RULES AND REGULATIONS
Title 58—RECREATION
GAME COMMISSION
[ 58 PA. CODE CHS. 131 AND 141 ]
Preliminary Provisions; Hunting and Trapping
[47 Pa.B. 2710]
[Saturday, May 13, 2017]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its March 28, 2017, meeting, amended §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to authorize the use of air guns and semiautomatic rifles for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and to expand muzzleloader hunting opportunities to include breech-loading black powder firearms for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and aperture sights for flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
This final-form rulemaking will not have an adverse impact on the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth.
The authority for this final-form rulemaking is 34 Pa.C.S. (relating to Game and Wildlife Code) (code).
Notice of proposed rulemaking was published at 47 Pa.B. 1769 (March 25, 2017).
1. Purpose and Authority
In relevant part, the act of November 21, 2016 (P.L. 1317, No. 168) (Act 168) made two significant changes to section 2308 of the act (relating to unlawful devices and methods). Act 168 eliminated the Commonwealth's historic prohibition against the use of air guns for hunting. Act 168 also effectively eliminated the Commonwealth's historic prohibition against the use of semiautomatic rifles for hunting. It is important to note that Act 168 was not extended to authorize the Commission to allow use of semiautomatic handguns.
In an effort to expand hunting opportunities in this Commonwealth, the Commission amends §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to authorize the use of air guns for small game and furbearers, and semiautomatic rifles for small game and furbearers. These amendments will also expand muzzleloader hunting opportunities to include breech-loading black powder firearms for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and aperture sights for flintlock muzzleloading deer season. The Commission proposed to extend the use of semiautomatic rifles to include small game furbearers and big game, but removed big game from this final-form rulemaking based upon public comment.
Section 2102(d) of the code (relating to regulations) authorizes the Commission to ''promulgate regulations stipulating the size and type of traps, the type of firearms and ammunition and other devices which may be used, the manner in which and the location where the devices may be used, the species the devices may be used for and the season when the devices may be used.'' The amendments to §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 are adopted under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
This final-form rulemaking amends §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to authorize the use of air guns and semiautomatic rifles for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and to expand muzzleloader hunting opportunities to include breech-loading black powder firearms for designated species of wildlife and hunting seasons, and aperture sights for flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to use air guns, semiautomatic rifles or breech-loading black powder firearms to hunt or take game or wildlife in this Commonwealth may be affected by this final-form rulemaking.
4. Comment and Response Summary
The Commission received a total of 847 official comments in support and 218 official comments in opposition to this final-form rulemaking.
5. Cost and Paperwork Requirements
This final-form rulemaking should not result in additional cost or paperwork.
6. Effective Date
This final-form rulemaking will be effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin and will remain in effect until changed by the Commission.
7. Contact Person
For further information regarding this final-form rulemaking, contact Thomas P. Grohol, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
Findings
The Commission finds that:
(1) Public notice of intention to adopt the administrative amendments adopted by this order has been given under sections 201 and 202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L. 769, No. 240) (45 P.S. §§ 1201 and 1202) and the regulations thereunder, 1 Pa. Code §§ 7.1 and 7.2.
(2) The adoption of the amendments of the Commission in the manner provided in this order is necessary and appropriate for the administration and enforcement of the authorizing statute.
Order
The Commission, acting under the authorizing statute, orders that:
(a) The regulations of the Commission, 58 Pa. Code Chapters 131 and 141, are amended by amending §§ 131.2, 141.22, 141.43—141.45, 141.47 and 141.67 to read as set forth in Annex A.
(b) The Executive Director of the Commission shall certify this order and Annex A and deposit them with the Legislative Reference Bureau as required by law.
(c) This order shall become effective upon final-form publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
BRYAN J. BURHANS,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: Fiscal Note 48-410 remains valid for the final adoption of the subject regulations.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART III. GAME COMMISSION
CHAPTER 131. PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS § 131.2. Definitions.
In addition to the definitions contained in section 102 of the act (relating to definitions), the following words and terms, when used in this part or in the act, have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
Act—Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes (relating to Game and Wildlife Code).
Aggregate ammunition capacity—A firearm's total cumulative ammunition capacity that includes the ammunition capacity of both the chamber and magazine.
Air gun—A firearm operated by air or gas cylinder by which a projectile can be discharged or propelled.
Antlered deer—
(i) In Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, a deer having three or more points on one antler, not including brow tines which is the point immediately above the antler burr.
(ii) In all other wildlife management units, a deer having three or more points to one antler.
(iii) In all wildlife management units, junior license holders, disabled person permit (to use a vehicle) holders and residents serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, or in the United States Coast Guard, a deer having two or more points to one antler, or with one antler 3 inches or more in length.
