Proposals in the offing that will affect hunting fees

A proposal to change special hunting fees and a license increase is forthcoming. Photo by author

According to the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs the following bills that may become law, will be presented by two state representatives. The first of which would make veteran senior sportsmen happy.

SR Bryan Cutler says that his HCO1948 would allow any hunter who had purchased a lifetime resident hunting license prior to July 1, 2017, to continue hunting species that may require a permit, previously included under their current license without incurring the additional fee. This references, in particular, the passed license fee to hunt pheasants in the state.

Said Cutler, “In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation to amend Title 34 with regard to special licenses and permits, providing for permit exemptions for senior lifetime license holders.”

“As you may know, the PA Game Commission recently passed a regulation requiring pheasant hunters to obtain a $25 permit to hunt pheasants. It was brought to my attention by a senior resident in my district who had obtained a senior lifetime resident hunting license that he would now be required to pay additional fees to hunt pheasant, which had previously been included in the lifetime resident hunting license. This legislation will allow any hunter who had purchased a lifetime resident hunting license prior to July 1, 2017 to continue hunting
pheasant, or any other species that may require a permit, previously included under their current license without incurring the additional fee, as they had expected upon purchasing their license.

SR Barry J. Jozwiak, former Berks County Sheriff, will try for a hunting license fee increase.
Jozwiak says, “In the near future, I intend to introduce legislation that would increase certain hunting license fees issued by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The legislation will provide for the following increases:
 
Adult resident hunting $19 to $29
Bear hunting resident $15 to $20
Bear hunting nonresident $35 to $40
Antlerless deer resident $5 to $10
Antlerless deer nonresident $25 to $40
Archery deer resident $15 to $20
Archery deer nonresident $25 to $40
Muzzleloader deer resident $10 to $20
Muzzleloader deer nonresident $20 to $40
Adult nonresident hunting $100 to $150
Seven-day nonresident small game $30 to $50
Adult resident furtaker $19 to $29
Adult nonresident furtaker $80 to $100
Migratory game bird resident $2 to $5
Migratory game bird nonresident $5 to $10
Special wild turkey resident $20 to $25
Special wild turkey nonresident $40 to $50
 
New categories of licenses:
Senior nonresident hunting $100
Senior nonresident furtaker $80
Senior nonresident combo hunting and furtaker $150
Ultimate outdoor combo (bear, archery, muzzleloader, furtaker, migratory game bird, special wild turkey) resident $110

It has been common knowledge among sportsmen that the Pennsylvania Game Commission is in need of a license fee increase to help fund their various programs one of which is the stocking of pheasants. So, if these bills are passed, it will be interesting to see if the latter license fee increase will be approved.

CABELA’S KAYAKING/BOWFISHING EVENT

Cabela’s Hamburg is hosting another event weekend on May 27 and 28 at their store. The following is on tap for the two-day learning experience:

Kayak Experience Weekend
11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Lower parking lot at the pond.
If you have ever had the urge to try out a kayak and get involved with this family outdoor adventure you do not want to miss this weekend. Cabela’s Outfitters will be on hand all weekend to get you started on the right foot with a proper introduction to kayaking and what you will need to get started. Everything from the kayak and paddle to the proper PFD as well as the best method for transporting. You will be able to take a kayak for a "test drive" in Cabela’s on-site pond, the best way to see if kayaking is for you.

Bowfishing With Rich
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Front of store
It’s that time of the year to break out the bow and try your hand at bowfishing. Whether you are new to the sport or simply want to pick up some great tips and techniques this is a seminar you don’t want to miss. Join outdoorsman Rich Yoder, and receive hands on instruction with bowfishing in front of the store. Cabela’s will have a tank set up where you will be able to practice shoot at fish targets in the water. This takes in the water refractory situation on fish in the water.
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