[{"_1":2,"_119":-5,"_120":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,97,107],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6370457,"mediaKeyId","2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5","parentId",2151279,"title","Speakers urge commission to reinstate rifles for fall turkey season; seniors ask for rule tweaks","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",4130000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5&start=4130&end=4130","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5/thumbnail_4130000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6370457/Pennsylvania/Speakers-urge-commission-to-reinstate-rifles-for-fall-turkey-season-seniors-ask-for-rule-tweaks","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370457-d87d140b4c015fc61ea558457341c0f5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162731&Signature=XgWPDy84LqfKWCr5M7QxQ8-6Uq~Sr7sXfXnsIONQGqQoCHwyOy-flyUu~ZfJofJ1NTYnW3z4npkX3-PGtyYUwC5-ggX5r3WVAre9Ggvqt1AKycRSrfb28z1AT7QN3zgIIN4kwAKsHWD~AU6xRM4Y7n~aV3KsKS8K8kXe3dFf8HLKmv3A7aIBKXSFV~II0dh6a45JhTnl0b93NCMDWqCa51vigGtfi87qAkdJejDrYEgpcPprjWJmzZk6JOgdSO85If6CpTye1WkbDuksOXmmFoTMujFgbnkFMmKaftsKgZaiS2LC6Eqz92lI2-nsCCwNenIge~b90ewp37yz8koo-A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","PA Game Commission","date","2025-01-25T00:00:00Z","article","A small number of public commenters used the Jan. 25 Pennsylvania Game Commission meeting to request two distinct, specific policy changes: reinstating rifles for fall turkey season, and allowing senior hunters rule adjustments to address vision and mobility limitations.

Rich Kramer, speaking as an individual, asked commissioners to “reinstate the use of rifles in fall turkey season,” saying the original decision to ban rifles was “not made based on science.” Kramer said he saw no scientific reason to prohibit rifles and asked the board to reverse the rule.

James Penick, a senior hunter, requested that senior hunting-license holders be allowed to use a 4-point standard rather than a brow-point measurement when identifying legal bucks, citing deteriorating eyesight. Penick said some senior hunters quit hunting because they cannot reliably identify a brow point at distance.

No formal rule changes were announced during the public-comment period. Commenters asked the commission to explain the scientific basis for existing rifle restrictions and to consider targeted accommodations for older hunters if enforcement or safety considerations permit.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Board of Game Commissioners Meeting January 25, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the Jan. 25 public comment session, at least one speaker asked the commission to reinstate rifles for fall turkey hunting, and multiple seniors asked for accommodations such as a relaxed trophy definition for senior license holders.","taxTitle","Game Commission, TOURISM & RECREATION, Executive Departments, Organizations, Executive, Pennsylvania","taxId",17209,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_46":81,"_48":82,"_50":83,"_52":84,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":85,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":86,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370462,"Hunters Sharing the Harvest reports record venison donations to food banks",175,2565000,2740000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5&start=2565&end=2740","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5/thumbnail_2565000.jpg","/articles/6370462/Pennsylvania/Hunters-Sharing-the-Harvest-reports-record-venison-donations-to-food-banks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370462-9fea2be503a0e639709175e3a2331e64/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162731&Signature=iK5hMTDcNwzl~LTzOVcpiHQ9Zgmfo0ys2FU0kdNyeBYWSWe9ZLpODsO7HWq1AApMmK2xHKV83hyC2JdbivpEoujWXbJwwcn-kbZsla0XDcUeF1zPP7Awjju378lOYP5ynTCQnqKcvrgXmEpPObQqTR2n5EqwtPO35lGKgL27M1c4HzkW5iyB41AMFq-dZ3rE6DhuHYGB5tmXeCzNs4k4BtF44OdmpQya~b8xl4Lfte23FZSoRtAoNO1~NySd1ZpOcKb6FCyXsrfm1mZlAz8i63-3OZuTBu9YYFJ2Nndrdn5x4g1b9CjeQuymGTpOEK7kZ7LfVHLuqA8GJzoviSFdFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Randy Ferguson, representing Hunters Sharing the Harvest, reported to the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Jan. 25 that Pennsylvania hunters donated 262,000 pounds of venison during the 2023-24 hunting season, which Ferguson said equates to more than 1 million servings distributed through food banks.

Ferguson told commissioners that Pennsylvania led the nation in wild-game donations during the 2023-24 season and thanked hunters and the commission for their support. He said about 38 states run some form of wild-game donation program and that other states look to Pennsylvania as a model.

Ferguson said donated venison supports local food banks and helps people in communities who are struggling. He urged hunters to “feed your family first” and then consider donating extra harvests to neighbors in need.

