HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

HARRISBURG -- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met today in Harrisburg, hearing public comment and conducting official business. The commissioners gave final approval to the 2025-26 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits, which are outlined in a separate news release. Other highlights from today’s meeting follow.

ELK LICENSE APPLICATION PROCESS TO SEE CHANGES

A number of changes meant to update and improve Pennsylvania’s elk license application system were given final approval today by the Board of Commissioners.

The changes won’t take effect until published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which usually takes about six weeks.

First, all hunters will be required to first buy a hunting license before applying for an elk tag. Current regulations allow anyone to submit an elk license application, but only require applicants to buy a license if drawn.

Second, hunters no longer will be required to include their Social Security numbers or hunter ID numbers on applications. Because a hunting license will be needed to apply, that information already will be in the licensing system.

Third, no more than 10% of available elk licenses in any given year will be awarded to nonresidents. Previously, there was no limit, and while the percentage of tags going to nonresidents typically had been about 10%, it has increased in recent years to as high as 13%, which drew concern from residents.

Fourth, any hunter drawn for a bull elk license will be ineligible for another, a limit not now in place. Previously, a hunter who drew a Pennsylvania bull elk license could, after five years, enter the bull tag drawing again, in hopes of getting selected a second time.

Under the change adopted by the board, beginning on Jan. 1, 2026, any applicant who draws a bull elk tag will be ineligible to apply for a bull tag ever again.

Those who drew a bull tag prior to Jan. 1, 2026, still are eligible to draw a second bull tag using the bonus points they’ve already accumulated. They won’t be able to enter any new bull elk license applications after that date, however. And those who draw a bull tag after Jan. 1, 2026, will retain their bonus points, but they would be applied only to drawings for a cow tag going forward.

This limitation does not apply to the Special Conservation Elk Licenses auctioned and raffled off by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Keystone Elk Country Alliance, respectively.

Fifth, the Game Commission updated the language describing how the drawing is conducted. When the description first was written, paper applications were literally drawn by hand from a rotating barrel. Now, tags are drawn electronically. The change better reflects the existing drawing process.

And finally, the agency officially eliminated the requirement that hunters who draw an elk tag participate in an orientation program. The program no longer is conducted. 

The application period for a Pennsylvania elk license, which in recent years has begun in February for licenses awarded in July, is not expected to change. An applicant will need to hold a valid hunting license at the time they apply.

AGRICULTURAL DEER PROGRAM CHANGES ADOPTED

The Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to four changes to the agency’s agricultural deer control permit program, which allows farmers to address deer damage through hunters harvesting additional antlerless deer on enrolled farms, and in longer hunting seasons.

The first of the changes will require applicants only to certify they are the owner or lessee of both the agricultural interest adversely affected by deer damage and the hunting rights to be covered by the permit. Previously, to be eligible, applicants had to supply a deed or a lease agreement.

The second change eliminates the rule limiting hunters to getting four “ag tag” permits to harvest antlerless deer for any particular property. A hunter will not be capped at a set number.

The third change lengthens the time period when hunters can harvest antlerless deer with an ag tag, while maintaining a brief closure during the peak of fawning season in spring and early summer. Previously, ag tags could be used only in established periods outside of regular deer hunting seasons. The new framework allows tags to be used during deer seasons, as well, more than doubling the number of days on which tags could be used.

That relates to the fourth change dealing with sporting arms. While lawful rifles would continue to be allowed for ag tag hunting at many times of year, during overlaps with other established deer seasons, hunters will be limited to using the sporting arms allowed in those seasons. When archery season opens, for example, only bows and crossbows can be used for ag tag hunting until the overlap with muzzleloader season.

These changes will take effect when they are published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which usually takes about six weeks.

Additionally, the board gave preliminary approval to a measure that would allow mentored hunters over 7 years old to purchase ag tags, as well as snow goose conservation permits. That measure will need to be brought back to a second meeting before it is adopted.

Also approved preliminarily were two potential changes to the Agricultural Damage Depredation Permit program, which allows farmers to take wildlife for crop damage.

The board voted preliminarily to remove the requirement affected agricultural lands be enrolled in a two-year public access program and, as with the change for Ag Tag landowners, voted to remove the requirement for applicants to supply a deed for enrolled lands, allowing them to certify their authority instead. These proposals both will need to come back to the board for a second vote.

