Contact: Brent Miller, Senior Director, Northeastern States & States Program Administrator
Over the past several months, the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) has been accepting public comments on a comprehensive Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Response Plan. Those comments have helped inform a revised plan that has now been released for final comments, which will be accepted through May 7.
As noted by the PGC, “The draft CWD Response Plan outlines goals and objectives in managing CWD, as well as actions that could be implemented to achieve them. Potential actions include a statewide ban on feeding deer, including the use of minerals or supplements; a statewide ban on the use or field possession of deer attractants, including natural urine and synthetics; increased hunting opportunities within CWD areas and the removal of deer antler-point restrictions within CWD areas.”
After final comments are collected the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will set a meeting to review them and provide final recommendations prior to implementing the Plan. If you are interested in having your voice heard on this critical wildlife management issue you can review the current draft. The PGC is accepting comments through their website at www.pgc.pa.gov, or you can mail them to the Pennsylvania Game Commission ATTN: CWD Plan Comments, 2001 Elmerton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
Studies conducted at both the state and federal level have found that the number of hunters and trappers have been on a generally declining trend over the past several decades. To increase recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) of hunters and trappers, which initiative do you think would have the greatest impact?
