1) HUNTERS AWAIT FALL ARCHERY DEER SEASON

2) ONLINE HARVEST REPORTING UNVEILED

3) GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ONLINE TREESTAND SAFETY COURSE

4) HUNTERS REMINDED THAT LICENSES STILL MUST BE DISPLAYED





HUNTERS AWAIT FALL ARCHERY DEER SEASON

HARRISBURG – With Pennsylvania’s fall archery deer seasons set to open, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminded those participating in the season that they may choose to use a crossbow during all archery deer seasons, as well as the archery bear season.


“As it stands for the 2009-10 seasons, information contained in the 2009-10 Digest regarding the legal use crossbows is correct,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.  “Crossbows may be used by hunters participating in the archery deer seasons, Oct. 3-Nov. 14, and Dec. 26-Jan. 9, and the archery bear season, Nov. 18-19.


“Additionally, crossbows continue to be legal for all deer seasons in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D, as well as the fall and spring turkey seasons and the two-week firearms deer seasons.”


Crossbows must have a minimum drawn weight of at least 125 pounds, and a bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inches with at least two cutting edges on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface, and shall not exceed three inches in length.


Hunters participating in the October muzzleloader antlerless deer season or late flintlock muzzleloader season are not permitted to use the crossbow in place of their muzzleloader, but hunters participating in the overlapping archery deer seasons may use a crossbow.


Roe noted that a sunset date for this expanded crossbow use requires a future Board of Game Commissioners to vote on the regulation before June 30, 2012.


“There are some who believe that the full inclusion of crossbows in archery seasons may cause an increase in deer harvests, while others – including our biologists – believe that we can regulate harvests through the antlerless license allocation process,” Roe said. “Regardless of which camp a person is in, all will know that the Game Commission staff and Board of Game Commissioners will revisit this new opportunity each year when considering seasons and bag limits and deer harvest estimates.


“And, the sunset requirement will mandate whoever is on the Board in 2012 to take another vote on the issue with at least three year’s worth of data on which to base the decision.”


Roe noted that the start of our archery deer seasons also represents the beginning of relief for some landowners who are sustaining crop and property damage from deer. This is especially true for people who live in Pennsylvania’s developed areas around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where deer populations remain exceedingly high.


Bowhunters who have purchased and received antlerless deer licenses to hunt in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D will once again get an early start on the rest of the state. They may begin hunting for antlerless deer only in these WMUs beginning Sept. 19, through Oct 2.  There also are two late fall archery antlerless deer seasons in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D that run from Nov. 16-28, and Dec. 14-23.


Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, archers can hunt antlered or antlerless deer from Oct. 3 to Nov. 14, and the late statewide archery deer season runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 9.


The Game Commission encourages hunters to spend as much time as possible afield this fall prior to and during the hunting seasons to pattern deer movements and identify areas where fall foods are abundant. Hunt as often as you can, and scout every time you head afield. Try to figure out which food sources deer are using. And pay attention to prevailing wind direction. These adjustments really can make a difference.


“Those participating in the archery seasons, including crossbow hunters, are urged to take only responsible shots at deer to ensure a quick, clean kill,” Roe said. “For most, that’s a shot of 20 yards or less at a deer broadside or quartering away. Archery and crossbow hunters should shoot at only deer that are within their maximum effective shooting range - the furthest distance from which a hunter can consistently place arrows or bolts into a pie pan-sized target.”


Hunters may use illuminated nocks for arrows and bolts, which can be affixed at the aft end of an arrow or bolt and aid in tracking or locating the arrow or bolt after being launched.  However, transmitter-tracking arrows still are illegal.


Tree-stands and climbing devices that cause damage to trees are unlawful to use or occupy unless the user has written permission from the landowner. Tree-stands - or tree steps - penetrating a tree's cambium layer cause damage. It is unlawful to construct or occupy constructed tree-stands on State Game Lands, state forests or state parks.


Other safety tips bowhunters should consider before heading afield and while hunting include:



- Make sure someone knows where you're hunting and when you expect to return home. Leave a note or topographic map with your family or a friend. Pack a cellular telephone for emergencies.



- Always use a fall-restraint device - preferably a full-body harness - when hunting from a tree-stand. Wear the device from the moment you leave the ground until you return. Don't climb dead, wet or icy trees. Stay on the ground on blustery days.



- Get in good physical condition before the season starts. Fatigue can impact judgment, coordination and reaction time, as well as accuracy. Staying physically fit makes a difference.



- Always carry a whistle to signal passersby in the event you become immobile. A compass and matches or lighter and tinder also are essential survival gear items to have along. An extra flashlight bulb also can be helpful.



- Use a hoist rope to lift your bow and backpack to your tree-stand. Trying to climb with either will place you at unnecessary risk.



- Don't sleep in a tree-stand! If you can't stay awake, return to the ground.