Antlered elk—An elk having at least one spike visible above the hairline.
Antlerless deer—A deer without antlers, or a deer with antlers both of which are less than 3 inches in length.
Antlerless elk—An elk without antlers, or an elk with no spike visible above the hairline.
Arrow—A projectile shot from a bow with an overall length exceeding the brace height of the bow with fletching designed only for guidance at the aft end and a broadhead mounted on the fore end. No electronic device may be a part of or attached to the arrow. No device, material or system capable of causing damage or injury to the animal in excess of that inflicted by the cutting edges of the broadhead may be a part of or attached to any arrow.
Beekeeper's agent—A person who accepts the responsibility of bees, hives and related equipment in the absence of the owner, and who is willing and able to reset disrupted hives, maintain fencing where present and report damage done by bears to the nearest available Commission officer as soon as practical, but, in any event, within 10 days of the damage. The agent shall be domiciled within 300 yards of the beehives.
Bow—In addition to the definition in section 102 of the act, a device for launching an arrow, which derives its propulsive energy solely from the bending and recovery of two limbs. The energy used to propel the arrow may not be derived from another source. These limitations may not exclude the mechanical leverage advantage provided by eccentric wheels or cams so long as the available energy stored in the bent limbs of the bow is the sole result of a single, continuous and direct pulling effort by the shooter. The bowstring shall be drawn, held and released as a direct and conscious action of the shooter. Release shall be accomplished by either relaxing the tension of the fingers or triggering the release action of a manually held release aid.
Broadhead—A fixed or mechanical tip affixed to the fore end of an arrow or bolt having sharpened cutting edges consisting of metal or naturally occurring stone.
Closed season—Periods of the calendar year and hours during which it is unlawful to take game or wildlife.
Commission—The Game Commission of the Commonwealth.
Crossbow—A device consisting of a bow fixed transversely on a stock, the string of which is released by a trigger mechanism, has a mechanical safety and propels an arrow.
Crossbow bolt—An arrow propelled by a crossbow.
Decoy—For the purpose of section 2308(b)(6) of the act (relating to unlawful devices and methods), an artificial representation or facsimile of a bird or animal used to attract other birds or animals. The term does not include living birds or animals.
Deputy Game Commission officer—A deputy wildlife conservation officer.
Director—The Executive Director of the Commission.
Driving—An act accomplished when one or more persons chase or flush, or attempt to chase or flush, wildlife towards or in the general direction of other persons, or when two or more persons travel in the same general direction to chase or flush, or attempt to chase or flush, wildlife into view.
Early small game hunting season—A designated period when the only resident small game which may be hunted and taken are woodchucks, squirrels and grouse.
Game Commission officer—A wildlife conservation officer.
Import—To bring or have transported into this Commonwealth.
Institutions of higher learning—Colleges and universities accredited by the Department of Education.
Meat or animal products—For the purpose of section 2361(a)(13) of the act (relating to unlawful acts concerning taking of furbearers), meat or animal products include artificial representations or facsimiles.
Muzzleloading firearm—
(i) A firearm designed and manufactured to be loaded with loose ammunition components (projectile and propellant charge) from the muzzle or forward, open end of the firearm's barrel.
(ii) The term includes breech-loading rifles and handguns that fire loose ammunition components comparable to a muzzleloading firearm.
(iii) The term does not authorize a firearm that accepts cartridge ammunition.
Plugged shotgun—For the purpose of section 2308(a)(4) of the act, any shotgun containing a one-piece plug, stop or filler in the magazine to reduce ammunition capacity that is incapable of removal without disassembling the shotgun or magazine.
Point—An antler projection at least 1 inch in length from base to tip. The main beam tip shall be counted a point regardless of length.
Protected birds—See § 133.2 (relating to protected birds).
Protected deer—A deer not defined as an antlered deer or an antlerless deer.
Protected mammals—See § 133.1 (relating to protected mammals).
Regular firearms deer season—The designated period of time when deer may be hunted and taken by any person who possesses a General Hunting License or a General Hunting License and Antlerless License only.
Regular small game hunting season—The designated period of time when resident small game species may be hunted and taken.
Special firearms deer season—Any firearms deer season, except muzzleloader season, that precedes the regular firearms deer season.
Sustained yield—As used in section 546(b)(2) of the act (relating to limitation on expenditures for deterrent fencing), continuous and planned forest production through accepted forestry management practices.
Venison—For the purpose of section 2312 of the act (relating to buying and selling game), any meat derived from a white-tailed deer.
CHAPTER 141. HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Subchapter B. SMALL GAME § 141.22. Small game seasons.
