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General Discussion / JULY 9 BEGINS 2012-13 PA DOE LICENSE PROCESS
« Last post by mudbrook on July 02, 2012, 12:43:44 PM »
JULY 9 BEGINS 2012-13 DOE LICENSE PROCESS

HARRISBURG – With general hunting license sales underway, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminded hunters that county treasurers will begin accepting antlerless deer license applications from resident hunters starting Monday, July 9; and from nonresidents beginning Monday, July 30.


For the 2012-13 license year, antlerless deer license fees are the same as they have been since 1999, except for the 70-cent transaction fee attached to the purchase of each license and permit, which is paid directly to Active Outdoors, the Nashville-based company that runs Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).  This transaction fee means that residents will need to write checks made payable to “County Treasurer” for $6.70, and nonresidents for $26.70.


By state law, antlerless deer licenses will continue to be sold only by county treasurers, so hunters will need to prepare and mail separate applications for antlerless deer licenses. A list of the mailing addresses for the 65 county treasurers that issue antlerless deer licenses is included in the 2012-13 Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.


A listing of antlerless licenses allocated by WMU, as well as the remaining allocation, can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on “Doe License Update” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the homepage.


Roe noted that hunters must use the official pink envelopes, which are provided to each license buyer by the issuing agents. For those who order licenses via the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), a new digest and two pink envelopes will be included in the package, along with the licenses, which will arrive in seven to 10 business days from the date of their transaction.


“As county treasurers are set up with PALS, hunters will be able to submit an application to any county treasurer,” Roe said. “Additionally, hunters have the option of listing up to three choices, in order of preference, for a specific Wildlife Management Unit antlerless deer license. If an applicant’s first choice of WMU has exhausted its allocation of antlerless deer licenses, the PALS system will move to the second preference – and third, if necessary.


“This process will nearly eliminate the chance that a hunter will not be able to receive at least one antlerless deer license during the processing of regular antlerless deer licenses. However, hunters are not required to list more than one choice of WMU.”


Also, Roe said that the early start to the antlerless deer license application process will help ensure that county treasurers will be able to mail antlerless deer licenses back to hunters prior to the opening of the archery season.  The first such season opens with the antlerless archery season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D on Sept. 15.  The opening date of the general statewide archery deer season is Sept. 29.


Under the 2012 timeline, residents will apply for regular antlerless deer licenses on July 9; nonresidents will apply for regular antlerless deer licenses on July 30.  After this, residents and nonresidents will apply for the first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 6, and residents and nonresidents will apply for the second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 20.


County treasurers will have to mail regular and first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses no later than Sept. 10, and second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses no later than Sept. 24.


Beginning Aug. 6, for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D only, there is no limit to the number of unsold antlerless deer license applications an individual can submit until the allocations are exhausted.  This must be done by mail only, and there is a limit of three applications per pink envelope.


Beginning Aug. 27, county treasurers will begin accepting applications over-the-counter for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, and may immediately issue antlerless deer licenses.  Hunters may apply over-the-counter to county treasurers for any other WMU with antlerless license allocations on Oct. 1.


Roe noted that hunters may file harvest reports online for antlered and antlerless deer, as well as fall turkey, spring gobbler, bobcat, fisher and Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits through the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).


Additionally, hunters can call the agency’s toll-free telephone reporting system to file a harvest report.  The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) harvest reporting system telephone number is 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681).


“Online and telephone harvest reporting are examples of the Game Commission doing its part to make it easier for license buyers to report their required harvests and help the agency better manage wildlife,” Roe said. “We have found that harvest reporting rates have been declining for years, and we’re hoping hunters and trappers take advantage of the online and telephone reporting systems to become more active in wildlife management.”


Pre-paid postage report cards still are available in the digest, but the agency is encouraging hunters to report either online or through the telephone system to improve accuracy of data entry, and to save on the cost of postage and data entry.


Elk and bear hunters still will be required to present their harvest to check stations.

 

 

HUNTERS CAN PURCHASE DMAP PERMITS

As hunters prepare for the upcoming antlerless deer license application period, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today reminded hunters that Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits are available through the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).


DMAP is the Game Commission’s program designed to help landowners manage deer numbers on their properties. Eligible landowners include those owning: public lands; private lands where no fee is charged for hunting; and hunting clubs established prior to Jan. 1, 2000, that are owned in fee title and have provided a club charter and list of current members to the agency.   


Hunters may obtain up to two DMAP antlerless deer permits per property, and DMAP permits do not impact a hunter’s eligibility to apply for and receive antlerless deer licenses issued for Wildlife Management Units (WMUs).


