New Hunting Laws Begin September 1

Gun-mounted lights, crop damage reduction measure permitted

Changes in Pennsylvania's hunting laws to permit gun-mounted lights for furbearer hunting and to reduce crop damage by deer will go into effect beginning September 1, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50 and member of the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee).

"Beginning on September 1, hunters will be able to use gun-mounted lights when hunting furbearers," Senator Robbins said. "These lights are not to be used for spotting the animals, but rather can only be turned on when an animal is already spotted and the hunter wants to absolutely identify the target."

Animals considered as furbearers include coyotes, foxes, bobcats, raccoons, skunks, opossums and weasels.

The gun-mounted light provision is part of Act 26 of 2007, which was recently signed into law. The new law also allows farmers to hire individuals to assist with killing deer for crop damage on their properties beginning September 1.

"The truth is deer can cause significant crop damage, especially in areas where an oversized herd is living around farms," Senator Robbins said. "This new law provides farmers with a way to protect their investments and livelihoods."

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322