2403 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. 7308]
[Saturday, November 15, 2014]

Addendum Order #3

 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 Whereas, On October 10, 2014, the Commission rescinded its closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within Lehman and portions of Blooming Grove and Porter Townships, Pike County and also rescinded its closure of portions of State Game Land 180 located within Blooming Grove Township, Pike County; and

 Whereas, On October 21, 2014, the Commission rescinded its closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within remaining closed portions of Blooming Grove and Porter Townships, Pike County and also rescinded its closure of portions of State Game Land 183 located within Blooming Grove Township, Pike County; and

 Whereas, On October 30, 2014, law enforcement authorities apprehended the fugitive Eric Matthew Frein after a seven week manhunt; and

 Whereas, The Commission has since determined, in consultation with Pennsylvania State Police, that: 1) the closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within Price, Barrett and Paradise Townships, Monroe County can now be lifted; and 2) the closure of those portions of State Game Land 221 located within Barrett and Paradise Townships, Monroe 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. The October 1, 2014 closure of all hunting and trapping seasons within Price, Barrett and Paradise Townships, Monroe County is rescinded in its entirety.

 2. The October 1, 2014 closure of those portions of State Game Land 221 located within Barrett and Paradise Townships, Monroe County is rescinded in its entirety.

 3. This Order is intended to effectively rescind all remaining restrictions, conditions and effects imposed by the Commission's October 1, 2014 Order, as well as its Addendum Orders issued on October 10 and 21, 2014.

 4. This Order is effective on November 1, 2014 at 12:01 a.m. 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 31st day of October 2014.

R. MATTHEW HOUGH, 
Executive Director

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 14-2403. Filed for public inspection November 14, 2014, 9:00 a.m.]