DMAP permit fees are $10.70 for resident hunters; and $35.70 for nonresident hunters.  The permit can be used to harvest one antlerless deer on the specific DMAP area.  Maps for the properties are to be provided to hunters by the landowners. Landowners may not charge or accept any contribution from a hunter for a DMAP permits or coupons.


Hunters may not use DMAP permits to harvest an antlered deer.  Hunters may use DMAP permits to harvest an antlerless deer anytime antlerless deer are legal, including during the entire statewide two-week firearms deer season (Nov. 26-Dec. 8).  However, WMU-specific antlerless deer licenses may only be used only during the last seven days of the season, Dec. 1-8 in Wildlife Management Units 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3B, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E.


All DMAP permits will be available through PALS. For DMAP unit numbers, the Game Commission has posted a listing of all public landowners and those private landowners who did not request DMAP coupons.


Those private landowners who requested DMAP coupons to present to hunters to redeem for DMAP permits will not appear on the website. However, these landowners generally have a limited number of coupons available and already have identified a sufficient number of hunters to receive their allotted coupons.


The website provides an alphabetical listing of DMAP properties for each county in which DMAP properties are located. Each listing will provide the following information: DMAP property number; contact information, including name, address, telephone number and e-mail address (when available); total number of acres for the property; and total number of coupons issued for the property.


To Connect with Wildlife, visit the Game Commission at the following:

 

Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us

Twitter: www.twitter.com/PAGameComm

YouTube: www.youtube.com/pagamecommission

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PennsylvaniaGameCommission
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PA Game Commision News / 27TH ANNUAL WILDLIFE ART SHOW SET FOR AUG. 3-5
« Last post by mudbrook on July 02, 2012, 12:41:50 PM »
27TH ANNUAL WILDLIFE ART SHOW SET FOR AUG. 3-5

 HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area visitor center will feature hundreds of original paintings and fine-art prints from some of the best-known wildlife artists in the state during its annual Wildlife Art Show from Aug. 3-5.  The show is free, and the hours are: Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.


In addition to the artists’ sales, the show will offer tickets for $2 each or three for $5 to win a selection of artwork in a drawing that will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 5.  Proceeds from the drawing will benefit The Wildlands Preservation Fund land acquisition program.


“Besides having a chance to win a unique piece of artwork, you can rest assured knowing that your contribution will make it possible for important wildlife habitat to be purchased and preserved through the Wildlands Preservation Fund,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “It’s a great opportunity for any wildlife enthusiast who also appreciates wildlife art to also take in the sights at Middle Creek.”


The Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center is along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County.


The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a special tract owned and set aside by the Game Commission for the protection, propagation, management, preservation and controlled harvest of wildlife. This area of more than 6,200 acres provides habitat for waterfowl, forest wildlife and farmland wildlife and includes a 400-acre shallow water lake and 70 additional acres of impoundment.


Visitors to the wildlife area can see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, and from late February to late March can be fortunate to witness and photograph the flocks of beautiful snow geese and tundra swans that stop in Pennsylvania during migration. Contact the Middle Creek Visitor’s Center at 717-733-1512 for more information.
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General Discussion / Re: IS ANYONE MISSING A WALLABY?
« Last post by mudbrook on June 15, 2012, 12:20:58 PM »
OWNER OF WALLABY FOUND AND CITED BY GAME COMMISSION

FRANKLIN – Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Mark Allegro, following up on a number of anonymous tips, tracked down the individual who illegally owned a wallaby that was captured on May 30, along King Road near Cambridge Springs, Crawford County.


On June 11, WCO Allegro filed charges against Corry A. Lewis, age 22, of North East, Erie County, before District Judge Lincoln S. Zilhaver, of Saegertown, Crawford County. Lewis was charged with one count of unlawful importation of wildlife, and one count of unlawful possession of wildlife. Both are fifth-degree summary offenses and carry fines of $100 to $200 dollars for each count.


On May 30, the wallaby was tranquilized by officials from the Northwest Region, including Information and Education Supervisor Regis Senko, Crawford County WCO Mark Allegro and Northwest Region Wildlife Management Supervisor Roger Coup, and transferred to a licensed facility, where the animal remains.


Resembling a small kangaroo, a wallaby is a member of the marsupial family, and a native of Australia and surrounding islands.

     

 

LUZERNE COUNTY MAN FOUND GUILTY OF POSSESSING MONKEY

DALLAS – Jeffery William Arnott, Sr., 46, of Ashley, Luzerne County, recently was found guilty by District Judge Joseph Halesey, of Wilkes-Barre, of unlawfully possessing a Java Macaque monkey, and ordered to pay a $100 fine, plus court costs.


On May 19, acting on a call from the Luzerne County 911 Center, Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Gerald Kapral received a call about a monkey that was on the loose.  WCO Kapral worked with Arnott to capture the monkey, which was located on a homeowner’s porch near Arnott’s home. WCO Kapral then transported the monkey to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, where it remains.


