SENATE PROPOSAL WOULD ENCOURAGE NEW HUNTERS

            Harrisburg, Sept. 23, 2008 – Three state senators today introduced bipartisan legislation that would encourage new hunters to try out the sport for one season at a reduced cost.

            “Hunting is a great Pennsylvania tradition,” said state Sen. Wayne D. Fontana (D-Allegheny), who serves as Democratic chairman of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee. “This program would encourage more men and women to get out into the fields, woods and fresh air to give hunting a try.”

            Senator Charles McIlhinney (R-Bucks), chairman of the Game and Fisheries Committee, said, “The number of hunters in Pennsylvania has declined over the past 25 years. With surveys revealing that approximately 30 percent of non-hunters have an interest in trying the sport; this program would be a great way to step up recruitment and retention efforts.”

            State Senator John Wozniak (D-Cambria) added, “I am confident this legislation will win broad-based legislative support. Apart from hunting being good exercise, challenging and fun, we cannot lose sight of the fact that hunters play a crucial role in thinning game populations, which prevents overpopulation problems ranging from the spread of disease to crop damage and intrusion into suburban and urban areas.”

            Under the bill, which the legislators introduced in conjunction with “National Hunting and Fishing Day” ceremonies today at the state Capitol, the Game Commission would provide cut rate licenses for one season to adults who want to try the sport. In return, the commission would be able to track new hunters and reap the license fee revenue from those who stick with the sport.

            The proposal is modeled from the state’s 2005 successful mentored youth hunting program.

As part of the Hunting and Fishing Day celebration, there were a series of information booths in the Capitol. Representatives from the Game Commission and Fish & Boat Commission were be joined by the Governor’s Youth Council for Hunting, Fishing & Conservation, the PA Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, the PA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation; the United Bowhunters of PA; the Ruffed Grouse Society, PA Trappers Association, Quality Deer Management Association, PA Deer Association, Pheasants Forever, Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association, and Woodcock Limited of PA.