The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) recently amended the application process for deer control permits to place a greater focus on public hunting as an effective management tool to control isolated pockets of white-tailed deer overabundance. The new regulation, which went into effect on August 20, will now require applicants for deer control permits to explain how licensed public hunting has been used within the problem area, as well as how it will be used during the time period specified for the permit.
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation commends the Pennsylvania Game Commission on this decision. Hunting has long been recognized as the most effective and efficient management option for controlling deer populations. This new rule will help ensure hunting is prioritized in management decisions – improving hunter access and opportunities, while simultaneously generating critical conservation dollars through the American System of Conservation Funding and fueling the Pennsylvania economy.
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?