Under Game Commission Regulations (Title 58), it is unlawful for an individual to possess any non-human primates in Pennsylvania.  The only exceptions are for lawfully permitted facilities or menageries.

 

 

THREE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY POACHERS ENTER GUILTY PLEAS

DALLAS – Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced three Northumberland County residents have pled guilty to an array of wildlife violations committed over a two-day period in a three-county area.


Those who pled guilty were Codey Jonathan Bomberger, 18, of Watsontown; and Justin Thomas Munson, 18, and Mathew Jay Stoltzfus, 19, both of Turbotville.  District Judge Marvin K. Shrawder presided over the case, and Montour District Attorney Rebecca Warren prosecuted the three individuals.


All violations stemmed from incidents that occurred on the evening of Nov. 23 and the early morning hours of Nov. 24, in Montour, Lycoming and Columbia counties.


An investigation conducted by Northumberland/Montour Wildlife Conservation Officer Ricky A. Deiterich revealed that Bomberger, Munson, Stoltzfus and an unnamed juvenile set out in a silver Ford F-150 on a deer killing spree on the evening of Nov. 23, that started in Turbotville.  The group possessed a spotlight and a .243-caliber hunting rifle.


According to the investigation, Bomberger drove the truck while Munson, Stoltzfus and the unnamed juvenile were passengers.  From around 11:30 p.m. on Nov. 23, until around 3 a.m. on Nov. 24, the vehicle traveled on several roads in Montour, Lycoming, and Columbia counties, as the occupants shot at deer.  Evidence showed that several deer were killed while others were wounded and ran off.


The shooting began on Waltimyer Road in Montour County, where an antlerless deer was killed.  Other antlered and antlerless deer were killed or wounded along Fox Hollow, Dennon Hill, Fairview, Muncy Exchange and County Line Roads. Additional deer were killed or wounded in Lycoming County along Ridge Road and G Wagner Road.  As the individuals entered Columbia County via G Wagner Road, they shot at more deer on Shetler Road.  After traveling back to Montour County, an antlerless deer was shot and killed on Walburn Road.


Munson and the juvenile were eventually dropped off in Turbotville, while Bomberger and Stoltzfus traveled back to Ridge Road in Lycoming County to retrieve one antlerless deer, which was dumped in a ditch in Union County on Thanksgiving Day.


A total of five antlerless and four antlered deer were confirmed killed, while countless others were likely wounded.     


Bomberger pled guilty to two counts each of misdemeanor and first-degree misdemeanor violations involving the unlawful killing or taking of big game, and 40 counts of summary violations, including 10 counts each of loaded firearms in vehicles, unlawful use of lights while hunting, restrictions on recreational spotlighting, shooting on or across highways, and hunting through the use of a motorized vehicle.  He was sentenced to pay $7,000 in fines for all summary violations, and received two years probation for misdemeanor violations.


Munson pled guilty to two counts each of misdemeanor and first-degree misdemeanor violations involving the killing or taking of big game, and 32 counts of summary violations, including unlawful use of lights while hunting, restrictions on recreational spotlighting, shooting on or across highways, and hunting through the use of a motorized vehicle.  He was ordered to pay $4,850 in fines, and received two years probation for misdemeanor violations.


Stoltzfus agreed to plead guilty to two counts each of misdemeanor and first-degree misdemeanor violations involving the killing or taking of big game, and 26 counts of loaded firearms in vehicles, unlawful use of lights while hunting, restrictions on recreational spotlighting, shooting on or across highways, and hunting through the use of a motorized vehicle. He was sentenced to pay $4,200 in fines, and will receive two years probation for misdemeanor violations.


In addition, the three were ordered to pay a total of $7,200 in restitution fees for the deer that were killed, and the firearm used in commission of the crimes was forfeited to the Game Commission by court order.  All men face loss of hunting license privileges in Pennsylvania for up to 30 years each.


“This was a senseless waste of Pennsylvania’s wildlife recourses,” said WCO Deiterich.  “We thank District Attorney Warren for her efforts in securing these pleas.”


“I would like to thank WCO Deiterich for conducting a thorough investigation which resulted in prompt guilty pleas,” District Attorney Warren added. “It is unfortunate that these defendants engaged in such irresponsible and dangerous behavior that placed both wildlife and the public at risk.  Our wildlife recourses are to be respected and protected.  Killing sprees will not be tolerated and enhanced penalties for violations are in effect, and will be enforced, in Montour County.”

