19; WMUs 2D, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B,
3C, 3D, 4C and 4E - Oct. For additional information, please consult
pages 78-80 of the 2005-06 Digest.
"Hunters have an obligation to be safe."
Turkey hunters should always hunt defensively, assuming every movement or
sound they hear is another hunter until they can be absolutely certain that it
isn't. If you see another hunter approaching your calling location, don't move
or wave to get their attention, yell, "STOP!" to verbally identify your
presence ."
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 provision must be approved in April before taking effect. 1, 2000, that own its enrolled acres in fee title and has provided its
club charter and list of current members to the agency. 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. 12-23 and Dec.

CROWS: July 1-Nov. 4. 7-12. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County;
New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site,
Adams County.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D): Oct. One
per permit.

skinners cough

29. "Many field officers
reported seeing large flocks of birds, and better - although sometimes later -
poult production in their work areas . LMGS Eugene Weiner Jr. Five years ago every
woodlot held turkeys but now you must find food sources to locate the flocks. Mast production this
year seems to be average to above average. Don't stalk turkey sounds. In addition, consider wearing fluorescent
orange clothing while afield at all times . 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. 26-Jan.
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 .
"The youth season takes into account that most students are off school on
Saturday, Oct.

The future of hunting and trapping is
directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians in
our hunting and furtaking seasons.

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct.

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct .

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.
29-Nov.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established
by the U.

PROPOSED 2005-2006 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS

COYOTES: No closed season. No limits . 18.

decoys trapping

"About 95 percent of the agency's Wildlife Conservation Officers (WCOs)
and Land Management Group Supervisors (LMGSs) who work in areas with habitat
that can support wild turkeys believe turkey hunting will be good this fall,"
said Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross.8 percent below the previous five-year average of 39,679. 4.
Turkey hunters are advised that blinds now are legal to use while turkey
hunting. Often, that lapse in
judgment or firearm fumble, turns out to be harmless, an event that reminds a
hunter of his or her responsibility to be careful.
"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.
Following is an overview of the preliminarily approved seasons . 12. 28-Dec. However, it still will be unlawful to apply for more than one license
in each season . In addition, hunters will be able to apply at sports shows and
fairs this year. Post Offices, where hunters may
purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp. 26, Dec. (Second spring gobbler may only be taken by persons who
possess a valid special wild turkey license. 14. 26-Jan. 12-23 and Dec. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

snares bandannas

Pennsylvania Game Commission: Fall Wild Turkey Season Just Around the Corner; Turkey Hunters Urged to Hunt Safely and Carefully

This should
be an excellent year for turkey hunters.
In both spring and fall turkey seasons, it is unlawful to use drives to
hunt turkeys. The spring season will remain open because our
research shows that spring hunting does not impact the population. 29-Nov. The late
antlerless deer season for WMU 5C and 5D will be Dec. 26-Jan.

The deadline for hunters to purchase a muzzleloader stamp for 2005-2006
will be Saturday, Nov.
Antlerless deer license allocations will be set at the Board meeting in
April.
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.
Last year, private hunting clubs were required to own a minimum of 1,000
contiguous acres before being eligible for DMAP.
"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.
"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.
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. Male pheasants only
in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. Male and female in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A , 3B, 3C, 3D,
4A, 4B and 4D - Oct. Only 1 spring gobbler may be
taken during the license year . 3. Prior approval must be obtained
from prison to hunt.
26-Jan. An antlerless deer with each
required antlerless license. 19-Jan.

handwarmers bobwhite

HARRISBURG, Pa. Fall hunting season in WMU 5B will remain closed until this turkey
population is restored. "In two cases, the
victim was wearing some fluorescent orange clothing, which reinforces how
serious this misidentification problem is. It's hard to understand how any
person can be mistaken for a wild turkey, let alone someone wearing
fluorescent orange , an internationally recognized color for caution. Let the turkeys come to you and
watch their approach carefully. 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.

-- Archery seasons will be Oct. 28.
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.

