Duane Diefenbach, with the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife
Research Unit of the U. This
research will provide insight into hunter densities and distribution on public
lands and surrounding private lands and the response of female deer to hunting
pressure. 15-22. 1, 2000 , that own its enrolled acres in fee title and has provided its
club charter and list of current members to the agency. 28, 2005. 26, Dec. 28 (2 daily, 4
possession). Male and female pheasants may
be taken in all other WMUs.

BLACK BEAR (Rockview State Correctional Institution): Nov. One antlered
deer per hunting license year.S. 14. 26-Jan. During the spring gobbler season, may be
taken by persons who have valid tag and meet fluorescent orange and shot size
requirements. 19-Jan. 18 . Buck hunting in the late seasons is governed by antler
restrictions and limited to only bowhunters and flintlock muzzleloader hunters
who possess an unused general hunting license deer harvest tag .
"Hunters are telling us that they are seeing a lot of coyotes, and we have
provided the most liberal seasons possible for them to hunt coyotes," said
Calvin W. 18.
Dove hunters also will have late season opportunities when dove season
reopens Dec. 14-Jan. 31,
daily bag is two, and Jan.

pliers gobble

Christopher Rosenberry, Game Commission biologist, said that the
research is designed to answer the following questions: What percentage of
female deer survive from one hunting season to the next; what factors
influence survival of female deer; what is hunter density on public and
private lands; how do female deer respond to hunter movements; and what
factors affect a female deer's vulnerability to harvest. In subsequent years, study activities will expand outward from state
forests to encompass a variety of public and private lands and habitats.
"Hunters who harvest a marked deer are asked to call the number on the
collar or ear tag, so information about the harvested deer can be collected . First, it is difficult for hunters
to gain access to huntable lands; and second, what land is open to hunting
continues to be threatened by development and safety zone encroachment. He asked that this
review be done so that adjustments can be made, if and where appropriate, at
the April meeting . 26-Jan.
26-Jan. 12. If the deadline was eliminated, the
Board would have to re-examine allowing muzzleloader hunters to use their
unfilled buck tag as an either sex tag. The allocation proposals will begin to be formulated after the agency
is able to review the final deer harvests figures for the 2004-2005 seasons,
which will be available in mid-March. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management
director.
Upon approval of the application, landowners will receive one coupon for
each DMAP permit allocated for their property, and the DMAP permits will be
allocated based on one for every five cultivated acres and one for every 50
forested acres. "Farmers
have told us that elk remain in their fields through the fall and do extensive
damage to their crops. Fish and
Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons ,
Game Commission staff, along with representatives of the state Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources and USFWS, will provide updates on current
and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.S. 8-14 (6
daily, 12 in possession limit after first day ). 26, Dec. 26-31 (1 daily, 2
possession). 21-23. 20-22.
Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. 26-Jan.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D): Oct. 18., Pennsylvania Game Commission
Executive Director Vern Ross reminds hunters and trappers who haven't had
enough time outdoors yet and love to be out in cold weather that they have a
mixed bag of seasons from which to choose. 18. In order to participate in
this new season, trappers must have passed a mandatory cable restraint
certification program, which was developed and implemented with the assistance
of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association.
"Trappers also have been provided a new tool, the cable restraint, which
can be more effective during the colder months when ground freeze hinders the
use of foot-hold traps. Hunters can take Canada geese and white-fronted geese
during the following upcoming seasons: Atlantic Population Zone, Dec.
Statewide snow goose season runs until March 10, and the daily bag limit
is 15.

skinners odorless

HARRISBURG, Pa.
Following are several articles on meeting highlights .

-- Antlerless deer hunting in WMU 2B will be Dec.
To accommodate hunter interest in the two elk seasons, the Board also gave
preliminary approval to allow hunters to apply for an elk license in each
season. Post Offices, where hunters may
purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp.