 

 

VERMONT HUNTERS PLEAD GUILTY TO UNLAWFUL TAKING OF DEER

JERSEY SHORE – Following an 18-month investigation involving four wildlife agencies, seven Vermont residents pled guilty to Pennsylvania charges of illegally killing white-tailed deer in Westfield, Tioga County, and ordered to pay $3,900 in fines, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Rodney P. Mee.  Mee noted that each will lose their hunting privileges in Pennsylvania for one year.


An eighth individual set to stand trial in the Tioga County Court of Common Pleas is a convicted felon not to be in possession of a firearm, and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.


On May 8, the Vermont residents who pled guilty were: Ronald Machia, 47, of Sheldon; Dustin Machia, 24, of Swanton; Chad Machia, 26, of Swanton; Jason Giroux, 29 of St. Albans; Jamie Cooper, 26, of Sheldon; Lucien Riggie, 26, of Enosburg Falls; and Harry Williams, 54, of Highgate Center. David Machia, 52, of Sheldon, is facing additional firearms possession charges.


WCO Mee was assisted in the investigation by Vermont State Game Warden Carl Wedin, New York Environmental Conservation Police Officers Daniel Malone and Jeffery Hovey, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agent Patrick Bosco.


In October of 2010, the Vermont residents came to Westfield to hunt deer. The group was successful in killing several deer, but they did not report their kills, and returned in the November firearms deer season to hunt again.  The group of eight hunters harvested 11 deer in three-and-a-half days of hunting.  Upon the hunters return to Vermont on Dec. 2, they were stopped by New York State Trooper Shawn Murphy, in Roust Point, for a traffic violation.  Trooper Murphy observed nine of the deer in the Vermont pickup and notified NY ECOs Malone and Hovey to investigate.  The Vermont hunters were released after a short investigation, and WCO Mee was notified and began what was to become an 18-month investigation.


WCO Mee, as a result of the New York stop, visited Vermont to interview the suspects, and was assisted by Vermont State Game Warden Carl Wedin and USFWS Special Agent Patrick Bosco.


“I can’t thank enough the local witnesses that came forward to testify, as well as the hard work and time spent on this investigation by my fellow state and federal wildlife officers,” WCO Mee said.
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General Discussion / IS ANYONE MISSING A WALLABY?
« Last post by mudbrook on June 01, 2012, 01:52:47 PM »
IS ANYONE MISSING A WALLABY?

 
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are looking for information about anyone who may be missing a wallaby, which was captured around 3 p.m., Wednesday, May 30, along King Road near Cambridge Springs, Crawford County.  The wallaby was tranquilized by officials from the Northwest Region, including Information and Education Supervisor Regis Senko, Crawford County WCO Mark Allegro and Northwest Region Wildlife Management Supervisor Roger Coup, and transferred to a licensed facility until the owner is identified.


Resembling a small kangaroo, a wallaby is a member of the marsupial family, and a native of Australia and surrounding islands.


“My landlord saw it, so I went down and took a photo of it,” said Sarah Dippold, former Game Commission biologist aide.  “I forwarded the photo to the Game Commission’s Northwest Region office.”


Anyone with information about where the wallaby originated is encouraged to call the Northwest Region Office at 814-432-3187.


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PA Game Commision News / PENNSYLVANIA DOVE HUNTERS URGED TO TAKE PART IN SURVEY
« Last post by mudbrook on May 31, 2012, 10:50:00 AM »
PENNSYLVANIA DOVE HUNTERS URGED TO TAKE PART IN SURVEY

Random sample of dove hunters to begin receiving survey in mail

 HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced that a random-sample of Pennsylvania dove hunters soon will be receiving a national survey seeking input about their experiences and opinions on dove hunting.

 

Topics will include time spent hunting, demographics, constraints to hunting, and thoughts about potential effects of spent lead from hunting ammunition on mourning doves and other wildlife.  The survey is a cooperative effort by the state fish and wildlife agencies, all four flyway councils, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service).

 

“This survey is being conducted as wildlife agencies and the USFWS want to include hunter opinions and preferences about seasons whenever possible,” Roe said. “The survey results will be used in conjunction with the best science-based information for the management and conservation of our migratory bird resources.

 

“If you are a dove hunter and receive one of these surveys, we encourage you to complete it and return it as soon as possible to ensure that Pennsylvania hunter opinions are included in this national survey.”

 

There are more than one million dove hunters nationally, with seasons in 40 states.  In Pennsylvania, an estimated 19,900 hunters harvested more than 226,000 doves during the 2011 hunting season.

 

“We’re surveying dove hunters in every state that has a dove season so they can give us their opinions on a variety of topics,” said Dr. Ken Richkus of the USFWS’s Population and Habitat Assessment Branch.  “This approach will give us an excellent picture of mourning dove hunter thoughts and needs by state, region, and nationwide.”

