PCN aired the report of yesterday's testimony.  Anyone watch it?

I watched the whole hearing and hear are some observations of mine.

The HGFC seemed somewhat receptive to a license increase overall.  Several questions were asked of a potential merge between fish ang game and potential savings that way.  Also, info was requested on neighboring states license fees.

Baiting and supplemental feeding was a big issue with several committee  members.  They felt the PGC was too hard and agressive in it's policing policies.  They felt it was okay if clubs used bait or supplemental feeding to increase the numbers of game animals on thier property.

The representative from Franklin county was vehemently against AR's stating that is the reason for losing hunters and that AR's will drive down property values.

The representative from Cambria county was very harsh overall on Carl Roe stating that deer is what the PGC should be concerned with and less emphasis should be placed on other species.

Staback questioned the changes to the 4 WMU for this year and the reasons for it.  He wanted it statewide and hopes that if the study shows that success rates stay the same in these four units the PGC implements it statewide in 3 years.

Staback wanted the PGC to hire bilogists dedicated just to coyotes and ways of reducing thier population.

Carl Roe remained very professional throughout and I felt answered the questions reasonably well.

One thing I still cannot understand, and maybe I am dumb, but Roe kept stating the PGC wants to shorten antlerless season in the four units to study success rates of shorter seasons versus longer seasons.  What about the years of three day doe seasons and the success rate data from that??  Maybe a week long season allows more weather leeway than three days?

Anyway more to come as I remember it and get the time to share.

More on the Staback coyote thing.  It appeared that Staback felt if the PGC had a specific coyote biologist the PGC could somehow reduce thier numbers.  Roe kept telling him that the season is open 24/7 and baiting is allowed making the season as liberal as it can be.  Roe also pointed out that the PGC reminds hunters frequently of the hunting opputunities that exist for them. Staback seemed to not understand what Roe was stating?

The representative from Franklin county saying his property in Greene county is worth less because of it being a 4 point area was just laughable.  I could not believe my eyes and ears that he would say that with a straight face. He went on to say that all of the 4 point areas could be affected with dimishing values.

The supplemental feeding debate went on for awhile.  Several of the committee members could not understand Roe explanation that supplemental feeding allows for an unaturally high carrying capacity that is detrimental to the habitat and the surrounding property owners habitat as well. Roe went on to say that it is legal as long as removed 30 days prior to the season. Those members thought that clubs should not have to remove them because they are no different than a standing cornfield or food plot. One member suggested that the PGC contact Bio-Logic and pursue an agreement to plant food plots on all of are SGL's if Bio-Logic would donate the seed.

The representative from Elk County said that he got up at 5:00 in the morning on the last day of rifle season with three inches of fresh snow and as he was making his lunch to go hunting he decided to stay at camp and do his christmas cards because there were no deer to hunt in Elk County.

More random thoughts.........

No matter how I try I cannot come to not be surprised at the level of ignorance of some elected officials.
I am constant "re-amazed!"