House Game and Fisheries

HARRISBURG - (3/31/08, 12:30 p.m., Room G-50, Irvis Office Building)

The House Game and Fisheries Committee met to consider three bills.


SB 880 Kasunic - (PN 1570) Amends Title 30 (Fish) providing for license vouchers by stating that the commission would make available through its issuing agents vouchers that may be purchased on behalf of a third party. The voucher would be designed on a form designed by the commission and made available to all issuing agents. The voucher may only be redeemed for the class of license or permit indicated on the voucher and for which the applicable fee has been paid by the voucher purchaser. Vouchers would be redeemable prior to their expiration date. The bill also provides for fees for vouchers, places of redemption and restrictions. (Prior Printer Number: 1029) - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Gary Moore, of the Fish and Boat Commission, noted this legislation represents the last piece in putting the point of sale system together.


HB 587 Haluska - (PN 653) Amends Title 30 (Fish) repealing provisions granting commissioners the powers of waterways patrolmen. - The bill was unanimously reported as committed.

Rep. Gary Haluska (D-Cambria) noted similar legislation regarding the Game Commission was enacted in 1986.

Rep. Mark Keller (R-Perry) asked if commissioners have been exercising this power and if it has been a problem. Republican Executive Director Dave Combs affirmed it has been exercised, but he is not aware of any improprieties from the Fish and Boat commissioners. Moore noted there have been a few complaints over the years.

Rep. Garth Everett (R-Lycoming) asked if the authority would be restored for those commissioners that complete the necessary training. Chairman Ed Staback (D-Lackawanna) stated the bill completely removes the authority.


HR 642 Levdansky - (PN 3420) Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct an evaluation and study of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's current deer management program and practices. - The resolution was unanimously reported as committed.

Rep. Dave Levdansky (D-Allegheny) explained his intent in offering the resolution is to gather information to determine if the deer management system recently implemented by the Game Commission is meeting its objectives. He explained the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) would be charged with overseeing the study. This study would provide needed data to have an understanding of how to proceed with deer management, he argued.

Rep. Gordon Denlinger (R-Lancaster) noted Minority Chairman Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) has proposed an audit and he asked if this resolution is similar to that proposal. Minority Chairman Rohrer replied the two are "basically the same direction" and indicated his support.

Minority Chairman Rohrer then asked about the cost of the study. Rep. Levdansky explained the LBFC would oversee the study and be responsible for covering the costs. He noted the committee has indicated it can draw funds from its current budget, so an appropriation will not be needed. Minority Chairman Rohrer then asked about the selection process of the agency that will conduct the audit, noting his concerns about ensuring the study is objective. Rep. Levdansky stated the LBFC officers will vote, guided by staff recommendations, to determine which vendor will receive the contract. He explained the officers represent each party and each chamber.

Rep. Dan Moul (R-Adams) asked about the cost of the study and asked if it would be a qualitative or quantitative study. Rep. Levdansky estimated it to be $100,000 to $200,000. He said it would be a study on deer management.

Rep. Dan Surra (D-Elk) indicated he supports the resolution conceptually, but expressed concern with the details and particularly the language on page two stating "WHEREAS, The PGC is not able to provide an accurate estimate of this Commonwealth's current deer population". He also stated that the study should consider the economic or social impact of the current plan. Rep. Levdansky argued he excluded such issues because they can be "such an extraordinary challenge" and he would like to see the study focus on deer management plans. Rep. Surra countered he may offer an amendment on the floor, stating that it is important to consider herd size in conjunction with the economic impact of changes in deer management to show how the decimated herd has caused economic damage to the counties in the NC region.

Kimberly Collins, PA Legislative Services