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Wes Waldron AKA Muldoon 826 Kellyburg Road Trout Run, PA 17771 570-995-9208 - Home 570-220-9218 - Cell Email swmuldoon@aol.com |
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Presidents Message
By Wes Waldron
May/June 2008
With the 2008 UBP Winter Rendezvous now history, I would like to thank Committee Chairman Jeff Uschak, all committee members, and the volunteers and donors for their work and generosity at this event.Our 2009 Winter Bowhunting Festival (formerly Winter Rendezvous) Committee Chairman Fran Devlin and the members of his committee are already planning for next year’s event. Please see the announcement below for more details.
The UBP Legislative Committee and independent members have been busy on a number of legislative issues that include opposing or supporting several bills whose proposals will directly or indirectly affect bowhunters. (See the Legislative Directors report on page 8.) The UBP continues to be active in the PA Sportsman’s Coalition where, along with other member organizations, we work for the benefit of sportsman across the Commonwealth in a collective front.
In our efforts to work with members of the General Assembly, it must be noted that we see far too many instances where legislators have taken a stance on particular issues based upon provided information that circumvents or ignores the facts. In addition, more than several legislators, even when presented factual information, continue to allow their own predisposed personal beliefs to guide their decision making. A number of our members have indicated that their own legislator (Representative and/or Senator) has failed to either acknowledge their letter or email, or has as yet failed to respond to even multiple requests. Perhaps a gentle reminder to those legislators is in order. After all they are supposed to represent their constituent’s interests, they were elected by those constituents, and this is an election year.
I want to thank those members who have indicated sufficient interest in several current legislative proposals so as to contact their Representative or Senator on those issues. To those who have gone so far as to contact multiple members of the General Assembly I take my hat off to you. The only way sportsmen have of supporting or opposing proposals that will affect us is to contact our legislators, so please continue to do so.
In closing I would ask that all members peruse the UBP calendar for upcoming events, and please support them with your attendance. If you are able to help with one of the events please do so, as your efforts will be greatly appreciated.
Addressing Concerns
By Wes Waldron
April 30, 2009
The United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania is an organization dedicated to the protection, preservation, and promotion of bowhunting in Pennsylvania; and we support game management based on sound biological principals and a “resource first” philosophy. We fully recognize that not all of our members agree with some of our goals, or with some of our policies and the issues we support. Nevertheless our most recent poll indicated that 98.2% of the members responding agreed that the UBP is working for the best interests of bowhunters and the sport of bowhunting.
Most recently we have been involved in several issues on which we have received letters of complaint concerning our stance on those issues. Additionally we have received complaints that the organization is not working hard enough on several goals and issues. These complaints will now be addressed or clarified.
“The UBP is not working hard enough to prevent crossbows in the general archery season.”
The UBP stance on crossbows is; we support its use by those individuals –properly permitted – who have bona fide physical handicaps that prevent them from drawing and holding a conventional bow. We oppose the use of crossbows in the general archery season by those fully capable of drawing and holding a conventional bow.
There are currently in excess of 40,000 full time and temporary crossbow permit holders in Pennsylvania, and we fully recognize that the permit system is being abused. However our support and efforts at having a crossbow permit board of review was effectively blocked by the legislature, as well as by the lack of interest within the Pennsylvania Game Commission of having additional oversight responsibilities.
To date the UBP has successfully defeated three major pushes to legalize crossbows during the regular archery season, and all of them were proposed or supported by crossbow manufacturers, dealers, and legislators. The UBP Legislative Director (LD) and the UBP Legislative Committee (LC) have and continue to face the crossbow issue. Our method of operation primarily entails working behind the scenes in the Capitol and at the Pennsylvania Game Commission, and with other organizations. The UBP’s success to date must be recognized, and it must also be recognized that the method which the LD & LC utilize in defending against crossbow encroachment works! At least five states have seen crossbows initiated into their archery season during the period where we defeated it in our own.
What the UBP has also discovered is that an overly aggressive approach seems to be a catalyst for crossbow assaults, and at this time that method is not recommended by the Legislative Director, or the Legislative Committee.
“The UBP is not working hard enough to secure additional opportunity.”
The UBP is always engaged in efforts to obtain additional opportunity. The recently acquired archery bear season, and the addition of one-half hour after sunset are prime examples. We regularly talk with PGC Wildlife Management staff concerning this goal, but beyond this the going gets tough. For despite some PGC deer biologists freely stating that a three-month archery deer season would not adversely affect the resource, it is not likely to happen anytime soon.
The major opposition to additional bowhunting opportunity of any length is quite simply in the General Assembly. Bowhunting legislators are harder to find that hair on a frog and those that hunt deer do so almost exclusively with a firearm. There is a prevalent feeling in the General Assembly that bowhunters already have sufficient time, and inordinately more than do rifle hunters. There is also the misconception with some that bowhunters kill a majority of the big bucks before the firearms season. But the big downside to getting more time goes to the previously addressed issue – crossbows.
