Post by melody on Feb 18, 2014 21:06:55 GMT -5
House Game & Fisheries Committee
02/18/14, 1:00 p.m., Room 60 East Wing
By Jeff Cox, PLS
View the video by clicking on the link on Rep. Causer's website: www.repcauser.com/
The committee conducted an informational meeting on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2013 Annual Report.
Matt Hough, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Game Commission, described 2013 as "a busy and productive year." According to Hough, "Our success is based on the dedication and commitment of our excellent team of employees who work collectively towards the agency's mission of managing Pennsylvania's wildlife resources." He explained to committee members that based on the sex, age and kill data collected by the commission, they estimate that hunters harvested 343,110 deer during the combined deer season 2012-2013 with the antlered harvest being 133,860 and the antlerless harvest being 209,250. Hough noted that the antlered harvest was a five percent increase over the harvest in 2011-2012 while the antlerless harvest was similar to 2011-2012. He added that archery hunters were responsible for 32 percent of the total antlered deer harvest with 48 percent of the archery antlered harvest was taken by individuals using crossbows.
Hough provided an overview of the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). He said the program "continues to provide both public and private landowners a tool to control deer numbers and impacts on their properties through hunting." Hough noted that in 2012-2013 the commission approved 832 applications to enroll 1,479,477 acres in the program and approved 28,170 coupons to obtain a DMAP antlerless permit. He told lawmakers, "I think it is important to note that all DMAP permit holders are required to submit a report card regardless if they are successful or not and only 47 percent complied and reported as required by regulation." He also reported on the elk and bear harvests in the commonwealth.
Hough also provided an overview of the commission's wildlife health activities. He concentrated on chronic wasting disease (CWD) and white nose syndrome. Hough explained that based on the location of the CWD positive deer, a Disease Management Area (DMA) was established in the Adams and York Counties area. According to Hough, the commission conducted an intensive surveillance effort to determine if CWD was found in the wild or free-ranging deer herd and the results showed that CWD was not detected from deer in the wild. He pointed out CWD was confirmed in three hunter killed deer in Blair and Bedford Counties and a second DMA was established. Hough also discussed the issue of white nose syndrome (WNS) in bats and how it threatens the most common cave dwelling bat species in Pennsylvania. He noted that white nose syndrome has affected sites in 32 of 67 counties at the end of the 2012-2013 hibernation season. Hough pointed out the commission is leading a federally supported response and is involved in the development of several sections of the White Nose Syndrome National Plan and its implementation. He cautioned, "Sadly, despite a national effort, no effective treatment, either natural or pharmaceutical, has been indentified for white nose syndrome to date."
Hough went on to discuss the commission's information and education initiatives; wildlife law enforcement; land management efforts; and land acquisitions.
Rep. Kula wanted to know how the data gained by the computerized point of sale has helped the commission and if there are any efforts underway that could result in significant insight into the opinions of the hunters. Hough responded that the system has provided the commission with information that they never had in the past. He said the commission can now go on to a computer and pull out names and addresses and all the information needed to do surveys. Hough added, "It has helped us tremendously." Rep. Kula then asked about what is done with the information from the surveys especially from hunters. Hough said the commission did a survey on deer numbers which not only included deer hunters but all citizens of the Commonwealth. He explained that the question was asked if the deer numbers in Pennsylvania are too high, too low or about right. According to Hough, 57 percent said the deer numbers were about right; 20 percent said the deer numbers were too low; and 18 percent said the numbers were too high. Rep. Kula commented, "That 20 percent must have come from my district." She added that she receives telephone calls and letters from hunters who do not feel they are being listened to by the commission. Rep. Kula cautioned that the money is being lost because hunters are longer applying for hunting licenses.
