PROPOSED RULEMAKING

[58 PA. CODE CH. 147]

Special Permits; Deer Management Assistance Program Permits

[37 Pa.B. 1333]
[Saturday, March 24, 2007]

   To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its January 23, 2007, meeting, proposed to amend § 147.674 (relating to issuance of DMAP harvest permits).

   The proposed rulemaking will have no adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.

   The authority for the proposed rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).

   The proposed rulemaking was made public at the January 23, 2007, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, until April 13, 2007.

1.  Purpose and Authority

   Since the implementation of the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) in 2003, harvest permit fees for residents and nonresidents have remained unchanged. However, operating costs throughout the Commission have increased significantly, especially since the Commission's last license fee increase occurred in 1999. Given the added recreational opportunities that DMAP harvest permits offer and the nominal cost currently associated with them, the Commission has determined that an increase in permit fees will better represent the value of the privilege and improve funding for the management of wildlife resources. Therefore, the Commission is proposing to amend § 147.674 to increase DMAP harvest permit fees from $6 to $10 for residents and $26 to $35 for nonresidents.

   Section 2901(b) of the code (relating to authority to issue permits) provides ''the commission may, as deemed necessary to properly manage the game or wildlife resources, promulgate regulations for the issuance of any permit and promulgate regulations to control the activities which may be performed under authority of any permit issued.'' Section 2102(a) of the code (relating to regulations) provides that ''The 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 amendment to § 147.674 was proposed under this authority.

2.  Regulatory Requirements

   The proposed rulemaking will amend § 147.674 to increase DMAP harvest permit fees from $6 to $10 for residents and $26 to $35 for nonresidents.

3.  Persons Affected

   Persons wishing to purchase DMAP harvest permits from the Commission will be affected by the proposed rulemaking.

4.  Cost and Paperwork Requirements

   The proposed rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.

5.  Effective Date

   The proposed rulemaking will be effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.

6.  Contact Person

   For further information regarding the proposed rulemaking, contact Richard A. Palmer, Acting Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.

CARL G. ROE,   
Executive Director

   Fiscal Note:  48-249. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.

Annex A

TITLE 58.  RECREATION

PART III.  GAME COMMISSION

CHAPTER 147.  SPECIAL PERMITS

Subchapter R.  DEER CONTROL

DEER MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM PERMITS

§ 147.674.  Issuance of DMAP harvest permits.

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   (c)  Coupon holders shall submit the completed coupons and remittance as determined by the Director. The fee for the harvest permit is $ [6] 10 for residents and $ [26] 35 for nonresidents.

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[Pa.B. Doc. No. 07-499. Filed for public inspection March 23, 2007, 9:00 a.m.]

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