From past experience we have learned that as soon as the talk about increased archery opportunity arose it was followed closely by a proposal to include crossbows. The most recent example was the recently acquired archery bear opportunity, where a certain legislator quickly proposed that it include crossbows. Luckily, at least for the time being, and since it was a completely new season, PGC Wild Life Management decided to limit the season to conventional bows. However once the three-year period of initial data collection is over we can expect the push again, and especially if additional opportunity is possible.
Please be assured that the UBP holds the additional opportunity goal as one of priority, and that hardly a PGC Meeting goes by without the Legislative Director asking for it during our testimony. It does not make front page news, and we do not try to make it such, because there is a definite downside to such requests as one soon learns after any such opportunity comes under consideration.
“The UBP “blindly” supports the Pennsylvania Game Commission.”
Personally I believe that this accusation is merely borne of the frustration that our members and former members feel when the UBP supports an issue that they oppose. While it is true that we very often support PGC issues it must be recognized that several guidelines must be met before UBP support is given, which is either majority membership approval, as required by our “resource first” policy in our mission statement, or by other recorded UBP policy.
Several cases in point are our opposition to the legalization of turkey dogs and the atl-atl, two items which several of our officers myself included, did not have a problem. However the majority of our members felt otherwise and indicated resoundingly so by Focus Group poll, email, snail mail and phone calls. The result being the UBP was the only major sportsmen's group in the state to present an opposition to the PGC proposal to legalize turkey dogs, and only one of several to oppose the atl-atl. We are also currently opposing the Stony Valley Land Use by Fort Indiantown Gap a proposal the PGC wont even discuss with any sportsmen's organizations.
The fact is that if a PGC proposal is backed by science and biology and provides a positive effect to our wildlife and habitat resources, we support it as an organization. Beyond that, as in the case of the aforementioned issues, the majority of our members establish the UBP position.
Now what I am about to write may well create some bad feelings, but rest assured it is not aimed at anyone in particular, or with any malice of forethought. It is simply an encouragement to members who feel that the UBP is not serving their best interests or those of the members and bowhunters of the Commonwealth. Any member feeling thusly is welcome to, nay urged, to run for office and direct their energy toward making the UBP what they believe it should be, as well as what it should represent.
While I firmly believe that all of the officers who have helped guide this organization for the last 21 years have had the best interests of the sport and its participants in mind, perhaps there is now a majority who feel this is no longer true. If such is the case then please let us know, because speaking for myself I would rather relinquish my position and retire than in any way sully or destroy what this organization's founders intended the UBP to become. A organization that serves in the best interests of bowhunters, bowhunting, and the wildlife and habitat resources of Pennsylvania.
Wes Waldron, President
Presidents Message
By Wes Waldron
March/April 2008
It has been but a few hours since the conclusion of the PGC Annual Seasons & Bag Limits Meeting (S&BL); and, after spending that time returning from the UBP Legislative Committee’s attendance, I offer the following. My message will be lengthy as it will also include a legislative report. Several issues, not on the Seasons & Bag Limits agenda, arose or otherwise presented themselves while we (the legislative committee) were at the meeting. These required the immediate and involved attention of UBP Legislative Director Ed Wentzler, so I have relieved him of the responsibility of providing a report.
I will begin by telling you that the UBP was given time at the podium during Monday’s session of the S&BL meeting to present the UBP Primitive Arrow Award to PGC WCO/Land Manager Dave Mitchell, and a custom Ed Wentzler art print to WCO Matt Teehan. Both men are from the PGC Southeast Region and were directly responsible for convincing the Lehigh County Board of Commissioners to sign up the Trexler Nature Preserve in a public access program. Their efforts resulted in the opening of Trexler’s 500 acre north range to bowhunting opportunity. Please see the full story and accompanying photographs in PA Bowhunting.
The UBP Annual Meeting was held on January 17, 2008 at Gallitzin Sportsmen’s Association in Gallitzin. The roll call found all board members, the vice president, recording secretary, office manager, treasurer, two regional directors, one county rep, two members and I in attendance. Nevertheless, it would have been better to see additional regional directors, reps, and members also in attendance. I would like to thank the Gallitzin Sportsmen for their warm hospitality and the excellent lunch they provided. A copy of the minutes of the meeting is included in this issue.
All members are reminded of our upcoming Winter Rendezvous at the Ramada Inn in Altoona on March 8 and 9, 2008. It is our major fundraiser of the year and we depend heavily upon this event to produce the funds necessary to the organization. If you are unable or do not plan on attending the WR, please consider a monetary donation.