If approved in April, no bear licenses could be purchased after
opening hours of the regular firearms deer season on Nov."
In addition, the Game Commission announced that adjustments have been made
to the boundaries of the 11 elk management areas. 26-Feb. 22- Nov. 18-23, 2006. 28-Dec.S. Unlimited .

rut bobwhite

However, she
pointed out that two variables play a large role in this decreased harvest;
shorter fall season lengths due to lower recruitment, and a trend of
decreasing fall turkey-hunting participation . Hunters may take only one turkey in the fall season. But it can, and unfortunately, it does. One was
a victim-in-the-line-of-fire incident.
Following are several articles on meeting highlights . Only after farmers harvest their crops do the elk
leave the area, which is before the regular elk season. Only
one application will be accepted per junior hunter.
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. 12-23 and Dec. 29-Nov. 19; WMUs 5A and 5B - CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING; and
WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Oct. 29-Nov. 20-22.S. Outside of any deer or bear
season, coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtakers license,
and without wearing orange. Unlimited.

trumark skinners

, Pennsylvania Game Commission
officials believe a drier spring helped improve poult production, but that the
large mast crop may keep birds disbursed making the hunt more challenging when
the fall wild turkey season opens Oct."
In Fulton County, WCO Kevin Mountz asked, "'Where don't we have turkeys?'
should be the question! I've seen large numbers of birds this year in every
township."
In Berks County, WCO Bob Prall reported, "A good number of nests were
successful and turkeys are being sighted throughout this area in good
numbers.
"First find the food.
Also, WMU 5B remains CLOSED to aide with the turkey trap and transfer
efforts there. "That's why the Pennsylvania Game Commission annually reminds
hunters of the need to hunt safely.

Last year, the Board
approved the extended bear season for only portions of certain WMUs. "Farmers
have told us that elk remain in their fields through the fall and do extensive
damage to their crops. The drawing held this year will award elk licenses for the
November 2005 and the September 2006 hunts. All applications must be accompanied by a nonrefundable $10
application fee.
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."
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.
On Aug. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to
frameworks set by the USFWS. 19; WMUs
2C, 2E, 4A, 4B, and 4D - Oct. Only
1 bear may be taken during the license year. One antlered deer per hunting license year. 15-22. 26-March 31, 2004 (Limits vary depending on WMU).

decoys trapping

"Hunters should expect to find increased age diversity among wild turkeys
for the fall season, unlike 2004, when several consecutive years of reduced
poult production led to reductions in local populations statewide. Our radio-telemetry
research showed that fall hunting mortality was a factor limiting that turkey
population."
Turkey hunters, in most parts of the state, must wear a minimum of 250
square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back,
visible in all directions, while moving.
Shot size is limited to No. It's a responsibility they have to
other hunters, themselves, and their families .
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. Completed DMAP
landowner applications must be submitted to the appropriate regional office by
July 1.pa."

On July 2, 2004, legislation sponsored by Rep. The measure, House Bill 2042, passed the state
House and Senate unanimously. 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).

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.S. 26, Dec. Only 1 bear may be taken during the
license year .

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec.

waterfowler bobwhite

Then you will find the turkeys . But they can be patterned. 26-Jan. 12, and Dec.
"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.
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. However ,
to simplify the matter for hunters the agency decided to include entire WMUs. Marys, Elk County .
Successful applicants will be determined through public drawings scheduled at
a later date.
"Pennsylvania, however, is unique with its large number of wild turkey
hunters and large harvests ," Casalena said. No limit. 12; WMU 2A and 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) - Oct. 29-Nov. 28-Dec.

ANTLERLESS DEER (Statewide): Oct.)

PROPOSED 2005-2006 FALCONRY SEASONS

SQUIRRELS (combined), QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, SNOWSHOE
OR VARYING HARE , RINGNECK PHEASANT (Male or Female combined): Sept. Waterfowl and Migratory
Game Bird seasons will be established in accordance with Federal Regulations
this summer.

gobble bowfishing

"Data from this summer 's turkey surveys show that turkey sightings were
slightly below average this summer, indicating that the 2005 nesting success
also was slightly below average," said Mary Jo Casalena, Game Commission wild
turkey biologist. All age
group population levels would be rated as abundant with excellent hunting
opportunities available."
WMU 5A remains CLOSED to fall turkey hunting again for the third year in
order to help restore the turkey population there. Taking risks has no place in hunting .
"Mistaken-for-game incidents continue to dominate the shooting incidents
that annually occur in the Commonwealth," Graybill said. 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. "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.
26 -Jan. 26, Dec. 26. 4 (2 daily, 4 in
possession).)

HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. No limit. (1 bird limit,
either sex).S.

DEER, Antlerless (WMUs 2B): Dec. 28. 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.

RACCOON + FOXES: Oct. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat
Hunting -Trapping permit.

decoys treestands

Most field officers subscribed to the belief that wild turkey populations
are improved. "I have
observed flocks with as many as 90 birds in them in the past and although the
nesting season wasn't as good as last year, because of cold rains and
temperatures in late April and early May, the chance of bagging a big bird is
still great. They may remove the orange at a
stationary calling location, if they place a 100-square inch orange alert band
within 15 feet of their location .
"Pennsylvania is yet to have a fall turkey season without these
unfortunate incidents occurring , both with and without someone being shot,"
noted Carl Graybill, Game Commission Bureau of Information and Education
director.
28.

