Pennsylvania Game News - December 2017 - 47

SEPTEMBER COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Four electronic devices OK'd for hunting
The Pennsylvania Board of Game
Commissioners on Sept. 26 gave final
approval to a measure that makes four
additional electronic devices lawful to use
while hunting.
The new devices become legal to use
once the adopted regulation is published
in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, which takes
six to eight weeks from the date of the
vote.
The Game Commission was to issue
a news release and post the news on its
website when the devices become lawful.
The devices approved in September
are electronic decoys used in hunting
waterfowl; electronic dove decoys used
solely for hunting doves; electronically
heated scent or lure dispensers; and
electronic devices that distribute ozone
gas for scent-control purposes.
Electronic devices generally are
prohibited for hunting use in Pennsylvania,
but the Game Commission over the years
has received requests to review several
specific electronic devices, and has
approved some of them for hunting use.
As part of the review process, the Game
Commission evaluates to what degree a

Other electronic devices that are
permitted for use while hunting or
trapping in Pennsylvania are:
* Firearms that use an electronic
impulse to initiate discharge of their
ammunition
* Electronic sound-amplification
devices incorporated into hearing
protection devices and completely
contained within the hunters' ear
* Electronic devices used for locating
dogs while training and hunting
* Electronic illuminating devices
affixed to the aft end of a bolt or arrow
and used solely for locating or tracking
a bolt or arrow after it is launched
* Electronic crow decoys used solely
for hunting crows
* Electronic rangefinders, including
handheld devices and those contained
within a scope or archery sight, so long
that it does not emit a beam

given device might negatively impact the
principles of resource conservation, equal
opportunity, fair chase and public safety.
In reviewing the recently approved
devices, the Game Commission identified
no negative impacts that would result from
their use.

Falconry permit exam schedule could be expanded
Those seeking falconry permits in
Pennsylvania might have additional time
in which they can take their tests.
The Pennsylvania Board of Game
Commissioners in September gave
preliminary approval to a measure that
would allow prospective falconers to
schedule and complete their required
exams at any time throughout the year.
As it is now, all exams must be
DECEMBER 2017

scheduled and completed between Jan.
1 and June 30.
The exams are administered by Game
Commission staff at regional offices.
If the change is adopted in January, all
falconry applicants will need to schedule
their exams in advance.
The board said expanding the exam
schedule would provide additional
opportunity for falconry applicants.
47
Pennsylvania Game News - December 2017

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