With deer hunting concluded for the season, many of us are no doubt already looking forward to the 2008-09 season, and those really dedicated bowhunters have no doubt already begun winter scouting to determine possible future hunting locations. I have seen and heard of many trail-cam pictures already taken of deer which have eluded this year’s hunting efforts, and many were really fine bucks. Despite the negative feedback it appears that there is no shortage of Odocoileus virginianus for those willing to put in the effort, and the spring fawn drop will most certainly increase the over-winter population.
We encourage the members to read the announcement of UBP elections and call for candidates in PA Bowhunting. Please consider becoming a candidate for one of the open elected positions. Additionally, we can always use new people on several of our standing committees. Anyone with an interest in becoming more involved with the organization should contact our office manager for a list of openings and responsibilities. This organization, like any other, must see the infusion of new blood in order to survive and prosper. It may not take as much of your time as you may think, and remember that none of us are professionals, or in any way overly endowed with any special skills, other than our desire to become involved and preserve, protect and promote the sport of bowhunting in Pennsylvania.
Legislative Report
( Webmaster's
note: Ed Wentzler's January '08 Testimony can be found by clicking here
)
The 2008 PGC Seasons & Bag Limits Meeting provided a few surprises, as well as fulfilling a couple of expectations. One of the major surprises, and contrary to what some outdoor writers indicated, was the low number of individuals who addressed the Board of Commissioners with “no deer” complaints. The highlight testimony was, without a doubt, the man who hunted in Potter County. He indicated that while he saw not one deer during the archery season, his trail cameras told another story, as they produced 127 photos of deer that included some really fine bucks. He went on to say that in order for him to attain any kind of success in the last several years, he had to change from the way he had hunted in the past.
History was also set at this meeting when Commissioner Roxane Palone, Southwest Region, was elected as President of the Board of Commissioners. While not the first woman to be appointed as a PGC Commissioner, she is the first to be elected as board president, and in November of this year will be the first woman PGC Commissioner to serve a full eight year term. Southeast Region Commissioner Greg Isabella was elected Vice President and Northeast Region Commissioner James J. Delaney was elected board secretary
More than a few individuals, and all but one sportsmen’s organization, expressed their support for a hunting license increase. Representative David Levdansky addressed the commissioners and indicated that he is continuing his efforts to secure a 1% share of the PA Sales Tax with which to provide alternative funding to the PGC, as well as to the PA Fish & Boat Commission. He also indicated that the House of Representatives is moving along toward an audit of PGC white-tailed deer management practices. This audit is welcomed and supported by nearly all of the Commonwealth’s sportsmen’s groups who are confident that the results will no doubt put to rest continuing accusations of mismanagement. That is if the focus of the independent audit is limited to the examination of the science and biology of management practice, and does not include social factors. And, of course, the audit itself should and must be conducted by an unbiased and professional contractor, and preferably one from beyond the borders of Pennsylvania.
Representative Levdansky also indicated that perhaps the Agency should consider restructuring several Wildlife Management Units in regard to deer populations and habitat factors. Several other individuals also mentioned this during their turn at the podium; and, in fact, several of the commissioners made similar suggestions. Cal Dubrock, Director of the PGC Bureau of Wildlife Management (BWM), agreed with this assessment and, in fact, indicated that this was currently being looked at in several WMU’s.
Preliminary seasons and bag limits for the 2008-2009 deer seasons included only a few changes, with the most notable being in WMU 2D, 2G, 3C and 4B, where the twelve day general firearms season will be limited to bucks only for the first five days (Dec. 1 to Dec. 5) with concurrent antlered/antlerless hunting to begin on December 6 and continue for the remaining seven days of the season. This proposal is ostensibly for the purposes of a harvest and hunting study, and per an amendment, will continue for a four year period. Final adoption will be considered at the April 21, 22, 2008 meeting of the Commission.
As a proposal with the stated intent of securing biological and scientific data the UBP would have to ignore our resource first policy in order to oppose it. Nevertheless it does have the downside of the loss of opportunity for junior hunters who would not be allowed to shoot antlerless deer during the first five days of the season. If any member would like to weigh in on this proposal please send an email to Legislative Director Ed Wentzler edatlostarts@aol.com simply stating if you oppose or support the proposal. If you do support the proposed regulation, but feel that junior hunters should be exempt and allowed to shoot antlerless deer during those first five days, please indicate this on your response as well.
The only other preliminary change of note was the addition of three days of antlerless deer hunting in WMU 2B, 5C & 5D where the dates, as amended and if approved in April, will run from December 15 to December 23, 2008. These dates include bow and arrow, crossbow and firearm in those WMU’s.
Preliminary approval was given to remove WMU 3D from the extended bear season in 3D and 4C from December 3 to December 6, 2008, and to add WMU 4D and 4E. Bear harvest numbers have been steadily declining in 3D for several years, and there are concerns that the population is being impacted.
