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PA Bulletin, Doc. No. 08-1490

PROPOSED RULEMAKING

GAME COMMISSION

[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 143 ]

Hunting and Furtaker Licenses

[38 Pa.B. 4520]
[Saturday, August 16, 2008]

   To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its June 24, 2008, meeting, proposed the following rulemaking:

   Amend § 143.243 (relating to general) to expand the list of species that mentored youth are eligible to pursue to include coyotes.

   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 June 24, 2008, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, until October 17, 2008.

   1.  Purpose and Authority

   Since the successful implementation of the Mentored Youth Hunting Program in the fall of 2006, the Commission has been seeking input from sportsmen and sporting organizations on ways to improve this innovative new program. Towards this end, two organizations, the Governor's Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation and the PA Fox and Coyote Hunters Association, have organized to recommend that the program could be improved with the addition of coyotes to the list of species that may be lawfully pursued by mentored youth. In its continuing interest to find new opportunities to expose youth to this State's wildlife resources and enduring hunting heritage, the Commission is proposing to amend § 143.243 by expanding the list of species that mentored youth are eligible to pursue to include coyotes.

   Section 2722(g)(2) of the code (relating to authorized license-issuing agents) provides that the Commission shall adopt regulations for ''The administration, control and performance of activities conducted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.'' 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, 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 amendment of § 143.243 was proposed under this authority.

   2.  Regulatory Requirements

   The proposed rulemaking will amend § 143.243 to expand the list of species that mentored youth are eligible to pursue to include coyotes.

   3.  Persons Affected

   Mentored youth wishing to hunt or trap within this Commonwealth may be affected by the proposed rulemaking.

   4.  Cost and Paperwork Requirements

   The proposed rulemaking should not result in any 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 Richard A. Palmer, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.

CARL G. ROE,   
Executive Director

   Fiscal Note: 48-273. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.

ANNEX A

TITLE 58. GAME COMMISSION

CHAPTER 143.  HUNTING AND FURTAKER LICENSES

Subchapter M.  MENTORED YOUTH HUNTING PROGRAM LICENSE EXEMPTION

§ 143.243.  General.

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   (b)  A mentored youth's hunting [eligibility] ability is restricted to the following species: squirrel, woodchuck, coyote, deer and wild turkey [(spring gobbler season only) beginning in the 2006-2007 hunting license year]. A mentored youth's hunting eligibility is further limited to:

   (i)  [Beginning in the 2007-2008 hunting license year, antlered deer will be included in the mentored youth hunts.] Spring gobbler season only for turkey.

   (ii)  [Mentored youth hunters shall comply with the same antler requirements as junior license holders.] Antlered deer only during any applicable deer seasons. However, mentored youth hunters shall be eligible for the same antler restrictions that apply to junior license holders as provided in § 131.2 (relating to definitions).

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[Pa.B. Doc. No. 08-1490. Filed for public inspection August 15, 2008, 9:00 a.m.]


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