CERTAIN PGC RANGES COULD ADD STEEL TARGETS

Shooters at certain Game Commission ranges might start hearing a new sound ringing out aside from gunshots: the accuracy-confirming ping of a bullet hitting a steel target downrange.

A measure adopted by the Board of Commissioners today will allow the Game Commission to add steel targets to some of its rifle and handgun ranges in the future, providing shooters with the benefit of near-instant, audible responses to confirm accurate hits. At the same time, the Game Commission expects the addition of steel targets at designated ranges, especially long-distance ranges, to eliminate or substantially reduce safety risks and range downtime associated with a shooter traveling downrange to check targets for hits. 

The installation of steel targets could save money in the long run, too. While the targets will be more expensive than the permanent backboard-style targets in place now, they will reduce target maintenance and cleanup costs associated with paper targets and backboards. 

Only steel targets placed and mounted by the Game Commission will be allowed. Shooters will not be permitted to bring their own steel targets to ranges.

SOME HUNTERS CLEARED TO HOLD MORE TAGS

Hunters in Wildlife Management Units 5C and 5D will be able to hold more antlerless licenses at the same time. 

The Board of Commissioners today increased the number of antlerless licenses a hunter simultaneously can hold for those WMUs.

Hunters statewide now have a personal limit that allows them to hold six active antlerless licenses at a time. With the change adopted today, that number will increase to 15 in WMUs 5C and 5D.

The change will be in place when 2025-26 hunting licenses go on sale in June.

In all WMUs, hunters still will have the opportunity to obtain additional antlerless licenses, if they remain available, to return to their personal limit as they fill and report harvests.

With the change, hunters will have more freedom to harvest additional antlerless deer when opportunity presents in areas of the state where it is needed the most.

GLEN ONOKO EXCHANGE AMONG TRANSACTIONS APPROVED

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved five land acquisitions that collectively would add more than 635 acres to state game lands.

But the board’s approval of a proposed land exchange between the Game Commission and state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) might draw even bigger interest.

Based on the deal, DCNR would transfer to the Game Commission roughly 368 acres in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, adjoining State Game Lands 141, as well as nearly 6 acres in Pine Township, Crawford County, adjoining State Game Lands 214.

The Game Commission, in turn, would transfer about 495 acres of State Game Lands 141 in Nesquehoning Township, Carbon County. This tract includes Glen Onoko Falls, a popular destination for hikers before trails there were closed due to dangerous conditions and recurring serious injuries that created a challenge for emergency response.

DCNR plans to improve the trails at this site, and reopen the area to the public – something the Game Commission, with its mission of managing and protecting wildlife and its habitats – would be unable to do.

Meanwhile, the nearby parcel the Game Commission would receive, which now is part of Lehigh Gorge State Park and an indenture into State Game Lands 141, offers what the agency believes are better hunting opportunities and manageable habitats as opposed to the steep slopes around Glen Onoko. The other acreage the Game Commission would receive, while small, is important as it’s immediately adjacent to the Game Commission’s planned Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center, and it would make the entirety of Ford Island manageable by the Game Commission as a part of State Game Lands 214.

For all of those reasons, the Game Commission believes this exchange would benefit the agency, as well as hunters, trappers and wildlife. DCNR recognizes that hunters play a critical role in Pennsylvania’s conservation efforts and about 80% of the 300,000 acres of state parks are open to hunting and nearly all of the 2.2 million acres of state forestlands are open to hunting.

Although approved by the board, the exchange is not final. Legislation must be passed to complete the exchange.

One other exchange was approved by the board. In that deal, Houtzdale Municipal Authority would give up about 45 acres in Rush Township, Centre County, adjoining State Game Lands 60, and the Game Commission would transfer about 45 acres of the existing game lands.

The Game Commission has determined this exchange is in its best interest as it improves the integrity and manageability of the game lands.

Meanwhile, the five acquisitions approved include:

• Roughly 51 acres in Pike Township, Potter County, adjacent to State Game Lands 64.
• Roughly 71 acres in Horton Township, Elk County, that’s an interior to State Game Lands 44. Access would be from Drummond Road.
• Roughly 79 acres in Delmar Township, Tioga County, near State Game Lands 313. Similar to “The Muck” on State Game Lands 313, and other nearby areas, this acreage is mostly wetland and wet meadow, and would add to the existing mosaic of wetlands that provide a corridor for waterfowl.
• Roughly 427 acres in Hegins, Barry and Eldred townships, Schuylkill County, adjacent to State Game Lands 132. This parcel includes diverse habitat and would provide crucial access to the existing game lands. Access would be from Deep Creek and Maple roads.
• And roughly 7 acres in Lynn Township, Lehigh County, adjacent to State Game Lands 217. This parcel lies along Blue Mountain, a nearly continuous band of forested habitat providing an essential travel corridor for many species. Access would be from Gun Club Road.