No formal action followed Ferguson's remarks. The commission did not record any program changes during public comment; Ferguson’s presentation served as an annual update to commissioners and the public.","Randy Ferguson of Hunters Sharing the Harvest told the Game Commission that Pennsylvania hunters donated 262,000 pounds of venison during the 2023-24 season, supplying more than 1 million servings to food banks, and said Pennsylvania is a national model for game donation programs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":42,"_43":90,"_45":90,"_46":91,"_48":92,"_50":93,"_52":94,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":95,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":96,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370466,"Foresters, hunters press commission on antlerless allocations, DMAP and CWD surveillance",2793000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5&start=2793&end=2793","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5/thumbnail_2793000.jpg","/articles/6370466/Pennsylvania/Foresters-hunters-press-commission-on-antlerless-allocations-DMAP-and-CWD-surveillance","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370466-46978863c6a094180b236b709fa85f76/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162731&Signature=dI-FkvZGa-p7eb6Yxqc4UUW~TnhZA0Wg6ozI7eZgcWjeOccVOha6Q9i4--ATfxNH3QaD7kYQkvoFFTG0cKNBgHDk-3NytkFp5A58iAoN2Pjboq9GvN383QAGrxbQ0x-TuMDMdP5yMSOIBbdhfBbRzljOgllYreZxh-JhFYtU007aT0x-y1YJuln2Hl-M5OZ3PRlMxXCb~cwG6lxHc67zec-R0Fk0FFXMKroYVC1aPMvj8P~WIVC6oZibOnby0m7eNdmY0vadzL1zX6r44J-sTGUb5G5CmEVp~z5PZgU4dJrtw0StYuGz1c9F3tk7ci1zpGUcAk9oxUm62s5NOe5vGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Forestry professionals, hunters and conservation volunteers urged the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Jan. 25 to refine antlerless allocations, expand deer-management assistance program (DMAP) support for land managers, and improve data collection on deer populations in large public-forest tracts.

Kenny Kane, president of Generations Forestry, representing the Society of American Foresters Deer Forest Committee, asked the commission to follow biologists' recommendations for antlerless allocations and to support DMAP tags in critical forest-management areas. Kane said serviceable DMAP allocations are “a major tool for us in managing both public and private lands.”

Other commenters raised concerns about low deer sightings on public lands and asked for separate harvest reporting for private and public property. Jeffrey Schoep, a longtime hunter, said he sees “hardly any deer” on public ground and urged the commission to manage private and public lands separately. Blaine Toy and others asked for more accurate reporting that separates private and public harvests.

Some speakers urged more surveillance in large woodlands. Toy recommended a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) flyover study for the northern central woods to estimate deer numbers. Commenters also discussed chronic wasting disease (CWD) response and said lowering deer density in affected zones should follow biologists’ recommendations.

No formal management decisions or votes were recorded during public comment. Speakers requested that the commission clarify how antlerless allocations are set, publish harvest statistics separated by land ownership, and share any surveillance plans for deer-population estimates and CWD response.","Speakers at the Game Commission meeting urged stricter local management of doe allocations, more DMAP support for forest managers, and better data on deer populations in public lands, including calls for aerial surveys and split reporting of harvests on public vs private land.",{"_33":98,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":99,"_41":42,"_43":100,"_45":100,"_46":101,"_48":102,"_50":103,"_52":104,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":105,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":106,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370471,"Hunters and conservation groups press Game Commission to let mentored youths keep tags, restore pre-2015 program rules",3867000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5&start=3867&end=3867","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5/thumbnail_3867000.jpg","/articles/6370471/Pennsylvania/Hunters-and-conservation-groups-press-Game-Commission-to-let-mentored-youths-keep-tags-restore-pre-2015-program-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370471-32f2acc37cef0ddd1e12a5d7059a35e9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162731&Signature=jRCZYZU20nWCnhZJE4e1Kpp2lqrZFDChXz5T9xUOu9zPqpN4Xcka2vOsMNW~JieF4hpLvYcQY9pAy42t81EvHcTC2c9RrileAClMDKV3ZgE~w0GWr7CCjMHUr0TSC~AXltu7J9yfu~ynVcMEygGlPAFI6aMEg3PzFQVcOWgYNYInzlx~AAWlhdG-9yBMuvKCtXSKxuSW9bOreRra-dvi7Mgw~kFI2pjYeWPJ22lUFxTsmx-53xvflrXxJ7pYOYU~Y-rQvi-MwvsKkojXuVBl~-8Y6emtRFF1cvEiYakxDqTF9ERzBzHbx8bS70D~r1vjKnmCqrFPuRXofaTn3HjCcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Conservation groups, instructors and individual hunters urged the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Jan. 25 to restore earlier mentored-youth rules and let mentored youths retain big-game tags rather than forcing mentors to relinquish their own tags.

Harold Daub, speaking on behalf of Hunter Nation and its Pennsylvania directors, told commissioners that the mentored-youth program was established under Pennsylvania Families of the Field legislation in 2005 and that the 2015 changes “reduced opportunities” without evidence of widespread abuse. Daub said public-comment records from 2015 showed most commenters opposed the change and urged the commission to restore the earlier program structure.