PROPOSED 2005-2006 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray , Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for
eligible junior hunters, with or without required license - Oct. 26-Jan. 27 and Dec. 28-Dec. 16-Feb. In addition, male and
female pheasant hunting will be available from Dec.
Hunters who participate in any of these seasons must have a general
hunting license, which provides Pennsylvania hunting privileges through June
30.
All antlerless deer taken by hunters in the late archery and special
regulations area antlerless seasons must be tagged with an unused WMU-specific
antlerless deer license harvest tag or a Deer Management Assistance Program
(DMAP) antlerless deer permit harvest tag.
Those restrictions do not apply to those portions of Beaver, Berks, Butler,
Lehigh, Northampton, Washington and Westmoreland counties contained in WMUs 2B
and 5C, where firearms deer hunters may choose to use a rifle, shotgun or
crossbow."
Furbearer hunting seasons also continue through the winter months,
including: red and gray foxes , until Feb.
In addition to a regular Pennsylvania hunting license, persons 16 and
older must have a Federal Migratory Bird and Conservation Stamp, commonly
referred to as a "Duck Stamp" to hunt waterfowl. All migratory game bird hunters in the United States are required
to complete a Harvest Information Program survey when they purchase a state
migratory game bird license.

finisher decoys

DEER SEASONS TO REMAIN LARGELY UNCHANGED FOR 2005-2006
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to the
2005-2006 deer seasons. Riley, who was elected as the new Board president today. 20-22, for junior and
senior license holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle )
holders, or Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in the U.

-- Antlerless deer hunting in WMUs 5C and 5D will be Dec. 8-14.
Other recent Game Commission initiatives to promote youth hunting
opportunities include: a youth spring gobbler season (initiated in 2004); a
youth pheasant hunt (2002); a youth waterfowl hunt (1996); special antlerless
deer harvesting opportunities (1998); and youth field days (early 1990s). States select their hunting seasons within these
established frameworks. There is no open season for taking ruffed grouse in that portion
of State Game Lands No. 22- Nov. 29-Nov. 28.
During the flintlock season, only single-barrel long -guns with a flintlock
ignition system are permitted.44 caliber or larger, with iron, open
"V" or notched sights (fiber-optic inserts are permitted). Flintlock handguns are not permitted. During the season, held
over three days on 37 different State Game Lands, 65 deer - including four
bucks - were taken.pa. 26-March 31 (bag limits
depend on WMU, which is outlined on page 82 of the 2005 -06 Digest); minks and
muskrats, until Jan. 12-
29, daily bag limit is one.

mossy treestands

"At this time , the Board has determined that we must stay the course in
our efforts to balance the deer herd with its habitat," said Game Commissioner
John J. There has long been a deadline for purchasing a
muzzleloader stamp in place. As in the past, landowners may receive more DMAP coupons than
the standard rate if they present a deer management plan that is approved by
the Game Commission.
In Wildlife Management Units 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E, in the northeastern
and northcentral part of the state, the extended bear season will reopen
Monday, Nov.
"Farmers are suffering severe crop damage, and rather than shoot the elk
for crop damage, they would like to allow hunters an opportunity to harvest
the animals," said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director.)
Both antlered and antlerless elk will be legal game in both seasons. The drawing held this year will award elk licenses for the
November 2005 and the September 2006 hunts.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, a
statewide organization with more than 25,000 members, had endorsed the bill .
Based on public comments received and gathered at the meeting, Game
Commission staff will prepare and present recommended composite waterfowl and
migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final
approval.

PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D - Oct. Only 1 bear may
be taken during the license year. 3.

DEER , Antlerless (WMUs 5C and 5D): Dec. 18, unlimited. Daily and Field Possession limits vary.
No open season on other wild birds or mammals. 4; and snowshoe hare, Dec.

snares decoys

"Then during the hunting season we plan to use aerial surveys to estimate
hunter density and map the distribution of hunters to see how hunter density
is related to deer home ranges. The late
antlerless deer season for WMU 5C and 5D will be Dec.
Specifically:
-- In WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, hunters will be required to abide by the
four points on one side antler restriction;

-- In all other WMUs, hunters will be required to abide by a three points
on one side antler restriction; and
-- Statewide , all junior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit
to use a vehicle and active duty U.
In WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, hunters planning to use a crossbow during the
archery seasons must purchase an archery stamp in addition to their general
hunting license and appropriate WMU antlerless deer license.
Extended modern-day bear hunting first started in 2002 when bear hunters
were given the opportunity to fill their tags the first week of the firearms
deer season in Carbon, Monroe and Pike counties. 7-12; and 10 licenses
(2 either sex elk and 8 antlerless elk) for the 2006 season to be held Sept.
Applications for special wild turkey licenses would be submitted to the
Game Commission's Harrisburg headquarters via the Internet or a paper
application submitted by mail. "This will in no way impact hunters' current
ability to harvest one spring and one fall turkey as part of their general
hunting license privileges.
The exact dates of the special youth-only hunt will be decided later this
year.
Also, as part of the license fee increase approved in 1998 , the General
Assembly created a junior combination license that packages regular license
privileges with archery, flintlock and furtaking opportunities for $9,
compared to the regular junior license price of $6.
22-Nov. 12-23 and Dec.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 29-May 27 , 2006.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. Only 1 bear may be taken during the
license year.

