GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CH. 139] Seasons and Bag Limits for 1996-1997 [26 Pa.B. 907] The Game Commission (Commission), at its January 23, 1996, meeting, proposed the following amendments to 58 Pa. Code:
Amend § 139.4 (relating to seasons and bag limits for the license year) to provide dates for the 1996-1997 hunting license year.
This proposed amendment will have no adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for the proposal is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (act).
The proposal was made public at the January 23, 1996, meeting of the Commission and comments on the proposal can be sent to the Executive Director of the Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, within 30 days of publication of this proposed rulemaking.
1. Introduction
The Commission at its January 23, 1996, meeting proposed changing § 139.4 to provide for seasons and bag limits for the 1996-1997 license year. These seasons and bag limits were proposed under sections 322(c)(1) and 2102(b)(1) of the act (relating to specific powers and duties; and regulations). Notable changes for the 1996-1997 year are the splitting of Turkey Management Area 1 into Areas 1A and 1B with different seasons in each, the creation of a special squirrel season for junior resident license holders and the starting of trapping season 1 week later.
2. Purpose and Authority
The Commission is required to set hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits on an annual basis. Section 322 of the act specifically empowers the Commission to ''. . . fix seasons . . . and daily, season and possession limits for any species of game or wildlife.'' Section 2102(b) of the act mandates that the Commission promulgate regulations relating to seasons and bag limits. In order to encourage junior hunters, the Commission has decided to establish a special early squirrel season for junior resident license holders. In addition, because of the more developed nature of Erie and Crawford Counties, the Commission has decided to establish those counties as a separate Turkey Management Area (No. 1-B) with a fall season starting November 4, 1996. Finally, the proposed amendment involves the starting of trapping season on the traditional Thanksgiving, one week later than last year.
3. Regulatory Requirements
These proposed seasons and bag limits would establish when and where it is lawful to hunt and trap various game species and place limits on the numbers that can be legally taken.
4. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt and trap in this Commonwealth would be affected by these seasons and bag limits.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The proposed new seasons and bag limits would not result in any additional cost either to the Commission or to hunters and furtakers.
6. Effective Dates
The provisions of § 139.4 will be in effect July 1, 1996, to June 30, 1997.
7. Contact Persons
For further information on the proposed changes, the contact person is James R. Fagan, Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
(Editor's Note: The Commission is proposing to replace the existing text of § 139.4, which appears at 58 Pa. Code pages 139-3--139-10, serial pages (202759)--(202765), and replace it with the text in Annex A.)
DONALD C. MADL,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-92. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART III. GAME COMMISSION CHAPTER 139. SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS § 139.4. Seasons and bag limits for the license year.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 96-292. Filed for public inspection March 1, 1996, 9:00 a.m.]