Rep. Moul asked about the DMAP program and wanted to know about the 47 percent complying with the mandatory reporting requirement. He asked if the commission will be renewing the DMAP permits to those who have not complied. Hough responded, "Yes, we will." Rep. Moul then asked what can be done to encourage better reporting under the program. Hough explained that under the regulations reporting is mandatory and a permit holder has to report whether or not they were successful. He noted the reporting rates are decreasing statewide. Hough commented, "It is a very difficult thing to do." He said the commission has tried to improve the numbers by giving permit holders various options including mailing, calling it in via the telephone, or do it online yet they have been unable to increase the number. Rep. Moul wanted to know if the DMAP permits are something that is done by request. Hough said it is done by request and it is something the landowner wants to get done in a particular area. Rep. Moul commented that "they are asking you for a favor but they are not complying with the rules." Hough replied, "Correct."
Noting Hough's testimony that 65 licensed elk hunters harvested 52 elk, Rep. Moul asked if the remaining 13 did not get an elk for some reason. Hough said the number was low for the reporting period. Rep. Moul then discussed the CWD problem. He reported there is a five-year quarantine on one of the two farms located in Adams County. Rep. Moul pointed out that to this day there is no test for the soil to see whether it is contaminated with CWD. He asked that if there is no way to test the soil to prove there is CWD in it then how can the commission possibly know that the soil is contaminated and quarantine the soil from having deer. Hough responded that in one of the other states where they had CWD they removed all of the animals from that farm for thirteen years. According to Hough, they put the animals back into the farm and animals contracted it again.
Rep. Maloney asked Hough if he feels the sportsmen's image of the commission is positive. Hough responded that based on past surveys it is "overall, yes it is positive." He added the commission will always have detractors. Rep. Maloney argued that Title 34 "is not geared towards sportsmen." According to Rep. Maloney, wherever he goes he is hit with the lack of public relations and/or the image the commission among sportsmen. He commended the commission on its mentoring program, the archery in the schools program but spoke about complaints of bullying by law enforcement and other complaints about the commission. Rep. Maloney asked Hough if he supported the statement at the end of the report which stated, "The majority of complaints were of unprofessional officer demeanor, and one alleged the improper use of force. After full investigation none of the complaints were founded." Hough said it is his understanding that during the reporting period there was a total of ten complaints out of 200,000 enforcement contacts. He added that nine investigations were conducted and only one was sustained against an officer.
Noting Hough is only serving in an interim capacity, Rep. Emrick wanted to know the timetable for appointing a permanent executive director. Hough explained that the commission has been actively seeking a new director and completed its interviews last week. He said they will be moving forward "pretty soon." Rep. Emrick questioned why the commission polled all citizens on the topic of the deer population in Pennsylvania. Hough responded that the commission "manages wildlife for all citizens of the Commonwealth and not just hunters." Rep. Emrick asked about the impact of asking average citizens about the deer population when they do not know. Hough explained that the survey he cited was one of many conducted by the commission He added the commission is doing hunter surveys "all the time." Rep. Emrick responded that the survey does have an impact on the commission's deer management program. Hough responded, "To some extent." Rep. Emrick argued it is "against the hunters' perspective or experience."
Rep. Emrick then asked about the DMAP program. He said he is becoming a proponent of dramatically changing the reporting mechanisms. Rep. Emrick commented that there are those who have called for mandatory reporting across the board so if an individual buys a hunting license that individual reports whether or not a deer is harvested. He argued that there is no empirical data on a large scale that the commission uses for deer management. Rep. Emrick then asked why a person is given another DMAP permit when that person is not complying with the reporting requirements. He also wanted to know if there is any consequence for not reporting. Hough responded, "No, not recently." He explained that under the game and wildlife code a hunter who harvests a deer and does not report it is subject to a penalty. Rep. Emrick asked if there is a penalty for a DMAP permit holder. Hough said there is a penalty but the commission has not enforced it for ten years. Rep. Emrick asked what the penalty would be. Hough said it a $25 fine. Rep. Emrick suggested the committee consider mandatory reporting for all licenses. He said it would help with collecting accurate data about deer harvesting. Rep. Emrick noted the commission information says over 900,000 licenses were sold and 343,000 deer were harvested. He commented that based on that data one in three hunters harvested a deer. According to Rep. Emrick, if that information was taken to the gun clubs in the legislative districts the "club members would laugh." He described the past season as "the worst season I can remember in years." Rep. Emrick asked if there are any plans to change the system. Hough said the commission is always looking at changes. Regarding the 47 percent reporting under DMAP, Rep. Emrick suggested that if the commission does not do anything it will not change.
