HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) is opening the floor for hunters and waterfowl organizations to share their insights and opinions on the proposed migratory game bird seasons for 2024-25. The move aims to enhance the commission’s effort to inclusive decision-making and emphasizes the crucial role of public engagement in wildlife management.
Amanda Hoyt, a waterfowl biologist with the Game Commission, emphasized the importance of this open dialogue. “The Game Commission annually considers various types of public input when selecting waterfowl seasons within the parameters established by the federal frameworks,” Hoyt said. “These events allow individual hunters to provide their specific preferences and concerns in more detail.”
Comments can be submitted via email to waterfowlcomments@pa.gov or by mail to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797. Those submitting comments should specify the species, zone (if applicable), and county or counties they’re referring to. The comment period closes on March 22.
In addition, an online question-and-answer session will be conducted on the Game Commission’s Facebook page on Thursday, March 7 at 1 p.m. The briefing will cover updates on federal framework changes and other ‘hot topics’, and viewers will have the chance to submit follow-up questions for real-time response. The event will be recorded and available for later viewing on the PGC’s website.
Hoyt praised the online session as a “convenient option for hunters statewide to catch up on all things waterfowl without leaving home.”
For those who prefer face-to-face interactions, a Waterfowl Open House will take place at the Game Commission’s Northwest Region Office in Franklin on Saturday, March 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Attendees will have the opportunity to discuss the proposed seasons with Game Commission staff and gain a deeper understanding of the agency’s waterfowl management program.
The annual establishment of migratory game bird seasons is a collaborative process involving the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the states in the Atlantic Flyway. These federal frameworks set the boundaries within which each state must establish its season. States can opt for more restrictive measures – such as fewer days or lower bag limits – but cannot exceed the federal allowances.
While these frameworks generally remain consistent, shifts in habitat conditions or migratory game bird populations can trigger changes. For the 2024-25 seasons, one significant change is on the horizon: The Atlantic Population Canada goose season has been reduced from 45 to 30 days.
Once public comments and survey results have been considered, Game Commission staff will present the recommended 2024-25 waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits, and related criteria to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for final approval. The approved seasons will be published in the 2024-25 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which hunters receive with the purchase of a license.
The PGC’s decision to seek public input is part of its efforts toward transparency and engagement. By providing multiple avenues for public feedback, the commission ensures that the viewpoints of hunters and waterfowl organizations are taken into account in shaping the state’s wildlife management strategies.
The call for public comment is not just about gathering opinions; it’s about fostering a sense of shared responsibility for the conservation of Pennsylvania’s rich wildlife resources. It encourages hunters and waterfowl organizations to play an active role in the stewardship of the state’s migratory game birds, reinforcing the idea that effective wildlife management is a collective effort.
As Pennsylvanians prepare to share their thoughts on the proposed migratory game bird seasons, this initiative serves as a reminder of the power of public participation in shaping the future of the state’s wildlife conservation efforts. It’s a testament to the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s dedication to ensuring that the state’s wildlife resources are managed in a way that reflects the values and interests of its residents.
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