 

The National Dove Hunter Survey is scheduled to begin in late June 2012, and will be completed by the end of the year.

 

“We really hope each dove hunter who receives a survey takes the time to complete and return it in the postage-paid envelope provided,” Richkus added.  “Their answers are very important, and we appreciate their efforts to tell us what they think.”

 
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RESIDENTS ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE IN APPALACHIAN BAT SURVEY

 
HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission biologists are seeking assistance from residents in a regional monitoring effort to collect bat maternity colony data this summer.  This monitoring is especially important due to the mortalities in bat populations throughout the northeastern United States, including Pennsylvania, being caused by White-Nose Syndrome (WNS).

 

“WNS primarily kills during the winter, but the true impact of WNS on bat populations cannot be determined using estimates from winter hibernacula alone,” said Calvin Butchkoski, Game Commission wildlife biologist.  “Pennsylvanians can help us more fully gauge the impact of WNS on the landscape by hosting a bat count this summer. We are especially urging people who have ever conducted a bat count for the Game Commission in the past to redo a count this year.”

 

To obtain applications and information on how to participate, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, click on “Wildlife” in the drop-down menu, scroll down and choose “Pennsylvania Bats” in the Mammal section, and then click on “Appalachian Bat Count” in the Reference listing. Forms on the website guide interested participants through the steps of timing, conducting a survey and submitting their findings to the Game Commission.  Scout groups, 4-H clubs, local environmental organizations, and individual homeowners can all participate in this important effort.

 

“Pennsylvania’s two most common bat species, the little brown bat and the big brown bat, use buildings as their summer roosts,” Butchkoski said. “Abandoned houses, barns, church steeples – and even currently-occupied structures – can provide a summer home to female bats and their young.

 

“Monitoring these ‘maternity colonies’ can give biologists a good idea of how bat populations in an area are doing from year to year.  With the occurrence of WNS in Pennsylvania this year, monitoring these colonies is more important than ever.”

 

Butchkoski noted that the fieldwork isn’t difficult to do, and Pennsylvanians can play a huge role in helping the Game Commission get a better understanding of what is happening to bats this summer.

 

“We’re looking for some help, and we hope you’ll consider becoming part of the Appalachian Bat Count monitoring team,” Butchkoski said. “It’s a chance to make a difference for bats and to get involved in assessing the impact of WNS. Please consider lending a hand. Bats need you more than ever.”

 

For more information on WNS, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “Wildlife” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, click on “Wildlife” in the drop-down menu, scroll down and choose “White-Nose Syndrome” in the Wildlife Disease section. To report observations of sick or multiple dead bats, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “Report a Sick Bat” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the homepage.
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Turkey Hunting / SPRING GOBBLER HUNTERS REMINDED TO REPORT HARVEST
« Last post by mudbrook on May 31, 2012, 10:47:21 AM »
SPRING GOBBLER HUNTERS REMINDED TO REPORT HARVEST

Mandatory reporting requirement for those with second spring gobbler license

 
HARRISBURG – As the spring gobbler season ends today, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminded hunters who harvested a spring gobbler to report their harvest using any one of the three methods offered by the agency.


While spring gobbler hunters using their general hunting license only must report if they harvested a bird, Roe emphasized that the more than 13,000 hunters who purchased a second spring gobbler license have a mandatory reporting requirement, regardless of whether they harvested a bird using this special license.


“Hunters can report both harvests or no harvest of their special spring gobbler license through the agency’s website, through the toll-free telephone reporting system, or by using one of the pre-paid postage cards for turkey that appear in the annual Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest provided free to each license buyer,” Roe said. “By offering these three options, the Game Commission is doing its part to make it easier for license buyers to report their required harvests and to help the agency better manage wildlife.


“Harvest reporting rates have been declining for years, and we’re hoping these three reporting options make it easier for hunters to become more active in wildlife management and that reporting rates improve.”


To report online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Report Your Harvest” in the upper right-hand corner, click on “You can link to PALS by clicking here,” check “Harvest Reporting,” scroll down and click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported.  A series of options will appear for a hunter to report. After filling in the information, click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit” button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in a harvest report not being completed. Also at the end of the process, hunters will be presented with a receipt page that they are encouraged to print for their records.


Hunters using the toll-free telephone reporting system can call the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number, which is 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681). Those using the toll-free number will receive a confirmation number, which they should write down and keep as proof of reporting.  Callers should have their Customer Identification Number (hunting license number) and harvest or hunting information with them when they call, and they should speak clearly and distinctly when reporting harvests, especially when providing the Wildlife Management Unit number and letter.


