2219 Temporary closure of hunting and trapping seasons within affected portions of wildlife management unit 3D and temporary closure of affected portions of State game lands 180, 183 and 221
GAME COMMISSION Temporary Closure of Hunting and Trapping Seasons Within Affected Portions of Wildlife Management Unit 3D and Temporary Closure of Affected Portions of State Game Lands 180, 183 and 221 [44 Pa.B. 6887]
[Saturday, October 25, 2014]Addendum Order #1 Whereas, On October 1, 2014, the Commission authorized: 1) the temporary closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within affected portions of Wildlife Management Unit 3D; and 2) the temporary closure of all public access to affected portions of State Game Lands 180, 183 and 221 in an effort to reduce or eliminate possible safety risks to hunters, trappers and to the general public in connection with the ongoing manhunt for the fugitive Eric Matthew Frein; and
Whereas, The Commission has since determined, in consultation with Pennsylvania State Police, that: 1) the closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within Lehman and portions of Blooming Grove and Porter Townships, Pike County can now be lifted; and 2) the closure of portions of State Game Land 180 located within Blooming Grove Township, Pike County can also be lifted; and
Whereas, Section 322 of the Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. § 322) authorizes the Commission to reduce or close any hunting or trapping season and otherwise take any necessary action to accomplish and assure the purposes of the Game and Wildlife Code, including assuring the health and safety of persons who hunt or take game or wildlife; and
Whereas, Section 135.41 (relating to state game lands) of Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code (58 Pa. Code § 135.41) authorizes the Executive Director to close State Game Lands or portions thereof, when certain specified uses may conflict with the Commission's management or administration of State Game Lands.
Now Therefore, it is hereby ordered that:
1. Subject to the requirements of paragraph 6 below, the October 1, 2014 closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within affected portions of Pike County is rescinded as follows:
a. Lehman Township—In its entirety;
b. Blooming Grove Township—Starting from its northern border of US Route 6 and thence moving in a southerly and westerly direction, those portions east of State Route 739, south of US Route 84 and east of State Route 402; and
c. Porter Township—Those portions east of State Route 402.
2. The October 1, 2014 closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within Pike County shall remain in full force and effect as follows:
a. Greene Township—In its entirety;
b. Blooming Grove Township—Starting from its northern border of US Route 6 and thence moving in a southerly and westerly direction, those portions west of State Route 739, north of US Route 84 and west of State Route 402; and
c. Porter Township—Those portions west of State Route 402.
3. The October 1, 2014 closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within Price, Barrett and Paradise Townships, Monroe County shall remain in full force and effect.
4. The October 1, 2014 closure of those portions of State Game Lands 180 located within Blooming Grove Township, Pike County is rescinded in all portions east of State Route 739.
5. The October 1, 2014 closure of those portions of State Game Land 180 located west of State Route 739, State Game Land 183 located with Blooming Grove Township, Pike County and State Game Land 221 located within Barrett and Paradise Townships, Monroe County shall remain in full force and effect.
6. All persons participating in any hunting or trapping season within the open portions of Blooming Grove, Porter and Lehman Townships, Pike County shall wear a minimum of 250 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange-colored material on the head, chest and back combined so that it is visible in a 360° arc at all times while hunting or trapping or going to or from hunting or trapping locations.
7. The requirements of paragraph 6 shall not apply to any person lawfully participating in any waterfowl season while in a stationary hunting position. The requirements of paragraph 6 shall continue to apply in full force and effect to any person lawfully participating in any waterfowl season while in motion or going to or from hunting locations.
8. The requirements of paragraph 6 are solely intended to raise the minimum protective material requirements for all affected seasons. As such, the requirements of paragraph 6 shall not be construed in any manner to reduce any greater protective material requirements established for any given season as set forth in 58 Pa. Code § 141.20.
9. This Order is effective immediately and shall remain in full force and effect until rescinded or modified by subsequent order.
Given under my hand and seal of the Pennsylvania Game Commission on this 10th day of October 2014.
R. MATTHEW HOUGH,
Executive Director[Pa.B. Doc. No. 14-2219. Filed for public inspection October 24, 2014, 9:00 a.m.]