NEW LAW TAKES EFFECT TO ALLOW GUN-MOUNTED LIGHTS FOR PREDATOR HUNTERS
HARRISBURG - Effective Sept. 1, Pennsylvania furbearer hunters may use gun-mounted lights when furbearer hunting, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Protection Director Richard Palmer. The change in law took effect following Governor Edward G. Rendell's signing of House Bill 881, sponsored by Rep. Gary Haluska (D-Cambria), on July 3.
Now Act 26, the new law was first approved in House by a vote of 195-2 on May 21. The Senate approved an amended version of the bill by a vote of 50-0 on June 27, and the House concurred with the amended bill by a vote of 195-3 on July 2.
Supported by the Pennsylvania Predator Hunters Association, the new law permits those hunting for furbearers, including coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, opossums and weasels.
"Safety is paramount, never point the muzzle of a gun in a direction you do not plan to shoot and identify your target," urged Ernest G. Wilson, Pennsylvania Predator Hunters Association president. "The use of a hat-mounted light or hand-held light should be used for scanning to locate predators. The gun-mounted light should never be used for scanning for predators. However, once a predator is spotted, the gun-mounted light is then utilized for proper identification and shot placement for a humane kill."
The new law stipulates that furbearer hunters still may not use a flashlight or spotlight that projects a laser-light beam.
Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks) offered the amendment to the bill, which included language to permit farmers to hire individuals to assist with killing deer for crop damage on their properties. This new provision also takes effect on Sept. 1.