the native grasses and remove much of the woody and invasive vegetation. In addition to the burning, crews are preparing to plant an additional 33 acres of warm-season grasses later this spring. All of this work should pay off with better small game hunting conditions in years to come.” LMGS Beahm also said that, on March 20, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society had 17 volunteers to complete a habitat project on SGL 127 in Monroe County. “They cut three stands of mature aspen to create early successional growth,” he said. “These cuttings will revive the aspen and improve habitat conditions for the ruffed grouse and woodcock hunting. It was a great morning of hard work and enjoying the company of hunters interested in improving wildlife habitat. Special thanks to Brian Clark for putting this together.” 
 
Luzerne/Sullivan/Wyoming Counties LMGS William M. Williams said the Red Rock Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation has teamed up with the North Mountain Branch of the Quality Deer Management Association on a habitat improvement project on SGL 57 in Wyoming County. This project will take place in the High Knob area in Forkston Township and is just off the Southbrook service road, about one mile from the public parking area at the end of Cider Run Road. The project consists of the preparation and planting of a grassy strip and three small landing areas with clover and buckwheat. “A significant amount of border-cutting of black birch and beech trees is being conducted to daylight this strip,” he said. The total area to be treated is about four acres. This planting will establish a level of permanent herbaceous legume cover (clover) that will be used greatly by wild turkey and other wildlife in this section of the SGL. Labor needed to support this project is being supplied by members of the NWTF Red Rock Chapter and QDMA North Mountain Branch, with technical support and supervision being provided by members of the Game Commission’s land management staff. Existing vegetation will be treated with herbicide by agency staff prior to liming, soil preparation and planting by NWTF and QDMA volunteers. This project addresses the overall habitat objective of improving the quality of wild turkey habitat as specified in the Game Commission Wild Turkey Management Plan and continues partnerships for funding and assistance with cooperative projects on SGLs.”
 
Wayne/Pike/Lackawanna/Susquehanna Counties LMGS John C. Shutkufski said the Wayne County crew is improving the rabbit area know as “Haggerties” on SGL 159 with two cat vegetation cutter/mowers. “They are brushing back overgrown hedgerows and daylighting areas with the intention of replanting to warm-season grasses and clovers,” he said. LMGS Shutkufski also said the group’s bulldozer is on the Archibald Mountain improving access to the southern end by grading the old road to improve access for future maintenance/habitat improvements. Plans are being developed to burn plots to improve the scrub oak barrens and bring back fruit-producing bushes, such as blueberries.  LMGS Shutkufski said the Pike County crew recently made several metal gates for placement on areas on SGLs. 
 
Bradford and Susquehanna Counties LMGS Richard Lupinsky Sr., in early April, said Game Commission employees and The Nature Conservancy conducted a 110-acre cool-season grass and shrub prescribed burn on SGL 36. “The plan here is to plant warm-season grass, such as switchgrass, to enhance the habitat for game birds and small game, including pheasants and cottontail rabbits,” he said. “Of course, with all other habitat manipulation nongame also benefits from this activity. Fire historically has been a natural part of the landscape just as flooding in the floodplain of rivers. This tends to open to sunlight closed canopy areas and promote vegetative variety on the landscape and an assortment of food for wildlife. The Game Commission will increase the use of this valuable habitat-enhancing tool as time goes on. The habitat and wildlife that occupy it and ultimately, the hunters, will benefit.”
 
 
SOUTHEAST REGION:
Southeast Assistant Regional Forester Randy Bauman reports that, in March, the Southeast Region forestry staff conducted a stand analysis and marked a timber sale on SGL 246. “The shelterwood cutting we are conducting is the first stage in a regeneration process that will eventually lead to early successional seedling-sapling habitat that currently does not exist on this SGL,” he said. “We also are preparing the stand to meet anticipated future infestation by the emerald ash borer.”
 
Southeast Region Forester David R. Henry reports that presently, contractors are being requested to offer a bid for felling trees on SGL 46 in Lancaster County. “Work will begin this spring on felling yellow marked trees from 39 acres of an oak-dominated stand,” he said. “Designated trees less than eight inches in diameter, at chest height, will be felled to allow additional sunlight to reach the forest floor. As a result of this management activity, existing oak seedlings, as well as new oak seedlings, will be able to survive and grow. Tree seeds from numerous other tree species also will find favorable growing conditions.”
 
Southeast Regional Field Foresters Jonathan Weaver, Randy Bauman and Frank Vinitski currently are working on a forest habitat project on SGL 156 in Lebanon County. “This project should encourage the growth of young trees, resulting in improved food and cover for wildlife,” Weaver said.  “Hunter access also will be improved through the creation of a new parking area.”
 
Southeast Regional Field Forester Francis Vinitski reports that a timber stand improvement project will be conducted in Stony Valley along the railroad grade just to the west of Gold Mine Road. “This project, totaling around 200 acres, will improve stand quality and establish new desired seedling regeneration,” he said. “Wildlife habitat will be improved by constructing log landings that will be converted into herbaceous openings.  These openings will offer food opportunities for the many birds and mammals which utilize this valley.”
 
Bucks/Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton Counties LMGS Dave Mitchell noted that his crew will be planting a 33-acre field of native grasses and wildflowers on SGL 205.  They removed three hedgerows so the field will be large enough to attract grassland-nesting birds that are not currently using the area. “Hunters will benefit as stocked pheasants, deer, and rabbits will also use the field,” he said.
 
Chester/Lancaster/York Counties LMGS Linda Swank reports that her crews have been busy pruning 328 pear and apple trees on seven different SGLs in York and Lancaster counties. “The crews also released two acres of evergreens by removing the competing woody growth around them,” she said. “On SGL 242, two acres of hedgerows were cut with the Southeast Region’s new 297C CAT. This is a small-tracked machine with a special cutting head that allows us to mow small woody brush to ground level. This will allow the woody brush to re-grow and provide food and good low ground cover. The machine also was used on SGL 243 to improve two acres of hedgerows and to cut two acres of road-edge border. The brush from the boarder cutting was used to construct brush piles. The crew also fertilized more than 1,000 evergreens on SGL 242.” LMGS Swank also reports that it is a very busy time for her Food and Cover Corps crews. “It is a time of planning for spring planting and getting equipment ready as well,” she said. “The crews have really been affected by the weather coming out of winter and into almost summer-like conditions. Both the York and Lancaster crews worked together for almost two weeks putting in a bridge on SGL 52 and replacing an old culvert pipe.  In addition, they replaced another culvert pipe that had rusted through on the same SGL. We had to back up getting tree seedlings because of the bridge project, so there is no slowing down. As soon as the seedlings are picked up at Howard Nursery, crews will get together again to sort and deliver them. Also, mowing is already starting and lime and fertilizer are being spread to begin the preparation for planting.  The next few weeks will be nonstop for both of the crews.”
 
Berks/Schuylkill Counties LMGS Matthew D. Belding reports that for the last several years they have been working with the Betchel Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society by hosting a field day.  “Thankfully the weather cooperated with us this year and the group of volunteers planted 1,000 white spruce seedlings inside an oak regeneration site on SGL 110,” he said.  “We had 66 volunteers working to plant for four hours. We estimated the plantings contributed more than $5,280 of habitat work completed by the volunteers.”
     
Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: Each of the 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands has an interesting story to tell.  For an article on the role that the area presently comprising SGLs 13 and 57 – a complex of nearly 94,000 acres in Luzerne, Sullivan and Wyoming counties in northeastern Pennsylvania – played in the region’s history, pick up a copy of the April issue of the agency’s Game News magazine, and read “Silent Whispers: Notes from a Game Lands ghost town,” by William M. Williams, the local land manager who oversees this area.

Also, for a more detailed look at habitat work being conducted on some State Game Lands, visit the agency’s website (www.pg.state.pa.us) and click on “Habitat Happenings” in the center of the homepage.

Release #040-10
April 20, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
The following news release contains three articles on other actions taken by the Board today:
 
1) BOARD ELIMINATES USE OF BAIT IN SOUTHEASTERN COUNTIES
2) BOARD TAKES OTHER ACTIONS
 
 
BOARD ELIMINATES USE OF BAIT IN SOUTHEASTERN COUNTIES

HARRISBURG –Based on a recommendation from staff, the Board of Game Commissioners today took action to eliminate regulations that allowed deer hunters to use bait in Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties, to increase hunter harvest in these largely-developed, high-conflict areas.  The Board accomplished this by allowing the sunset provision to take effect, thereby automatically striking the option from regulations.

In 2006, as recommended in the Game Commission’s Urban/Suburban Deer Management Plan, the Board approved the use of bait. However, before giving the regulation final adoption, the Board included a sunset provision that required a future Board to revisit the issue by March 31, 2010.

“After evaluating the impact of baiting on hunting deer populations in these suburban/urban areas, the staff determined that there has been no positive impact,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “With no benefit from the option to use bait, the staff recommended that the Board eliminate this regulation by simply allowing the sunset provision to take effect.”