- Always carry broadhead-tipped arrows in a protective quiver.

- If you use a mechanical release, always keep your index finger away from the trigger when drawing.



- Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for all equipment and check your equipment before each use.



- Practice climbing with your tree-stand before dawn on the opening day of the season. Consider placing non-slip material on the deck of your tree-stand if it's not already there.





ONLINE HARVEST REPORTING UNVEILED

Those participating in the state’s archery deer seasons will be the first to be able to file their harvest reports through the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s new online system.  



To report a deer harvest online, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the blue box in the upper right-hand corner of the website, select “Harvest Reporting,” then click on the “Start Here” button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported.  A series of options will appear for a hunter to report a harvest. After filling in the harvest information, click on the “Continue” button to review the report and then hit the “Submit” button to complete the report. Failing to hit the “Submit” button will result in a harvest report not being completed.


“Hunters may report one or more harvests in a single session,” Roe said. “Responses to all harvest questions are required.”


Roe noted that hunters still have the option to file a harvest report postcard, which are included as tear-out sheets in the annual digest they received when they purchased their licenses.


“We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online reporting system, which will ensure that their harvest is recorded and save the Game Commission money on postage,” Roe said.  “Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a deer report it to the agency.”





GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ONLINE TREESTAND SAFETY COURSE

As treestand use is a popular part of archery deer seasons, as well as other deer seasons, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering hunters the opportunity to take a free, voluntary online treestand safety course.



To take the course, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Education” in the left-hand column of the homepage, then click on “Treestand Safety Course” in the “Education” box in the upper right-hand corner of the page.



“Treestand safety has evolved over the years as new research and statistics become available,” said Keith Snyder, Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Education Division chief.  “What were once considered to be 'safe' treestand safety practices 10 years ago are simply not considered 'safe' today.


“By reviewing this 15-minute interactive, narrated treestand safety course, a hunter will learn about the latest Treestand Manufacturers Association's safety standards and guidelines.”


Snyder noted that, in 2000, the Game Commission incorporated a specific treestand safety segment into its basic Hunter-Trapper Education course, which is required for all first-time license buyers regardless of age, as well as its voluntary Bowhunter education course.


“One of the key messages is the importance of a have and using a full-bodied fall restraint device or harness,” Snyder said.  “According to the Treestand Manufacturers Association, 82 percent of treestand-related deaths were attributed to the fact that the hunter was not using a fall-restraint devise.”


Other treestand safety messages include:



Stay away! - Avoid permanent stands; they weaken with age, damage trees and are eyesores.



Smart choice! - Used stands certified by the Treestand Manufacturers Association (TMA). They are commercially designed and tested to meet high standards.



Read the directions! - Read and follow manufacture's guidelines. Practice with stands before hunting.



Look carefully! - Inspect all stands and climbing equipment before each use.



Choose wisely! - Select only suitable trees. Avoid dead trees or those with loose bark.



Buckle up! - Use a fall-restraint device, preferably a full-body harness, any time your feet leave the ground. This includes climbing up and down the tree. Choose a harness that will keep you upright and will not restrict your breathing.



Keep it short! - Make sure there is no slack in the fall-restraint tether when you are in a sitting position.



Hold on tight! - Maintain three points of contact – at least two feet and one hand, or two hands and one foot – with the climbing system, ladder or tree at all times while climbing.  And remember to use a fall restraint system, preferably a full-body harness, anytime your feet leave the ground.



Climb safely! - Use a haul line to pull up gear. If hunting with a firearm, make sure it is unloaded and the muzzle is covered! Never attach the line near the trigger or trigger guard.



Ask a friend! - Use 3 persons to set-up any ladder-type treestand.



Hunt with a plan! - In the event of a fall, be prepared to help yourself. Have someone contact authorities if you don't return at an established time.





HUNTERS REMINDED THAT LICENSES STILL MUST BE DISPLAYED

The omission of a regulation that has been in place for decades in this year’s digest has caused some hunters and trappers to wonder whether they still are required to display their licenses in the middle of the back as has been done for many, many years.  Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe answered, “Yes, it still needs to be displayed.”


Roe noted that the Game Commission is supporting House Bill 460, sponsored by Rep. Neil Goodman (D-Schuylkill), which proposes to remove the statutory requirement that licenses be displayed, and thereby allow hunters to place their hunting license in their wallet with other ID.


Roe said, when the agency was drafting the digest, it was believed that the HB 460 may be enacted before the start of the license year on July 1.  So, to avoid potentially conflicting information, a decision was made to modify the wording about the requirement that licenses must be displayed.


“License buyers do need to remember that the digest is not the ‘Game & Wildlife Code’ or its attendant regulations, and should not be considered final on legal interpretation,” Roe said. “In printing the digest, the agency simply summarizes the more important and frequently misunderstood hunting and trapping regulations.”



#    #    #