GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CH. 147] Deer Control Permit [28 Pa.B. 6185] To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission) at its October 6, 1998, meeting, proposed amendments to read as set forth in Annex A.
The proposed amendment to § 147.552 (relating to application) will allow applications for a deer depredation permit to be received from persons who have been enrolled in the Deer Damage Area Program or one of the Commission public access programs for at least two hunting seasons.
This proposed amendment will have no adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for this proposal is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
This proposal was made public at the October 6, 1998, meeting of the Commission, and comments on this proposal can be sent to the Executive Director of the Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, until December 31, 1998.
1. Introduction
To more effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Commission at its October 6, 1998, meeting proposed changing § 147.552 to reduce the requirement of enrollment in the Deer Damage AreaProgram for an agricultural deer control permit from at least 2 years to at least two hunting seasons. This change is proposed under authority contained in section 2901(b) of the code (relating to regulations for permits).
2. Purpose and Authority
For a person to qualify for an agricultural deer control permit, the area to be included must currently be enrolled in the Deer Damage Area Program for at least 2 years. After discussions with a number of agricultural and sportsmen groups, it has been determined that what is important from a deer control point of view is the number of hunting seasons a farm has been enrolled in the deer damage area program rather than the number of years of enrollment. The proposed change will accomplish this modification and somewhat reduce the requirement.
Section 2901(b) of the code authorizes the Commission to promulgate regulations for the issuance of any permit. This provides the authority for the proposed change.
3. Regulatory Requirements
The proposed change would relax an existing requirement.
4. Persons Affected
Only persons wishing to obtain an agricultural deer control permit would be affected by the proposed change.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirement
The proposed change should not result in any additional cost or paperwork.
6. Effective Date
This change would be effective on final publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and would remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
7. Contact Person
For further information on the proposed change, contact James R. Fagan, Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
DONALD C. MADL,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-106. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART III. GAME COMMISSION CHAPTER 147. SPECIAL PERMITS Subchapter R. DEER CONTROL AGRICULTURE § 147.552. Application.
* * * * * (b) Applications will only be [made available to] accepted from persons who have been enrolled in the Deer Damage Area Program (Program) for at least 2 [years prior to applying and are currently enrolled in the Program at the time of application] hunting seasons immediately preceding their applications; or from persons who have been enrolled in one of the Commission public access programs (Farm Game Project or Safety Zone--P.1-2-3) for a minimum of 2 years and are currently enrolled in the Program.
* * * * * [Pa.B. Doc. No. 98-2065. Filed for public inspection December 18, 1998, 9:00 a.m.]
