3 replies to this topic

[buckeye dan]

A shorter fall crossbow season in Pennsylvania, a step closer to reality
Proposal to cut three weeks off receives first approval at Game Commission meeting.

By Gary R. Blockus | OF THE MORNING CALL
    July 10, 2009

The fat lady hasn't sung just yet on full inclusion of crossbows during Pennsylvania's archery season, but those who purchased crossbows or planned their vacations toward the end of archery deer season need to take notice.

Pennsylvania's fall archery season runs Oct. 3 through Nov. 14, but under an amendment proposed by Commissioner Ronald A. Weaner that received first approval on Thursday during the final day of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's quarterly meetings, the fall season for crossbow hunters would be abbreviated to Oct. 3 through Oct. 16, eliminating three weeks of the mating rut off the table for the crossbow hunters.

The amendment goes to the state attorney general's office for review before it can be placed in the Pennsylvania Bulletin (www.pabulletin.com) for a 30-day public notice. After that period, the board can reconvene for a public vote, or even proceed with a nonpublic notational vote. If approved on that second vote, it must again undergo the review process by the attorney general before it gets published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

It would become official upon that second publishing. The whole process could take 12-14 weeks, placing final approval of the amendment in the Oct. 2-16 range, which could create a difficult enforcement problem for those unaware of a change for wildlife conservation officers.

''Because of the fact that the digest was published with [inclusion of the crossbow statewide archery season], we will do everything in our power to get the word out,'' said Richard Palmer, the agency's director for the Bureau of Wildlife Protection. ''But we are going to use a lot of enforcement discretion.''

Hunters in special regulations areas like Wildlife Management Unit 5C, which includes the majority of the Lehigh Valley, may still use crossbows during the entire archery season. WMU 2B in the Pittsburgh area and WMU 5D which includes Lower Bucks and Lower Montgomery, are also special regulations areas that allow for crossbow hunting during archery seasons.

Crossbows are still legal for hunters with a disability permit as well.

''No one's really had the benefit [of crossbow hunting] yet, so they haven't lost it,'' claimed Commissioner David W. Schreffler.

In April, the board approved inclusion of crossbows during the entire archery season. The digest of laws and regulations has already been published and distributed with those dates approved in April.

Weaner proposed his amendment because he was concerned the board moved too quickly in passing its inclusion of crossbows. Commissioner Thomas E. Boop agreed.

''This issue was rushed through because the board composition was going to change,'' Boop said, '' and I've never seen an issue move this quickly in my six years as a board member.''

Two new commissioners to the board, Robert W. Schlemmer and David J. Putnam, along with board President Gregory J. Isabella, voted against the proposed amendment. Joining Boop, Schreffler and Weaner with yes votes was Commissioner James. J. Delaney. Delaney announced concern over how many more deer would be harvested in archery season that would not be available for rifle and shotgun hunters during firearms deer season. Schreffler had voted in favor of crossbow inclusion back in April.

Those voting in favor of the amendment cited lack of statistical, biological evidence as to the effect more hunters in the fall will have on the deer population.

''The crossbow is definitely not a superior weapon,'' said Isabella, who represents the southeast region. ''We have been collecting harvest data since crossbows were enacted in 1993 … The special regulations areas is a perfect proving ground for that. Here we are in 2009. My question: how much slower do you want to go?''

Source: http://www.mcall.com...0,2794063.story

[Hodgen]

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''No one's really had the benefit [of crossbow hunting] yet, so they haven't lost it,'' claimed Commissioner David W. Schreffler.

Although they did have the benefit of plunking down the cash to buy one.

I am anxiously awaiting the columns by some of the outdoor writers in the comming weeks. I stuck around long enough to see some of the writers come out from the press conference after the meeting. Most were laughing and shaking their heads. I have suspicion the press conference must have been a real event. If the above is any indication of some of the statements I'd imagine the press is going to have a field day.

[Tim50]

It is interesting that the two newer Commissioners voted against Weaners proposal! I can only assume they have not been subjected to the UBP brain washing like the other Commissioners! Were the "new look" older Commissioners privy to facts of info they did not share with the newbie's? Surely these commissioners would not vote just based on emotion & personal agenda's! It looks like the "newbie's" took this vote to heart & voted based on available facts....That is a refreshing way to address such an important issue...one the elder commissioners should try some time! Maybe the lure of the Annual UBP Campout & Drink the Kool-Aid outing was just too much to pass up!!

[aceoky]

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Those voting in favor of the amendment cited lack of statistical, biological evidence as to the effect more hunters in the fall will have on the deer population.

Ah but THIS was Not based on biologist's recommendations we know this to be true.....

LACK of..............

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''The crossbow is definitely not a superior weapon,'' said Isabella, who represents the southeast region. ''We have been collecting harvest data since crossbows were enacted in 1993 … The special regulations areas is a perfect proving ground for that. Here we are in 2009.

"I" would like to hear them answer to THAT bit of FACT