-- A firearms antlerless deer season from Oct.

-- A muzzleloader season for antlerless deer from Oct. 12-23 and Dec. 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.

DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management
director. 28 and run through Saturday, Dec . 3. (Details on the new
boundaries will be announced in the near future.)
Both antlered and antlerless elk will be legal game in both seasons.
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.
Interested hunters can make application for the elk seasons through the
mail or by going to the agency's webpage (http://www.

WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season , except: Sundays, during the
antlered and antlerless deer seasons; and until noon daily during the spring
gobbler turkey season. 28-Dec. No
limit.

skinners finisher

, who works in western Luzerne, Sullivan
and Wyoming counties, said, "Food and Cover Corps employees have seen large
broods of turkey poults.

"Turkey
populations are excellent in this county in all WMUs," he said."
Casalena noted that hunters should follow basic scouting techniques to
improve their chances of finding wild turkeys . In WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D -
where fall hunting is limited to shotguns and archery equipment only - hunters
must wear a hat containing a minimum of 100 square inches of solid fluorescent
orange (no camouflage orange) on the head that is visible when moving.S. 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. 14.
The Board approved 40 licenses (10 for antlered elk and 30 for antlerless
elk) for the 2005 season, which is slated for Nov. 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.
The Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, a
statewide organization with more than 25,000 members, had endorsed the bill. 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. 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 .
26; Late Seasons - Dec.

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

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov.

slingshots pliers

"Additionally, the hot, dry summer may have negatively impacted
sightability of turkeys during the survey period (June-August) as turkey
broods most likely remained in the cooler wooded areas rather than feeding in
hot open fields. The drop in incidents in 2003 and 2004 is believed to
have been spurred by decreased hunter participation, which currently cannot be
tabulated because budget constraints have forced the Game Commission to cancel
the recent Game -Take Survey, which provides hunter and trapper participation
numbers, as well as small game, wild turkey and furbearer harvest estimates.

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

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.
10. 15-22.

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 ). 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. 21-23) before
Thanksgiving that has become traditional with Pennsylvania bruin hunters. Fees for the special license are $21 for residents and $41
for nonresidents. Merle Phillips was signed
into law by Governor Edward G. In the past , the youth pheasant
season was a two-day event.state. Early
Canada goose seasons and migratory bird seasons (doves, woodcock, rails,
moorhens, gallinules and snipe) are announced via news release in late July."

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 22-Nov. Only 1 bear may
be taken during the license year.

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Nov. One antlered
deer per hunting license year. 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. An antlerless deer
with each required antlerless license. 26-Jan. 15-Feb. 15 -Feb. (Bobcats may only be taken by furtakers in possession of a Bobcat
Hunting-Trapping permit.

trumark innotek

Areas that produced abundant food
last year may not this year, causing turkeys to be in different locations this
year."
In late October, with the abundant nuts, grapes and other mast supplies on
top of the leaf litter, turkeys do not need to scratch the ground in search of
food, so look for signs other than scratchings such as droppings, feathers and
tracks."
In addition, Game Commissioner Thomas E.

-- A concurrent antlered/antlerless rifle deer season from Nov. "By doing so, we hope to lessen deer impacts for the landowner and
the habitat. This would enable hunters to possess up to two
DMAP permits for a specific DMAP area beginning with the 2005-2006 season .

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.
The exact dates of the special youth-only hunt will be decided later this
year.
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. 12-23 and Dec. Male and female pheasants may
be taken in all other WMUs. 3. One antlerless deer with each
required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct.
No open season on other wild birds or mammals.

decoys klawhorn

But they all never seem to
end that way., 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
Ross noted that Rep. Under the package given preliminary approval
today, the Board established the 2005 youth pheasant season as Oct. The challenge is to successfully compete
with all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a
teenager's time. 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.
In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U. The brochure also will be posted
on the Game Commission 's website (http://www. 26-Jan.

PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2B, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D - Oct.)

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior
hunters , with required license - April 24, 2006. Junior and Senior License
Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania
residents serving on active duty in the U. An
antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. 7.

trapping waterfowler

"
Casalena noted that last year's fall harvest was estimated to be 28,800
birds, which was 16.
Casalena noted that WMUs 2C, 2E, 4A, 4B + 4D seasons remain two weeks
(Oct. 2
steel. HARRISBURG, Pa. 12-23 and Dec.
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.
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.
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.
"I want to offer my thanks to Rep. 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. 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.S. 15-Nov . 12-23 and Dec. 4 (6 daily, 12 in possession
limit after first day).

WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): Wildlife Management Units 1A and 1B - Oct.

BLACK BEAR (Rockview State Correctional Institution): Nov.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Oct. One
per permit . 16-Feb. 1-March
31. Daily and Field Possession limits vary.

silencer treestands

"
According to Game Commission harvest estimates, the 2005 spring turkey
population was about 323,500, compared to 342,000 in 2004 . Turkey
hunting should be fair this year."
Clearfield County WCO Dave Carlini said, "This was the best nesting year
and poult survival year we have had for the last three to four years. The large amount of mast this year
could keep the birds from moving far in search of food and may help some
hunters keep tabs on flocks after they find them. 12; 2A and 2B
(Shotgun and bow and arrow only) - Oct. 19; and WMUs 5C and 5D (Shotgun and bow and
arrow only) - Oct.
Make sure you positively identify your target as a turkey before you disengage
the safety of your sporting arm . Riley, who was elected as the new Board president today. 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. 14,
continues to be an antlered or antlerless season for hunters with
primitive flintlock ignition firearms, provided the hunter possesses
the appropriate license(s). 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. 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. This is a win-win
situation for farmers and hunters. Phillips for introducing this measure,
all legislators for supporting it and Governor Rendell for signing it into
law.
This matches the extension granted to the youth squirrel season last year by
the Board. This year,
the briefing will be held at the Pyamtuning Wildlife Management Area in
Crawford County.
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. 8-14 (2 daily, 4 in possession).
22-Nov. 12; WMUs 2D, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C
and 4E - Oct.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C and 4E): Nov. Only one elk may be taken during
the license year. An antlerless deer with each required
antlerless license.

BEAVER (Statewide): Dec.

gobble sportsperson

This was six
percent below the previous seven-year average (345,700). Therefore, recruitment may have been higher than surveys
indicated.
Season lengths vary in the state's other WMUs for fall turkey hunting:
WMUs 1A and 1B (Shotgun and bow and arrow only) - Oct. 29-Nov. Turkey hunters also are required to tag their bird before moving it and
to mail the postage-paid harvest report card - provided with all hunting
licenses - within 10 days of taking a turkey.

DEER SEASONS TO REMAIN LARGELY UNCHANGED FOR 2005-2006
The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to the
2005-2006 deer seasons. 28-Dec. 1-Nov .
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. 7-12; and 10 licenses
(2 either sex elk and 8 antlerless elk) for the 2006 season to be held Sept.state. 8, as well as on Monday, Oct.pa. 29 -Nov. 1-Nov. 12 and Dec. One antlerless deer
with each required antlerless license.
Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. During any archery deer season, coyotes may be
taken while lawfully hunting deer or with a furtaker's license. 18, unlimited.

trapline slingshots

12). A replacement harvest report
card is on page 33 of the 2005-06 Digest.

TURKEY HUNTERS URGED TO HUNT SAFELY AND CAREFULLY
Every fall, some turkey hunter somewhere in Pennsylvania makes a poor
shooting decision or mishandles his or her sporting arm. 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.
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. States select their hunting seasons within these
established frameworks. 14.

DEER, Antlerless (WMUs 5C and 5D): Dec.

OPOSSUM, SKUNKS + WEASELS: No closed season, except for prior to noon
during the spring gobbler season.)

PROPOSED 2005-2006 TRAPPING SEASONS

MINK + MUSKRAT: Nov. 16-Feb.

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Pennsylvania's
estimated spring wild turkey population peaked in 2001, at nearly 410,000
turkeys. Grapes are a favorite
fall food for turkeys, so don't forget to also look up in the tree canopy for
grapevines. 29-Nov. "Shortened fall seasons allow a higher population to enter the
next breeding season, which should aide in quickly increasing wild turkey
populations in these units. All wild turkey hunters need to
be reminded annually that nothing that happens afield is more important than
being a safe hunter. Hunters
absolutely must do better.
"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. He asked that this
review be done so that adjustments can be made, if and where appropriate, at
the April meeting .S. With the advent of the
state's new Wildlife Management Units, the extended season in 2003 included
all of WMU 3D.pgc. 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.

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.pgc. There is no open season for taking ruffed grouse in that portion
of State Game Lands No. 22-Nov. (Closed in WMUs
4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D. 26-31 (1 daily, 2
possession ).