Although no changes were made to turkey season dates, the commissioners did give final approval to the elimination of the fluorescent orange requirement for spring gobbler hunting. Quite naturally, the suggestion is for hunters to continue to wear it, but it will no longer be mandatory. Rest assured that the Agency will be keeping a close watch of this season, and any increase in the number of incidents involving accidental shootings will likely result in a return to mandatory wearing of fluorescent orange.
While certainly not an issue near and dear to the hearts of many bowhunters, the proposal to allow the use of dogs to pursue, chase, scatter and track wild turkeys during the fall turkey season has received preliminary approval from the commissioners. Governor Rendell’s signing of Senate Bill 580 effectively amended 58 PA Code to create the exception against using dogs to pursue wild turkey. The commissioners gave final adoption to the amendment that changes the current date for over-the-counter sales of unlimited antlerless licenses from the third Monday in September, to the second Monday in September. This will allow the County Treasurers to begin accepting and processing antlerless deer applications prior to the opening day of the new archery season in WMU 2B, 2C and 5D.
Preliminary changes to the bobcat permits include acceptance of non-resident applications and a different model for providing permits to applicants with accumulated preference points. Under the current random selection system it is possible for applicants to accumulate preference points and never be selected to receive a permit. Under the new model, an accumulation of six or seven preference points would result in 100-350 permits guaranteed during a given year, with the remaining permits allocated by random drawing. Also, the Agency is considering the addition of WMU 4D to the bobcat harvest area.
Preliminary changes to the elk season included the elimination of the September hunt in Zone One due to the low number of harvests. While the recommendations of the Bureau of Wildlife Management called for 40 permits (15 bull and 25 cows) for the 2008 season, the commissioners amended this to include an additional five (5) permits. The breakdown of the additional five permits as to sex was left up to the BWM, and will likely be announced at the April meeting.
All preliminary approvals are subject to the 90-day review policy, and final adoption, amendment, or changes will be addressed at the April 2008 meeting.
Some interesting data that came out of the January meeting included that Pennsylvania leads the country in the number of man-days hunting at 17, 000,000. Current estimated population of Pennsylvania elk is 700, and hunters have experienced a 93% harvest rate on bulls and a 74% harvest rate on cows. In the last 30-years, the PGC has handled over 81,000 bear, and is currently collaring an average of 585-600 per year. Fifty percent of the yearly bobcat harvest occurs during the week after Christmas. The population of fishers is growing and their range is expanding. There have been 130 reported road killed fishers so far, and 950 were caught and released in 2007. Biologists feel that a fisher trapping season might be possible as early as 2009. The current estimated wild turkey population is 325,000, and there are currently 50 gobbler per region of the state that have been banded, or 300 statewide, and each band will garner the lucky hunter $100 for its return to the PGC.
UBP President’s Message
Jan/Feb 2008
Wes Waldron
At the time my message is being written the firearms season for deer will begin in two days with the extended archery/flintlock season still to come. From the reports I have heard and, including large mature bucks, were taken across the state, but overall a lack of mast, wild apples and cherry along with unseasonable warm temperatures once again resulted in many unfilled tags, primarily in the northern half of the state. Despite the addition of the one-half hour after sunset, many bowhunters found that feeding and pre-rut activity took place long after shooting light had vanished.
Mother Nature was no kinder to those who participated in the two-day archery only bear season. As in the 2006 season, the first day provided good weather almost statewide; however, rain moved in late in the afternoon and continued throughout the second day. I have yet to hear a report from Elmerton Avenue on the harvest statistics, but suffice it to say that it is unlikely it will exceed that of the number taken in last year’s hunt. The fact that the weather has not cooperated in the first two seasons may well make it difficult for the PGC Bear Management Team to recommend any changes at the culmination of three years of data collection. The UBP Archery Bear Committee will of course meet with Bureau of Wildlife Management staff sometime after the April 2008 Commissioner’s meeting to discuss the latest harvest results, and try to get an idea as to what archery bear hunters can expect for future seasons.
With the advent of another year, I must point out that this organization needs the support of its membership to survive. Please ask your non-member bowhunting friends and relatives to join and help support our efforts. And please give serious consideration to stepping forward to help man UBP booths and shoots, as well as consider serving as a county rep, regional director, or as a member of the board of directors. The UBP also asks that our members patronize those organizations, clubs and businesses that support us. Their names can be found throughout the newsletter in advertisements and in the club and sponsor list. They have committed to supporting bowhunting in Pennsylvania and this organization’s efforts to preserve, protect, and promote the sport we love, so let’s also support them.
I would like to thank all those who have served the UBP during the past year. Whether as an elected official, regional director, county rep, committee member or as a member who took some time to work a booth or shoot, your contributions, no matter how large or small, are greatly appreciated and are what keep the UBP going.