12 and Dec. An
antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat
Hunting-Trapping permit. 1-March
31. 12-23 and from Dec . 26 to Jan.
Flintlock hunters also have the option to use crossbows as part of the
late flintlock season.
New this year for trappers is the ability to use cable restraints for
foxes and coyotes from Jan. 18, including Sundays; raccoons,
until Feb.
Crows may be hunted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Dec.
Waterfowl hunters have a bevy of hunting opportunities to pursue from
December into March. 15, daily bag is five; Resident Canada
Goose Zone, Dec. 9-Feb. 31; in the Northwest Zone until Dec.us), and scroll down the home page to "Quick Clicks"
then click on "Waterfowl Brochure ."

trapping rut

"
Bret Wallingford, Game Commission biologist, noted that the research will
occur in WMU 2G in the northern forests commonly referred to as "The Big
Woods" area; and in WMU 4B in the ridge and valley region of the state's
heartland. Merle Phillips was signed
into law by Governor Edward G. "The remainder of this
youth season - Oct.pa.

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct."

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 3. Only one elk may be
taken during the license year. 14.
The small game seasons are as follows: squirrel, Dec. 26 to Feb. 26-31. The bag limit is unlimited, and hunters may use electronic calls and
can pursue coyotes without wearing fluorescent orange in most instances.

ghillie trapping

The
flintlock muzzleloader season, which is set for Dec.
This provision must be approved in April before taking effect. The measure, House Bill 2042, passed the state
House and Senate unanimously.
"The youth season takes into account that most students are off school on
Saturday, Oct. 5, the Game Commission and waterfowl hunting organizations will
host waterfowl organizations, individual sportsmen and the public to attend a
briefing on the status of Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations and proposed
preliminary federal frameworks for the 2005-2006 hunting seasons. The brochure also will be posted
on the Game Commission's website (http://www.

CROWS: July 1-Nov. 19; WMUs
2C, 2E, 4A, 4B, and 4D - Oct. 10. Also included are persons
who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the
application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for
license and fee exemptions under section 2706. 15-22. No
limit . 26-March 31, 2004 (Limits vary depending on WMU). The firearm must be an original or reproduction
of a gun used prior to 1800, which is . 1 through Feb. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to
sunset, and the daily limit is 12.
Canvasbacks may be hunted in the Lake Erie Zone Dec .
There is a daily limit of six ducks, and it may not exceed more than four
mallards, including two hens; one black duck; one pintail; one mottled duck;
one fulvous tree duck; two wood ducks; two redheads; one canvasback; four
scoters; and two scaup.

waterfowler snares

S.
"We will be tracking deer to map their home range," Diefenbach said.

PA Game Commissioners Give Preliminary Approval to 2005-2006 Seasons and Bag Limits

12-23 and Dec.
In addition, the Board retained the use of crossbows statewide for bear
and elk and during any of the firearms deer seasons - including the regular
two-week concurrent deer season, the early muzzleloader season and the late
flintlock season - and in all deer seasons in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, which are
the most urbanized areas in the state. 3) where human -
bear conflicts are the greatest. Only after farmers harvest their crops do the elk
leave the area, which is before the regular elk season. (Details on the new
boundaries will be announced in the near future.us) later
this year. Only
one application will be accepted per junior hunter .S. (Closed in WMUs
4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. One
antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an
additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. An antlerless deer with each
required antlerless license.

PROPOSED 2005-2006 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS

COYOTES: No closed season. One
per permit.
Also, trappers can take an unlimited number of coyotes from Oct.state.

decoys bobwhite

Also included are persons who have
reached or will reach age 65 in the year of the application for a
license and hold a valid adult license , or qualify for license and fee
exemptions under section 2706. 28-Dec.
"I want to offer my thanks to Rep."
Revenues from the special licenses could be used to implement and fund the
Game Commission's turkey management plan and further educate turkey hunters,
thereby promoting additional recreation and safe hunting practices.
This matches the extension granted to the youth squirrel season last year by
the Board.
The change, which must be approved in April, would allow for a special drawing
of applications submitted by junior license holders prior to the regular
drawing for goose blinds.
In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U. 15-Nov. 26. 12; WMUs 2D, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C
and 4E - Oct.

