PROPOSED RULEMAKING

FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION

[58 PA. CODE CH. 63]

Fishing; General Fishing Regulations

[52 Pa.B. 5650]
[Saturday, September 3, 2022]

 The Fish and Boat Commission (Commission) proposes to amend Chapter 63 (relating to general fishing regulations). The Commission is publishing this proposed rulemaking under the authority of 30 Pa.C.S. (relating to Fish and Boat Code) (code). The proposed amendment updates the Commission's regulations pertaining to bowfishing.

A. Effective Date

 This proposed rulemaking, if approved on final-form rulemaking, will go into effect upon publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

B. Contact Person

 For further information on this proposed rulemaking, contact Wayne Melnick, Esq., P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, (717) 705-7810. This proposed rulemaking is available on the Commission's web site at www.fishandboat.com.

C. Statutory Authority

 This proposed amendment to § 63.8 (relating to long bows, crossbows, spears and gigs) is published under the statutory authority of section 2102(b) of the code (relating to rules and regulations).

D. Purpose and Background

 The specific purpose and background of the proposed amendment is described in more detail under the summary of proposal.

E. Summary of Proposal

 The Commission, specifically the Bureau of Law Enforcement, has received an increasing number of comments from bow fishing anglers who want to see snakehead added to the list of approved species that can be targeted with long bows, crossbows, spears and gigs. Snakeheads are an invasive species that are found in many Commonwealth waters and continue to spread across the State. Many of the states surrounding this Commonwealth already allow this activity.

 The Commission proposes that § 63.8 be amended to read as set forth in Annex A.

F. Paperwork

 This proposed rulemaking will not increase paperwork and will not create new paperwork requirements.

G. Fiscal Impact

 This proposed rulemaking will have no adverse fiscal impact on the Commonwealth or its political subdivisions.

H. Public Comments

 Interested persons are invited to submit written comments, objections or suggestions about this proposed rulemaking to the Executive Director, Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, within 30 days after publication of this notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Comments submitted by facsimile will not be accepted.

 Comments also may be submitted electronically by completing the form at www.fishandboat.com/regcomments. If an acknowledgment of electronic comments is not received by the sender within 2 working days, the comments should be retransmitted to ensure receipt. Electronic comments submitted in any other manner will not be accepted.

TIMOTHY D. SCHAEFFER, 
Executive Director

 Fiscal Note: 48A-338. No fiscal impact; (8) recommends adoption.

Annex A

TITLE 58. RECREATION

PART II. FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION

Subpart B. FISHING

CHAPTER 63. GENERAL FISHING REGULATIONS

§ 63.8. Long bows, crossbows, spears and gigs.

 (a) General. Except as otherwise provided in this part, snakehead, carp, suckers and catfish may be taken with long bows and arrow, including compound bows, crossbows, spears or gigs any hour of the day or night aided by a light at night if so desired, in Commonwealth waters and waters bounding and adjacent thereto.

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[Pa.B. Doc. No. 22-1346. Filed for public inspection September 2, 2022, 9:00 a.m.]

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