Hunters and other users of the game lands system should be aware that none of these additions are yet final. Some are contingent upon third parties receiving funding through grants or other means. What’s more, the Board of Commissioners’ approval of the agreements is but one step in the land-transfer process.

In other action, the board approved an agreement with Laurel Mountain Energy LLC, of Pittsburgh, for oil and gas rights under portions of State Game Lands 95 in Butler County. This agreement would result in no additional surface use or disturbance to the game lands. Laurel Mountain Energy would pay the Game Commission $807,000, plus royalties.

STAFF, VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED

As part of the meeting in Harrisburg, the Game Commission and Board of Commissioners presented awards recognizing several agency employees and volunteers.

The complete list of recipients follows.

Executive Employee Recognition Award – Recognizes individuals who have shown outstanding performance, demonstrating significant effort or innovation that greatly improves the agency's operations and supports its mission.

• The Game Commission’s Geographic Information Systems (GIS) team, comprised of Eric Castonguay, Daniel Jones, Joshua Lewis, Jeremy Diehl, Bryce Stouffer, Kurt Weiser, Christopher Shivock, and Emily Clees, have made valuable contributions by creating maps for the agency's Comprehensive Management Plans, which will enhance the effectiveness of future planning for state game lands.
  

Life Saving Award – Presented to a Game Commission employee or employee group who contributed to saving someone’s life.

• Law Enforcement Supervisor Lt. Harold Malehorn; Land Management Supervisor Lt. Jeffrey Mock; Game Warden Group Supervisor Sgt. Dirk Remensnyder, Lycoming and Union counties; Game Warden Benjamin Fromm, Lycoming County; Game Warden Helen Karp, Union County; Deputy Game Warden Gary Fisher, Union County; and Deputy Game Warden Geril Schoonmaker, Lycoming County – On Aug. 9, 2024, the Game Commission was activated by PEMA to assist in flood-related rescues stemming from Tropical Storm Debby. These seven distinguished wardens played a critical part in rescuing 13 people that day. They worked seamlessly with other state and local departments, and their professionalism, teamwork, and training contributed to a positive outcome during a time of stress and danger.
  

Commendation Award – Presented to an employee or employee group for distinguished achievement that benefits the agency.

• Game Warden Tyler Brundage, Warren County; Game Warden Michael Stutts, Erie County; Deputy Game Warden Cory Clabbatz, Erie County; Deputy Game Warden Ryne Rutkowski, Erie County; and Deputy Game Warden Scott Morgan, Erie County – While the officers were attending a deputy meeting, the engine compartment of a vehicle outside the building where they were became fully engulfed in fire. Brundage and Stutts retrieved fire extinguishers from their state trucks to battle the fire, while Morgan, Clabbatz and Rutkowski retrieved fire extinguishers from inside. With their combined efforts, emptying every extinguisher, the five officers were able to knock down the fire before it spread. 
  
• Game Warden Group Supervisor Sgt. Justin Ritter, York County; Game Warden Jeffrey McVaney, York County; and Game Warden Cameron Murphy, York County – On Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025, Murphy heard a York County “All-Call” for an active-shooter situation at a hospital in York. He advised the Game Commission’s central dispatch of the incident and headed for the scene. McVaney and Ritter heard Murphy’s radio transmission and began their response, as well. All three played a crucial role throughout the incident. After the scene was secure, the wardens continued to assist with any remaining tasks. They evacuated injured staff and patients and retrieved wheelchairs to help transport patients.   
  

Conservation Ethics Award - Awarded to those individual sportsmen, landowners, groups and organizations for their exemplary cooperation and involvement in wildlife conservation or hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania.

• Joe McKenzie, Somerset County – For over 20 years, McKenzie has been a staple of awareness and information for Game Commission officers, and has assisted agency land-management personnel with endeavors on State Game Lands 82. By providing access on his property, McKenzie has helped habitat crews stage equipment to reach boundary-line projects, improving habitat for wildlife and benefiting hunters and trappers.
  

Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor of the Year – Recognizes an outstanding Hunter-Trapper Education instructor in each region of the state, based on their performance and contributions.

• George “Jeff” Kapp, Clarion County, Northwest Region – For almost two decades, Kapp has been an integral part of Clarion County's HTE Team and provides dedicated and enthusiastic instruction in all corners of the county. He is one of the county's core instructors and participated in 60% of the classes. 
• Jeffrey Meidinger, Cambria County, Southwest Region – In his 11^th year as an HTE instructor, Meidinger was involved in instructing 12 classes last year and saw to it that a couple hundred new hunters received their hunter safety certifications. Meidinger also was named the statewide Hunter-Trapper Education Instructor of the Year.
• Steven Peterson, McKean County, Northcentral Region – During the scheduling of the November Hunter-Trapper Education course, Steven became aware a young hunter who wanted to attend the course had a hearing disability. Knowing the course material well, he recognized that the typical HTE course, which includes many videos, would pose a problem for this aspiring hunter. Steven took it upon himself to contact the HTE representatives and retrieve subtitled videos to give this student the best possible learning experience. This student passed the HTE course with a high grade and was able to begin hunting as a junior license holder.
• James Schmuck, York County, Southcentral Region – Since starting with the HTE program 10 years ago, Schmuck’s passion for hunting and trapping is evident in all the classes he teaches. He has done a tremendous job reviving the Successful Furtaking course in the district, as well.
• Steven Rehm, Luzerne County, Northeast Region – In addition to serving as a deputy game warden, Rehm’s experience as an HTE instructor is invaluable. He is able to teach every section of the course with confidence and knowledge of the subject material, and on multiple occasions he has translated the course into Spanish to assist students for whom English is a second language.
• Andrew Fetterman, Berks County, Southeast Region – Fetterman has been an HTE instructor since 2014 and is very active in all three Berks County districts. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of the HTE Curriculum and maintains a high level of professionalism when instructing. At a recent class at the Pike Township Sportsmen’s Association, a student had difficulty understanding the test questions. Fetterman sat down with the student and the parent and went over the test, helping the student understand the test questions, develop answers and successfully pass the course.
  

John M. Phillips Habitat Management Award for Excellence – Named for the father of Pennsylvania’s state game lands system, this award recognizes a Game Commission habitat crew member who implements cutting-edge habitat enhancement techniques in support of the agency’s strategic plan.

• Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Garrett Shaw, Erie County – In the past two winters, Shaw has completed landscape-level habitat management on more than 200 acres, using a variety of techniques, improving properties for wildlife and knocking back invasive species.
  

National Wild Turkey Federation Joe Kurz Award – Recognizes an employee whose work with wild turkeys has made the species’ comeback a reality.

• Forestry Regional Supervisor Brian Williamson – Williamson oversees forestry activities on 27 state game lands, in six counties, that account for approximately 159,000 acres across the region. These large, landscape-scale habitat modifications benefit turkeys, and all wildlife, for current and future generations of Pennsylvanians.
  

National Wild Turkey Federation Wildlife Law Enforcement Officer of the Year – Recognizes a law-enforcement officer who is involved in a variety of work activities. From wild turkey resource violations to public relations, all aspects of law enforcement are considered.

• Land Management Supervisor Sgt. Dan Puhala, Allegheny, Beaver and Washington counties – Dedicated to the protection of the Commonwealth ‘s wildlife, as well as managing habitat for wildlife and providing opportunities for lawful hunting and trapping, Puhala supervises two game lands maintenance supervisors and six game lands maintenance workers, and his group covers approximately 2,050 square miles and contains 12 state game lands.

North East Conservation Law Enforcement Chiefs Association Wildlife Officer of the Year – Recognizes a game warden who has made significant contributions to the profession, in the past year and over their career.

• Game Warden Mario Altieri, Mercer County – Altieri’s district is unique and demanding because it includes both rural and urban areas, as well as a wide range of habitats. Due to the district’s diverse nature, it’s consistently hunted throughout the year for a variety of species ranging from doves to bears. Altieri handled 1,088 incidents in 2024, detected 161 violations leading to 94 charges being filed and 67 warnings being issued, without a single complaint from the public. Altieri consistently “goes the extra mile” to ensure he meets or exceeds his job requirements. He maintains a professional attitude and unmatched work ethic. 
  

