1) NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL LISTED AS STATE ENDANGERED SPECIES
2) BOARD ADDRESSES DOE LICENSE DELAY FOR EARLY ARCHERY
3) BOARD MOVES TO REMOVE ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR SPRING GOBBLER
4) FARMERS TO GAIN NEW TOOL TO ADDRESS CROP DAMAGE
5) BOARD TAKES STEPS TO CREATE SPECIAL SNOW GOOSE SEASON
6) BOARD TAKES OTHER ACTION
NORTHERN FLYING SQUIRREL LISTED AS STATE ENDANGERED SPECIES HARRISBURG - The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to add to the state's endangered species list the northern flying squirrel, which is the larger and rarest of Pennsylvania's two flying squirrel species.
"Our field survey work has shown that the northern flying squirrel's population has been in decline for some time and is in need of our assistance," said Greg Turner, Game Commission biologist. "They have very specific habitat preferences and their existence in Pennsylvania is threatened by a parasite carried by southern flying squirrels and by forest pests that destroy their preferred habitat. Adding this species to the state's endangered species list will allow us to ratchet up the management attention we provide these squirrels. Also, their eligibility for federal funding will improve."
Northerns were once found across Pennsylvania's northern tier. The major reason for their decline is the loss and fragmentation of older-growth coniferous forest in Pennsylvania. Now their small local populations are threatened by additional limiting factors.
The northern flying squirrel is common in the boreal forests of states along the Canadian border and Canada. In Pennsylvania, however, its distribution is limited to less than a half-dozen known sites in old-growth forests with a large percentage of conifers. All are in northeastern Pennsylvania, with the exception of one in Warren County and one in Potter County. It's possible there are more local populations, but they haven't been uncovered yet. Identification isn't easy either, because they are very similar to southern flying squirrels.
Northern flying squirrels have been identified as a species of greatest conservation in Pennsylvania's Wildlife Action Plan, which was adopted by the agency and approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 2006. Their plight is considered a "high-level concern." The Game Commission several years ago also approved a project through the State Wildlife Grant Program that focused on developing an annual statewide nest box survey and identifying the habitat preferences of northerns through telemetry. It was carried out by Wilkes University and Penn State University.
The parasite carried by southern flying squirrels and lethal to northerns is called Strongyloides robustus. The parasite poses no threat to southerns, but it seems to suppress the northern's ability to put on winter fat, and to even maintain its existing weight. Since northerns and southerns will share living quarters where their ranges overlap, there is substantial concern for the already rare northerns.
Further complicating the northern's existence is the wooly adelgid, a European insect that strips and frequently kills hemlock trees, which northerns prefer as habitat. The forest pest has devastated and continues to ravage huge chunks of hemlock forestland throughout eastern Pennsylvania.
BOARD ADDRESSES DOE LICENSE DELAY FOR EARLY ARCHERY For those planning to participate in the new early archery antlerless deer season in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D in 2008, the Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a regulatory change requiring county treasurers to accept and issue antlerless deer licenses over-the-counter starting the second Monday of September - a week earlier - so that hunters can obtain the required licenses before heading afield.
"This year, after discussing a solution with the Pennsylvania County Treasurers Association, we know that some hunters still experienced a delay in receiving their antlerless deer licenses from county treasurers in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D prior to the opening day of the new early archery season for antlerless deer," said Dorothy Derr, Game Commission Bureau of Administrative Services director. "By starting over-the-counter sales the second Monday in September, hunters will have the licenses they need by the opening day of the new archery season."
If approved by the Board at its January meeting, the change in regulations will take effect for the 2008-09 license year.
BOARD MOVES TO REMOVE ORANGE REQUIREMENT FOR SPRING GOBBLER The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a regulatory change to remove the fluorescent orange requirements for hunters participating in the spring gobbler seasons. If approved at its meeting in January, the change would take effect for the 2008 spring gobbler season, which is set for April 26-May 26, as well as the youth spring gobbler day on April 19.
"Various hunters and sporting organizations have called for the Game Commission to review and/or reconsider the current regulatory mandate that turkey hunters wear at least 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange-colored material on the head while moving about or relocating during the spring turkey season," said Carl G. Roe, agency executive director. "The safety of hunters afield is, without a doubt, one of the paramount concerns of the Game Commission. However, the available statistical data relating to hunting-related shooting incidents during the spring turkey season shows that there is no clear evidence that the protective material requirement has made any appreciable reduction in spring gobbler hunting-related shooting incidents.
"After thorough discussion and review, the Game Commission has determined that it is prepared to eliminate the protective material requirement for the spring turkey season. However, the agency will remain attentive to the effect of this action, should the Board give the measure final approval in January."
Roe noted that, as an added safety measure, the agency continues to recommend that hunters continue to wear orange while entering or leaving the woods. It also will continue to promote the wearing of fluorescent orange as a safe turkey hunting practice.