“We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online or telephone reporting system, which will ensure that their information is recorded,” Roe said. “Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a spring gobbler or purchased a second spring gobbler license submit a report to the agency.”
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2012-13 HUNTING/FURTAKER LICENSES TO GO ON SALE JUNE 11

Deadlines announced for certain licenses/permits; Doe license process begins July 9

HARRISBURG – Beginning Monday, June 11, Pennsylvania hunting and furtaker licenses for the 2012-13 seasons will go on sale, according to Carl G. Roe, agency executive director.  Licenses will be available through the Game Commission’s Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), over-the-counter at all Game Commission region offices and the Harrisburg headquarters, as well as the more than 600 in-state and out-of-state issuing agents.  Licenses also are available through the PALS website:  https://www.pa.wildlifelicense.com.


Roe also emphasized senior lifetime hunting and furtaker license holders, as well as senior combination license holders, must renew their licenses at this time. While senior lifetime license holders need not pay a license or transaction fee, they must obtain the current year’s license and harvest tags.


While the 2012-13 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest regulations booklets won’t be available until the week of June 18, a complete version of the publication will be posted on the agency’s website.  Those who purchase their licenses prior to delivery of the digests can return to the issuing agent of purchase and obtain a copy once the digests arrive in the store.


For the 2012-13 license year, all fees are the same as they have been since 1999.  There is a 70-cent transaction fee attached to the purchase of each license and permit, which is paid directly to Active Outdoors, the Nashville-based company that runs PALS.  Returning PALS customers are encouraged to provide their Customer Identification Number (CID) to speed up processing.


“PALS enabled the Game Commission to modernize the licensing system and improve security,” Roe said. “To ensure faster processing, personal information is now recorded through a Pennsylvania driver’s license scan. This eliminates data entry; provides a more secure, reliable and accurate means to gather and store license holder records; and eliminates license buyer duplicity.


“For all these reasons – and more – the Game Commission has eliminated paper applications. Nonresidents can purchase licenses through any of these venues, but the system cannot scan out-of-state driver’s licenses.”


Roe noted that all license-issuing agents now are part of an integrated, real-time, cyber network that allows them to offer some specialty licenses that prior to 2009 could not be provided by all issuing agents under the old license system.


“All license agents now can issue senior lifetime licenses; reduced fee military licenses; Mentored Youth Hunting Program permits; elk drawing applications; bobcat and fisher permits; even resident landowner reduced-fee hunting licenses and Deer Management Assistance Program Harvest (DMAP) permits,” Roe said. “Hunters also can purchase the special spring gobbler license, which allows them to harvest a second gobbler in the 2013 spring gobbler season.”


There are certain deadlines for some of these licenses and permits that hunters and trappers will need to keep in mind.  Specifically, the deadline to purchase a bobcat or fisher permit is Dec. 14; and a 2013 second spring gobbler license is April 26.


Bear licenses must be purchased by Nov. 16 in order to participate in the early bear seasons and the statewide firearms bear season; but licenses will go on sale again from Nov. 22 to 25 for those seeking to participate in the extended bear seasons that run concurrent with all or portions of the first week of the firearms deer season in certain areas of the state.


Also, the application deadline to be in the public drawing for a 2012 elk license is Aug. 26; the public drawing will be held on Sept. 14.


“Hunters and trappers need to remember these deadlines if they’re not purchasing these licenses or permits when they buy their general hunting or furtaking licenses,” Roe said. “Otherwise they may miss their opportunity to purchase one of these licenses or permits before the deadline passes.”


Roe also noted, as originally envisioned by the U.S. Congress and the Pennsylvania General Assembly, PALS enables the agency to suspend issuing licenses to those, who through court order, have had their hunting license privileges revoked for failure to pay child support.


Roe reminded hunters that, under state law, only Pennsylvania County Treasurers may issue antlerless deer licenses. However, thanks to PALS, county treasurers now may issue an antlerless deer license for any WMU, so long as its allocation isn’t sold out.


Applications for the regular round of antlerless deer licenses for residents begins July 9, and nonresidents can apply beginning July 30.  An antlerless license application will be printed with every general license purchased, and an application also will be available in the 2012-13 Hunting and Trapping Digest for the first and second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses. The first round of unsold antlerless licenses will begin, for residents and nonresidents, on Aug. 6, and the second round of unsold antlerless licenses will begin on Aug. 20.


Except for Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 2B, 5C and 5D, hunters may only apply for one license during each application period.  Hunters applying for antlerless licenses in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D may apply for an unlimited number of antlerless deer licenses – however, the longstanding limit of three applications per envelope remains in effect.


“Hunters must use pink envelopes to mail antlerless deer license applications to the county treasurer’s office of their choice to process the applications and mail back antlerless deer licenses,” Roe said. “Hunters will have the option of listing their first, second and third WMU preferences for doe licenses on their applications. Treasurers will fill the highest WMU preference listed by the hunter. This option will eliminate reapplication for a doe license if your first WMU preference – or second – is sold out. However, hunters do not need to list alternative WMUs if they only plan to hunt in one specific WMU.”