UBP Presidents Message
November/December 2007
I am writing this message having just returned from the October PGC Commissioners Meeting while our legislative director is no doubt extracting a selection of piscatorial denizens from the salty waters along the Outer Banks. For this reason your president delivered the UBP testimony at the aforementioned meeting. Very few decisions at that meeting will have any real direct affect on the bowhunters of the Commonwealth. That is with the exception of those who take advantage of the early and late additional opportunity for white-tailed deer in WMU 2B, 5C and 5D, or those who choose to hunt spring gobblers with the bow.
Approval was given by the commissioners to move the over-the-counter application for antlerless deer licenses from the current third Monday in September to the second Monday in September. This change should allow the county treasurers sufficient time to process and issue over-the-counter antlerless licenses prior to the opening day of the early archery season. While those who choose to mail their applications may wonder if a problem with late delivery may still exist, it must be pointed out that the percentage of late arrivals this past September was quite low and primarily attributed to the absence of the words “EARLY SEASON” being included on the envelope containing the application. This was no doubt due to the “word” not getting out that this would speed the process.
Members who prefer to hunt with their bows during the spring turkey season should have heard by now that the commissioners approved the elimination of the fluorescent orange requirements for that season. Nevertheless the commission continues to recommend that hunters continue to wear orange, and the agency will be keeping a close eye on the number of hunting related shooting incidents (HRSI) during that season. Should HRSI’s significantly increase during the spring, one can reasonably expect that the regulation will once again be reinstated.
A number of our county reps, several regional directors along with some help from dedicated members have manned several successful booths and benefit shoots this past summer, and I would like to thank them for their efforts. In addition, I want to say a collective thanks to the club and business sponsors who have also gone the distance to support this organization. All of those efforts are greatly appreciated and the dedication to the UBP and the sport of bowhunting is admirable.
Please make a notation on your calendars for the UBP Annual Meeting being held at Gallitzin Sportsman’s on Sunday, January 13, 2008. This is our open membership meeting and we will be voting on several changes to the bylaws. Also, mark March 8 and 9, 2008 as the dates for the UBP Winter Rendezvous at the Ramada Inn in Altoona.
I close with congratulations to all of you who have filled a tag, and the best of luck for the rest of us who are still looking to do so. As always, pick a spot, shoot straight, and hunt safely.
President’s Message
September/October 2007
As I write this quarter’s message, the UBP Family Campout Shoot Committee is preparing for this year’s annual event. And by the time you read this, the seventh annual membership shoot and family get-together will be history. If you attended thank you, and if you did not – well talk to those who did and plan to join us in 2008. Also by the time you read this some of you may already be taking advantage of the newest archery opportunity by participating in the September 15 to 28 bowhunting seasons in WMU 2B, 5C and 5D. And remember this same opportunity will start again on November 12 and run until November 24 in the same areas. Coupled with the ½ hour after sunset hunting hour’s extension, bowhunters have made some sweet gains this year. See Board Member Jen Sager’s article on Page __ for a list of what the UBP has helped to bring about.
One thing that has not changed is a hunting license increase. The members of the House Game & Fisheries Committee continued to ignore the science of deer management in favor of social complaints, and one might suspect perhaps to also reinforce their control over the agency. For whichever reason, it would appear that service to the public, our forests, and 466 other game and non-game species under PGC management mandates would continue to be adversely affected. The only ray of sunshine to permeate this gloomy climate appears to be Representative David Levdansky. As the replacement for a former majority member of HG&F, Representative Levdansky is pursuing one of his long term goals of seeking alternative funding for both the PGC and the PA Fish & Boat Commission. Read more about this in the article on Page___.
By now most of you should be aware that your President – as a replacement for the then vacationing Legislative Director – testified at the House Game & Fisheries Committee hearing on House Bill 251. Introduced by Representative Godshall, this bill was prompted by baiting citations issued at several large hunting clubs in Lycoming County during the 2006/2007 big game hunting season. Claiming that the current baiting/feeding laws lacked clarity, Rep. Godshall and 20 other sponsoring members of the House signed on to the bill. In effect, the bill will do nothing but allow hunting as close as 151 yards from a feeding area, as well as allow hunters to travel through that area during the season. The language of HB 251 does nothing to combat or prevent baiting, and in fact the “150-yard from any feeding area” can be viewed as little more than one which increases the opportunity to take advantage of the feeding area in order to take game.
During the testimony both the UBP and the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsman’s Clubs suggested the elimination of feeding altogether from 30-days prior to, and until the end of, any big game season. This seemed to be the best and easiest method to eliminate the potential for baiting, as well as the need for clarification of the laws. If any supplemental feed remains out there after that time period it is baiting, clear and simple. Several of the HG&FC members asked if this would be supported by hunters, which was the impetus for a UBP Focus Group poll to test the waters. We posed two questions to the focus group members. Would they support the elimination of supplemental feeding during the time period above, and do they support baiting during archery season statewide? At the time of this article, there are still several weeks remaining until the poll deadline. However, early returns indicate that 72% favor eliminating feeding during the 30-days prior to, and until the end of, any big game season. So far 78% oppose statewide baiting during archery season. A full report on the results of the poll will be made available once the August 25 deadline for response has passed.