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov.

handwarmers skinners

8 percent below the fall 2003 harvest of 31,100 birds , and
34.
"Finding and using trails that are free of dry, fallen leaves may help you
move quietly through the woods and improve your scouting success," she said. 29-Nov. 4 lead, bismuth-tin , tungsten-iron or No. We encourage all
hunters to make responsible shooting decisions, to hunt defensively , and to
positively identify their quarry as a legal wild turkey before shooting."
Last fall , five people were injured by sporting arm discharges during the
wild turkey season.
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.

-- Antlerless deer hunting in WMU 2B will be Dec. There has long been a deadline for purchasing a
muzzleloader stamp in place. 28, 2005.
"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. "Therefore, it is imperative that
sufficient population monitoring occurs prior to any additional season
changes.
"Part of the Game Commission 's overall vision is to promote our state's
rich hunting and trapping heritage. It's truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as
Pennsylvania's more than one million hunters. 8-14 (6
daily , 12 in possession limit after first day). 26-Feb. 26 (4 daily, 8 possession). 21-23. During the spring gobbler season, may be
taken by persons who have valid tag and meet fluorescent orange and shot size
requirements.

innotek silencer

However,
the substantial availability of mast will make it harder to locate wild
turkeys and pattern their movements. During a three-year project, which was completed in 2003, the
Game Commission trapped-and-transferred 515 turkeys onto 21 sites (169 males,
346 females) in York, southern Lancaster, southern Berks, and Chester
Counties. The law defines a blind as "any artificial or manufactured blind
consisting of all manmade materials of sufficient density to block the
detection of movement within the blind from an observer located outside the
blind. The
hat may be removed when the hunter is at a stationary calling location, and no
orange alert band is required. Don't shoot at movement or sounds you think
might be a turkey. 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. 3) where human-
bear conflicts are the greatest.us) later
this year.
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 . "The remainder of this
youth season - 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 .us) along with a
news release announcing the agency's final selections by mid-August. 27 and Dec . 10. Armed Services or in the U. 14. 18.

COYOTE, FOXES, OPOSSUM, RACCOON, SKUNKS, WEASELS: Oct.

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Most broods containing 10 to 15 poults. They have
noticed a wide variety of age classes and sizes of these poults. "Flocks
are still being seen, but pre-season scouting is a must. 29-Nov.

In the 2004 fall turkey seasons, five hunters were shot in such
incidents, one with a rifle. We understand that most hunters figure it
won't happen to them.
Armed Services, who possess the appropriate WMU-specific antlerless
deer license or DMAP permit.

-- Antlerless deer hunting in WMUs 5C and 5D will be Dec. 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.
18-23.
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. 10, the Columbus Day holiday,"
said Vern Ross, Game Commission executive director. 26-Feb. 176 in Centre County which is posted "RESEARCH AREA -
NO GROUSE HUNTING. 4 (4
daily, 8 possession).

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without
required license - Oct. 18.

sportsperson bowfishing

However,
many WCOs reported seeing turkey poults in September, which showed success of
late nests.
Can you still be successful in Greene County finding your Thanksgiving dinner?
Absolutely, but you have to put in extra effort to tag your bird. The
result will be a lot of birds around for the fall turkey season.
"In 2003 , the seasons were shortened from three weeks to two weeks because
three-week fall seasons seemed to be limiting these turkey populations,"
Casalena said. Four of the five were mistaken-for-game incidents. That total compares with two incidents
in 2003; 15 in 2002. Protect your back by sitting at the base of a large tree or rock. The
flintlock muzzleloader season, which is set for Dec.
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).

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."
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. 28 (2 daily, 4
possession). 30-April 2, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
only. One
antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an
additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. 26-Jan.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G , 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D): Oct.

sportsperson silencer

"The above average rainfall during the first hatching peak
(late May -early June) may have affected some turkey poult survival."
Butler County WCO Randy Pilarcik reports a similar situation."
In Greene County, WCO Rod Burns offered a different assessment. "A dry
spring should have really benefited the nesting success of these big birds,
but unfortunately sightings are way down again this year," he noted. If nuts are plentiful, turkeys will be dispersed throughout these
areas. Patterning a flock should take about a
week of daily monitoring.
"Grape production seemed to be very good this year.
However, we must continue to utilize all available tools to get this area's
deer herd under control. 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.
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.

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.

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Fall Season - Oct. 15-Nov. Daily limit 1,
season limit 2.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Sept. Only one elk may be
taken during the license year.