Rep. Gillespie commented that he was hoping for better news regarding WNS and he wanted to know if there is anything on the horizon to cure the disease. Hough responded, "No." He added that different things have been tried recently and they did not work. Rep. Gillespie then asked about the $3 million award from the US Department of Agriculture being used for additional incentives and habitat improvements on private lands. Bill Capouillez, Director of the Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, explained that commission spent the money on creating habitat.
Rep. Lucas asked about Hunter-Trapper education courses. He said that last spring he testified before the commission about the six hour course. Rep. Lucas wanted to know if the commission hired a new director of the program. Hough responded, "No." Rep. Lucas asked if there have been any discussions about advanced courses. According to Rep. Lucas, his sportsmen's club was only allowed to offer a six hour course. He asserted that after the six hour course they really can't answer the question about whether or not they would feel safe hunting with the person that has taken the course. Hough said it has been talked about. He explained that you call allow for additional hours but you cannot require it. Rep. Lucas expressed concern that the students are not getting the training they need.
Rep. Lucas wanted to know the impact of starting bear season on a Saturday instead of a Monday. Hough said it has worked "pretty well." He added the numbers have not really changed. Rep. Lucas asked if the commission is looking into changing the start of deer season from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hough responded, "Yes." Rep. Lucas spoke about an article he wrote about the possible change. He said the response he received was that about 65 percent of the hunters were opposed and 35 percent were for it. Rep. Lucas explained that the main reason for the opposition was tradition and second was the travel time to get to hunting lodges/camps. He suggested the commission could consider a Saturday start on a regional basis instead of statewide. Rep. Lucas also said there was a 50/50 split on Sunday hunting. He noted 90 percent of respondents said there are not enough deer in Pennsylvania.
Regarding the deer management issue, Chairman Causer noted the committee will conduct a public hearing on the subject on Wednesday, March 19. He then expressed concern the report included "very little financial information." Chairman Causer said he was looking for more specific information so the committee could do its proper oversight of the commission. He asked what financial information is provided to the commissioners. Hough said the commissioners receive any information they want and note the commission tries to be as transparent as possible. Chairman Causer wanted to know what information is provided to the commissioners. Dot Derr, the Director of the Bureau of Administration, offered an overview of what is provided to the commissioners at each of their quarterly meetings. Chairman Causer commented that additional financial information would be "helpful."
Chairman Causer then pointed out the committee held two public hearings on House Bill 1576 which he explained amends the Endangered Species Coordination Act. He commented that many legislators and others have expressed concern with the commission's actions under the Act and how those actions do not go through the same regulatory process that other agencies do. Chairman Causer pointed the commission has expressed its opposition to the legislation and asked Hough if they have any additional thoughts on the proposal. Hough said the proposals under the Act go through the commission and there is a comment period. Chairman Causer noted that Hough's predecessor argued the commission is the regulatory authority. He said the legislation provides some regulatory oversight and urged the commission to look at it again.
Chairman Causer expressed concern with the amount of acreage the commission has been acquiring. He said when the land is acquired it goes off the local tax rolls which is a major concern in some of the rural counties. Chairman Causer commented, "It appears the Game Commission is becoming a land baron agency." He also noted Title 34 limits the amount of money the commission may pay for land acquisition and he wanted to know the process for acquiring the land. Hough said the moneys come from various escrow accounts and offered an overview of the process. Chairman Causer reiterated his belief the commission is side-stepping Title 34. He requested more information on the escrow accounts. He also pointed out the commission receives land donations from land conservancies and others and questioned where those groups get their money.
Chairman Haluska asked if the commission is at its full complement. Hough said they have seven vacancies. Chairman Haluska then asked about the number of deputies. Hough responded that there are 351 statewide and 32 in the current class. Chairman Haluska pointed out to the committee that only ten percent of the commonwealth's population goes hunting. He also noted that a few years ago the committee held hearings on moving the start of deer hunting season to the Saturday after Thanksgiving and there was a great deal of negative kickback from the retailers.
