1077 Hunting and trapping?

GAME COMMISSION

[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 141 ]

Hunting and Trapping

[40 Pa.B. 3106]
[Saturday, June 12, 2010]

 To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its April 20, 2010, meeting, amended § 141.66 (relating to cable restraints) to establish December 26 as the opening date for the usage of cable restraints.

 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 40 Pa.B. 1753 (April 3, 2010).

1. Purpose and Authority

 Based upon comments from the cable restraint users' survey conducted by the Commission, as well as input from the Pennsylvania Trappers Association, it is clear that trappers are interested in using cable restraint devices earlier in the traditional trapping season. The Commission determined that opening the cable restraint season 6 days earlier on the day after Christmas will provide a small amount of additional opportunity without significantly impacting other user groups and their hunting opportunities. The Commission amended § 141.66 to establish December 26 as the opening date for the usage of cable restraints.

 Section 2102(b)(1) of the code (relating to regulations) authorizes the Commission to ''promulgate regulations relating to seasons and bag limits for hunting or furtaking, the possession of certain species or parts thereof, the number and types of devices and equipment allowed, the identification of devices and the use and possession of devices.'' Section 2102(d) of the code authorizes the Commission to ''promulgate regulations stipulating the size and type of traps, the type of firearms and ammunition and other devices which may be used, the manner in which and the location where the devices may be used, the species the devices may be used for and the season when the devices may be used.'' Section 2102(a) of the code provides that ''The 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 § 141.66 were adopted under this authority.

2. Regulatory Requirements

 The final-form rulemaking amended § 141.66 to establish December 26 as the opening date for the usage of cable restraints.

3. Persons Affected

 Persons wishing to trap red fox, gray fox or coyote with a cable restraint within 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 should not result in additional cost or paperwork.

6. Effective Date

 The final-form rulemaking will be effective upon final 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, [phone].

Findings

 The Commission finds that:

 (1) Public notice of intention to adopt the administrative amendment 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 amendment 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 authorizing statute, orders that:

 (a) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapter 141, are amended by amending § 141.66 to read as set forth at 40 Pa.B. 1753.

 (b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 40 Pa.B. 1753 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.

CARL G. ROE, 
Executive Director

 Fiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-301 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulation.

[Pa.B. Doc. No. 10-1077. Filed for public inspection June 11, 2010, 9:00 a.m.]