Baiting has long been illegal for all big game, small game, waterfowl and migratory game birds in other parts of the state.  The only legal use of bait is for trapping and hunting of furbearers. 
 
 
BOARD TAKES OTHER ACTIONS

In other action today, the Board of Game Commissioners:
 
- Gave final approval to a hunting hours table and a migratory game bird hunting hours table for 2010-11;
 
- Gave preliminary approval to a regulatory change to update Title 58 (Game Commission Regulations) based on changes to the Right-to-Know law;
 
- Gave preliminary approval to a regulatory change to require all hunters using manufactured blinds used for deer, elk and bear to post a minimum of 100 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange-colored material within 15 feet of the blind so that it is visible within a 360-degree arc, in addition to wearing orange while in the blind;
 
- Gave final approval to a regulatory change to allow for over-the-counter applications of unsold antlerless deer licenses for all WMUs beginning the first Monday of October, rather than the first Monday of November.  Over-the-counter sales of antlerless deer licenses for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D will continue to be the fourth Monday of August; and
 
- Announced the next two quarterly meetings of the Board will be held June 28-29 and Oct. 4-5.  The meeting on June 28-29 will be held in the auditorium of the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave.  The meeting on Oct. 4-5 will be held in the Wilkes-Barre area; details will be announced at a later date.  Also, the January 2011 meeting has been set for Jan. 23, 24 and 25, and will be held at the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters.

Release #038-10
April 20, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSIONERS ADOPTS 2010-11 SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2010-11, including broad changes to deer, bear, turkey and small game seasons.   
 
Following are several articles on meeting highlights.  
      
 
BOARD ADDS OTHER WMUS TO SPLIT RIFLE DEER SEASONS
The Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a slate of deer seasons for the 2010-11 seasons that includes holding a split, five-day antlered deer season (Nov. 29-Dec. 3) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 4-11) in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E. The package retains the two-week (Nov. 29-Dec. 11) concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer season in the remaining 14 WMUs.

Two other changes adopted are to eliminate the two-week antlerless deer season held following the close of the regular firearms season leading up to Christmas in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, and to run a concurrent antlered/antlerless deer season for late-season archery hunters in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D from Dec. 27-Jan. 29.

Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 29-Dec. 11 in WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E.

Fees for DMAP permits are $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents. 
      
 
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) for the 2010-11 seasons.  After hunters purchase a general hunting license, they may apply for antlerless deer licenses based on staggered timelines, which are outlined in the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest presented to each license buyer.

Based on a motion by Game Commissioner Thomas Boop, the antlerless deer license allocations approved by the Board will be reduced by the number of Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits issued in each WMU for the 2009-10 seasons.  This reduced number will then be set aside as a maximum number of DMAP permits that will be made available for landowners during the 2010-11 seasons. 

Boop’s motion also prohibits the issuance of more DMAP permits for the 2010-11 that were issued for the 2009-10 seasons for each WMU without further Board action.
 
WMU 1A allocation will be 41,705, which is decrease from last year’s allocation of 42,000.
     
WMU 1B allocation will be 27,844, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 30,000. 

WMU 2A allocation will be 54,879, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 55,000. 

WMU 2B allocation will be 68,000, which is the same as last year’s. DMAP is not available this year for WMU 2B.

WMU 2C allocation will be 44,107, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 49,000. 

WMU 2D allocation will be 50,123, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 56,000. 

WMU 2E allocation will be 20,407, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 21,000. 

WMU 2F allocation will be 22,148, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 28,000. 

WMU 2G allocation will be 15,210, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 26,000. 
 
WMU 3A allocation will be 25,247, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 26,000. 
 
WMU 3B allocation will be 33,761, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 43,000. 

WMU 3C allocation will be 26,358, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 27,000. 

WMU 3D allocation will be 31,622, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 37,000.

WMU 4A allocation will be 27,521, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 29,000. 

WMU 4B allocation will be 22,148, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 23,000. 

WMU 4C allocation will be 34,351, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 35,000. 

WMU 4D allocation will be 30,052, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 40,000.

WMU 4E allocation will be 26,899, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 30,000. 

WMU 5A allocation will be 18,269, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 19,000. 

WMU 5B allocation will be 50,812, which is a decrease from last year’s allocation of 51,000. 

WMU 5C allocation will be 121,960, which is an increase from last year’s allocation of 113,000. 
 
WMU 5D allocation will be 22,000, which is the same as last year’s. DMAP is not available this year for WMU 5D.
 
      
 
BOARD ADDS NEW WILD PHEASANT RECOVERY AREA FOR 2010-11
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to continue with three Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas (WPRAs) for the 2010-11 seasons, which is an effort designed to re-establish wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

The Board also gave preliminary approval to create a fourth WPRA, which is to be designated the Hegins-Gratz Valley WPRA, and will need to be approved by the Board in June before taking effect. Wild caught pheasants will be released in this WPRA in 2011.

The agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan seeks to restore self-sustaining and huntable populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats, and specifically calls for the creation of four WPRAs by 2015.  The agency is releasing wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has banned pheasant hunting or the releasing of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission-raised pheasants – within these WPRAs.  Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner and small game hunting will be prohibited in WPRAs from the first Sunday in February through July 31 each year.

“Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the California University of Pennsylvania and local landowners, we already have a jump-start on creating WPRAs,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in these four areas of the state. 

“The Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, should we receive additional revenues, we plan to increase our pheasant production level to 250,000 birds, as noted in the Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan.”

For the 2010-11 seasons, the WPRAs will be defined as follows:
 
(1) Pike Run WPRA: The portion of Washington County, WMU 2A, bounded on the east by the Monongahela River, on the north by I-70, on the west by PA Rt. 917 to Swagler Rd. to Spring Valley Rd. to PA Rt. 2015 to Lone Pine Rd. to the intersection with Tenmile Creek in West Zollarsville, and bounded on the south by Tenmile Creek.
 
(2) Somerset WPRA:  That portion of Somerset County, WMU 2C, bounded on the western side starting at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd. and Stutzmantown Rd. proceeding south on Coleman Station Rd., crossing SR 31, to Brotherton Rd., continuing south to Round Hill Rd., then east onto Wills Church Rd., then to Archery Rd.  The boundary then follows Berlin Plank Rd. (US Rt. 219) south into the town of Berlin where it joins the Mason Dixon Hwy. (US Rt. 219) proceeding south to Pine Hill Rd. to Walker School Rd. then east on Maple Valley Rd., to Sawmill Rd. to the Cumberland Hwy. (SR 160).  The boundary then follows the Cumberland Hwy. (SR 160) south to Salco Rd. and then proceeds north on Salco Rd. to Huckleberry Hwy. (SR 160) in the town of Berlin.  The boundary follows Huckleberry Hwy. (SR 160) north, crossing SR 31, to the intersection of Roxbury Rd., then north to Shanksville Rd. The boundary then proceeds north to Stutzmantown Rd., then west to the beginning at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd.
 
(3) Central Susquehanna WPRA:  Portions of WMU 4E in Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Lycoming counties from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River south to the intersection with PA Rt. 642 and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Milton.  The southern boundary is defined by PA Rt. 642 east from Milton to Mausdale, then north on PA Rt. 642 to just south of Jerseytown, proceeding east on Eyersgrove Rd. to Eyers Grove at PA Rt.42.  Proceeding south on PA Rt. 42 to Mordansville, northeast of Mordansville along Robbins Rd. (Rt. 600) to Mordansville Rd. (Rt. 541), south on Millertown Rd. (Rt. 4011), then continuing east to follow Mount Pleasant Rd. (Rt. 4020) and Mount Pleasant St. (PA Rt. 4034) to Orangeville at the southeast corner of the WPRA.  PA Rt. 487 lines the eastern boundary from Orangeville north to Maple Grove/intersection with PA Rt. 254.  The northern boundary begins with PA Rt. 254 west of Maple Grove to the intersection with Winters Rd. (Rt. 459) proceeding west to the intersection with Austin Trail (PA Rt. 4039).  Continuing west on Owl Rd. (Rt. 599), north and west on Reese Rd. (Rt. 578), and north and west on Trivelpiece Rd. (Rt. 576).  Eagle Rd. (PA Rt. 4037) then continues northwest to the intersection with Whitehorse Rd./Whitehorse Pike (Rt. 661) heading west to just south of Sereno, and then south on PA Rt. 42 to Millville.  From Millville, proceeding southwest on PA Rt. 254 to Jerseytown.  Then northwest on PA Rt. 44, north on Swartz Rd., west on Shultz Rd., north on Ants Hill Rd., west on Wolf Hollow Rd., then north on Katy’s Church Rd.  Crossing into Lycoming County and proceeding northwest on G Wagner Rd., west on Ridge Rd., crossing into Montour County, southwest on County Line Rd., south on Muncy Exchange Rd. (PA Rt. 1003), west on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), west on Mingle Rd. (Rt. 433), west on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008) for the second time, and proceeding north on Gearhart Hollow Rd. (Rt. 441). Continuing west on Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010), crossing into Northumberland County, proceeding north and west on Pugmore Lane, north on Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011), west on Miller Rd. (Rt. 653), continuing southwest on Balliet Rd. (Rt. 664).  Proceeding northwest and west on Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). continuing north on Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007), continuing west on Hughes Rd. (Rt. 655), crossing under I-180, proceeding south on Crawford Rd. (Rt. 507) to PA Rt. 54.  Proceeding northwest on PA Rt. 54 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.
 