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Nov.

DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct.S. Outside of any deer or bear
season , coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtakers license,
and without wearing orange.

OPOSSUM, SKUNKS + WEASELS: No closed season, except for prior to noon
during the spring gobbler season. 10; North Zone, until
Dec.

gobble waterfowler

The framework nearly mirrors that of the previous
three years, with the exception of expanded antlerless deer hunting in
Wildlife Management Unit 5C in the southeast portion of the state.
Those results won't be available until mid-March since hunters still are
submitting harvest report cards -- which must be sent out for data entry --
and the agency's Deer Management Section is compiling the data collected at
the deer processors by the deer teams to cross-reference with the harvest
report cards.
Antler restrictions will continue for the 2005-2006 seasons.
10. To harvest an antlerless deer during the concurrent seasons ,
hunters must possess a valid, WMU-specific antlerless deer license for
the unit in which they are hunting or a DMAP permit. 26-Jan. 14. By establishing a deadline, the Board is
seeking to prevent an uncontrolled number of hunters who do not fill their
deer tags during the regular seasons from flooding the woods during the late
season, and thereby losing the agency's ability to ensure that there is not an
overharvest of does in any given WMU. 21-23) before
Thanksgiving that has become traditional with Pennsylvania bruin hunters.
Under the proposal, which must be voted on in April before taking effect,
hunters would only be able to submit one application for the special wild
turkey license during a license year. Phillips, a lifelong turkey hunter, has been actively
involved in hunting and fishing issues and in the past has worked with the
Game Commission to create special youth projects, including the youth spring
turkey hunt. An application for this drawing will be included in
the 2005-2006 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which
is provided to each license buyer, and on the Game Commission's website.state. 26-Feb. 22-Nov.

STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the
antlered and antlerless deer seasons and until noon daily during the spring
gobbler turkey season. 28-Dec. Prior approval must be obtained
from prison to hunt. 12-23 and Dec. During the
regular firearms deer and any bear seasons, coyotes may be taken while
lawfully hunting deer or bear, or with a furtaker's license while wearing 250
square inches of fluorescent orange. Unlimited.

BEAVER (Statewide): Dec. One
per permit.

Pennsylvania Game Commission: Hunting and Trapping Opportunities for Winter

12-23 and Dec. A flintlock
ignition system consists of a hammer containing a naturally occurring stone
which is spring-propelled onto an iron or steel frizzen, which, in turn,
creates sparks to ignite the gunpowder. 18; bobcats, for those with special permits, until Feb.

slingshots handwarmers

"Monitoring survival rates and harvest vulnerability of female white-
tailed deer are two important components of the deer management program," said
Rosenberry, who designed the research project. Establishing field-based survival rates of female deer will
strengthen the Game Commission's ability to evaluate changes in deer
populations. 12-23 and Dec."
In addition, Game Commissioner Thomas E.S. 14 ,
continues to be an antlered or antlerless season for hunters with
primitive flintlock ignition firearms, provided the hunter possesses
the appropriate license(s). The reason is because muzzleloader hunters have
the ability to use their unfilled buck tag as an either sex tag anywhere in
the state during the late season. Last year, the Board
approved the extended bear season for only portions of certain WMUs. This early season
will help reduce the damage elk are doing to these farmers' crops, and provide
a unique hunting opportunity when bull elk are bugling . Early
Canada goose seasons and migratory bird seasons (doves, woodcock, rails,
moorhens, gallinules and snipe) are announced via news release in late July. 26-Feb. 22-Nov. 30-April 2, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
only. No limit.)

PROPOSED 2005-2006 TRAPPING SEASONS

MINK + MUSKRAT: Nov. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat
Hunting -Trapping permit.