Shikar-Safari Award – Recognizes a game warden who goes above and beyond in performance of their duties.

• Game Warden Philip Bietsch, Franklin County – Bietsch not only has been strong in law enforcement, outreach and education, and wildlife capture and research, but has also taken an active role in the training of future wardens, as well as serving on the agency’s esteemed Ceremonial Unit. Regardless of the challenge, he is willing to face it head on and put in extra effort to achieve a successful result. He understands the scope of his work and goes above and beyond what is expected.
  

Operation Game Thief Case of the Year - Recognizes a Game Warden who uses information obtained through the Operation Game Thief program to investigate and apprehend subjects that participated in a wildlife crime that substantially impacts wildlife resources.

• Game Warden James Crown, Bucks County, Southeast Region – Crown received an Operation Game Thief (OGT) tip regarding the possible illegal killing of multiple bucks in the same season by a hunter on a property in Doylestown. The original tip came with text messages containing a hunter’s admission to shooting a second buck and using his wife’s tag on the deer. With further investigation, it was discovered the property was heavily baited, with over 10 baiting locations scattered across it. What’s more, the investigation determined the suspect illegally shot four bucks and six does, resulting in 22 charges, some reaching misdemeanor classification.
• Game Warden Zachary Salsgiver, Lebanon County, Southeast Region – Salsgiver received an anonymous online tip through OGT about a Delaware man who had illegally shot multiple bucks in Pennsylvania. Working with officers from Delaware and Maryland, Pennsylvania game wardens were able to gather enough evidence that the suspect admitted to the violations. In all, he pleaded guilty to five charges, resulting in nearly $4,000 in fines and replacement costs, as well as five years’ license revocation.
• Game Warden Michael Workman, Northumberland County, Northeast Region – Workman received an OGT tip concerning a man who shot an antlered deer with a rifle during archery season. Through the investigation, Workman was able to determine the defendant unlawfully shot a 9-point buck, resulting in three charges, fines of nearly $1,000 and license revocation of one year.
• Game Warden Kevin Moran, Wayne County, Northeast Region – Moran received an OGT tip regarding a man who shot a bear in a tree across from his house, in a safety zone. A thorough investigation determined the bear was illegally shot with the defendant recording his actions on his phone. The defendant was cited for three violations and fined nearly $2,000, and the court ordered revocation of his hunting privileges. 
• Game Warden Taylor Knash, Adams County, Southcentral Region – Knash received an anonymous tip through OGT about an Adams County man who illegally killed four deer. Upon investigation, it was discovered that the man was in possession of all four deer and all were illegally harvested. He was convicted of multiple game-law charges and sentenced to fines of $2,800, with up to 10 years’ revocation of his hunting license.
  

Outstanding Deputy of the Year – Recognizes an outstanding deputy game warden in each region of the state, based on their performance and contributions.

• Deputy Game Warden Benjamin Long, Warren County, Northwest Region – Long spent hundreds of hours on patrol throughout the year, encountering violations ranging from illegal deer to drug use on state game lands. He was a part of work that took at least 15 illegal deer from poachers in 2024 – including two poachers in one night, which resulted in 52 game-law violations, two Title 18 charges and 18 years’ license revocation for both suspects.
• Deputy Game Warden Benjamin Bawden, Westmoreland County, Southwest Region – This past year, Bawden dedicated 741 hours of recorded time and put more than 6,300 miles on his personal vehicle in serving the Commonwealth’s citizens and wildlife. Not only does he patrol his assigned district, but he regularly assists officers in neighboring districts, as well as other law-enforcement agencies. 
• Deputy Game Warden Geril Schoonmaker, Union County, Northcentral Region – During 2024, Schoonmaker worked an admirable 1,589 hours, which equates to approximately 200 days. He takes on the entire spectrum of warden duties, including law-enforcement, Hunter-Trapper Education, turkey trapping, small-animal complaints, educational programs and training.
• Deputy Game Warden Robert “Bob” Strait, Fulton County, Southcentral Region – Strait logged over 930 hours and drove more than 9,300 miles in his personal vehicle as a deputy last year. Working full-time as a State Police dispatcher, Strait often would work from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m., then leave and immediately go on patrol, often until 3 a.m. or beyond, exemplifying his dedication to protecting wildlife.
• Deputy Game Warden Jamie Walker, Northumberland County, Northeast Region – Walker provided over 275 hours of patrol and law-enforcement for the Game Commission during the year. He led efforts on several illegal deer cases last year in Northumberland and Montour counties, including charges for persons not to possess firearms, trespassing and dumping.
• Deputy Game Warden Frank Kurnat, Bucks County, Southeast Region – In his 39^th year serving hunters, trappers and the public as a deputy game warden, Kurnat assists with all aspects of the job, from small-animal complaints, public education programs, routine hunting season patrol and much more. He has been patrolling the Bucks County area his entire career and has worked to develop good relationships with other Game Commission officers, local police, DCNR and county rangers, and the public.  
  