(4) Hegins-Gratz Valley WPRA: That portion of WMU 4E in Schuylkill and Dauphin counties from Matterstown Road (Rt. 1007), to PA Rt. 901 at Taylorsville. The WPRA is bounded on the north by the Mahantango Creek. Beginning at the town of Pillow in Dauphin county, proceeding east on Market Street (Rt. 1026) to the Mahantango Creek, which is the Northumberland and Dauphin county border until entering Schuylkill county at Klingerstown. Continuing northeast along the Mahantango Creek in Schuylkill county to Taylorsville Road (Rt. 4039) at Haas, to Taylorsville and then proceeding south on PA Rt. 901. Proceeding south and southeast on PA Rt. 901 to I-81. Proceeding southwest on I-81 and then west on PA Rt. 25, then from PA Rt. 25, proceeding south and west on Dell Road and then northwest and west on Pine Drive (State Hwy. 4009), continuing west on Pine Drive, T593 and north on T592 to Pine Creek. The southern boundary then follows Pine Creek west along the northern side of Broad Mountain to Spring Glen. From Spring Glen, continuing west on PA Rt. 25, crossing into Dauphin county to Gratz, then proceeding southwest from Gratz on Specktown Road (State Hwy. 1014) to South Crossroads Road (PA Rt. 1009). Proceeding south on South Crossroads Road (PA Rt. 1009) to PA Rt. 209 and southwest to Elizabethville. From Elizabethville continue west on Main Street (PA Rt. 209), then turn north onto Botts Road (T462). At the first intersection, turn north onto Feidt Road (T461), then turn 24 east onto West Matterstown Road (Rt. 4008), turn north onto Matterstown Road (Rt. 1007). Turn right or east onto Berrysburg Road (PA Rt. 25) which turns into Market St. Turn left or north onto Lykens St. Turn right or east onto Mountain Road (T639). Turn left or north on PA Rt. 225 into Pillow on PA Rt. 225, ending at Market St. (Rt. 1026).
 
A native of Asia, pheasants were brought to North America back in the mid 1700s, but these early attempts to introduce pheasants to the continent were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

During the early 1890s, Pennsylvania citizens purchased pheasants from English gamekeepers and released them in Lehigh and Northampton counties.  For several decades, many other small releases were made across the Commonwealth to establish pheasants for sport hunting.

In the early 1900s, the Game Commission set aside a special appropriation of funds to purchase and propagate game.  Pheasant eggs were purchased and given to agency refuge keepers, sportsmen’s organizations and private individuals interested in raising pheasants.  The first stocking of pheasants by the Game Commission occurred by 1915.

Habitat loss, from urban/suburban sprawl, to changes in agricultural practices, had an impact on Pennsylvania’s naturally-reproducing pheasant populations.  Additionally, budget constraints forced the Game Commission, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000. 

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Wildlife,” click on “Birds,” and the choose “Pheasant Home.”
      
 
BOARD RETAINS BOBWHITE QUAIL SEASON FOR 2010-11
Based on a recommendation from staff, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners reversed the proposed closure of the bobwhite quail season. Instead, a decision on the future of quail season will await the Bureau of Wildlife Management’s efforts to finalize a Quail Management Plan.

Based on this reversal, quail season will be held Oct. 23-Nov. 27, and the daily bag limit is four, with a field possession limit of eight.  Also, as in the past, quail season will be closed in Wildlife Management Units 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director, noted that agency staff currently is working to complete a state bobwhite quail plan that carefully reviews the status and trend of Pennsylvania’s quail population, restoration potential, and management practices.

“Once the draft plan is compiled, we will be seeking public comment, as we have with all other wildlife management plans, before presenting it to the Board,” Roe said. “At that time, we will make a recommendation on whether it is appropriate to close the quail season.”
 
 
BOARD CREATED JUNIOR RABBIT SEASON
To continue its efforts to recruit young hunters, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a special cottontail rabbit junior hunter season that coincides with the ring-necked pheasant junior hunter season in early October.  The proposal was requested by Game Commissioner Jay Delaney in July.

“Most people agree that one of the best ways to introduce youth to hunting and encourage their continued participation is via small game hunting,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Rabbits are an underutilized game mammal, and are a perfect addition to the junior season offerings that have been implemented by the agency over the years.”

Under the new opportunity, the junior rabbit season will be held Oct. 9-16.  The season will be open to those juniors age 12-16, when properly accompanied by an adult as required by law, with or without a license.  The daily and field possession limits will be the same as the general rabbit season, four daily and eight in possession.

Roe noted that the junior rabbit season will not be part of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which is for those youth under the age of 12.

In other small game season action, based on a recommendation from Game Commissioner Robert Schlemmer, the late cottontail rabbit season will be Dec. 27-Feb. 26, which equates to a three additional weeks of hunting. The Board also gave final approval to include the use of crossbows for small game seasons.
 
 
BOARD ADOPTS ADJUSTMENTS TO BEAR SEASONS
The Board of Commissioners today gave final approval to sweeping changes to black bear seasons for 2010-11.  Included in those changes are a statewide five-day archery bear season (Nov. 15-19), and a three-day statewide bear season that will open on Saturday, Nov. 20, and then continue on Monday and Tuesday, Nov. 22 and 23. The Board also eliminated all extended bear seasons that previously were held during all or portions of the first week of the firearms deer season.
            
 
DRAMATIC CHANGES ADOPTED FOR 2010-11 TURKEY SEASONS
Several changes have been made to fall turkey and spring gobbler seasons under the 2010-11 seasons given final approval today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners, including dramatic changes to the fall seasons and a partial extension of legal hunting hours for the 2011 spring gobbler season.

In response to opening bear season on Saturday, Nov. 20, the Board adopted an amendment made by Game Commissioner Ralph Martone to avoid overlapping fall turkey and bear seasons.  The new fall season structure sets season dates of Nov. 13-19 and Nov. 25-27 for Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 4A, 4B and 4D; Nov. 6-19 and Nov. 25-27 for WMUs 2B, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E. The closure from Nov. 20-24 was set to avoid overlapping with bear seasons.

Also, fall season dates of Nov. 16-18 were set for WMU 5A; and WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D will remain closed for the fall seasons. 

For the 2011 spring gobbler season, which is set to run from April 30-May 31, the Board approved a change to the legal hunting hours.  Under the change, legal hunting hours from the opening day of the spring gobbler season through the third Saturday (April 30-May 14) will retain the current one-half hour before sunrise until noon timeframe.  However, the remainder of the season (May 16-31) will be expanded to run all day, from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

The final turkey season change moves the closing day of the spring season to May 31. This later date provides additional recreational hunting without impacting the resource because disturbance of hens would be minimal since most hens would be in their later stages of nest incubation.

The Board gave final approval to set the one-day Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt on April 23, which will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon.
 
 
FINAL APPROVAL GIVEN TO EXPAND ELK HUNTING OPPORTUNTIES
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to a regulatory change to allow any unfilled antlered or antlerless elk license awarded for an annual elk season to be valid for taking either an antlered or antlerless elk anywhere within this Commonwealth outside of the elk management area during any designated extended elk season following the regular elk season.

“From time to time, elk wander outside the boundaries of the area in which the Game Commission is attempting to contain them in,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Because of elk-human conflicts, we do not want to have elk establish populations in areas outside a certain area.

“For this reason, we want to allow elk license holders who have not taken an elk during the regular season to be able to participate in an extended season to target elk that have gone outside the elk management area.”
 
The Board also approved the 2010 elk season to be held on Nov. 1-6, and to an extended elk hunting period for those with unfilled elk licenses to be Nov. 8-13.

In addition to the Special Conservation Tag, which will auctioned at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual banquet, the Board approved an elk allocation of 17 antlered and 33 antlerless elk licenses to be awarded at a public drawing in September.  Applications for the elk drawing will be accepted from June 15 through Aug. 27, which is when licenses for the 2010-11 licenses go on sale, for $10. 

The Special Conservation Tag was created by Act 101 of 2008. Under the law, the Game Commission is authorized to provide one antlered elk license to a wildlife conservation organization to auction.  Of the auction proceeds, up to 20 percent may be retained by the wildlife conservation organization and the rest is turned over to the Game Commission for elk management. The new law sunsets on July 1, 2013, and requires the General Assembly to re-authorize the authority to allow for the auction of one antlered elk license per license year.