FARMERS TO GAIN NEW TOOL TO ADDRESS CROP DAMAGE In response to a change in state law, the Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to create a special permit process for farmers to use assistance from up to two licensed hunters to address the need to kill game or wildlife for crop damage.
On July 3, Gov. Edward G. Rendell signed into law House Bill 881, which included a provision authorizing the Game Commission to permit other individuals to assist eligible landowners in the destruction of wildlife causing agricultural damage on their property. This provision took effect Sept. 1, 2007. However, before the Game Commission can begin the issuance of any permits to authorize this activity, the Board of Game Commissioners must approve regulatory language to define and create this new program.
A depredation permit issued under the program would allow the farmer to enlist the aid of a limited number of subpermittees for the purpose of killing game or wildlife causing crop damage. The maximum number of subpermittees listed shall not exceed two per permit, unless the district Wildlife Conservation Officer recommends an increase due to warranted circumstances.
Under the program, which must be finally adopted by the Board at its January meeting, farmers would have to identify those who would serve as subpermittees; the specific location of the property owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the applicant; the species of game or wildlife causing damage; and the specific nature and extent of the damage caused by the game or wildlife.
Landowners who qualify for the program must qualify as a farmer and; except in Wildlife Management Units 5C and 5D, must be enrolled in one of the agency's public access programs (Farm Game or Safety Zone) for a minimum of 2 years; and possesses a valid agriculture deer control permit if the species sought to be destroyed is white-tailed deer.
A depredation permit issued under this subchapter is valid at any hour, day or night, but only for the duration of the current permit year. An annual report shall be submitted on forms supplied by the Commission by July 31 of each permit year.
Those who qualify as a "subpermittee" would be resident, licensed hunters. Subpermittees may not have a prior record of Game Code violations or related license revocations within the previous 10 years.
A subpermittee shall report all wildlife destroyed within 24 hours to the Game Commission and will not be permitted to keep any game or wildlife taken under the program. A subpermittee shall surrender the entire carcass, including the head and hide, to the Game Commission or to a food bank or a butcher operating on behalf of a food bank, at the express direction of the district Wildlife Conservation Officer.
BOARD TAKES STEPS TO CREATE SPECIAL SNOW GOOSE SEASON The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to establish a "Snow Goose Conservation Hunt Permit" to help stem the growth of continental snow goose populations. The permit, if adopted by the Board at its January meeting, could be implemented as early as March 2008, and only after the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes a conservation order to authorize states to use hunters to take snow geese.
"Snow goose populations have reached levels that are causing extensive, and possibly irreversible damage to their, as well as other nesting birds', arctic and sub-arctic breeding grounds," pointed out John Dunn, Game Commission waterfowl biologist. "For some populations of snow geese their nesting habitats can no longer support these large numbers. What's more, these geese are beginning to impact habitat and crops in Mid-Atlantic States and Quebec.
"It's likely that North America has never had as many snow geese as it does now. They have become a huge and unexpected problem for themselves and other wildlife that shares the wintering and breeding grounds these waterfowl occupy."
The quickest and probably most effective way for wildlife managers to respond to the problem is to allow additional hunting - and relax hunting regulations - to reduce and stabilize snow goose populations. That's why the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced plans to establish a conservation order that will authorize states, beginning in 2008, to use hunters to take snow geese at a time when all other waterfowl seasons are closed. This will include an option to allow hunting hours for this special snow goose season to extend one-half hour after sunset. Currently, all waterfowl shooting hours close at sundown, except for the September Canada goose season.
"The additional hunting days offered after March 10 will provide hunters additional opportunity to harvest snow geese," Dunn said. "Currently, the snow goose season ends on March 10, and often thousands of snow geese still are available to hunters after this date. If approved, the conservation season dates for 2008 would be March 11-April 1."
Participating states will be required to monitor and assess hunting activity and harvest. Pennsylvania will accomplish this through the Snow Goose Conservation Hunt Permit. Along with this new permit, hunters would be required to possess a general hunting license, migratory game bird license and a federal duck stamp (for those 16 or older). The permit holder will be required to maintain records specifying hunting activity and daily harvest. Records must be submitted to the Game Commission within 30 days of the close of the special snow goose season.
BOARD TAKES OTHER ACTION
In other action today, the Board of Game Commissioners:
- Gave preliminary approval to a series of technical changes in the hunter-trapper education programs to allow the Executive Director to waive fees for advanced hunter-trapper education courses for Game Commission staff and volunteers who will serve as instructors;
- Gave preliminary approval to a series of updates to the wildlife rehabilitation regulations to address rehabilitation of rabies vector species, a new application process, qualification requirements and testing standards. These regulatory changes were developed in consultation with the Wildlife Rehabilitation Council; and
- Announced that the next quarterly meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners will be held Jan. 27, 28 and 29 in the agency's Harrisburg Headquarters auditorium, 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue Exit of Interstate 81.

