GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CH. 143] Hunting and Furtaker Licenses [35 Pa.B. 3550] To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its April 26, 2005, meeting, proposed the following rulemaking:
Amend § 143.84 (relating to application) to replace the language establishing the deadline by which muzzleloader licenses must be purchased with language more consistent with the application process for other various licenses.
The proposed rulemaking will have no 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 April 26, 2005, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, until July 28, 2005.
1. Purpose and Authority
Currently, § 143.84 requires that all applications for muzzleloader licenses shall be made no later than the second Saturday in November. The Commission has determined that this deadline is no longer necessary. Therefore, the Commission is proposing to amend § 143.84 by replacing the language establishing the deadline with language more consistent with the application process for other various licenses. This change, through its effect, causes the subsequent language allowing collectors to purchase a flintlock (muzzleloader) license after the close of the special flintlock season to be no longer relevant, therefore this language will also be eliminated.
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. Section 2102(a) of the code (relating to regulations) 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 . . .'' The amendment to § 143.84 was proposed under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The proposed rulemaking will amend § 143.84 to replace the language establishing the deadline by which muzzleloader licenses must be purchased with language more consistent with the application process for other various licenses.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to apply for and purchase muzzleloader licenses 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 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 Michael A. Dubaich, Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
VERNON R. ROSS,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-207. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A TITLE 58. RECREATION PART III. GAME COMMISSION CHAPTER 143. HUNTING AND FURTAKER LICENSES Subchapter E. FLINTLOCK (MUZZLELOADER) DEER LICENSES § 143.84. Application.
(a) [Application shall be made no later than the second Saturday in November.] Applications for flintlock (muzzleloader) deer licenses shall be submitted to authorized issuing agents for licenses issued by them under the act and this subchapter.
(b) [A collector may, upon completing an application, purchase a muzzleloading firearm deer season license only after the close of the special flintlock season and is not bound by the procedures in this section.] Applications for flintlock (muzzleloader) deer licenses may be made when purchasing a regular hunting license, or any time thereafter, upon presentation of the regular hunting license.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 05-1210. Filed for public inspection June 24, 2005, 9:00 a.m.]