26 to
Feb. 7; raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes and weasels, until
Feb .
21, daily limit is three, except on State Game Land 46 (Middle Creek) where
the limit is one; Southern James Bay Canada Goose Hunting Zone, until Dec. 16 to Feb. 30; and in the
South Zone until Dec.

slingshots silencer

"
"Hunters should treat deer with collars and ear tags as any other deer,"
Wallingford stressed.
28.S.
Statewide, hunters using crossbows during the early muzzleloader season or
late flintlock season must have a muzzleloader stamp in addition to their
general hunting license and appropriate WMU antlerless deer license.
Also, for 2005-2006, the Board expanded the list of eligible lands for
DMAP to include: publicly-owned lands; private land owners or lessees where no
fee is charged for hunting; and private land hunting clubs established prior
to Jan.
"By expanding bear hunting opportunities in these WMUs we hope to begin to
address through hunting the growing number of conflicts between humans and
bears," said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director. This is a win-win
situation for farmers and hunters.
Successful applicants will be determined through public drawings scheduled at
a later date. "Therefore, it is imperative that
sufficient population monitoring occurs prior to any additional season
changes. It's truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as
Pennsylvania's more than one million hunters.
In addition , the Board gave preliminary approval to a change in regulation
that will enable the agency to hold special youth-only waterfowl hunting days
at both the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area on the Lebanon/Lancaster
county line and at the Pyamtuning Wildlife Management Area in Crawford County.

4 (6 daily, 12 in possession
limit after first day). 176 in Centre County which is posted "RESEARCH AREA -
NO GROUSE HUNTING.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E): Nov.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Sept. 15-Feb. 26 to Jan. 12 -23
and Dec. Depending on the deer season hunters are participating in, they also must
meet additional licensing and fluorescent orange requirements. In 1977, the season expanded to include 60 different State
Game Lands and hunters reported harvesting 866 deer. Special regulations area hunters must wear 250
square inches of fluorescent orange clothing, unless they possess an archery
or muzzleloader license and are hunting with a bow, flintlock or crossbow. 3, just in time for the late seasons, a regulatory change took
effect to allow furbearer hunters, including those hunting for coyotes, to use
shot up to #4 buckshot. 18; and bobcats, for those with special permits, until Feb.

handwarmers odorless

Pennsylvania Game Commission: Doe Study Underway

"Female deer will be collared with radio
tracking devices that will allow monitoring of movements and survival of
individual animals. This should be of great interest
to hunters and deer managers., The Pennsylvania Board of Game
Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons
and bag limits for 2005-2006, including expanded hunter opportunities through
the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP); more bear hunting; increased
elk hunting; and new and expanded youth-only hunting seasons."
Under the proposal given preliminary approval, landowners would be
permitted to give up to two DMAP coupons to a licensed hunter, who will then
apply for the DMAP permits. This would enable hunters to possess up to two
DMAP permits for a specific DMAP area beginning with the 2005-2006 season.
DMAP permit allocations will be made separate from the general antlerless
deer license allocations, but will follow the same fee schedule as the general
antlerless deer licenses ($6 for residents and $26 for non residents). In addition, hunters will be able to apply at sports shows and
fairs this year. Phillips for introducing this measure,
all legislators for supporting it and Governor Rendell for signing it into
law.

Under the package given preliminary approval
today, the Board established the 2005 youth pheasant season as Oct. As with all junior hunting, those participants between 12
and 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or other family
member 18 years or older, and those between 14 and 16 years old must be
accompanied by a person 18 years or older.

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without
required license - Oct.)

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior
hunters, with required license - April 24 , 2006. 1-Nov. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required
antlerless license.

ANTLERLESS DEER (Statewide): Oct."
Pennsylvania's first flintlock season was held in 1974, the same year the
flintlock muzzleloader deer license made its debut.
Hunters using archery or muzzleloader licenses, and hunting with those
special sporting arms, are not required to wear fluorescent orange clothing
while afield, but are encouraged to do so where the seasons overlap with late
season firearms deer hunters.state.

silencer bowfishing

"
During hunting seasons, aerial surveys will be flown to determine density
and distribution of hunters. We know deer don't leave their home range just
because of hunting pressure, but we are interested to see what parts of their
home range they do use when hunting pressure is greatest. 26-Jan. 28-Dec.

-- A firearms antlerless deer season from Oct.
Armed Services, who possess the appropriate WMU-specific antlerless
deer license or DMAP permit. Marys, Elk County.

PRELIMINARY APPROVAL GIVEN TO TWO BIRD SPRING GOBBLER SEASON
The Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval for staff to
create a system for hunters to purchase a special wild turkey license that
will enable them to take a second spring gobbler in the proposed 2006 spring
gobbler season.
According to Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild turkey biologist,
sufficient research has shown that properly timed and implemented multiple
bird spring limits have not caused population declines in other states.

pgc.us) along with a
news release announcing the agency's final selections by mid-August.

