GAME COMMISSION [ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 141 AND 147 ] Hunting and Trapping; Special Permits [45 Pa.B. 2606]
[Saturday, May 30, 2015]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its April 10, 2015, meeting, adopted amendments to §§ 141.1 and 147.681—147.683 to expand the Commission's limited baiting authorization by allowing use of the deer attractant permit on township and municipal property.
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 45 Pa.B. 1371 (March 21, 2015).
1. Purpose and Authority
Formerly, the deer attractant permit was only available for use on private property located within the southeast special regulations area. The Commission amends §§ 141.1 and 147.681—147.683 to expand the Commission's limited baiting authorization by allowing use of the deer attractant permit on township and municipal property.
Section 2102(a) of the code (relating to regulations) provides that ''[t]he commission shall promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate concerning game or wildlife and hunting or furtaking in this Commonwealth, including regulations relating to the protection, preservation and management of game or wildlife and game or wildlife habitat, permitting or prohibiting hunting or furtaking, the ways, manner, methods and means of hunting or furtaking, and the health and safety of persons who hunt or take wildlife or may be in the vicinity of persons who hunt or take game or wildlife in this Commonwealth.'' The amendments to §§ 141.1 and 147.681—147.683 are adopted under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The final-form rulemaking amends §§ 141.1 and 147.681—147.683 to expand the Commission's limited baiting authorization by allowing use of the deer attractant permit on township and municipal property.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt white-tailed deer in the southeast special regulations area 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 should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
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 Thomas P. Grohol, 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 Chapters 141 and 147, are amended by amending §§ 141.1 and 147.681—147.683 to read as set forth at 45 Pa.B. 1371.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 45 Pa.B. 1371 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 48-377 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 15-1005. Filed for public inspection May 29, 2015, 9:00 a.m.]