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt small game, except woodchucks, during any small game season with the following devices:
(1) A manually operated or semiautomatic rifle or manually operated handgun. The firearm must be .22 caliber or less, that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less, that propels multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 (relating to approval of nontoxic shot types and shot coatings). A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(3) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun. The firearm must be .40 caliber or less, that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(4) A bow and arrow.
(5) A crossbow and bolt.
(6) A raptor. The raptor shall be lawfully possessed under a falconry permit under section 2925 of the act (relating to falconry permits).
(7) An air gun. The firearm must be between .177 and .22 caliber, inclusive, that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(b) Prohibitions. While hunting small game during any small game season, except woodchucks, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess single-projectile ammunition larger than .22 caliber or multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Possess a firearm while hunting with a raptor, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(3) Discharge a firearm within 150 yards of a Commission vehicle releasing pheasants.
(4) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(5) Hunt in a party of more than six persons. This does not apply to waterfowl or dove hunters when hunting from a blind or other stationary position.
(c) Woodchuck (Groundhog) season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt woodchucks during woodchuck season with the following devices:
(i) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire rifle or manually operated handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(ii) A manually operated or semiautomatic centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less that propels multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134. A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(iii) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(iv) A bow and arrow.
(v) A crossbow and bolt.
(vi) A raptor. The raptor shall be lawfully possessed under a falconry permit under section 2925 of the act.
(vii) An air gun. The firearm must be .22 caliber or larger that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting woodchucks during woodchuck season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Possess a firearm while hunting with a raptor, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
Subchapter C. BIG GAME § 141.43. Deer.
(a) Archery deer season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the archery deer season with any of the following devices:
(i) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(ii) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the archery deer season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a firearm. Exceptions:
(A) A person may possess certain firearms during the archery deer season under the authorizations of section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(B) A person may possess and use both a bow or crossbow and a muzzleloading firearm during the overlaps of the early archery and muzzleloader deer seasons and the late archery and flintlock muzzleloading deer seasons if that person is in possession of both a valid archery deer license and a valid muzzleloader deer license and meets the greater protective material requirements for the muzzleloader deer season, if applicable.
(ii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(b) Flintlock muzzleloading deer season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the flintlock muzzleloading deer season with a flintlock muzzleloading firearm. The firearm must be an original or similar reproduction of muzzleloading firearm manufactured prior to 1800. The firearm's ignition mechanism must consist of a hammer containing a naturally occurring stone that is spring propelled onto an iron or steel frizzen which, in turn, creates sparks to ignite a priming powder. The firearm must have open or aperture sights and be a .44 caliber or larger single-barrel long gun or a .50 caliber or larger single-barrel handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the flintlock muzzleloading deer season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use manmade materials attached to the hammer or frizzen to create sparks.
(ii) Use telescopic sights.
(iii) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act (relating to prohibited devices and methods), except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iv) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(c) Muzzleloading deer season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the muzzleloading deer season with a muzzleloading firearm. The firearm must be a .44 caliber or larger single-barrel long gun or a .50 caliber or larger single-barrel handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the muzzleloading deer season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(d) Regular and special firearms deer seasons.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt deer during the regular and special firearms deer seasons with any of the following devices:
(i) A manually operated, centerfire rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(ii) A manually operated, centerfire shotgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(iii) A bow and arrow as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(i).
(iv) A crossbow and bolt as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii).
(v) A muzzleloading firearm as permitted under subsection (b)(1) or (c)(1).
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting deer during the regular and special firearms deer seasons, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(e) Cooperating while hunting during any deer season. Holders of any of the appropriate licenses or stamps may cooperate while hunting antlered or antlerless deer if pertinent provisions of the act and this section are met.
(f) .22 caliber or less rimfire required for furbearers. When using a firearm only a rimfire rifle or handgun .22 caliber or less may be used to dispatch legally trapped furbearers during the regular or special firearms deer seasons.
§ 141.44. Bear.
(a) Archery bear season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt bear during the archery bear season with any of the following devices:
(i) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(ii) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting bear during the archery bear season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a firearm or while in possession of a firearm, except as otherwise authorized by section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(ii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Disturb, wound or kill a bear in a den.
(iv) Assist, conspire or use a device to locate a bear to which a transmitter has been attached.
(b) Muzzleloading bear season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt bear during the muzzleloading bear season with a muzzleloading firearm. The firearm must be a .44 caliber or larger single-barrel long gun or a .50 caliber or larger single-barrel handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting bear during the muzzleloading bear season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act (relating to prohibited devices and methods), except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Disturb, wound or kill a bear in a den.
(iv) Assist, conspire or use a device to locate a bear to which a transmitter has been attached.