I would like to thank all of our Club Sponsors who have, or will hold, UBP benefit shoots in 2007. And special thanks to all UBP Members, who have instructed PGC Bowhunter Education classes, and to another successful UBP Deer Tour. And of course, thanks to all the County Reps, Regional Directors and every one of our members for the part they play in supporting this organization.
Alternative Funding – Humbug or Hooray
Let’s get right to the lick-log on this, as it is recognized that the suggestion of alternative funding for the PGC may be supported by some; however, it is also opposed by others. While those who support some type of alternative funding for our game agency do in fact recognize the need, those who oppose it do so for one primary reason. They quite simply believe that hunting license buyers will somehow have less of a say, in regard to how wildlife and the lands that sportsmen’s tax dollars have purchased, are managed.
Although the possibility of non-hunter influence cannot be discounted, we have to concede to several irrefutable facts; not the least of which is the decline of the hunting license buyer. Add to this the low percentage in hunter recruitment, and it does not take a genius to see that overall the ranks of hunters will continue to dwindle. While even the experts do not predict a total loss of hunters in the foreseeable future, what they do see is a reduced public interest to participate that is likely to halve the present number of license buyers in the next forty to fifty years. Unfortunately, the financial loss to the PGC created by such a reduction cannot be offset by increases in the hunting license fee alone. Hunters balk at a small percentage increase on just the back tag every seven to ten years, so consider for a moment an increase that would be necessary to produce a viable yearly PGC budget from only three quarters or half the number of hunters we currently have.
There are those who say that combining the PGC and PF&BC under DCNR would eliminate, among other things, the financial problems of both agencies; however, the majority of sportsmen have spoken loudly and clearly in opposition to that suggestion. So in order for both agencies to continue to operate independently one thing is abundantly apparent, and that is they must have sufficient funds. Be that as it may, it would appear that while hunters want the PGC to remain independent, they do not seem willing to support it with a license increase. However, neither do they seem to favor alternative funding, and basically for the aforementioned reason. The ever-present fear is that non-hunters will gain influence over that of hunters when it comes to the management of public lands, as well as with the game and wildlife.
Well let’s wake up people because this has already happened. Not without warning, as hunters have had plenty of that over the last seventy or more years. Wildlife biologists, wildlife managers, conservationists, and our own Game Commission have advised hunters since the 1920’s that our deer population was too large, and that they were destroying the very habitat they depended upon for survival. The very far thinkers in those positions predicted that, if the hunters were not willing to control the problem themselves, that the non-hunting public would become involved. They did - and since they represented 80% of the state’s population compared to the 10% of hunters, it was one of the primary reasons we now have a deer management program designed to reduce deer numbers. So if you fear non-hunter involvement in the affairs of managing wildlife and public lands, lose that fear because it has already taken place and it is not going to change. Hunters had their chance and chose to ignore it, so we must now accept that non-hunting eyes will continue to observe every facet of everything we do, and will continue to influence wildlife and habitat management.
Many hunters continue to fight to preserve outdated wildlife and habitat management ideas, as well as their own petty personal desires and uneducated philosophies. Better we should consider working with those who, while they may not hunt, still maintain an appreciation and concern for the wildlife and the habitat that often rivals those of the hunters themselves. And while hunters can still be expected to provide the bulk of PGC operating funds via license and permit fees, we should welcome alternative funding as a means to maintain the affordability of those licenses and permits.
Representative David Levdansky recently introduced House Bill 1676, which if passed will provide approximately $10 million dollars per year to the PGC, as well as $5 million dollars per year to the PF&BC. Those respective amounts would be derived from a 0.00116% and 0.00058% cut of the Pennsylvania sales and use revenue tax. At present, only eight sponsors have signed on in support of this bill. With the handwriting on the wall for an exponential loss of hunting license buyers, and with little indication of a comparable increase in hunter recruitment, common sense dictates that alternative funding must be obtained. And despite the misgivings of sportsmen, the time has arrived where they need to face reality. If we do indeed want to see the PGC remain an independent agency, and we do want to see the restoration, continuation, and expansion of hunter/public service, then we had better support both a license increase and alternative funding. I would therefore suggest that each of you contact your Representative and ask them to sign on in support of House Bill 1676.
As sportsmen, hunters, and individuals who must recognize the value of all of our wildlife and habitat resources, we have far too much to lose if we allow our wildlife management agency to founder financially.
Presidents Message
July, 2007
I must begin my message by thanking our newsletter staff for
the recently revised format of Pennsylvania Bowhunting. All comments
received to date have been positive, and the professional appearance of
the new format cannot be denied.
For those who submitted articles that did not get included in the
last issue, look for them in this issue. We are expanding our format
to include more pages.
