Pennsylvania Game News - March 2009 - 40

season may reduce the antlerless harvest, it is important to remember that the antlerless harvest is the method of meeting the population objective for a WMU and can be adjusted with the antlerless allocation,” Rosenberry said. “If fewer deer are being harvested and the population objective is not being met, then we would recommend an increase in the allocation.” Dr. Duane Diefenbach, who heads the Cooperative Research Unit, said that this study also will be using reward tags to collect deer harvest information. He said that some deer will be marked with ear tags that say “Reward” and provide a toll-free number for individuals to call to report harvest information and obtain the $100 reward. Deer wearing radio collars will not have reward tags. “Reward tags have been used on pheasants, doves and turkeys,” Diefenbach noted. “And, in these past experiences, we have not seen any increase in poaching or other illegal activity regarding reward-tagged animals. “Reward tags provide advantages to our research; including reduced cost when compared to radio collars and less bias in terms of visibility to hunters. Small ear tags on the inside of a deer’s ear will be less visible than radio collars.” “This study, like much of our work in deer management, relies on cooperation of hunters,” said Carl G. Roe. “We ask hunters to report harvested deer and return surveys that they may receive. Hunter cooperation will ensure the success of this research.” Release of captive game birds approved for SGLs HUNTERS and dog trainers may now release captive-raised/captive-bred ring-necked pheasants, bobwhite quail, chukar partridges and rock pigeons on State Game Lands for hunting or dog-training purposes. Under the executive order signed in January, releases may be done by licensed hunters or those possessing a valid dog trial permit. During the month of October, such releases will be prohibited, unless the activity is done with a valid dog trial permit. Hunters must abide by established bag limits if birds are released during established seasons for pheasants or quail, unless the activity is being conducted as part of a permitted field dog trial. Outside of the established seasons for pheasants and quail, only individuals who possess a dog training permit may release them. Commissioner Hill praised for service GAME Commissioner H. Daniel Hill III of Erie, resigned from the Board in December to focus more attention on his new position with newly elected Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper. “Being a member of the Board is no easy task,” said Game Commission executive director Carl G. Roe. “It takes up a considerable amount of 40 time. Commissioner Hill served admirably, and we appreciate the perspective he brought to the Board. “While this decision was, no doubt, a difficult one, we recognize that the demands of being a Commissioner must be balanced with a member’s work commitments and family life. We wish Commissioner Hill well, and GAME NEWS

Pennsylvania Game News - March 2009

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