HPGC Meeting & Public Comment
October 1, 2007
Overview by Chuck Lombaerde, PFSC Game & Trapping Committee Chairman

All 7 of the current Commissioners were present.  Also present were Carl Roe, Mike Schmidt and various other staff.

12 people gave public comment:

3 spoke in opposition to the Stony Valley SGL encroachment by Ft. Indiantown Gap

Wes Waldron, UBP president: UBP supports a license increase & deer management.  Members are pleased with deer populations in WMU 2D,2C,5C.  Oppose baiting/feeding legislation that would legalize baiting.  Supports total feeding ban 30 days before any big game season, till after end of seasons.

Gene Alwine, PANWTF:  supports voluntary wearing of FO during spring gobbler season

Jeff Grove, PA Farm Bureau:  Thanked the PGC for ongoing efforts to trim the deer heard and passage of HB 881 that gives the farmers an additional tool to control crop damage.  Hopes regulations are not restrictive, and will remove the requirement to be enrolled in the red tag program for 2 years before being eligible.

Kip Adcoc, Fox Hunters Assoc:  Spoke against Ags proposed dog kennel regs, would like to see some changes to the dog training section for fox hunters.  Thanked commission for their openness in working with them.

Andy Dively, Susquehanna River Waterfowlers:  Supports Snow Geese proposal, and would like to see electronic calls allowed.

Rob Sexton, US Sportsmen's Alliance:  Wants the PGC to voice an opinion against the proposed PDA dog kennels regs, (as they adversely affect small breeders who breed/train sporting dogs).

Wanda Borsa, Beagler:  Spoke against dog kennel regs

William Troxel, PA Vegetable Growers:  Supports wildlife depredation permit, and hopes they will keep the regulation easy and straight forward.


PGC biologist John Dunn, went over the Federal Environmental Impact Statement for snow geese.
Recommended season on snow geese: March 11 - April 1, 2008
Electronic calls might be a possibility in the future.

Cal DuBrock reported that so far 550 bears have been tagged this year.

The Agencies goal is 600 for this year.  Blood samples are taken to help with the study on mange.  Last year 19 bears had to be put down because of mange.  This year 14 bears have been treated for mange and released.
BMP's on foothold traps for grey fox is being conducted.

Grouse numbers are up 31% from the previous 5 yrs.

1775 doves were banded this year and 1100 wing samples were collected from hunters.

100,000 pheasants to be stocked this season.

Late stocking will take place 12/20

Dr. Cottrell gave an update on the EHD outbreak in the SW.

Gypsy Moth damages has been severe in parts of the state.
Forester Dave Gustafson and Ben Jones gave a report on the damages and effects of such.  Commented about how back in the 80's-90's the agency showed an increase in timber revenue because the agency was salvaging all the timber that was in the infested areas.

If you lose all the oaks, the birch & striped maple take over and habitat and wildlife suffer.
Oaks are very beneficial to warblers, deer, bear, turkey and grouse to name a few.

This year 92,069 acres of SGL's were infested by the gypsy moth caterpillar.  Here is a listing by region:
SW-1500 acres
NC-35,028 acres
SC-34,681 acres
SE-6500 acres
NE-15,760 acres

Recommended acreage of SGL's to be sprayed by enrolling in DCNR spry program at a cost of $35.00 an acre[WHEW!] are listed below.  (Total estimated costs:  $1.5 million from an already stretched to the limit budget.)
SW-forgot to write this one in
NC-7389 acres
SC-28,401 acres
SE-14,247 acres
NE-1117 acres

New appointees:
Tim Grenoble new Training Director & Superintendent of the Ross Leffler School of Conservation.[RLSC]
Joe Neville new Director of the Bureau of Information & Education
Robert Criswell new Regional Director SC Region office, Huntington
Stephen Schweitzer new Regional Director NE Region Office, Dallas
Rich Palmer Director of Bureau of Wildlife Protection

5 WCO class flags were presented today.
Bill Bowers dressed in a Game Protector uniform from 1936 presented the pretraining school flag which commemorates Game Protectors from 1895-1936.  This was before the Ross Leffler school was started.
Back than it cost $800.00 to train one Game Protector in this course.
Other flags presented were 2nd class 1937-1938
Jerry Ziler presented the 3rd class flag 1941-1942
Dave Sloan presented 12th class flag 1965-1966
Jack Weber presented the 13th class flag 1967-1968

It's really too bad that more people do not attend these meetings because they are very informative.
Chuck