My next round of thanks goes out to all the members who helped at the P&Y Convention. As the host organization, the UBP received tremendous accolades from the P&Y officers, staff, and attendees, as to the trophy set-up, UBP hospitality, security, and travel assistance. This organization can take much pride in a job well done.
Now to much more serious issues, which include the PGC being in even worse financial trouble, and the House of Representatives in an apparently out of control condition. With one piece of proposed legislation after another coming out of the House, and with many of them directed at further restricting the PGC and our personal firearm’s freedoms, it is little wonder that the true agenda of many house members is in question.
With deer management at the head of the list of apparent legislative concerns, one still has to ask themselves if bills such as HB 1214 (PGC Commissioner term limits) are not retaliation due to the PGC Commissioners’ decision to following the best available science and biology of deer management? As opposed to any actual need based upon logical and viable reasoning. Like many of the detractors of the current deer management plan, it would appear that few representatives understand why Pennsylvania’s deer herd has to be reduced. And it also seems apparent that few, if any, of them are willing to take the time to be educated to the facts. They choose instead to hold a hunting license increase hostage over a single issue, while at the same time jeopardizing the PGC mandate of managing the remaining 466 species of wildlife, and the habitat, under their auspices.
It would behoove our legislators, and especially those sitting on the House Game & Fisheries Committee, to attend habitat tours of DCNR and State Game Lands. With a little education from biologists and wildlife managers accompanying them on those tours, perhaps the knowledge gained would provide them a clearer understanding of the need for the current white-tailed deer management plan. In light of their current position on a hunting license increase – not to mention their professed reasons for opposition- one can hardly imagine why they would ignore the opportunity to acquire the facts. Unless, of course, there are hidden agendas and ulterior motives that would preclude any desire to face those facts.
Whether or not you agree with the current deer management plan, you must recognize that the PGC does more than manage white-tailed deer. And be advised that the plan is herd reduction not elimination, as there are many more deer currently existing in Pennsylvania than there were in the 1600’s when Europeans arrived. Be that as it may, and despite your individual position on this matter, none of us can afford to stand by and watch the agency that our forefathers created and supported, go broke - the agency that has managed and protected our wildlife species for over 100 years.
You have a voice, and in the current situation, it would be wise for each of us to use that voice by writing or calling your respective representatives and senators. Tell them that our game agency needs a license increase. Failing to support at least this issue should make each of us look into the mirror and ask what we stand to lose if the PGC goes belly-up.
Presidents Message
May, 2007
Having just returned from the Governor’s Outdoor Conference in State College, I will give a brief report on the event. The GOC was billed as a means to strengthen and reconnect the fading bond between Pennsylvania natural resources and the outdoors and its citizens. And while funding for the event came primarily from sources such as the Richard King Mellon Foundation, The Heinz Endowments, Capitol Blue Cross to name a few, several hundred thousand dollars of taxpayer money was also required.
Held at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center on March 18, 19 and 20, 2007, the event included three open panel discussions and nine simultaneous sessions that began after the panel discussions were completed. The panels were heavily seated with academic professionals representing communications, education, responsive management, tourism, health, parks and recreation, journalism, urban programming, and natural resource management. And oh yes, there was one wildlife management consultant and a member of the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation.
And in regard to the last two panelists I must offer my sincere thanks, for were it not for Dr. Gary Alt and GYAC Chair Erin Barnes the word “hunting” would not likely have been heard during any of the panel discussions. In my opinion, the bulk of the academics on the panels, as well as a majority of those who attended, appeared quite biased when it came to hunting. In fact, with the exception of the Education Outreach representative from Pheasants Forever/Quail Forever, any reference to the H-word was all too frequently avoided or termed as “gaming.”
As with all attendees, I was given the opportunity to attend three of the simultaneous session of my choice. The first – Hunting’s Future – was a refreshing change from the format and direction of the panel discussions. Of course the bottom line of that round was funding – without which no program of hunter and youth education, wildlife management, habitat enhancement, or hunter services can be devised or implemented. The next session was – Managing Competing Uses – during which motorized recreation on public lands dominated the discussion. And the final session I attended was – Getting the Word Out – the focus of which was developing and expanding the methods, tools and opportunities by which state, local and non-governmental agencies inform the public about Pennsylvania’s outdoor opportunities.
Whether or not this conference will produce positive results cannot be known at this time, and only the future will indicate its worth. However, it fully appeared to many of those in attendance that the goal of the conference had little to do with the promotion and preservation of our hunting heritage. The sole objective seemed to be how to incorporate minorities into the outdoor experiences of hiking, swimming, bicycling, and wildlife viewing. Not in all an undesirable or ignoble goal, but neither is it one that has shown positive results in the past. And while wildlife viewing, hiking, mountain biking, and motorized recreation have each shown increased participation in the past decade, hunting recreation continues to decrease. So how can the current administration justify providing funds for professional ice hockey stadiums and conferences to promote outdoor recreation, but ignore 467 species of wildlife, the habitat they need to survive, and the agency that is responsible for both?
