THE PA GAME COMMISSION HAS A ROBUST PROCESS

The PA Game Commission has a robust process in developing regulations.

Section 2102 of PA Title 34 Game Law states: Pa Game Commission shall promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate concerning game or wildlife and hunting or furtaking in this commonwealth, including regulations relating to the protection, preservation and management of game or wildlife and game or wildlife habitat, permitting or prohibiting hunting or furtaking, the ways, manner, methods and means of hunting or furtaking, and the health and safety of persons who hunt or take wildlife or may be in the vicinity of persons who hunt or take game or wildlife in this commonwealth.

The Process:  All agency regulations are voted on by an eight-member board of commissioners.  The board of commissioners is nominated by the governor and approved by the Pennsylvania Senate.  These commissioners are solely responsible for all agency regulation setting.

The Game Commission’s regulation setting process collects public comments for consideration by the board of commissioners in a number of different ways:

•    Comments are received through email and distributed to the board of commissioners.

•    Letters received by PGC are forwarded to the board of commissioners for review.

•    The public has the opportunity to make public comments at the agency’s commission meetings.

As referenced above; Pa. Game Commission is responsible for all wildlife in the commonwealth and those hikers, bikers, horseback riders and all others that come in contact with hunters.  This regulation setting process is completely transparent and open to all.  The process is designed to take comments from all citizens of Pennsylvania, not just hunters, and trappers, but all stakeholders, no one or group is excluded.  In addition, and as part of the commission’s regulation setting process, a press conference is held at each commission meeting to allow the press to ask questions about regulation proposals and use this information to help better inform the public.

Any regulation which the agency proposes is presented at a commission meeting.  Any proposal must be voted on by the board of commissioners at two public commission meetings before the regulation is adopted, or rejected if a “no” vote prevails. 

The agency also uses, where appropriate, scientifically-based surveys to better understand the attitudes and preferences as part of the process.  Often, individuals opposed to a specific regulation proposal are more inclined to voice their opinion as opposed to individuals who support a proposal.  Science-based public surveys are critical to evaluating actual public opinion.  The results help the board in their decision-making process for particular regulations. 

Pa. Game Commission Process At Work:

Recently, the Pennsylvania legislature authorized the Game Commission to regulate the use of semiautomatic rifles in hunting.  After surveying wildlife agencies in various other states, it was clear that semiautomatic rifles have been used safely without issue, even for big game.  However, when Pa. Game Commission sent a survey to hunters and reviewed all public comments, it became clear that the use of semiautomatic rifles was not supported by hunters, landowners, and other citizens.  As a result, the board of commissioners decided to not allow semiautomatic rifles for big game at this time.  This example reaffirms the agency’s robust regulation decision-making process in considering all comments from the public, and in using valid surveys to better evaluate the opinions of segments of our state’s citizens.

In closing, if given the ability to regulate hunting on Sundays.  It will go through this very same process prior to implementation in order to make the best decision possible.  Please be assured that Pa. Game Commission regulation setting process works and can be trusted.  We have been able to accomplish many wildlife management goals with it.   The task of hearing, considering, developing and implementing regulations is not taken lightly.   All eight commissioners understand their duty to the citizens of the commonwealth and its wildlife.   

Sincerely, 

////Signed////

Bryan Burhans

Executive Director

  

Read Signed Letter: The PA Game Commission has a robust process in developing regulations.