GAME COMMISSION Feral Swine/Wild Boar Eradication [42 Pa.B. 1478]
[Saturday, March 17, 2012]The Game Commission (Commission) has determined that the complete eradication of feral swine and wild boar from the wild within this Commonwealth is necessary to prevent further harm to its natural resources, agricultural industry, forest products industry and threats to human health and safety. The Commission has promulgated an Executive Order to remove protection for feral swine. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court declared the Commission to have jurisdiction over matters relating to wild boars (a member of the family Suidae, and also a feral swine) in Seeton v. PGC, 937 A.2d 1028 (Pa., 2007). At issue is whether a further removal of protection Statewide for feral swine and wild boar, wherever found, should be placed in effect in an effort to eradicate the same in the interest of public health and safety.
The Commission will accept written public comment on the proposals which follow postmarked within 30 days of publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
The proposal to which comments should be directed is as follows:
1. Protection on feral swine and wild boar is removed Statewide, except in those counties designated as containing official eradication trapping operations as indicated on the Commission's web site at www.pgc.state.pa.us and in periodic Commission news releases.
2. In any county where protection on feral swine and wild boar has been removed, licensed hunters and trappers, or persons who qualify for license fee exemptions under section 2706 of the Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. § 2706), shall be eligible to participate in the unlimited taking (killing) of feral swine and wild boar in conformance with the limitations of section 2308 of the Game and Wildlife Code (34 Pa.C.S. § 2308).
3. Effective within 30 days from the date of a decision, no feral swine or wild boar may be imported into this Commonwealth.
4. Effective one year from the date of the decision, no feral swine or wild boar may be held in captivity within this Commonwealth.
Written comments should be submitted to Jason A. Raup, Assistant Counsel, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
CARL G. ROE,
Executive Director[Pa.B. Doc. No. 12-504. Filed for public inspection March 16, 2012, 9:00 a.m.]