In related action, with the agency continuing to work to update and implement the elk management plan, the Board gave final approval to regulatory changes to address a somewhat confusing aspect of elk management policy.  Under the proposal, terms such as “elk management area” and “elk hunt zones” will be clarified in the management plan and regulations.

Under the regulatory change, “elk management area” will be defined as that portion of Wildlife Management Unit 2G in McKean, Potter, Tioga, Elk, Cameron, Clinton, Lycoming, Clearfield and Centre counties, bounded on the north by Rt. 6, on the east by Rt. 287, on the south by Rt. 220 and I-80 and on the west by Rt. 219.

Also, “elk hunt zones” will be comprised of areas as established by the Executive Director on an annual basis prior to the opening of elk season. The divisional line between two or more elk hunt zones shall be the center of the highway, natural watercourse, other natural boundary or marked boundary.
      
 
ALL FURTAKERS HAVE OPPORTUNITY FOR BOBCAT, FISHER
After 10 bobcat seasons with a specified number of permits, the Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to shorten the length of the overall bobcat season to three weeks (Dec. 18-Jan. 8 for hunting, and Dec. 18-Jan. 9 for trapping), and allow all licensed furtakers the opportunity to purchase one permit to harvest a bobcat in Wildlife Management Units 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4D and 4E.  This action formally eliminates the need for the agency to hold a public drawing for bobcat permits.

The Board also approved the creation of a six-day fisher trapping season (Dec. 18-23) and will allow all licensed trappers the opportunity to obtain a fisher permit and try to trap one fisher in WMUs 2C 2D, 2E and 2F.

“Following careful review of recent seasons and, in consideration of hunter and trapper input received, beginning with the 2010-11 season, we are using season length to regulate bobcat taking in specified WMUs,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “All indications suggest that bobcat populations have increased significantly during the previous years. 

“In order to continue to assess interest, participation, effort and harvest, we believe it prudent to retain a permitting process. However, we believe that we can offer an unlimited number of permits to allow each licensed furtaker the opportunity to harvest one bobcat in the specified WMUs.”
 
Additionally, the Board approved the creation of a limited, one-week fisher season, which was part of the Game Commission’s initial plans when it reintroduced fishers back in the 1990s.

“Through this limited season, we will be able to gather additional biological samples for demographic and genetic analyses,” Roe said. “Mandatory reporting, along with fisher permits, is needed to better assess participation, effort and harvest for this new season.”

Resident and nonresident furtaker license-holders, as well as combination license holders, are eligible to participate in both the bobcat and fisher seasons. Bobcat and fisher permits will be available through the agency’s license sale system for $6.70 each ($5 for the Game Commission, which is the same as the previous application fee; $1 for the issuing agent; and 70 cents for the license sale system operator).

In other trapping-related action, the Board also gave final approval to open the cable restraint season on Dec. 26, rather than Jan. 1; and to increase the number of body-gripping traps that may be used to harvest beavers in Wildlife Management Unit 1B in northwestern Pennsylvania to address the increasing number of beaver nuisance complaints.
 
 
HUNTERS REMINDED ABOUT PROCESS FOR SETTING WATERFOWL SEASONS
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to nearly all of the 2010-11 seasons and bag limits; however, there is one group of seasons that won’t be finalized until summer: waterfowl and migratory bird seasons.

In July, in concert with federal frameworks, the Game Commission will set seasons and bag limits for September resident Canada goose and webless migratory birds, such as doves, woodcock, snipe and moorhens.

In August, the Game Commission and waterfowl hunting organizations will host waterfowl organizations, individual sportsmen and the public to attend a briefing on the status of waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2009-10 hunting seasons. 

In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff, along with conservation partners, will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.

Based on public comments received and gathered at the meeting, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended composite waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval.  All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS.  States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.

By mid-August, once the final selections are made, the Game Commission will print and distribute brochures outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp.  The brochure also will be posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) along with a news release announcing the agency’s final selections by mid-August.  
 
 
ADOPTED 2010-11 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
 
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth – Oct. 9-15 (6 daily, 12 in possession limit after first day).
 
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 16-Nov. 27; Dec. 13-23 and Dec. 27-Feb. 5 (6 daily, 12 possession).
 
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 16–Nov. 27, Dec. 13-23 and Dec. 27-Jan. 22 (2 daily, 4 possession). 
 
RABBIT (Cottontail) Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license: Oct. 9-16 (4 daily, 8 possession).
 
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 23-Nov. 27, Dec. 13-23 and Dec. 27-Feb. 26 (4 daily, 8 possession).
 
PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 9-16 (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.  There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.
 
PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B – Oct. 23-Nov. 27. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs – Oct. 23-Nov. 27, Dec. 13-23 and Dec. 27-Feb. 5 (2 daily, 4 in possession).  There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.
 
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 23-Nov. 27 (4 daily, 8 possession). (Closed in WMUs 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.)
 
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 27–Jan. 1 (1 daily, 2 possession).
 
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except: Sundays; during the antlered and antlerless deer seasons; and during legal hunting hours of the spring gobbler turkey season.
 
CROWS: July 2-April 10, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only.  No limit.
 
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the antlered and antlerless deer seasons and during legal hunting hours of 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. 13-19 and Nov. 25-27; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Nov. 6-19 and Nov. 25-27; WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 4A, 4B and 4D – Nov. 13-19 and Nov. 25-27; WMUs 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E – Nov. 6-19 and Nov. 25-27; WMU 5A – Nov. 16-18; WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
 
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth – April 23, 2011.  Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
 
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 30-May 31, 2011. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)  From April 30-May 14, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 16-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
 
BLACK BEAR (Statewide) Bow and Arrow only: Nov. 15-19. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
 
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 20, and Nov. 22-23. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
 
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 1-6.  Only one elk may be taken during the license year. 
 
ELK, EXTENDED (Antlered and Antlerless): Nov. 8-13. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. Eligible elk license recipients who haven’t harvested an elk by Nov. 6, in designated areas.
 
Elk, Special Conservation Tag (Antlered or Antlerless): Sept. 1-Nov. 6.  One elk tag for one antlered or antlerless elk will be auctioned at the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation annual banquet.
 
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlerless Only) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 18-Oct. 1 and Nov. 15-27.  One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
 
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Oct. 2-Nov. 13 and Dec. 27-Jan. 29. One antlered deer per hunting license year.  One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
 
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Oct. 2-Nov. 13 and Dec. 27-Jan. 15. One antlered deer per hunting license year.  One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
 
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4A, 4C, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Nov. 29-Dec. 11.  One antlered deer per hunting license year.  An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
 
DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E: Nov. 29-Dec. 3. One antlered deer per hunting license year.   (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period.)
 
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E: Dec. 4-11.  One antlered deer per hunting license year.  An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
 
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 21-23.  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, 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. 16-23.  An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. 
 
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 27-Jan. 15.  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, 5D): Dec. 27-Jan. 29.  One antlered deer 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. 27-Jan. 29. 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.  
 
 
ADOPTED 2010-11 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS
 
COYOTES: No closed season.  Unlimited.  Outside of any deer or bear season, coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange.  During any archery deer season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting deer or with a furtaker license.  During the regular firearms deer and any bear seasons, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting deer or bear, or with a furtaker license while wearing 250 square inches of fluorescent orange.  During the spring gobbler season, may be taken by those with a valid tag and meet fluorescent orange and shot size requirements.
 
RACCOON and FOXES: Oct. 23–Feb. 19, unlimited.
 
OPOSSUM, SKUNKS & WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays and during legal hunting hours of the spring gobbler season.  No limits.
 
BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4D and 4E):  Dec. 18-Jan. 8.  One bobcat per license year, but all licensed furtakers may obtain one permit.
 
 
ADOPTED 2010-11 TRAPPING SEASONS
 
MINK and MUSKRAT: Nov. 20–Jan. 9.  Unlimited.
 
COYOTE, FOXES, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 24–Feb. 20.  No limit.
 
COYOTE and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Dec. 26-Feb. 20.  No limit.  Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
 
BEAVER (Statewide): Dec. 26–March 31 (Limits vary depending on WMU).
 
BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4D and 4E):  Dec. 18-Jan. 9.  One bobcat per license year, and all licensed furtakers may obtain one permit.
 
FISHER (WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F): Dec. 18-23. One fisher per license year, and all licensed furtakers may obtain one permit.
 
 
ADOPTED 2010-11 FALCONRY SEASONS
 
SQUIRRELS (combined), BOBWHITE QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARE, RINGNECK PHEASANT (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 31.  Daily and Field Possession limits vary.  (Migratory game bird seasons and bag limits for falconers will be set in accordance with federal regulations in August.)
 
No open season on other wild birds or mammals.  Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons will be established in accordance with Federal Regulations this summer. 

Release #035-10
April 15, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNEWS@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSION POSTS AGENDA FOR APRIL MEETING ON WEBSITE
Agency to webcast meeting on April 20
 
HARRISBURG – The agenda for the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners’ meeting, which is slated for April 19-20, was posted on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) today, and can be viewed by clicking the “Next Commissioners’ Meeting” box in the center of the homepage and then on the agenda link at the bottom of the page.

