HARRISBURG, PA — On Tuesday, March 18, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith presented the agency’s 2023-24 Annual Report to the House Game and Fisheries Committee, outlining a year of significant progress in wildlife conservation, habitat restoration, and public service.
Smith emphasized the agency’s dedication to protecting Pennsylvania’s 480 wildlife species and enhancing habitats across the Commonwealth. Key achievements included advancements in elk and bear population monitoring, as well as the success of the state’s largest-ever turkey study, which is providing critical insights into survival and reproduction rates. Flush rates for ruffed grouse reached their highest levels in over a decade, reflecting the impact of targeted habitat restoration efforts aimed at recovering populations affected by West Nile virus.
Research on Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in deer populations also took center stage, with studies in Bedford and Fulton counties yielding valuable data on the disease’s spread and its effects on deer health. Nearly half of hunter-harvested deer in these areas tested positive for CWD in 2024, driving the commission to implement extended hunting seasons to slow its progression.
“Our work is built on sound science and a vision for the future,” said Smith. “From wildlife monitoring to combating the challenges of CWD, we remain committed to safeguarding Pennsylvania’s rich biodiversity.”
Enhancing Public Lands and Hunter Support
Infrastructure improvements across the state’s game lands served as another focal point of the commission’s efforts. Over 11,000 acres were treated with prescribed fire, nearly 25,000 acres of forest underwent timber harvests to create new habitats, and more than 10,000 acres were added to the public land portfolio. Trails and roads were also upgraded, ensuring better access to recreational opportunities on over 1.5 million acres of game lands.
The commission reinforced its commitment to hunters and trappers by certifying over 20,000 students in its Hunter-Trapper Education program, contributing to 2024’s record-low number of hunting-related incidents. Pheasant propagation programs flourished, with 224,000 birds stocked statewide, while the creation of shooting ranges and managed dove fields further supported the Commonwealth’s hunting traditions.
Commitment to Conservation and Public Service
Beyond its focus on hunters, the agency made strides in serving the general public. Prescribed burns and habitat enhancements benefited numerous non-game species, including the state-endangered common tern, which successfully nested in Pennsylvania for the first time in decades. Further investment in Centralized Dispatch Center operations ensured swift responses to over 205,000 public inquiries, achieving a 99% call-answer rate.
Looking ahead, Smith underscored the Game Commission’s commitment to sustainable management of the Game Fund, further expansion of shooting ranges, and innovative partnerships to address overpopulation challenges in suburban and agricultural regions. “Our mission extends to all Pennsylvanians, ensuring every voice is heard and every stakeholder valued,” Smith concluded.
The 2023-24 Annual Report highlights a year of progress and positions the Pennsylvania Game Commission to continue advancing its dual mandate of wildlife conservation and public engagement, ensuring a sustainable legacy for future generations.
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