New State Game Lands Regulations
Non-hunting users of game lands should be aware of new regulations that went into effect last month.
One of the greatest legacies that Pennsylvania hunters and trappers have built for future generations is the 1.4 million-acre State Game Lands system. Although primarily purchased by hunters, these lands are open for all people to enjoy. They preserve critical habitat for game and non-game species. This isn’t a stagnant legacy, either, for the SGL system continues to grow as hunter’s license money is used to purchase additional land.
Since July of 1999, property totaling more than 40,000 acres has been added to the system. This included the new 2,410-acre SGL 323 i Centre County, purchased in 2000 with the help of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Conservation Fund, along with the 3,350 acres that was added to SGL 120 in neighboring Clearfield County. Another 310 acres, in four counties, was approved for purchase in January of this year. Recent deals with PennDOT and PSU will eventually increase the acreage even more.
Unfortunately, problems have occurred on game lands, and they need to be addressed. Because game lands are open to all people, not just hunters and trappers, conflicts between users have sometimes arisen, particularly those caused by horseback riders, mountain bikers and commercial businesses using State Game Lands for financial gain.
According to Game Commission Executive Director Vern Ross, “Unrestricted use of State Game Lands has led to unintended degradation or destruction of wildlife habitats, disruption of nesting or wintering wildlife populations, and competition with lawful hunting seasons.”
A committee, composed of representatives of different user groups, was formed in 2001 to develop initial recommendations. A year-long public input process began, including several news releases, nine open houses, three mailings to potentially affected user groups and, most recently, an official 90-day public comment period.
On January 15, 2002, the Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a new regulations package and, after adding three amendments, unanimously voted its final approval at the April 2002 meeting. The regulations went into effect on February 1 of this year.
Since many county residents use State Game Lands for alternate recreational purposes, it would be wise to become aware of the new rules. Among other things, they restrict horseback and mountain bike riding, forbid the spreading of food for wildlife, limit target shooting, forbid almost all commercial activities, limit organized activities and require the wearing of fluorescent orange by non-hunters during hunting seasons. Here is a brief summary of most of the regulations that went into effect on February 1:
* The Game Commission will designate routes for riding animals or non-motorized vehicles. These will be in accordance with the management plan for each game lands. Such riding is limited only to those designated routes. The public may suggest routes. The Game Commission has designated over 1000 miles of trails. All of these are listed on the commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and most have been posted with signs by the PGC’s area land managers.
* Such riding activities will not be permitted , except on Sundays or on roads open to public travel, from the last Saturday in September to the third Saturday in January, and after 1 p.m. from the second Saturday in April to the last Saturday in May. This does not apply to those lawfully engaged in hunting, trapping, or fishing on the game lands. This keeps non-hunting riders safely off of the game lands during the fall/winter hunting seasons and during spring gobbler season.
* Removal of manmade or natural objects such as rocks, animals, sand, and native American arrowheads is prohibited. Lawfully taken game and fish and shed antlers may be taken.
* Campfires may be built on game lands as long as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ fire index is acceptable and as long as precautions are taken to prevent the spread of fires. Fires should be supervised at all times.
* No one may feed wildlife or put out any food, fruit, hay, grain, chemical, salt or other minerals intended for wildlife.
* No one may target shoot in areas posted as closed to such activities. With the exception of ranges, the discharge of any weapon not legal for hunting is prohibited.
* No one may participate in an organized activity or event involving more than ten persons, except for hunting or trapping, unless those activities are not in conflict with the intended uses or purposes of game lands.
* From November 15 through December 15, except on Sundays, those not hunting, trapping or fishing must wear a minimum of 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on their head, chest or back combined.
* No one may use State Game Lands for personal, organization or commercial purposes other than the intended uses. Commercial activities include any activity in which a person directly or indirectly accepts any payment as compensation for providing goods or services. This outlaws paid horse and mule guided trips that were occurring on some game lands in eastern Pennsylvania. The regulation also outlaws all paid guide services except for those provided by licensed bobcat and elk guides.
This last regulation has some turkey guides up in arms, but I’m wondering where they were during the year-long public input, review and comment period.
According to Ross, “The new regulations provide common-sense guidelines so that alternative uses of State Game Lands may continue in a manner that does not conflict with our legislatively-mandated mission to protect and manage Pennsylvania’s wild birds and mammals, and to develop, conserve and preserve critical wildlife habitats.”
Due to the abuses that have occurred on some game lands and certain uses that have detracted or interfered with hunting, I feel that most of these changes are long overdue. Time will tell if the paid guiding issue is a major problem, but regulations can always be changed or adjusted at a future commission meeting.
Mark Nale can be reached at MarkAngler@aol.com