In order to make the deadline for this month’s newsletter, neither our legislative director nor I will be able to report on the April meeting of the PGC Board of Commissioners. This years April meeting was scheduled on the 17th and 18th of the month – a bit later than usual – and also diverted from the norm by being held on Tuesday and Wednesday, as opposed to the usual Monday and Tuesday schedule. However, it is somewhat comforting to know that several of our faithful members will no doubt be posting the results on several internet sites.
A round of thanks is due to the UBP Winter Rendezvous Committee for once again bringing off another successful event. Additionally, the UBP is grateful for the members who attended to support this organizations primary fundraiser, and to the young people from the Governor's Youth Advisory Council who provided invaluable assistance during the event, and of course we cannot forget our donors. Please give them the utmost consideration when you think about purchasing products they sell or the services they provide.
Presidents Message
March-April 2007
Wes Waldron
Having just returned from the PGC Annual Seasons and Bag Limits meeting, I am frantically penning updates to my message. I am happy to report that the PGC commissioners, in a 4-2 vote, gave tentative approval to the one-half hour after sunset hunting extension. The response by our members to the phone request for calls of support was fantastic, and was duly noted by PGC Staff. A total of 334 members called the agency, with 265 of them supporting the issue, 17 in opposition, and 52 requesting ½ hour for archery only. Please be advised that the final vote on this issue will take place at the April 17–18, 2007 meeting, so additional phone calls, emails, and letters are suggested.
The PGC Board of Commissioners also gave tentative approval to extended archery opportunity in WMU 2B, 5C and 5D, an opportunity that the UBP has long requested. An archery bear season for the 2007-08 season was recommended by the PGC Bureau of Wildlife Management and also tentatively approved by the commissioners. With Pennsylvania’s archery season still being one of the shortest of any of the states that have archery season, we will continue to request additional time for bow hunters. This is something that UBP legislative directors have been doing for over 20 years, and our current legislative director and the members of the legislative committee continue our work in that regard. To be sure we have made some gains, but in the eyes of many bowhunters we have a long way to go. Nevertheless, one must recognize that we have progressed from a season once measured in days, to one now measured in weeks. With continued support from our membership, perhaps we will yet see that measurement go the next level…months.
The foremost challenge for all Pennsylvania sportsmen continues to be the funding needs of the PGC, and unfortunately the same obstacles remain, namely discouraged sportsmen and recalcitrant legislators. However, I see little chance that the license increase issue will move any closer to fruition until both of the aforementioned become willing to face the facts and reality of sound scientific white-tailed deer and habitat management. The truly concerned sportsman and conservationist needs to recognize that in addition to white-tailed deer, the PGC is responsible for managing an additional 466 species within the Commonwealth. It has also come to our attention that those who do support the increase are apparently not informing their legislators of that support.
The results of the recently completed UBP membership poll indicate a majority of the membership remains supportive of the current direction of this organization. A number of members included questions, comments, observations, and suggestions with their poll responses, and yes there were a few complaints. And we have attempted to respond to each one with a written reply; however, there remain several for which we were unable to supply a response. Please see the full results of the poll further on in the newsletter.
One thing about the poll that really excited me was the number of members who indicated interest in serving on committees, becoming a county rep or regional director, and even running for an elected position. Hopefully, the election announcement in this issue of the newsletter will prompt them to toss their hats in the ring.
Thirty-five members attended the UBP Annual Meeting at Hemlock Archers on January 14; however, the number of county reps and regional directors in attendance was disappointedly low. We encourage an increase in attendance at future meetings so that any communication gaps can be narrowed, and the opportunity to offer suggestions, criticism - and hopefully some solutions to existing problems – may be heard. It must be recognized that every county rep and regional director who did attend provided welcome and useful input, as did several of the attending members.
By the time you read this message, the 2007 Winter Rendezvous will be history; however, the P&Y 2007 Biennium Convention at the Lancaster Host Inn will take place April 26-28, 2007. This is only the second time this event has been held east of the Mississippi River in the event’s 50-year history, and the United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania is proud to be the host. Please try to attend, and if you can help any of the event committees please let give our Office Manager Art Keefer a call at 800-279-2024.
In addition, the UBP Disabled Hunters Banquet will take place on April 21, 2007 at C. J. Hummel’s Restaurant in Lenhartsville. Hopefully by now the tickets are sold out, and I will therefore thank all who are attending, providing donations, and most especially to those who will be assisting. The UBP/DHP is one of this organization’s most successful endeavors, in terms of our image and more importantly for the opportunity it provides to those less physically able than most of us. Chairman Ernie Kramer and his dedicated staff deserve the thanks and support of every member of this organization for what they have created and continue to expand.
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