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[Outdoor Talk Network by Jim Slinsky]

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Release #064-07

2009 CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORTS POSTED ON THE WEB

The Pennsylvania Game Commission has posted the 2009 Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) reports, including their recommendations for deer population changes, on the agency's website. Five CACs were conducted in 2009 in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 1A, 2E, 3A, 4A, and 5B.

To view the reports, visit the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "White-Tailed Deer" icon in the center of the homepage, select "Citizen Advisory Committee," scroll down to the "Citizen Advisory Committee Report" box at the bottom of the page and choose the report of interest.

CWD NOT FOUND IN PENNSYLVANIA HUNTER-KILLED DEER SAMPLES

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was not detected in samples taken from hunter-killed deer during the state's 2008 hunting season, according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian.

In 2008, 4,224 samples from hunter-killed deer were tested, and CWD was not detected. This marked the seventh year for testing hunter-killed deer. In total, more than 22,000 deer have been tested. CWD was not detected in any samples from previous years.

Results showing that the CWD tests of hunter-killed elk from 2008 were all negative were announced on Feb. 10.

For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=176753

Release #065-09

GAME COMMISSION SUPPORTS REPS. GEORGE AND LEVDANSKY FOR EFFORTS TO SECURE ALTERNATIVE FUNDING

HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today offered support to legislation sponsored by Rep. Camille "Bud" George (D-Clearfield) and supported by Rep. David Levdansky (D-Allegheny) that would provide an alternative source of funding for the state's wildlife management agency.

Under Rep. George's amendment to House Bill 1489, which he also sponsored, the Game Commission would receive two percent of the state privilege tax on every producer who severs natural gas. The amendment was adopted by a vote of 20-6. The bill then was reported out of the House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, which is chaired by Rep. George, by a vote of 15-11, and referred to the House Rules Committee for further consideration.

"Since its creation in 1895, hunters and trappers have footed the bill for the wildlife management achievements of the Game Commission through their license dollars," Roe said. "However, without a license fee increase since 1999, revenues for the agency have been outpaced by the costs of meeting the needs, demands and expectations of both the wildlife and general public we serve.

"Rep. George has long been a leader in the environmental recovery efforts, and we appreciate his leadership on this proposal. We also note that Rep. Levdansky, who worked with Rep. George on this amendment, has been a champion for several sessions of the need to secure alternative sources of funding the Game Commission, rather than continue to ask hunters and trappers to shoulder the entire financial burden that the agency has to manage all wild birds and mammals and their habitats for current and future generations."

Roe encouraged the House Rules Committee to schedule House Bill 1489 for consideration, so that the measure can continue through the legislative process.

Release #066-09

MARYLAND MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ATTEMPTING TO PURCHASE WILDLIFE

READING - A Maryland man pled guilty in a York County district judge's office recently to 20 counts of attempting to purchase wild turkeys, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. Charges were filed by Wildlife Conservation Officer Guy Hansen, who serves portions of York County.

On March 19, Douglas Gorden Carroll III, 58, of Timonium, Maryland, was arrested and cited. As part of the plea agreement, Carroll was assessed $2,000 in fines.

DELAWARE COUNTY GUILTY OF KILLING WILDLIFE
READING - Matt Kenia, 26, of the 500 block of 9th Ave., Prospect Park, Delaware County, was found guilty of five counts of unlawfully killing 20 squirrels, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials. He was ordered to pay fines of $350.

Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Jerrold Czech said that, as part of the investigation, Prospect Park Police Department officers confiscated a 177-caliber pump rifle pellet gun and will file disorderly conduct and unlawful discharge within the Borough, as well.

According to WCO Czech's investigation, Kenia was killing squirrels on his property between December and January, collecting them and placing them in a trash can in his yard.

"The information was received by an e-mail complaint to the Game Commission in March," WCO Czech said. "The complainant's information was forwarded to me, and I spoke with another witness. Afterward, I contacted the Prospect Park Police Department.

"I want to thank Officer Coffin and Sgt. Engel of the Prospect Park Police Department and Delaware County Animal Control for this assistance in this case."

YORK COUNTY MEAT PROCESSOR GUILTY OF SELLING VENISON
READING - A Felton, York County, man recently was found guilty of selling venison out of his Crossroads meat processing operation, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission officials.

Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Guy A. Hansen used DNA testing to determine the pork sausage being sold by Richard F. Klinefelter contained deer meat. During the investigation, which lasted more than a year, Game Commission Special Investigative officers bought more than 500 pounds of deer meat from Klinefelter.

District Justice Nancy Edie, on May 21, found Klinefelter guilty of eight counts of illegally selling venison and ordered him to pay $2,400 in fines. She also ordered him to pay more than $3,760 in restitution for the cash paid Klinefelter by the Game Commission Special Investigative officers.

"Based on tips from confidential informants, we were buying pounds and pounds of deer meat," WCO Hansen said. "We're still not sure where all of the deer meat came from."

Sportsmen Beware: HSUS Looking to Educate Future Anti’s
Nation’s Leading Anti Group Establishes a “Humane Society University”

6/24/09

The world of Higher Education may never be the same. The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) now has plans to educate the next generation of anti-hunting, animal rights activists.

On June 18, the HSUS announced that it had received “a license as a higher education degree-granting institution by the District of Columbia Education Licensure Commission.” The Humane Society University is not a typical university with a single central classroom. Instead, it offers both on-site and Internet based courses including those devoted to advocacy. The HSUS has even partnered with the Duquesne University's School of Leadership and Professional Advancement to provide a curriculum leading to both a Bachelor’s degree in “Humane Leadership” and a Master’s in “Community Leadership.”

Most concerning is the advocacy courses being offered. A potential activist can become a “Certified Advocacy Management Specialist” by completing five courses that focus on research and planning, influencing corporate behavior, message development, becoming a citizen lobbyist, and building a grassroots movement.

Release #067-09

LIVE BLUEBIRD NESTBOX CAMERA DEBUTS ON GAME COMMISSION WEBSITE

In an effort to garner appreciation for wildlife, and especially the state's bluebird population, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has debuted on its website a live video camera feed from a bluebird nestbox on the grounds of its Harrisburg Headquarters. To view the live feed, visit the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the "Bluebird Live-Feed" icon in the center of the homepage.

"The best way to get Pennsylvanians - in fact most Americans - excited about wildlife is to show them what makes wildlife so irreplaceable and priceless," said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. "We decided to set-up and use this live video camera feed to help us educate the public about the importance of wildlife, how to make backyards friendlier to wildlife and also provide a way for folks to simply get closer to bluebirds. So far, it's been a huge hit in our lobby, where a television showcases the live feed, and now on our website."

For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website: http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=176774

New-fangled access to an old-fashioned tradition

Pennsylvania 2009-10 hunting licenses are now on sale using the new Pennsylvania Automated License System that allows purchasers to submit their application and payment via the Internet. The Game Commission will then send the license to the hunter through regular mail.

Hunters also can purchase licenses instantly through county treasurer offices, Game Commission offices and other issuing agents.

The license fees remain the same as they have been for 10 years, though there is a new 70-cent processing fee for using PALS.

Applications and more information can be found on the Game Commission Web site.

Deer hunters should especially be aware that there is one major change in the licensing timetable. Applications for antlerless deer can now be submitted as early as July 13, instead of mid-August as in the past.

Should you have any feedback on the PALS process or about any state-related program or issue, I welcome you to let me know through my Web site.

Rep. Keith R. McCall
122nd Legislative District
Carbon County, PA

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