PROPOSED RULEMAKING
GAME COMMISSION
[ 58 PA. CODE CH. 141 ]
Hunting and Trapping; Big Game
[45 Pa.B. 1369]
[Saturday, March 21, 2015]To effectively manage the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth, the Game Commission (Commission), at its January 27, 2015, meeting proposed to amend § 141.45 (relating to turkey) by deleting the reference to Wildlife Management Units (WMU) 1A, 1B and 2A in the provision prohibiting use of manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearms using single projectile ammunition to maintain continuity between these regulations.
The proposed rulemaking will not have an 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 27, 2015, meeting of the Commission. Comments can be sent until April 6, 2015, to the Director, Information and Education, Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
1. Purpose and Authority
The Commission's 2015-2016 seasons and bag limits proposal identifies only WMU 2B as a shotgun and archery only area. See the proposed rulemaking published at 45 Pa.B. 1375 (March 21, 2015). Furthermore, WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D remain closed to fall turkey hunting. All remaining WMUs are currently organized to permit use of manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearms using single projectile ammunition. The Commission is proposing to amend § 141.45 by deleting the reference to WMUs 1A, 1B and 2A in the provision prohibiting use of manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearms using single projectile ammunition to maintain continuity between these regulations.
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 § 141.45 were proposed under this authority.
2. Regulatory Requirements
The proposed rulemaking will amend § 141.45 by deleting the reference to WMUs 1A, 1B and 2A in the provision prohibiting use of manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearms using single projectile ammunition to maintain continuity between these regulations.
3. Persons Affected
Persons wishing to hunt wild turkey through the use of manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearms using single projectile ammunition during the fall season in WMUs 1A, 1B and 2A 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 Thomas P. Grohol, Director, Bureau of Wildlife Protection, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797, (717) 783-6526.
R. MATTHEW HOUGH,
Executive DirectorFiscal Note: 48-380. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.
Annex A
TITLE 58. RECREATION
PART III. GAME COMMISSION
CHAPTER 141. HUNTING AND TRAPPING
Subchapter C. BIG GAME § 141.45. Turkey.
(a) Fall turkey season.
* * * * * (2) Prohibitions. While hunting turkey during the fall turkey season, it is unlawful to:
(i) Use a manually operated centerfire, rimfire or muzzleloading firearm using single projectile ammunition in Wildlife Management Units [1A, 1B, 2A,] 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D.
* * * * *
[Pa.B. Doc. No. 15-502. Filed for public inspection March 20, 2015, 9:00 a.m.]
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