April 18 Game Commission Meeting Notes

[bluetick]

The meeting started at 8:30 sharp. I estimated about 55 people in attendence.

The proposal for State Wildlife grants were approved.

These are monies for various studies from the Federal Gov. The GC just acts as "the banker" for these funds. The can recoup up to 3% of the total for admin costs.


Administration of police (WCO0 Powers. Passed

The way I understand this, it was a clean up on this reg to mirror the legislation.


Hunting and Trapping

Cable restraint - the changes passed

Extended Hunting Hours - Passed

Comm Schreffler offered several reason this should not pass. They were based on diminishing vision in low light conditions.

Comm Boop also made a statement in opposition to this proposal. Also concured with the low vision arguement, but also thought the extra time will further pressure the deer herd.

The proposal passed 4-2.

Muzzelloading pistols and peep sights for muzzelloaders - Passed

Comm Schreffler offered an amendment to strip the pistols out of this proposal. He cited the power of the loads as ineffective. The amendment was not seconded.

Vote on the proposal was 5-1 Passed

Flo Orange blinds - Passed

6-0

DMAP fee increase - Passed

Now will cost $10 for residents and $35 for non-residents

6-0


Release of Feral hogs - Passed

This makes it illegal to release captive raised game onto public or private lands without a permit. Does not apply to mallard ducks, pheasant, bobwhite quail, and chukar partridge.

6-0

The proposed Seasons and Bag Limits passed as proposed.

Comm Schreffler proposed an amendment to the regular rifle season. In the following WMU's he proposed buck only the first week and concurrent buck/doe the second:

2C, 2D, 2G, 3C,4E The amendment failed


Comm Boop proposed an amendment to eliminate the early muzzelloader season. It did not get a second.


Anterless alocation:

Antlerless Allocations 2007 / 2008

WMU 1A
Allocation 42,000
WMU 1B
Allocation 30,000
WMU 2A
Allocation 60,000
WMU 2B
Allocation 68,000
WMU 2C
Allocation 49,000
WMU 2D
Allocation 56,000
WMU 2E
Allocation 21,000
WMU 2F
Allocation 28,000
WMU 2G
Allocation 26,000
WMU 3A
Allocation 43,000
WMU 3B
Allocation 43,000
WMU 3C
Allocation 38,000
WMU 3D
Allocation 38,000
WMU 4A
Allocation 29,000
WMU 4B
Allocation 23,000
WMU 4C
Allocation 39,000
WMU 4D
Allocation 40,000
WMU 4E
Allocation 38,000
WMU 5A
Allocation 22,000
WMU 5B
Allocation 53,000
WMU 5C
Allocation 84,000
WMU 5D
Allocation 20,000

With the exception of the already noted failed attempts to modify several deer seasons, the only other real challenge was within the allocations. Boop tried to decrease the alocation for 4E, his home WMU. He suggested an alocation of 30,000 down from 38.000. After some discussion a vote was taken and the amendment failed.

A high point was the addition of 84 acres worth ovewr a million $$. They got it for like 89 k through the new Wildlife for Everyone Foundation. This will become part of GL 93 in Somerset County. There is a press release on this if you want more information.

In the new business portion of the meeting Comm isabella suggested that the Deer Team and the Wildlife Buerau select one WMU and using any terms they need - validate the deer measures.

I will be working to get more details on this.

There was a press conference after the meeting. I think this was due to the legislative extortion that occured at and during the meeting. The BOC stated it's case for proper funding and what it would bring.

Watch your newspapers.

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Hunting - more than just buying a license. Get involved!

[roland]

Excellent post.

[Justin]

thanks for your attendance and report back here

[Agent Ronin]

I'm not a hunter, but i must say i enjoyed reading both your reports on the meeting. It was very enlightening

[JayBell]

good report.

I wish someone could get a straight answer out of these PAGC jerks why they havent reopened the Nockamixon game lands range.

they allegedly shut it down for the no blue sky range improvements, they never opened it again.

[bluetick]

Thanks guys. Like all the issues and challenges to our 2nd Amendment Rights - knowing what is happening in the outdoor agencies and the legislature is just as important.

Gun rights and hunting go hand in hand.


Jay, email the GC. They will explain what is going on with the range.


Hunting - more than just buying a license. Get involved!

[JayBell]

Bluetick: they lie thier faces off, I've gotten 5 different stories on it, on the phone, in letter, in email, and F2F...you cant trust any of them to give a straight answer.