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Fall Season - Oct. 26, Dec. One antlerless deer with each
required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established
by the U. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County;
New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site,
Adams County.)

PROPOSED 2005-2006 FALCONRY SEASONS

SQUIRRELS (combined), QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, SNOWSHOE
OR VARYING HARE, RINGNECK PHEASANT (Male or Female combined ): Sept. Seasons include deer, snowshoe
hares, ruffed grouse, squirrels, cottontails, pheasants, coyotes, furbearers,
crows, doves and waterfowl. 14.
4 in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B , 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B and 4D.us) and click on the
"Calendar of Events" link in the left-hand column and choose the month of
interest to find the nearest course. 31; Northwest Zone, Dec. 12-30; and South Zone, until Jan.

trapping bobwhite

"
Dr. Deer response to hunting pressure will be
monitored with radio collars ."
Wallingford and Diefenbach noted that field work of the doe study is
underway, and capture crews in WMUs 2G and 4B recently began trapping deer.

The deadline for hunters to purchase a muzzleloader stamp for 2005-2006
will be Saturday, Nov.
"DMAP helps build a better relationship between hunters and landowners so
that we can get the right number of antlerless deer harvested in the right
areas," said Calvin W. With the advent of the
state's new Wildlife Management Units , the extended season in 2003 included
all of WMU 3D.
The Board approved 40 licenses (10 for antlered elk and 30 for antlerless
elk) for the 2005 season, which is slated for Nov.state. This year,
the briefing will be held at the Pyamtuning Wildlife Management Area in
Crawford County . HARRISBURG, Pa. Those flintlock hunters who choose to use a crossbow
have the option of using any unused antlered deer tag as an either sex tag
anywhere in the state. 18. 30-April
2. 10; in the
North Zone, until Dec. The survey information is then forwarded to the
USFWS.

bowfishing finisher

This study is the latest in a series of studies on the Commonwealth's
white-tailed deer that are being used to guide and refine deer-management
decisions made by the Game Commission. Geological Survey at Penn State University, noted
that shedding light on how deer respond to hunting pressure should provide
insight into how we can improve deer management strategies.
The public may offer comment on these proposals between now and the next
meeting of the Board of Game Commissioners, April 25 -26, at which time the
Board will finalize seasons and bag limits for 2005-2006. Managing deer in this area -- which includes portions of Berks,
Chester, Delaware, Lancaster, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia
counties -- presents two major challenges. 28.
Antlerless deer license allocations will be set at the Board meeting in
April.

DMAP EXPANDED TO FURTHER FOCUS HUNTER PRESSURE
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to an
expanded form of the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) that addresses
specific deer management objectives within the Wildlife Management Units
(WMUs). 3.pgc.pa. All applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $10
application fee."

On July 2, 2004, legislation sponsored by Rep. In the past, the youth pheasant
season was a two-day event.

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. 15-Feb. 16-Feb. 12-23 and Dec. Any hunter
carrying a sporting arm during the deer seasons must have an unused deer
harvest tag.
"And, on Dec. 18; and
skunks, opossums and weasels, until June 30. 26 to Jan.

trapline slingshots

"The effect of public versus private land
hunting is a topic of interest among hunters and Game Commission staff.
"In winter and early spring, deer will be captured by research crews using
drop nets, rocket nets and clover traps - similar to those used for the buck
survival and movement study," said Wallingford, who will coordinate field
activities for the research project. "Antlerless
deer license allocations will be set by the Board in April, after the staff
has had an opportunity to review the results of the 2004-2005 deer season.
Following is an overview of the preliminarily approved seasons.

-- A concurrent antlered/antlerless rifle deer season from Nov.
Disabled hunters must obtain a permanent or temporary disabled hunter
permit to use a crossbow during the statewide early archery season outside of
WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D.
In addition, the Board gave preliminary approval to allow those deer
hunters who obtain permission to hunt on the State Correctional Institution at
Rockview in Centre County to hunt for bear during the first week of the rifle
deer season provided they have a valid bear license .
"The law creating this special wild turkey license enables the Game
Commission to provide Pennsylvania hunters with an opportunity to hunt and
harvest a second spring gobbler in the same season," said Vern Ross, Game
Commission executive director.
Ross noted that Rep.

