GAME COMMISSION [58 PA. CODE CH. 141] Hunting and Trapping; Table of Hunting Hours [34 Pa.B. 3713] To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its April 20, 2004, meeting, adopted the following rulemaking:
Amend Chapter 141, Appendix G (relating to hunting hours) to reflect the annual change in days and subsequent hunting times.
The final-form rulemaking will have no 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 34 Pa.B. 1943 (April 10, 2004).
1. Introduction
The Commission amends Appendix G to reflect the annual change in days and subsequent hunting times.
2. Purpose and Authority
Each year, there is a shift in calendar days for each month. As a result of this occurrence, the table of hunting hours in Appendix G must be amended and updated to reflect the current year's hunting dates and corresponding legal hunting hours. The Commission amends Appendix G by updating the table of hunting hours for the 2004-2005 hunting year.
Section 322(c)(1) of the code (relating to powers and duties of commission) specifically empowers the Commission to ''fix seasons, daily shooting or taking hours, and any modification thereof, and daily, season and possession limits for any species of game or wildlife.'' 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 Appendix G was adopted under this authority.
3. Regulatory Requirements
The final-form rulemaking amends Appendix G to update the table of hunting hours to reflect the annual change in days and subsequent hunting times.
4. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt or trap in this Commonwealth will be affected by the final-form rulemaking.
5. Comment and Response Summary
There were no official comments received regarding this final-form rulemaking.
6. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
The final-form rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
7. Effective Date
The final-form rulemaking will be effective on final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
8. Contact Person
For further information regarding the final-form rulemaking, contact Michael A. Dubaich, Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
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 Appendix G to read as set forth at 34 Pa.B. 1943.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and 34 Pa.B. 1943 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.
VERNON R. ROSS,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-181 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulation.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 04-1288. Filed for public inspection July 16, 2004, 9:00 a.m.]
