GAME COMMISSION [ 58 PA. CODE CH. 147 ] Special Permits; Mentored Hunting Program Permit [44 Pa.B. 3102]
[Saturday, May 24, 2014]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission) at its April 8, 2014, meeting amended Chapter 147, Sub- chapter X (relating to Mentored Hunting Program Permit) to create and implement a Mentored Adult Hunting Program in this Commonwealth.
The final-form rulemaking will not have an adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for the final-form rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 44 Pa.B. 1448 (March 15, 2014).
1. Purpose and Authority
Since the successful implementation of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program in fall 2006, the Commission has been striving to find a way to apply the successes of this mentor-based program to nonhunting adults in this Commonwealth. The Commission determined that a program could entice increased adult participation in this Commonwealth's great hunting heritage by streamlining their introduction to the sport of hunting. The act of May 15, 2013 (P. L. 26, No. 7) authorizes the Commission to implement a Mentored Hunting Program in this Commonwealth. The Commission amended Chapter 147, Subchapter X to create and implement a Mentored Adult Hunting Program. The Mentored Adult Hunting Program will maintain the mentor-based structure of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, but will have different species allowances, costs and safety features. Adult participants will now be able to apply for and receive a Mentored Adult Hunting Permit through the Pennsylvania Automated License System at any of the Commission's issuing agent locations across this Commonwealth prior to participating in the Mentored Adult Hunting Program. Permit application will require participants to supply the required identification information and pay a fee of $19 for residents and $100 for nonresidents, plus any applicable transactional and issuing agent fees.
Section 2901(b) of the code (relating to authority to issue permits) provides ''the commission may, as deemed necessary to properly manage the game or wildlife resources, promulgate regulations for the issuance of any permit and promulgate regulations to control the activities which may be performed under authority of any permit issued.'' The amendments to Chapter 147, Subchapter X are adopted under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The final-form rulemaking amends Chapter 147, Subchapter X to create and implement a Mentored Adult Hunting Program in this Commonwealth.
3. Persons Affected
Persons of majority age wishing to hunt or take game or wildlife in this Commonwealth may be affected by the final-form rulemaking.
4. Comment and Response Summary
There were no official comments received regarding the final-form rulemaking.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The final-form rulemaking may result in some additional cost and paperwork associated with the implementation of these changes in Pennsylvania Automated License System. However, the Commission has determined that if there is additional expense associated with this effort, it will not be substantial and would be absorbed by the current budget.
6. Effective Date
The final-form rulemaking will be effective upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
7. Contact Person
For further information regarding the final-form rulemaking, contact Richard R. Palmer, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
Findings
The Commission finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt the administrative amendments adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P. L. 769, No. 240) (45 P. S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The adoption of the amendments of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of the authorizing statute.
Order
The Commission, acting under the authorizing statute, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapter 147, are amended by amending §§ 147.801—147.807 to read as set forth at 44 Pa.B. 1448.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 44 Pa.B. 1448 and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
R. MATTHEW HOUGH,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-362 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 14-1091. Filed for public inspection May 23, 2014, 9:00 a.m.]
