GAME COMMISSION [ 58 PA. CODE CH. 143 ] Hunting and Trapping; Antlerless Deer Licenses [46 Pa.B. 1423]
[Saturday, March 19, 2016]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission) proposed at its February 2, 2016, meeting to amend § 143.50 (relating to procedure for nonresidents of this Commonwealth) to allow nonresidents to submit applications for antlerless deer licenses on the third Monday in July, 1 week after resident applicants.
The proposed rulemaking will not have an adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for the proposed rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
The proposed rulemaking was made public at the February 2, 2016, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent until April 1, 2016, to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
1. Purpose and Authority
The Commission has been asked to review the preference given to resident license holders in the timing that antlerless deer applications can be submitted to county treasurers. Currently, resident license holders can apply 2 weeks sooner than nonresident license holders. While this timing does not affect the availability of antlerless deer licenses for nonresident license holders in most wildlife management units (WMU), it often eliminates the availability of antlerless deer licenses in a number of low quota, highly preferred WMUs. The Commission reviewed the resident license holder preference policy and determined that the nonresidents most impacted by this negative preference are former residents of this Commonwealth who annually return to hunt. Therefore, in an effort to narrow the gap, the Commission is proposing to amend § 143.50 to allow nonresidents to submit applications for antlerless deer licenses on the third Monday in July, 1 week after resident applicants.
Section 2722(g) of the code (relating to authorized license-issuing agents) directs the Commission to adopt regulations for the administration, control and performance of license issuing activities. The amendments to § 143.50 are proposed under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The proposed rulemaking will amend § 143.50 to allow nonresidents to submit applications for antlerless deer licenses on the third Monday in July, 1 week after resident applicants.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt antlerless deer within this Commonwealth will be affected by the proposed rulemaking.
4. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The proposed rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
5. Effective Date
The proposed rulemaking will be effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
6. Contact Person
For further information regarding the proposed rulemaking, contact Thomas P. Grohol, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
R. MATTHEW HOUGH,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-394. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART III. GAME COMMISSION CHAPTER 143. HUNTING AND FURTAKER LICENSES Subchapter C. ANTLERLESS DEER LICENSES § 143.50. Procedure for nonresidents of this Commonwealth.
Nonresidents may apply for unsold licenses on the [last] third Monday in July and thereafter in compliance with § 143.45 (relating to completing and submitting applications).
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 16-458. Filed for public inspection March 18, 2016, 9:00 a.m.]