The Board meeting will be held in the auditorium of the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters to collect additional recommendations on the 2010-11 seasons and bag limits, and to conduct a workshop and formal meeting.  The headquarters is at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg.

On Monday, April 19, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Board will hear public comments on the proposed 2010-11 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits.  Individuals interested in offering public testimony – limited to five minutes – may begin to register at 7:45 a.m. on a first-come, first-to-speak basis.  At the completion of the public comment period, the Board will receive various staff reports.

On Tuesday, April 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Game Commission will take up its prepared agenda to, among other things, give final approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2010-11 and set antlerless deer license allocations for the 2010-11 seasons.  Doors open at 7:45 a.m.

Additionally, on April 20, the Game Commission will webcast the Board’s meeting through its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) for those unable to attend the meeting in Harrisburg. Those interested in viewing the meeting will be able to click on a special icon that will be placed on the agency’s website prior to the meeting’s start time of 8:30 a.m. 

Roe also noted that those planning to attend the April 19 and 20 meeting should be prepared for road construction that is planned for Elmerton Avenue, from Progress Avenue to Sycamore Drive, which has been announced for the week of April 19.

Release #034-10
April 13, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
The following news release contains three articles related to the upcoming spring gobbler season:
 
1) SPRING GOBBLER SEASON SNEAKING UP ON THE CALENDAR
2) HUNTERS REMINDED ABOUT SECOND SPRING GOBBLER TAG
3) WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT UNIT SPRING GOBBLER REPORTS
 
 
SPRING GOBBLER SEASON SNEAKING UP ON THE CALENDAR

HARRISBURG – This year marks the 42nd anniversary of the Keystone State’s spring gobbler hunting season, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission is reporting turkey hunters should expect to find exciting opportunities afield as they head out for both the youth and traditional spring season openers.

The state’s one-day youth spring gobbler season is April 24; the general spring gobbler season is May 1-31. Hunters who have purchased a second spring gobbler season license may harvest up to two bearded turkeys. (See second article about availability of second spring gobbler license.)

“Wild turkeys continue to be the second most popular game species in Pennsylvania,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “Spring turkey hunting has become so popular that there now are more spring turkey hunters (239,000) than fall turkey hunters (183,000), according to our annual Game-Take Survey.  Also, ever since 2001, spring gobbler harvests have exceeded fall turkey harvests.”

The first spring gobbler season started on a Monday and ran only six days so biologists could get a pulse on hunter success and the season’s impact on the more than 60,000 wild turkeys inhabiting about half of Pennsylvania’s forestland at the time. It worked! More hunters were afield on the last day of the season – a Saturday – than the opener, and hunters took a total of 1,636 turkeys in the new season.

The preliminary harvest estimate for the 2009 spring gobbler season shows that hunters took 43,677 bearded birds (which included a harvest of 41,397 using the spring gobbler tag attached to all general hunting licenses, and 2,280 using the special spring gobbler license) from an estimated statewide spring population of about 345,000.  (Final figures will be available in July after the results of the Game-Take Survey are compiled.) The spring wild turkey population peaked in 2001, when it numbered 410,000. So, it’s fair to say the status of wild turkeys has changed dramatically over the past 40 years.

“Pennsylvania began to establish its well-respected presence in the annals of America’s wild turkey management history back in the ‘60s through the efforts of two biologists who made their peers stop and look at what was going on here,” said Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist. “Gerald Wunz and Arnie Hayden refined turkey trap-and-transfer techniques and multi-season frameworks to help turkeys reclaim their former range throughout the state.

“With each passing year, the turkey population grew, and ultimately compelled the agency, in 1980, to close its turkey farm, which had produced more than 200,000 birds over its half-century of operation.”

Today, Pennsylvania manages one of the most prolific wild turkey populations in America. It is an accomplishment that is directly related to both previous and ongoing management practices, the state’s outstanding tapestry of turkey-friendly habitats and the resiliency of Pennsylvania’s wild turkeys.

“The preliminary 2009 spring gobbler harvest was the fourth highest on record,” Casalena said. “It is nine percent above the previous three-year average, and three percent above the previous 10-year average, which included a period when Pennsylvania logged five consecutive harvests of more than 40,000 gobblers.”

Final spring gobbler harvests, prior to 2009’s preliminary harvest of 41,397, are: 40,522 in 2008; 37,880 in 2007; 39,297 in 2006; 32,593 in 2005; 41,017 in 2004; and 42,876 in 2003. The preliminary fall wild turkey harvest was about 23,068, which is down from the 26,500 in 2008, but is up substantially from the 21,900 in 2007, and 21,500 in 2006. Final 2009 harvest figures will be available later this summer.

In 2009, 2,280 second spring gobblers were taken by the 10,720 hunters who purchased the special spring gobbler license.  That compares with 1,954 second turkeys taken by 8,795 license holders in 2008; 1,507 turkeys by 7,585 license holders in 2007, and 1,454 turkeys by 8,041 license holders in 2006.

So what can hunters expect this spring? According to Casalena, another great spring season is in store for hunters.

“The reason for the optimist outlook is due to the excellent summer reproduction two and three years ago, which has provided for a higher proportion of adult (two- and three-year-old) gobblers in the population,” Casalena said. “Reproduction last spring was below average due to the cold, wet spring, so that may impact next year’s spring harvest.

“From our four-year gobbler study that just ended, we learned that hunters select the older ‘long-beards’ over juveniles, or ‘jakes.’  These adult birds gobble the most and come in readily to hunters’ calls, so they are more prone to being harvested.  The older four- and five-year-old age classes usually are much more wary, and there just aren’t many in the population.  So, because of the above-average number of two- and three-year-olds in this year’s flocks, I predict an excellent spring turkey season for Pennsylvania’s gobbler hunters.”

Casalena encourages spring gobbler hunters to spend time scouting, which always plays an important role in hunter success.

“Scouting this spring can improve hunters’ chances by lining up multiple locations for the spring season,” Casalena said. “Prior to the season, however, hunters should consider not using turkey calls to locate gobblers, because it can educate birds and cause them to be less inclined to respond to the early-morning calls of in-season hunters.

“If you’re trying to locate a gobbler, it’s best to head out at first light to listen for calls. Now is a great time! On a still morning, a gobbler’s call often can be detected up to a half-mile away or more.”

Hunters are reminded that it is illegal to stalk turkeys or turkey sounds in the spring gobbler season. Given the wild turkey’s keen senses, it’s not a wise move anyway, but more importantly, it makes a tremendous difference for the personal safety of everyone afield. Over the years, too many hunters have been shot for game while approaching a hunter calling for turkeys, and callers have been shot in mistake for game by stalking hunters.

“Safety must be the foremost consideration of every turkey hunter,” emphasized Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education division chief. “If every hunter followed the state’s hunting regulations and positively identified his or her target as legal game before squeezing the trigger, we could nearly eliminate hunting-related shooting incidents during the spring gobbler season. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always work that way.

“The Game Commission encourages all spring gobbler hunters to hunt safely and defensively. Consider wearing fluorescent orange clothing at all times – even though it is no longer required by law – and treat every sound and movement in the forest as if it is another hunter until you can positively confirm it is a legal turkey. Be patient. Wait until the bird is fully visible before you squeeze the trigger.”

Legal sporting arms are: shotguns plugged to three-shell capacity in the chamber and magazine combined; muzzleloading shotguns; and crossbows and bows with broadhead bolts or arrows of cutting-edge design.

Shot size can be no larger than No. 4 lead, bismuth-tin and tungsten-iron, or No. 2 steel. Rifle-shotgun combinations also may be used, but no single-projectile ammunition may be used or carried.

Carrying or using rifles, handguns, dogs, electronic callers, drives and live decoys is unlawful. The use of blinds is legal so long as it is an “artificial or manufactured turkey blind consisting of all manmade materials of sufficient density to block the detection of movement within the blind from an observer located outside the blind.”

While not required by law, hunters are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange material when moving through the woods. Agency officials also recommend that hunters wrap an orange alert band around a nearby tree when stationary, especially when calling and/or using decoys.

Coyotes may be harvested by turkey hunters. However, turkey hunters who have filled their spring turkey tag or tags may not hunt coyotes prior to noon Monday through Saturday during the spring gobbler season, unless they have a furtaker license. Woodchuck hunting is not allowed during spring gobbler season shooting hours.

Successful spring gobbler hunters must properly tag their turkey and report the harvest to the Game Commission within 10 days, using the postage-paid report card provided with their Digest, or through the Pennsylvania Automated License System. Information to be reported includes the hunter’s name and address; date and location of kill (WMU, county, township) and sporting arm used.

Hunters also are encouraged to report all leg-banded turkeys they take to assist the Game Commission in ongoing research by calling the toll-free number listed on the leg band. Hunters may keep the band; the agency just needs the information on the band.