Kalbfus-Berrier Award – Named jointly after the Game Commission’s first full-time executive director and first appointed game warden, this award recognizes game wardens who use traditional law-enforcement techniques and woods skills in significant cases.

• Deputy Game Warden Benjamin Long, Warren County, and Deputy Game Warden Cory Turben, Warren County – Learning about suspected poaching activity recurring in the same area, Long and Turben took it upon themselves to plan night patrols there. On Sept. 11, 2024, the officers witnessed and heard shooting from spotlighters in a vehicle. Upon investigation, two individuals admitted to shooting at least seven deer that night in multiple locations. Each defendant ended up being charged with 26 game-law violations and pleaded guilty to all of them. Each paid approximately $8,200 in fines, plus court costs, and faces up to 18 years of license revocation. Additionally, one of the defendants was charged for felony firearms violations related to the modified rifles they were using to poach. Through their self-initiative and drive, Long and Turben apprehended individuals who were negatively impacting Pennsylvania’s wild resources.

NEW INITIATIVES DISCUSSED

Under new business, Game Commissioner Bob Schwalm, of District 9 in eastern Pennsylvania, asked agency staff to examine the possibility of changing the mentored hunting program to allow mentored hunters under 7 years old to once again get their own harvest tags.

Under current regulations, mentored hunters under 7 can harvest a variety of big game using tags transferred to them by their adult mentor.

Schwalm wants to eliminate the need for mentors to surrender their own tags that way.

Commissioner Kristen Koppenhafer, of District 1 in northwestern Pennsylvania, read a statement from Schwalm – who attended the meeting by phone – explaining his reasoning.

In it, Schwalm said the mentored hunting program has been “a tremendous tool for introducing youth to the sport at an early age.” But the rule requiring adults to give up their own tags penalizes them even as they’re keeping young hunters afield.

“I would like to see us return to the original structure of the program and allow mentored hunters of all ages to hold their own tags,” Schwalm’s statement said.

He asked the agency’s wildlife management and law enforcement staff to review the proposal to see if there are any potential problems. He also asked stakeholders, like hunters, to share their perspectives.

“This is an issue I feel strongly about, but it’s just as important to me that we take the time to get it right,” Schwalm said in his statement.

In other new business, Commissioner Koppenhafer asked agency staff to monitor how the changes made to seasons and bag limits for 2025-26 work in regards to DMAP – the Deer Management Assistance Program – and return next year with recommendations on how to best tweak it, if needed.

DMAP, as originally envisioned, was meant to be a tool allowing landowners to manage deer numbers on their individual properties, “but not have those acres enrolled indefinitely,” she said.

“We have multiple, multiple areas that have been involved in our DMAP program for over a decade now,” Koppenhafer noted.

She wants staff to investigate is how landowners might best use DMAP, but then eventually “phase out” of the program and use regular antlerless license allocations to manage deer.

“This is not a line in the sand. This is a first step in a bigger discussion,” she said. “And I’m looking forward to seeing where that takes us in the future.”

Game Commissioner Todd Pride, of District 8 in southeastern Pennsylvania, meanwhile, echoed calls brought out at the meeting by a member of the public for an increase in the pay offered to game wardens

“Our Game Wardens are in critical need of more financial support,” Pride said.

As things stand, he added, wardens – especially those in high-rent areas like the southeastern corner of the state, but elsewhere, too – might not make enough to cover living expenses on their Game Commission pay alone.

Pride said he is hopeful introduced legislation that would bring game warden pay in line with Pennsylvania State Police Troopers will be adopted.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for July 11 and 12.

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