(c) Regular and extended firearms bear seasons.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt bear during the regular and extended firearms bear seasons with any of the following devices:
(i) A manually operated, centerfire rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(ii) A manually operated, centerfire shotgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(iii) A bow and arrow as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(i).
(iv) A crossbow and bolt as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(ii).
(v) A muzzleloading firearm as permitted under subsection (b)(1).
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting for bear during the regular and extended firearms bear seasons, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Disturb, wound or kill a bear in a den.
(iv) Assist, conspire or use a device to locate a bear to which a transmitter has been attached.
§ 141.45. Turkey.
(a) Fall turkey season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt turkey during the fall turkey season with any of the following devices:
(i) A manually operated rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(ii) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun that propels single-projectile ammunition or multiple projectile shotgun ammunition no larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134 (relating to approval of nontoxic shot types and shot coatings). A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(iii) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(iv) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(v) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting turkey during the fall turkey season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a firearm using single projectile ammunition in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(ii) Use drives or any method other than hand or mouth calling.
(iii) Use or possess an electronic caller or a live turkey as a decoy.
(iv) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(b) Spring turkey season.
(1) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt turkey during the spring turkey season with any of the following devices:
(i) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun using shot ammunition no larger than # 4 lead, # 2 steel, or # 4 of any other composition or alloy of nontoxic shot approved by the Director of the Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service or an authorized representative under 50 CFR 20.134. A centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(ii) A bow and arrow as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(iii).
(iii) A crossbow and bolt as permitted under subsection (a)(1)(iv).
(2) Prohibitions. While hunting turkey during the spring turkey season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use or possess a centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearm that propels single projectile ammunition, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(ii) Use or possess single projectile ammunition, except arrows or bolts, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(iii) Use drives or any method other than hand or mouth calling.
(iv) Use or possess an electronic caller or a live turkey as a decoy.
(v) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this subsection, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
§ 141.47. Elk.
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt elk during the elk season with any of the following devices:
(1) A manually operated, centerfire rifle or handgun. The firearm must be a .27 caliber or larger firearm that propels single-projectile ammunition 130 grains or larger.
(2) A manually operated or centerfire shotgun. The firearm must be a 12 gauge or larger firearm that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(3) A muzzleloading firearm. The firearm must be .50 caliber or larger single-barrel firearm that propels single-projectile ammunition 210 grains or larger.
(4) A bow and arrow. A bow must have a peak draw weight of at least 45 pounds. An arrow must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 1 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(5) A crossbow and bolt. A crossbow must have a peak draw weight of at least 125 pounds. A bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 1 inch and may not exceed 3.25 inches in length.
(b) Prohibitions. While hunting elk during the elk season, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess multiple projectile ammunition or ammunition other than that required under section 2322(a)(4) of the act (relating to prohibited devices and methods), except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
(3) Fail to mark the kill site after lawful harvest in accordance with Commission instructions provided during the elk season orientation.
(4) Drive or herd elk.
(5) Hunt within the Hick's Run no hunt zone, the area immediately adjacent to and north of Route 555, between Hick's Run Road and Huston Hill Road and within 0.3 mile of Route 555.
Subchapter D. FURBEARERS § 141.67. Furbearer seasons.
(a) Permitted devices. It is lawful to hunt or take furbearers during any furtaking season with the following devices:
(1) A manually operated or semiautomatic rifle or manually operated handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(2) A manually operated or semiautomatic, centerfire shotgun or muzzleloading shotgun. The firearm must be 10 gauge or less, that propels single-projectile ammunition or multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition not larger than # 4 buckshot. The centerfire shotgun's magazine capacity may not exceed two rounds. The shotgun's total aggregate ammunition capacity may not exceed three rounds.
(3) A muzzleloading rifle or handgun that propels single-projectile ammunition.
(4) A bow and arrow.
(5) A crossbow and bolt.
(6) An air gun. The firearm must be .22 caliber or larger that propels single-projectile pellet or bullet ammunition. BB ammunition is not authorized.
(b) Prohibitions. While hunting furbearers during any furbearer hunting or trapping season, it is unlawful to:
(1) Use or possess multiple-projectile shotgun ammunition larger than # 4 buckshot, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act (relating to possession of firearm for protection of self or others).
(2) Use or possess a device or ammunition not provided for in the act or in this section, except as authorized under section 2525 of the act.
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 17-806. Filed for public inspection May 12, 2017, 9:00 a.m.]
No part of the information on this site may be reproduced for profit or sold for profit.This material has been drawn directly from the official Pennsylvania Bulletin full text database. Due to the limitations of HTML or differences in display capabilities of different browsers, this version may differ slightly from the official printed version.