Junior hunters who participate in the youth spring gobbler day (April 24) are required to have a junior hunting license. On this one-day hunt, junior license holders under 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult, who cannot carry a sporting arm. Accompanying adults may only provide guidance, such as calling or scouting. All other hunting regulations are the same as those for the general spring gobbler season, including the hunting hours of one-half hour before sunrise until noon and only bearded turkeys may be taken.

And, for the fourth year, youths under the age of 12 years may participate in the spring gobbler seasons through the Game Commission's Mentored Youth Hunting Program. They can hunt with a mentor during either the one-day youth or general spring gobbler season.  Mentored youths need to obtain a permit ($2.70), and must be accompanied by an adult mentor who is a properly licensed and at least 21 years of age. A field harvest tag is provided with the mentored youth hunting program permit.  Mentored youths also are required to report their harvest to the Game Commission either online or by using one of the report card inserts that are part of the digest.  

For additional information about the Game Commission’s Mentored Youth Hunting Program, visit the agency's website at www.pgc.state.pa.us and click on "Mentored Youth FAQs" in the drop-down menu in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right column of the homepage, or consult pages 13 and 33 of the  2009-2010 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations.
 
 
HUNTERS REMINDED ABOUT SECOND SPRING GOBBLER TAG

Pennsylvania hunters who would like the opportunity to harvest a second spring gobbler can purchase a second spring gobbler tag until the spring gobbler season begins on May 1, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe.  In fact, thanks to the new Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), hunters can purchase a second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent or through the agency’s website.

In the past, hunters had from Jan. 1 until April 1 to submit an application for the second spring gobbler tag and wait for the agency to mail the license back to them.  The process was made necessary to spread out administrative workload of processing and handling licenses for the fall hunting seasons.  However, thanks to PALS, hunters can now purchase the second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent and walk out of the store with the license in hand.

Roe noted that hunters are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges.  However, the second spring gobbler tag license affords those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler.  Hunters may only purchase one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, but they may only harvest one bird per day.

“So, if you are looking for that application in your digest to mail in, you won’t find it,” Roe said. “You can just purchase the special spring gobbler license either through the Game Commission’s website or visit your local license issuing agent.”

Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents.  
 
 
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT UNIT SPRING GOBBLER REPORTS

Mary Jo Casalena, Pennsylvania Game Commission wild turkey biologist, prepared a report for each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU), to share more detailed information on spring gobbler hunting prospects.
 
WMU 1A – Spring harvests remain well above the statewide average, but will continue to be well below average for this WMU. Summer reproduction has been below average since 2005.  The Game Commission shortened the fall season to two weeks in 2005 in an attempt to help increase the population in this WMU. Expect the 2010 spring harvest to remain higher than the state average, but lower than last year for this WMU due to the below-average reproduction during the past several years which provided a smaller proportion than normal of older gobblers. The key here is to scout prior to the season.
 
WMA 1B – Expect harvest to be excellent compared to the statewide average and above average for the WMU. Even though last summer’s reproduction was below average, reproduction in 2008 was excellent providing a high proportion of two-year old males in the population, which typically comprise the largest percent of each spring’s harvest. This age class of adult gobblers are very vocal and readily come to hunter’s calls.
 
WMU 2A – Still well above the statewide average, but well below average for itself.  Fall turkey season was shortened from three weeks to two weeks in 2007, which will allow more turkeys to survive to the 2010 spring season.  With the below average proportion of two- year-old males in the population there will be less gobbling heard than normal for this WMU. However, there still may be a good proportion of the older, less vocal three- and four-year old gobblers, so scouting for these birds will be important this year.
 
WMU 2B – Variable. This WMU is difficult to predict because of the lack of public land.  For hunters who secure access to hunting areas, prospects are above the state average for calling in a gobbler, but below average for this WMU due to poor reproduction during the past two summers. 
 
WMU 2C – Spring harvests here have been improving since the low in 2006 and should continue to increase this spring due to a combination of a shorter fall season length from three to two weeks since 2004, and excellent reproduction in 2007 and 2008 providing a higher than average proportion of two- and three-year-old gobblers in the population. These vocal longbeards are what the majority of Pennsylvania turkey hunters seek. Spring harvest densities (harvests per square mile) remain below the statewide average.
 
WMU 2D – Above average harvest expected compared to the state, but below average for this WMU. Although summer reproduction last year was average, providing a good proportion of juvenile males (jakes) in the population, reproduction in 2008 was poor, providing a below average proportion of the more sought after and highly vocal two-year old gobblers. The fall turkey season here was decreased in 2009 from three weeks to two weeks to help the population increase to its previous high levels.
 
WMU 2E – Excellent for this WMU for harvesting juveniles (jakes) and three-year-old gobblers, but below average for harvesting the most vocal two-year old gobblers. With the two-week fall turkey season since 2004, spring harvests have been improving, and expect the same this spring.
 
WMU 2F – The population has increased from that of the last several years due to above-average reproduction in 2008 and the shortened fall season (from three weeks to two weeks from 2007-2009). Expect the spring harvest to increase from last year due to the high proportion of two-year-old males in the population for enjoyable calling. Harvest density (harvest per square mile) continues to be below the long-term average for this WMU and below the statewide average. However, hunters continue to enjoy hunting the extensive public lands in this WMU. 
 
WMU 2G – Excellent for this WMU for harvesting juveniles (jakes) and three-year-old gobblers, but below average for harvesting the most vocal two-year old gobblers. The population is rebounding to the long-term average for this WMU, but spring harvest densities (harvest per square mile) are still below the state average. Hunters continue to enjoy hunting the extensive public lands in this WMU. 
 
WMU 3A – Below average reproduction during the last two springs will result in a below-average spring harvest for this WMU, but the harvest will remain above the state average. There still remains higher than average proportions of three-year and older gobblers, but these present the most challenging age classes to harvest.
 
WMU 3B – This should be a banner harvest year for this WMU and well above the statewide average. Summer turkey sightings here have been above average during the last two summers translating to a high proportion of juveniles (jakes) and the vocal two-year old adult gobblers, which typically is the most sought after age class.
 
WMU 3C – Below average reproduction during the last two springs will result in a lower spring harvest than last year, but expect the harvest to remain above average for this WMU and well above the state average. There remains higher than average proportions of three-year and older gobblers, but these present the most challenging age classes to harvest.
 
WMU 3D – Expect a similar harvest to last year, which was average for this WMU, but above the statewide average.  Although there are fewer juveniles (jakes) in the population due to below average summer reproduction last year, the average proportion of two-year old gobblers will provide an enjoyable spring season.
 
WMU 4A – Expect the harvest to be average for this WMU and similar to the state average. Population of three-year-old gobblers is above average due to the record reproduction in 2007, but this age class typically presents a challenge for spring turkey hunters. The two-week fall season since 2004 may be helping this population to rebound.  
 
WMU 4B – Above the statewide average, but average for this WMU. With the two-week fall season since 2004, spring harvest densities have been increasing even though this WMU has had tremendous fluctuations in summer reproduction recently.
 
WMU 4C – Second best 2009 spring harvest density (harvest per square mile) in the state and hunters should expect a similar harvest this year. This WMU continues to maintain one of the highest spring harvest densities in the state, even though the summer turkey sighting index trend remains below the statewide average. With the above-average populations of juvenile (one-year old) and two-year old males from above average reproduction during the past two summers in this WMU, hunting prospects again will be excellent.
 
WMU 4D – Above average for this WMU, below the statewide average. Although last year’s reproduction was only average in this WMU the population of two-year old gobblers is above average, which should provide for an abundance of gobbling. Spring harvest density (harvest per square mile) has been improving for the past four years, and expect this to continue.
 
WMU 4E – Like WMU 4C, this is another turkey hotspot. Highest spring 2009 harvest density (harvest per square mile) in the state. Also, summer turkey sightings show a record number of jakes (juvenile males) and two- year-old gobblers in the population. Expect this year’s harvest to be even better than last year’s.
 
WMU 5A – Above average for this WMU; far below the statewide average. Although harvests and summer turkey sightings continue to be some of the lowest in the state, the closed fall turkey season has been aiding in population increase. Even though summer reproduction last year was below average, the above-average reproduction in 2008 means an abundance of the vocal two-year old gobblers this spring for this WMU. 
 
WMU 5B - The data set for this WMU is minimal, but overall, expect an above average harvest compared to itself. Hunters could be very successful if they seek out the younger, juvenile (jake) males due to the above average summer reproduction last year in parts of this WMU.  There are below average proportions of two-year and three-year-old gobblers. Harvests and summer turkey sightings are some of the lowest in the state.
 
WMU 5C – Below average for this WMU and below average compared to the state. Summer reproduction was below average for the last two years in much of this WMU, providing below average proportions of juvenile (jake) and two-year gobblers, which typically comprise the majority of the harvest.