Bear Davidson, a member of the national board of directors for the National Wild Turkey Federation, told the commission that “we are asking a mentor to choose between their hunting year or a mentee's hunting year,” and that the requirement for mentors to sacrifice their own tag can discourage potential mentors. Krishna Agosta (testifying as a representative of the Congressional Sportsman's Foundation) asked the commission to “take up the discussion on removing the provision that mentors must relinquish their own tag” and noted that 29 other states have no minimum age for big-game harvesting.

Speakers proposed specific fixes: restoring youth tags, issuing both an antler and antlerless tag to mentored youths, removing single-tag transfer limits, and tailoring restrictions by specific management units if needed. Commenters also praised recent changes that allowed more than one mentored youth per mentor in a season; Adam Eckley said that change “allowed me to spend many hours afield with both my boys this season.”

No formal board action or vote was recorded during the public-comment period. Commenters asked the commission to base any rule change on facts and enforcement data rather than perception and said several organizations will provide research and testimony at upcoming meetings.","Multiple speakers urged the Pennsylvania Game Commission to rescind 2015 changes that require mentors to use their own tag when a mentored hunter under age 7 takes big game, and to allow mentored youths to retain tags like other states do.",{"_33":108,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":109,"_41":110,"_43":111,"_45":112,"_46":113,"_48":114,"_50":115,"_52":116,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":117,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":118,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":71,"_72":73,"_74":73},6370477,"Hunters, businesses and residents urge Game Commission to restore Monday deer-season opener",2352,1020000,3372000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5&start=1020&end=3372","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2151279-d61229a7444cacd5ae8b13276e02c9d5/thumbnail_1020000.jpg","/articles/6370477/Pennsylvania/Hunters-businesses-and-residents-urge-Game-Commission-to-restore-Monday-deer-season-opener","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6370477-bc85654a93a4c919a805fa97a41af0d3/orig.mp4?Expires=1771162731&Signature=Em0FtmmW4p1bB6PqA4atNwNR8QxjX6LG-14~kteiaqE-CqhVYTldg8l3ozMB0zcJi48-SWl5vhX4KfxnBwpxWqgh3O7rbpDci7JgXohJc0EjdM75M-IyuqKsE0p1cGxPyh6z~WXic8v53EQxodN1lX1oSVmEVnSf4z9~m8MSOY2Td-A2VCZM40ZLFBieIFAsBM2~spgTlsKk06US3ygnb9GIXWKYc7Et~evIcMOA9apzPcYGqpiAqd2cw5j-YJz16EO3jFYjn9s5vCUa~tP2JbCO120W~YbVoDdFPVI0SqU4lD~XV0IDEPoHoyGQcbaMUGQCk5KZIXOGD11ckx7e2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Hundreds of hunters and rural business representatives told the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Jan. 25 that the switch to a Saturday opener for fall deer rifle season has damaged camp traditions, local weekend economies and hunter recruitment.

The push to restore a Monday opener was a theme throughout the public-comment period. Dave Longeneiter, a lifelong hunter, said, “I'd like you to go back to Monday,” citing family camp traditions in Tioga County that he said have eroded since the season moved to Saturday.

Supporters of returning to Monday said the previous Monday opener gave families extra time after Thanksgiving for travel and camp preparations, and that the Saturday change compresses those activities into the holiday weekend. Tim Hamilton, a resident who testified after attending previous meetings, said the commission ignored the majority of hunters when it moved the opener and that the change has “kicked the mentor hunters to the curb.”

Speakers also described local economic losses. Blaine Toy, who said the weekend opener was important to camp owners and local businesses in the northern tier, said nonprofits and volunteer organizations lost a profitable weekend and some small businesses faced financial strain. Dan Davila and others said commissioners should use data to assess economic impacts; multiple commenters said the commission’s draft agenda was released too late to allow adequate review.

Several commenters cited survey and public-comment totals to argue the decision lacked popular support. Randy Santucci and others said that staff surveys and the public-comment record showed opposition to the Saturday change and that future decisions should be data-driven. Tim Hamilton and Ray Taylor asked the commission to consider restoring Sundays more broadly while returning deer-season start dates to Monday.

No commissioners or staff actions were recorded in the public-comment portion of the transcript. Commenters said they plan to present additional data at upcoming informational meetings and pursue legislation to restore the prior schedule.

If commissioners take formal action on season dates, speakers said they expect the commission to explain the data and enforcement considerations behind any change and to weigh impacts on small-town economies and hunter recruitment going forward.","Public commenters at the Jan. 25 Pennsylvania Game Commission meeting urged commissioners to reverse the Saturday opener and return the opening day of deer rifle season to Monday, citing lost camp traditions, local economic harm and surveys they say favor Monday.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Speakers urge commission to reinstate rifles for fall turkey season; seniors ask for rule tweaks

Hunters Sharing the Harvest reports record venison donations to food banks

Foresters, hunters press commission on antlerless allocations, DMAP and CWD surveillance

Hunters and conservation groups press Game Commission to let mentored youths keep tags, restore pre-2015 program rules

Hunters, businesses and residents urge Game Commission to restore Monday deer-season opener