BOARD APPROVES EXPANDED YOUTH PHEASANT AND GOOSE SEASONS
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to an
expanded youth pheasant season for 2005. 11-14, takes place before the change of daylight savings
time - which gives the students an opportunity to go home after school and
have two hours or so to hunt, which is a long-standing tradition in many rural
parts of the state. Male and female in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D,
4A, 4B and 4D - Oct. No limit . 29-Nov. 29-Nov. Only one elk may be taken during
the license year.

RACCOON + FOXES: Oct. No limits. 7.
Those hunting in the late seasons also may take coyotes with either a
general hunting license or a furtaker license, 24 hours a day, from July 1-
June 30, including Sundays, as per specifics listed on page 82 of the 2005-06
Digest. 4.

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Boop asked that the Bureau of
Wildlife Management review the harvest data to determine whether antlerless
deer season lengths should be adjusted in certain WMUs. However,
late-season flintlock hunters using a crossbow would be permitted to take an
antlered deer or an antlerless deer anywhere in the state with their unused
antlered deer tag, just like other late-season flintlock hunters.
Last year, private hunting clubs were required to own a minimum of 1,000
contiguous acres before being eligible for DMAP. At
the same time, the Board expanded areas where bear hunting will run concurrent
with the first week of the firearms deer season (Nov.

BOARD PROPOSES EXPANDING ELK SEASON
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to
Pennsylvania's upcoming elk season and added an extra opportunity for hunters
to take part in a late-September hunt in 2006 at the request of farmers around
St.
By mid-August, once the final selections are made, the Game Commission
will print and distribute brochures outlining the seasons and bag limits for
waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.)

HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 12; WMU 2A and 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Oct. Only
1 bear may be taken during the license year. 18-23, 2006.S. Waterfowl and Migratory
Game Bird seasons will be established in accordance with Federal Regulations
this summer.
The statewide late archery and flintlock muzzleloader deer seasons, and
late antlerless deer season for Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) 2B run
concurrently from Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 14.

bobwhite silencer

Other studies include: a fawn survival
study (2000-2001); a buck survival and movement study (2001 -2005); a rut
timing and conception study (2000-present); an antler measurement study (2000-
2001 ); an evaluation of deer harvest estimates and reporting rates (2003-
2004); and chronic wasting disease surveillance (1998-present).
"Female survival rates can affect a deer herd in a variety of ways ,
including sex and age ratios, productivity and recruitment into the fall
population.
The crews are planning to collar 70 does per study area per year.

BEAR SEASON EXTENSION EXPANDED TO ADDITIONAL WMUs
The Board of Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a three-day,
statewide bear season the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (Nov.
"Part of the Game Commission's overall vision is to promote our state's
rich hunting and trapping heritage. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to
frameworks set by the USFWS. 26 (4 daily, 8 possession).
29-Nov . (Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who
possess a valid special wild turkey license . 28. Also, the late antlerless deer season
in WMUs 5C and 5D runs from Dec. 16-Feb. For information on courses, visit
the Game Commission's website (http://www.pa.

pliers finisher

"Hunting pressure varies based on land ownership, road networks and
topography," Diefenbach said.
"We also are giving preliminary approval to extra antlerless deer hunting
in WMUs 5C and 5D to provide hunters more opportunities to take deer so we can
continue to work to get the deer herd under control in this highly developed
area. 26-Jan. 28 and run through Saturday, Dec.
Finally, the Board gave preliminary approval to a measure to cut off all
sales of bear licenses prior to the opening of the two-week firearms deer
season.
On Aug. 15-Nov. 12-23 and Dec. 4 (4
daily, 8 possession). 19; WMUs 5A and 5B - CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and
WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Oct. Only 1 spring gobbler may be
taken during the license year. 14. One antlerless deer
with each required antlerless license. 26-Jan.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D): Oct.
Furbearer trapping seasons include: beavers, Dec.

trumark trapping

"However, limited field-based
information is available on the survival rates of female white-tailed deer in
Pennsylvania. Initially, study activities will be focused in and around state
forests.
"Also, some does will be fitted with GPS collars that will locate a deer
every hour during the hunting season so that we can observe deer movements
relative to the opening day of rifle season. "If a marked deer is legal for harvest, then it may be
harvested. HARRISBURG, Pa. If approved in April, no bear licenses could be purchased after
opening hours of the regular firearms deer season on Nov.
18-23. Rendell to empower the Game Commission to sell
special licenses allowing hunters to take an additional wild turkey beyond the
two (one fall turkey and one spring gobbler) currently provided for as part of
the general hunting license . The future of hunting and trapping is
directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians in
our hunting and furtaking seasons. The challenge is to successfully compete
with all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a
teenager's time.
26; Late Seasons - Dec. 26-Feb.

WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): Wildlife Management Units 1A and 1B - Oct. 4. (1 bird limit,
either sex). 28-Dec.

DEER, Antlerless (WMUs 2B): Dec. Unlimited . During any archery deer season, coyotes may be
taken while lawfully hunting deer or with a furtaker 's license. 4; ruffed grouse, Dec. 26 to Feb.
Hunters are reminded that firearms limitations for special regulations
counties - Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia -
remain in effect for the extended antlerless season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D. 24. The daily limit for coots is 15; the daily limit for
mergansers, five, including one hooded.
For more information , visit the Game Commission's website
(http://www.

silencer bobwhite

Indeed, hunters should not pass on marked deer as hunting
mortality is a part of this study.
However, we must continue to utilize all available tools to get this area's
deer herd under control. Completed DMAP
landowner applications must be submitted to the appropriate regional office by
July 1. While the 40 licenses for the November 2005 season are allocated for
several elk management areas, the 10 licenses for the September 2006 hunt will
be allocated for one elk management area.
Interested hunters can make application for the elk seasons through the
mail or by going to the agency's webpage (http://www.
"Pennsylvania , however, is unique with its large number of wild turkey
hunters and large harvests," Casalena said . 12-23 and Dec. Male pheasants only
in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except: Sundays, during the
antlered and antlerless deer seasons; and until noon daily during the spring
gobbler turkey season. Daily limit 1,
season limit 2. An antlerless deer
with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. Flintlock muzzleloader season
participants may harvest an antlerless deer with either a WMU-specific or
DMAP-specific antlerless deer license/permit or general hunting license deer
harvest tag.pgc. All other ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers
may be hunted as follows: Lake Erie Zone, until Jan.

trapline mossy

, Biologists at the Pennsylvania
Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research
Unit at Penn State University recently launched a three-year field study to
measure the survival and response to hunting activity of female white-tailed
deer in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2G and 4B. 14. However, it still will be unlawful to apply for more than one license
in each season. Fees for the special license are $21 for residents and $41
for nonresidents. 8, as well as on Monday, Oct. 10, the Columbus Day holiday,"
said Vern Ross , Game Commission executive director."
Under the youth pheasant and squirrel hunts, participants are not required
to purchase a junior hunting license, but they must pass a Hunter-Trapper
Education course. 12-23 and Dec. 4 (2 daily, 4 in
possession). 29-Nov. Junior and Senior License
Holders , Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania
residents serving on active duty in the U. Armed Services or in the U.

COYOTE, FOXES, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, SKUNKS, WEASELS: Oct. 26 to Jan.
Flintlock muzzleloader hunters may use "any single projectile. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. 7-Jan. Regardless of age, hunters
also must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl
and other migratory birds, including doves, woodcock , coots, moorhens, rails
and snipe.

slingshots bowfishing

Dr. Armed Services personnel may abide by
the old antler restrictions of one antler of three or more inches in length or
one antler with at least two points .

-- A muzzleloader season for antlerless deer from Oct.

-- Archery seasons will be Oct. 1-Nov. 12, and Dec. "By doing so, we hope to lessen deer impacts for the landowner and
the habitat.
The Board also gave preliminary approval to a regulatory measure that
would make any DMAP permit holder who failed to complete and submit the
mandatory harvest report and survey information from the prior season
ineligible for future coupons/permits and refunds. However,
to simplify the matter for hunters the agency decided to include entire WMUs."
In addition, the Game Commission announced that adjustments have been made
to the boundaries of the 11 elk management areas. We regularly recommend the change in seasons remain in place for at
least 3 years to assess any biological and social impacts caused by that
change, after which additional changes could be made, such as extending
hunting hours beyond noon.

HUNTERS REMINDED ABOUT PROCESS FOR SETTING WATERFOWL SEASONS
While the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary
approval to nearly all of the 2005-2006 seasons and bag limits, there is one
group of seasons that won't be considered until August: waterfowl and
migratory bird seasons. 8-14 (2 daily, 4 in possession). 7-12.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Oct.
26-Jan. 18 . 28; rabbit, Dec. The season went statewide
in 1979, and hunters reported taking 2,459 deer. 15, daily bag is five; and Pymatuning Zone, Dec.pgc.