PGC officially drops orange requirements for spring gobbler

[Silencer]

Release #031-08

CHANGE IN ORANGE REQUIREMENT TAKES EFFECT
HARRISBURG - Following publication in the March 29 edition of the PA Bulletin, Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced that hunters planning to participate in the upcoming spring gobbler season will no longer be required to wear fluorescent orange. 

On Jan. 29, the Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a regulatory change to remove the fluorescent orange requirements for the spring gobbler hunters.  Publication in the PA Bulletin was the final step required for the change to take effect, and applies for the upcoming 2008 spring gobbler season, which is set for April 26-May 26, as well as the youth spring gobbler day on April 19.

"Various members of Pennsylvania's hunting community for some time have urged the Game Commission to reevaluate its regulatory mandate for turkey hunters wear at least 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange-colored material on the head while moving about or relocating during the spring turkey season," said Carl G. Roe, agency executive director.  "The safety of hunters afield is, without a doubt, one of the paramount concerns of the Game Commission.  But, the available statistical data relating to hunting-related shooting incidents during the spring turkey season shows that there is no clear evidence that the fluorescent orange requirement has made any appreciable reduction in spring gobbler hunting-related shooting incidents.

"After a thorough review, the Game Commission concluded eliminating the orange requirement for spring turkey hunting was acceptable.  However, if we see a change in the number of hunting-related shooting incidents, this policy will be re-evaluated."


BOARD OF GAME COMMISSIONERS TO MEET ON APRIL 21-22
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will be meeting on Monday and Tuesday, April 21-22, at the agency's Harrisburg headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81. The meetings will begin at 8:30 a.m. on both days.

On Monday, April 21, the Board will hear public comments on the proposed 2008-09 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits that were given preliminary approval in January. The Board also will receive agency staff reports and updates.

On Tuesday, April 22, the Board is scheduled to take official action to finalize the 2008-09 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits, and to set antlerless deer license allocations for the upcoming seasons. 

A complete agenda for the meeting will be posted on the agency's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) prior to the meeting.  Minutes from the January meeting are available in the "Reports/Minutes" section of the homepage.

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[HaMeR]

Thats cool. I just hope everybody that wanted the orange rule put away is going to be responsible now!! Good Luck keeping it off the books!!