A list of the mailing addresses for the 65 county treasurer offices that issue antlerless deer licenses is included in the 2012-13 Digest, which is provided to each license buyer. (NOTE: Philadelphia and Lehigh counties have opted out of issuing antlerless deer licenses.) More details on the new procedures for applying for a doe license can be found in the Digest, which will be posted in the right-hand column of the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by June 11.


A change in state law removed the requirement that hunting licenses be displayed, so licenses can be folded and placed into a wallet along with a secondary form of identification, which is required of all hunters and trappers.


Licenses are printed on a yellow strip of 2.5-inch by 3.5-inch, water-resistant, tear resistant material. The harvest tags are attached to the license and are preprinted with a hunter’s name and address, and have perforated holes to make it easier to attach to the carcass of the harvested animal.


Roe reminded hunters that the Game Commission accepts online harvest reports for deer, wild turkey, bobcat and fisher.  In addition to reporting deer and wild turkey harvests within the prescribed time limits, those who possess a DMAP, bobcat or fisher permit are required to report, regardless of whether they harvested an antlerless deer, bobcat or fisher, respectively.  Each online harvest report costs the Game Commission 50 cents.


Hunters and trappers also can use the agency’s toll-free telephone reporting system. The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) harvest reporting system telephone number is 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681).


“This is one more way that the Game Commission is doing its part to make it easier for license buyers to report their required harvests and help the agency better manage wildlife,” Roe said. “We have found that harvest reporting rates have been declining for years, and we’re hoping hunters and trappers take advantage of this new system and become more active in wildlife management.


“Hunters who use the toll-free number to submit a harvest report will receive a confirmation number. They should write down this number and keep it as proof of reporting.”


Roe noted that hunters should have their Customer Identification Number (hunting license number) and field harvest tag information with them when they call, and that multiple harvests can be reported in a single call. He also stressed callers should speak clearly and distinctly when reporting harvests, especially when providing the Wildlife Management Unit number and letter.


A hard-copy of the postage-paid report card still will be available in the 2012-13 Digest, but the agency is hoping hunters will report online or via the toll-free telephone system to save on the cost of postage and data entry. Using these reporting methods also will ensure a harvest report is not lost in the mail.


Waterfowl and migratory game bird seasons are not included in the 2012-13 Digest, as those seasons won’t be established until mid-August.  Once seasons are set, the Game Commission will post the annual Guide to Migratory Game Bird Hunting brochure on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).  However, applications and directions for the public drawing to waterfowl hunting blinds in the controlled hunting areas at the Game Commission’s Pymatuning and Middle Creek wildlife management areas are in the 2012-13 Digest.
99
Whitetail Deer / UNDERSTANDING FAWNS AND KNOWING TO LEAVE THEM BE
« Last post by mudbrook on May 16, 2012, 10:20:14 AM »
UNDERSTANDING FAWNS AND KNOWING TO LEAVE THEM BE

No good comes from mothering nature anywhere in Pennsylvania

 By Joe Kosack

Wildlife Conservation Education Specialist

Pennsylvania Game Commission

 

HARRISBURG – It’s an annual chapter in nature that begins in May, peaks in early June and always goes largely and surprisingly unnoticed. But with time, the annual birth of hundreds of thousands of white-tailed deer has the potential to influence the lives of most Pennsylvanians and many wildlife species.


Whitetails represent one of the Commonwealth’s most vibrant and valuable natural resources, but also serve as one of its most problematic. The complexity of their management is closely tied to their health, habitat and conflicts with people. This is compounded further by the whitetail’s inherent adaptability and resilience and the desire of many Pennsylvania hunters – who primarily finance wildlife conservation – to see more deer afield. 


When fawns hit the ground in Pennsylvania, they start a journey that millions before them have taken. It begins in a quiet section of field or forest, and sometimes, even a backyard, but eventually leads deer to almost every open acre of land in the Commonwealth. They can be found wandering in the open spaces and parks of Philadelphia and Pittsburgh; roaming our agricultural fields and deep forests; sloshing through our swamps and waterways; and taking comfort wherever they find it. That coverage ensures fawns will pop up almost anywhere in spring, seemingly out of place and parentless. But they’re not.


Fawns use a “hider” strategy when born; they lay curled motionless and quiet in the weeds and on the forest floor.  Their spotted coats provide camouflage, they emit relatively little scent and they rarely travel their first few weeks. The parenting doe leaves her fawns to forage regularly and returns periodically to nurse her hiding fawns. So, it is not unusual to see fawns unaccompanied by an adult deer in late May or June.  At about a month old, fawns start traveling with their parents.