Release #032-10
April 12, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
GAME COMMISSION/ALTOONA CURVE ANNOUNCE BASEBALL TICKET DISCOUNT BY SHOWING CURRENT LICENSE
 
HARRISBURG – Coupling two of America’s favorite pastimes – baseball and hunting – Pennsylvania Game Commission and Altoona Curve AA Baseball officials today announced that fans who bring their current Pennsylvania hunting or furtaker license to any Wednesday home game will earn a $1 discount on grandstand tickets. This offer will start with the April 14 game against the Richmond Flying Squirrels at 6:30 p.m., and run through the Aug. 25 game against the Erie SeaWolves at 7 p.m.

“This agreement has provided an added value to the price of a Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker license,” said Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director. “We are pleased that the Altoona Curve recognizes the importance of our license buyers to wildlife management, as well as the economy, of the state and the Altoona region, by offering this discount.”

“We are glad to extend this offer through the Pennsylvania Game Commission,” said Chuck Griswold, Altoona Curve Sponsorship Account Executive. “We know those with hunting licenses will appreciate the value, entertainment, and great baseball they will experience at Blair County Ballpark at a terrific price.”
     
The Altoona Curve is the AA Affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates, and has its field at 1000 Park Ave. in Altoona.  For more information on upcoming Wednesday home games, visit the Altoona Curve’s website (www.altoonacurve.com).

Release #031-10
April 9, 2010
For Information Contact:
Jerry Feaser
717-705-6541
PGCNews@state.pa.us
 
The following news release contains two articles:
 
1) WEST VIRGINIA WOMAN GUILTY OF POACHING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
2) TWO CHARGED IN TWO-DAY POACHING SPREE IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY
 
 
WEST VIRGINIA WOMAN GUILTY OF POACHING IN WASHINGTON COUNTY
HARRISBURG – Trishelle Barish, 22, of Weirton, West Virginia, recently pled guilty to 10 charges related to a poaching incident in mid-January in Hanover Township, Washington County, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Daniel T. Sitler.

Barish pled guilty to six counts of unlawful use of lights while hunting; one count of resisting or interfering with an officer; one count of damage to property; and two counts of loaded firearms in a vehicle. She pled guilty to all charges on March 23, and was ordered to pay more than $6,000 in fines and restitution, plus court costs. In addition to $3,100 in fines, Barish was ordered to pay $2,400 in restitution for the three deer she killed, and $506 in costs to repair a light that she shot out. WCO Sitler also issued 10 written warnings for various other charges. 

On Jan. 16, WCO Sitler received a call regarding shooting and spotlighting deer the previous night in Hanover Township by someone in a dark-colored Chevy car. The witness observed the spotlight and shots coming from this vehicle near a field by his house.

“During the initial investigation, I discovered a deer that had been shot further up the road at a different location,” WCO Sitler said. “The deer had a small caliber hole near the back of the head. This was confirmed while talking with residents at this next house. I then set up on night patrol that night. 

“At around 10:45 p.m., I heard the distinct sounds of a rim fire rifle. I began driving towards that location and then ducked into a driveway when the headlights of a vehicle were seen. The vehicle passed my location, at which time I observed a spotlight come out of the passenger side and two shots were fired at deer. I maneuvered my vehicle behind the car and engaged my emergency lights, and the driver sped away.”

After following the vehicle, WCO Sitler radioed the license plate of the car to the Game Commission’s Southwest Region Office dispatcher. 

“I was unable to follow the vehicle when it reached Route 18,” WCO Sitler said. “The vehicle was last seen heading north in Beaver County. I then went back to the scene and recovered two empty .17 caliber casings, and requested assistance from the Weirton Police. 
 
“We went to the address listed from the license plate search, and found the car parked in the driveway. The owner of the car would not admit to anything at that time, but she did give me permission to search her car, in which I found an empty box of .17-caliber Federal ammunition that was the same brand found at the scene.  I also found out that her boyfriend’s parents live in Beaver County near where I lost sight of the car on Route 18.”

Over the next week, Beaver County WCO Matthew Kramer assisted WCO Sitler with the investigation, and they were able to find several spent .17-caliber Federal casings and .22-caliber shorts on the same road.  These matched up to witness accounts from Jan. 15. 

“I contacted Hanover Police and found a report of shots being fired on another road on Jan. 16 at around 11:30 p.m.,” Sitler said. “I spoke with the witness at this location and found additional spent .17-caliber Federal casings along with .22-caliber short casings at two different locations on this road.  I also dispatched a deer at this location because of an injury.  Upon examination, I located a small caliber hole located in the head of this deer.  I then checked on the complaint of a light being shot out on the same night.  A spent .17-caliber Federal casing was found at this location.” 

After securing a search warrant for the boyfriend’s parent’s house in Beaver County, WCOs Sitler and Kramer located and seized one .17-caliber rifle and one .22-caliber rifle belonging to the homeowner’s son. 

“I received another call regarding a dead deer found in another field further down the road from the initial shootings,” Sitler said. “We located another .17-caliber casing along the road in line with the dead deer.  In total, we found six locations with .17-caliber and .22-caliber ammunition.  Of these six locations, three deer were found to have been shot.”

WCOs Sitler and Kramer met with Barish at the Hanover Township building, where she confessed to shooting at and killing deer at various locations, along with shooting out the light and fleeing Sitler’s attempt to stop her. 

“However, she would not tell us if anyone else was involved in the poaching incidents,” Sitler said. “She also admitted that the shootings were for fun and that there was no interest in recovering the deer.

“This is a prime example of why the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact is needed. As Barish is a nonresident and will have her hunting privileges revoked in Pennsylvania, she will be able to hunt in her home state.”

Senate Bill 1200, sponsored by Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Richard Alloway II (R-33), recently passed the Senate by a unanimous vote, and presently is awaiting further action in the House Game and Fisheries Committee.
      
 
TWO CHARGED IN TWO-DAY POACHING SPREE IN WESTMORELAND COUNTY

A two-day poaching spree in early December that resulted in at least eight dead deer has been resolved with guilty pleas by Ryan James Simonds, 20, of Derry, and Garrett A. McConnell, 19, of New Alexandria, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Seth T. Mesoras.

Charges were filed at District Judge Mark Bilik’s office in Bradenville. Each defendant was charged and pled guilty to: two counts unlawful use of lights while hunting ($575 for each count for each defendant); six counts of unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife ($300 for each count for each defendant); one count of damage to property ($75 for each defendant); and one count of restrictions on recreational spotlighting ($75 for each defendant). Simonds and McConnell were ordered to pay fines and costs totaling nearly $3,400, as well as nearly $9,000 for damages to a house and car. The defendants also will be subject to multiple years of license revocation.

According to WCO Mesoras, on Dec. 6 and 7, between the hours of 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., Simonds and McConnell went on a shooting spree that resulted in seven deer being killed, and injuring one that was required to be put down. During this time, a house and car were struck with errant shots. Four dead deer and the one injured deer were recovered on Latimer Lane; two found dead on Mannitto Road, and one on Stephenson Road. All of the deer were shot the same night with 12-gauge buckshot and slugs. The deer were all left where they were shot with no attempt to take them.

Of the nearly 60 shots reportedly fired that night, 40 empty casings were recovered from three roads along which the deer were found dead.

“At one point during their night-long shooting spree, Simonds and McConnell were shooting at a deer that had crossed the road in front of them and they missed,” WCO Mesoras said. “The projectiles traveled about 150 yards and struck a house and car. Of the nine pellets that are in one “00” buckshot shotshell, seven struck the side of the house and one struck the side of the car in the driveway. Several of the pellets entered the house that was occupied at the time. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed.”

Mesoras noted that the final break in the case came after four days of solid investigation for 18 hours or more a day.

“The only two pieces of information I had were that the incident involved a red Chevy Cavalier, and I had the first three numbers of the license plate,” WCO Mesoras said. “I was speaking with someone at a local store and a woman overheard me talking and went home and told her husband. It just so happened that her husband saw the defendants on a road that we had not previously known about on the same night shooting at deer. He took down the license plate number and gave it to another individual expecting him to call in. The other person never did, but the anonymous witness called us after he had heard from his wife about the shooting spree.
 
“We then immediately went to the new location and found the same shell casings on the road. We ran the license plate number, and went to McConnell’s house, where we found his red Chevy Cavalier.”

A search warrant was obtained for the car and the house and the evidence was retrieved. The defendants later confessed through a course of interviews.

“The disappointing part about this case is that roughly 60 shots were fired that night in the New Alexandria area that we know of, and only two witnesses initially stepped forward,” WCO Mesoras said. “The defendants showed a complete disrespect for the wildlife of Pennsylvania. When an incident like this occurs it should be remembered that they were shot on the Sunday night of rifle season and these were deer that could have been legally harvested by someone else.”

Mesoras praised the hard work of the Westmoreland County Deputy WCOs.

“It was definitely a team effort, as when one of us would feel like we have exhausted all of the options we would talk with another officer and get new ideas or avenues to explore,” Mesoras said. “The final break that led to the arrests in the case was a result of being out in the field asking questions.”

