The Wildlife Management Committee of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met on December 19 to discuss proposed changes for the upcoming seasons for hunting and trapping. There were four proposals that made it through the committee and will be voted on at upcoming meetings of the full board.

One of the suggestions is to raise the number of antlerless licenses that can be possessed by a hunter in Wildlife Management Units 5C and 5D in the southwest part of the state. The current limit is six tags. Another proposal is to expand the so-called “Ag Tag” seasons and to make it easier to apply.

A third item brought forth by the Committee is to restrict the number of elk tags that are available to non-residents. The final proposal is to require a hunter to purchase a proper hunting license before being able to apply for an elk tag.

These proposals must be voted on and passed by the full Board of Game Commissioners twice before they are binding. There is a preliminary vote at the January 24, 2025 meeting in Harrisburg and a final vote in April.

There were five other items on the committee meeting agenda that were not advanced. One was to establish an early archery season for antlerless deer. Another was to allow fall turkey hunters to use single projectiles in their flintlocks instead of only shot.

The third proposal that was rejected was the creation of a general antlerless tag that could be used in multiple WMUs. Allowing mentored youth hunters under 7 years old to receive their tags directly, instead of by transfer from an adult, was also defeated in committee. The final proposal that didn’t get approved was one that would have allowed any muzzleloader (not just flintlocks) to be used during the flintlock season on properties enrolled in the Deer Management Assistance Program.

The Wildlife Management Committee had been defunct but was reactivated this fall. I’m glad to see that. It’s an important part of the process of reviewing proposals before they are presented to the entire Board of Game Commissioners. The committee meeting was recorded and can be viewed on the Game Commission’s YouTube channel, for those that are interested.

It’s important that hunters and the public be involved in the process of establishing and changing seasons. Enjoy the outdoors!