Research shows about 65 percent of fawns make it through their first two months. Most making it through this critical period go on to represent about a third of the state’s overall deer population and their addition offsets the losses from hunting and other mortality factors in the previous year.


“Fawn recruitment has sustained Pennsylvania’s deer herd for decades,” noted Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission Deer and Elk Section supervisor. “Even though some fawns die annually, it is the norm in Pennsylvania and elsewhere. Their annual addition to the deer population must equal or exceed the number of deer removed for a deer population to remain stable, or to increase.”


The Game Commission examines tens of thousands of deer taken each year during the statewide firearms seasons for whitetails. Through this analysis, deer managers keep tabs on the percentage of fawns in the harvest – and, ultimately, the statewide population. This work would uncover if predators or some other mortality factor was causing an unacceptable level of harm to fawns or the overall deer population. It hasn’t, for decades.


Fawns confronted with peril in their first several weeks usually escape it. The danger may come from exposure, sickness, parental abandonment, predation, loss of parent, or being struck by farm machinery. Fortunately, many of these mortality threats largely are escapable, but even when they aren’t, fawns don’t flee a closing danger. Their natural response is to remain in a fetal position and motionless. That makes them susceptible to prowling predators, such as black bears, coyotes and other predators, ranging from dogs to even fishers.


“Our deer have continued to thrive in the face of expanding black bear and coyote populations over the past two decades,” Rosenberry noted. “Annual statewide deer harvests reflect this. Whitetails are extraordinary adapters. They can survive on landscapes densely populated with humans and increasing numbers of predators.”


Field research has shown that predation has never been a significant fawn mortality factor in Pennsylvania. That’s probably related to the tremendous supply of other prey and seasonal foods at the time; the amount of effort required for a predator to find and take a fawn; and the narrow time slot in which most fawns are born and remain most vulnerable to predators.


During a fawn mortality study conducted in 2000 and 2001 by the Game Commission, Penn State University and Pennsylvania Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, similar numbers of fawns – less than three weeks old – were captured and radio-collared in Penns Valley (agricultural landscape) and the Quehanna Wild Area (forested landscape). No relationship was detected between fawn survival and habitat or landscape features. After 34 weeks, predation accounted for 49 of 106 mortalities that were sustained by the 218 study fawns. Coyotes took 18 fawns; black bears, 16. The study concluded fawn survival in Pennsylvania was similar to rates from studies in other northern states and that overall fawn mortality in the Commonwealth was not preventing population growth.


“This study and others that followed showed clearly that after a fawn makes it through its first summer, the greatest threats to its survival were from hunters and moving vehicles,” explained Rosenberry. “In other studies across Pennsylvania, we have captured and marked thousands of adult deer. Confirmed predator mortalities for those adult deer can be counted on one hand.”


Most fawns are born within a week of Memorial Day, which leaves a sudden and incredible number of them curled up in the weeds and woods statewide. The plethora of young deer all but ensures death will not consume the majority in this massive recruitment effort.


At birth, an average fawn is about 7.5 pounds, the weight of a small housecat. At one month, about 23 pounds. Consequently, it’s not hard to visualize their vulnerability early in life. That’s why this wobbly-legged fawn employs the hider defense, rather than run. Emitting little odor and being tucked into the vegetation has its advantages, too.


A doe feeding fawns needs to consume large quantities of food to fuel their rapid growth and milk lifeline. That means she has to forage often, leaving her fawn(s) unattended – bucks do not assist in raising young – and at risk. It’s almost always when the doe is away that people bump into fawns. If they’d leave these young deer where they find them, the fawns would be fine. But they don’t, and no good ever comes from removing a fawn from the wild.


“Everything changes the moment a fawn is taken from its natal area,” explained Rosenberry. “Its absence – coupled with lingering human scent – is treated as a loss by the returning doe after a short search. It’s just another adjustment for her in the world of whitetails. She moves on, possibly caring for her other fawn, and the abducted fawn is separated from its natural parent for life.”


People who care about wildlife can best help fawns and other young animals by leaving them alone. If they appear out of nowhere, distance yourself from them immediately. Reassure yourself that they’ll be fine without your assistance. And then stay away from the area – pets included – for a few weeks to allow nature to run its course.


Fawns grow quickly. Within two months, they’ll be cruising with adult deer, eating and nibbling from nature’s smorgasbord and learning life’s lessons. Their increased size and mobility provide that edge they need to mature. And most do, so long as they weren’t removed from the wild by someone wanting to mother nature.
100
General Discussion / Re: Hydro Graphics
« Last post by S Mt Aquagraphics on May 12, 2012, 09:40:56 AM »
Bear Skull and two guns.
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