Mesoras also thanked a local butcher, Samuel Monteparte, who helped collect five of the deer and cut them up for the Hunter Sharing the Harvest Program.

“At least all of the meat did not go to waste,” Mesoras said. “It also should be noted that this is just one of the many poaching incidents that occur throughout the year. For every one that the deputies and I caught at least four more got away.”

GAME COMMISSION RELEASES 2009-10 DEER HARVEST ESTIMATES

           HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission today reported that hunters harvested an estimated 308,920 deer in the state’s 2009-10 seasons, which is an eight percent decline from the previous seasons’ harvest of 335,850. 

Hunters took 108,330 antlered deer in the 2009-10 seasons, down 11 percent from the previous license year’s harvest of 122,410, but similar to the 2007-08 harvest of 109,200.  Also, hunters harvested 200,590 antlerless deer in 2009-10, which is a six percent decline from the 213,440 antlerless deer taken in 2008-09.  The 2007-08 antlerless deer harvest was 213,870. 

            Bureau of Wildlife Management personnel currently are working to develop 2010 antlerless deer license allocation recommendations for the April Board meeting.  Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director, said that in addition to harvest data, the staff will be looking at population trends, deer reproduction, forest regeneration, and deer-human conflict for each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU).

Harvest estimates for 2009-10 seasons are based on 105,192 usable harvest report cards (41,251 antlered; 63,941 antlerless) returned by hunters to the Commission, which included 64,945 reported by mail and 40,247 reported by the new online harvest reporting system.  Reporting rates are determined by cross-referencing these report cards with the data collected from the 24,839 deer (7,942 antlered; 16,897 antlerless) examined by Game Commission personnel in the field and at processors. 

         For an explanation of the agency’s deer harvest estimating procedure, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “White-Tailed Deer” icon in the center of the homepage, then scroll down and select “Deer Research” and click on “Reporting rate variability and precision of white-tailed deer harvest estimates in Pennsylvania.”

         Yearling bucks comprised 49 percent of the 2009-10 antlered harvest.  Since 2003, the percent of yearling bucks in the annual harvest has varied between 49 and 56 percent.  Button bucks represented 22 percent of the antlerless harvest, which is the same percentage from the 2008-09 harvest.

         The 2009-10 hunting seasons marked the first time crossbows were legal in statewide archery deer seasons for all hunters. In those 19 WMUs outside of the three urban areas, the archery harvest increased 13 percent. The proportion of the archery harvest taken by crossbows in the 19 WMUs increased from 15 percent to 30 percent. Crossbows have been legal in urban WMUs of 2B, 5C, and 5D since 2004.

         Total deer harvest estimates by WMU for 2009-10 (with 2008-09 figures in parentheses) are as follows:

WMU 1A:  5,500 (5,400) antlered, 10,700 (12,600) antlerless;

WMU 1B: 5,100 (7,500) antlered, 9,500 (13,400) antlerless;

WMU 2A: 6,800 (6,700) antlered, 13,900 (15,300) antlerless;

WMU 2B: 4,300 (4,000) antlered, 20,000 (15,300) antlerless;

WMU 2C: 6,500 (7,500) antlered, 10,900 (12,800) antlerless;

WMU 2D: 10,000 (9,500) antlered, 16,000 (15,600) antlerless;

WMU 2E: 3,700 (5,000) antlered 5,300 (6,200) antlerless;

WMU 2F: 5,200 (7,000) antlered, 6,600 (9,100) antlerless;

WMU 2G: 5,200 (6,800) antlered, 4,200 (6,500) antlerless;

WMU 3A: 3,300 (4,100) antlered, 6,000 (7,500) antlerless;

WMU 3B: 4,900 (5,500) antlered, 9,100 (9,900) antlerless;

WMU 3C: 6,200 (6,300) antlered, 7,100 (7,300) antlerless;

WMU 3D: 3,100 (3,900) antlered, 6,300 (6,700) antlerless;

WMU 4A: 3,700 (4,200) antlered, 7,400 (6,900) antlerless;

WMU 4B: 4,000 (3,900) antlered, 4,100 (3,800) antlerless;

WMU 4C: 4,700 (5,000) antlered, 7,200 (8,000) antlerless;

WMU 4D: 5,000 (6,600) antlered, 7,200 (9,300) antlerless;

WMU 4E: 4,100 (4,300) antlered, 6,300 (7,200) antlerless;

WMU 5A: 2,200 (2,100) antlered, 4,200 (3,800) antlerless;

WMU 5B: 6,000 (6,800) antlered, 11,300 (11,200) antlerless;

WMU 5C: 7,600 (8,700) antlered, 23,200 (20,200) antlerless;

WMU 5D: 1,100 (1,300) antlered, 3,900 (4,500) antlerless; and

Unknown WMU: 130 (310) antlered, 190 (140) antlerless.

         Season-specific deer harvest estimates – such as archery and muzzleloader and rifle – by WMU for 2009-10 can also be calculated using harvest data from processors and report cards. 

         “Although we do not use season-specific harvest data for management purposes, we recognize the public is interested in these harvest estimates,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “For that reason only, we provide estimated deer harvest breakdowns for firearms, archery and muzzleloader seasons, but we only use total deer harvest estimates when making recommendations for each WMU.”

Season-specific deer harvest estimates are as follows:

WMU 1A: firearms, 3,300 antlered, 7,700 antlerless; archery, 2,130 antlered, 1,780 antlerless; and muzzleloader, 70 antlered, 1,220 antlerless;

WMU 1B: firearms, 3,500 antlered, 7,800 antlerless; archery, 1,580 antlered, 1,100 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 600 antlerless;

WMU 2A: firearms, 5,000 antlered, 11,000 antlerless; archery, 1,770 antlered, 1,390 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 1,510 antlerless;

WMU 2B: firearms, 1,700 antlered, 10,600 antlerless; archery, 2,530 antlered, 7,930 antlerless; muzzleloader, 70 antlered, 1,470 antlerless;

WMU 2C: firearms, 4,500 antlered, 8,600 antlerless; archery, 1,230 antlered, 1,120 antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 antlered, 1,070 antlerless;

WMU 2D: firearms, 6,600 antlered, 11,800 antlerless; archery, 3,320 antlered, 2,050 antlerless; muzzleloader, 80 antlered, 2,150 antlerless;

WMU 2E: firearms, 2,700 antlered, 4,200 antlerless; archery, 970 antlered, 560 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 540 antlerless;

WMU 2F: firearms, 4,200 antlered, 5,500 antlerless; archery, 980 antlered, 520 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 580 antlerless;

WMU 2G: firearms, 4,400 antlered, 2,800 antlerless; archery, 760 antlered, 600 antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 antlered, 800 antlerless;

WMU 3A: firearms, 2,700 antlered, 4,800 antlerless; archery, 590 antlered, 530 antlerless; muzzleloader, 10 antlered, 670 antlerless;

WMU 3B: firearms, 3,700 antlered, 6,900 antlerless; archery, 1,160 antlered, 970 antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 antlered, 1,230 antlerless;

WMU 3C: firearms, 5,100 antlered, 5,200 antlerless; archery, 1,060 antlered, 810 antlerless; muzzleloader, 40 antlered, 1,090 antlerless;

WMU 3D: firearms, 2,200 antlered, 4,500 antlerless; archery, 1,050 antlered, 910 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 750 antlerless;

WMU 4A: firearms, 3,200 antlered, 5,900 antlerless; archery, 450 antlered, 630 antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 antlered, 870 antlerless;

WMU 4B: firearms, 2,900 antlered, 2,800 antlerless; archery, 1,080 antlered, 700 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 600 antlerless;

WMU 4C: firearms, 3,200 antlered, 5,200 antlerless; archery, 1,470 antlered, 1,140 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 860 antlerless;

WMU 4D: firearms, 3,800 antlered, 5,600 antlerless; archery, 1,150 antlered, 880 antlerless; muzzleloader, 50 antlered, 720 antlerless;

WMU 4E: firearms, 2,900 antlered, 4,800 antlerless; archery, 1,170 antlered, 820 antlerless; muzzleloader, 30 antlered, 680 antlerless;

WMU 5A: firearms, 1,600 antlered, 3,000 antlerless; archery, 580 antlered, 670 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 530 antlerless;

WMU 5B: firearms, 3,100 antlered, 7,000 antlerless; archery, 2,840 antlered, 3,000 antlerless; muzzleloader, 60 antlered, 1,300 antlerless;

WMU 5C: firearms, 3,300 antlered, 12,700 antlerless; archery, 4,190 antlered, 8,920 antlerless; muzzleloader, 110 antlered, 1,580 antlerless;

WMU 5D: firearms, 300 antlered, 1,200 antlerless; archery, 780 antlered, 2,620 antlerless; muzzleloader, 20 antlered, 80 antlerless; and

Unknown WMU: firearms, 0 antlered, 170 antlerless; archery, 130 antlered, 20 antlerless; muzzleloader, 0 antlered, 0 antlerless.