02/18/14, 1:00 p.m., Room 60 East Wing
By Jeff Cox, PLS
View the video by clicking on the link on Rep. Causer's website: www.repcauser.com/
The committee conducted an informational meeting on the Pennsylvania Game Commission's 2013 Annual Report.
Matt Hough, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Game Commission, described 2013 as "a busy and productive year." According to Hough, "Our success is based on the dedication and commitment of our excellent team of employees who work collectively towards the agency's mission of managing Pennsylvania's wildlife resources." He explained to committee members that based on the sex, age and kill data collected by the commission, they estimate that hunters harvested 343,110 deer during the combined deer season 2012-2013 with the antlered harvest being 133,860 and the antlerless harvest being 209,250. Hough noted that the antlered harvest was a five percent increase over the harvest in 2011-2012 while the antlerless harvest was similar to 2011-2012. He added that archery hunters were responsible for 32 percent of the total antlered deer harvest with 48 percent of the archery antlered harvest was taken by individuals using crossbows.
Hough provided an overview of the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP). He said the program "continues to provide both public and private landowners a tool to control deer numbers and impacts on their properties through hunting." Hough noted that in 2012-2013 the commission approved 832 applications to enroll 1,479,477 acres in the program and approved 28,170 coupons to obtain a DMAP antlerless permit. He told lawmakers, "I think it is important to note that all DMAP permit holders are required to submit a report card regardless if they are successful or not and only 47 percent complied and reported as required by regulation." He also reported on the elk and bear harvests in the commonwealth.
Hough also provided an overview of the commission's wildlife health activities. He concentrated on chronic wasting disease (CWD) and white nose syndrome. Hough explained that based on the location of the CWD positive deer, a Disease Management Area (DMA) was established in the Adams and York Counties area. According to Hough, the commission conducted an intensive surveillance effort to determine if CWD was found in the wild or free-ranging deer herd and the results showed that CWD was not detected from deer in the wild. He pointed out CWD was confirmed in three hunter killed deer in Blair and Bedford Counties and a second DMA was established. Hough also discussed the issue of white nose syndrome (WNS) in bats and how it threatens the most common cave dwelling bat species in Pennsylvania. He noted that white nose syndrome has affected sites in 32 of 67 counties at the end of the 2012-2013 hibernation season. Hough pointed out the commission is leading a federally supported response and is involved in the development of several sections of the White Nose Syndrome National Plan and its implementation. He cautioned, "Sadly, despite a national effort, no effective treatment, either natural or pharmaceutical, has been indentified for white nose syndrome to date."
Hough went on to discuss the commission's information and education initiatives; wildlife law enforcement; land management efforts; and land acquisitions.
Rep. Kula wanted to know how the data gained by the computerized point of sale has helped the commission and if there are any efforts underway that could result in significant insight into the opinions of the hunters. Hough responded that the system has provided the commission with information that they never had in the past. He said the commission can now go on to a computer and pull out names and addresses and all the information needed to do surveys. Hough added, "It has helped us tremendously." Rep. Kula then asked about what is done with the information from the surveys especially from hunters. Hough said the commission did a survey on deer numbers which not only included deer hunters but all citizens of the Commonwealth. He explained that the question was asked if the deer numbers in Pennsylvania are too high, too low or about right. According to Hough, 57 percent said the deer numbers were about right; 20 percent said the deer numbers were too low; and 18 percent said the numbers were too high. Rep. Kula commented, "That 20 percent must have come from my district." She added that she receives telephone calls and letters from hunters who do not feel they are being listened to by the commission. Rep. Kula cautioned that the money is being lost because hunters are longer applying for hunting licenses.
Rep. Moul asked about the DMAP program and wanted to know about the 47 percent complying with the mandatory reporting requirement. He asked if the commission will be renewing the DMAP permits to those who have not complied. Hough responded, "Yes, we will." Rep. Moul then asked what can be done to encourage better reporting under the program. Hough explained that under the regulations reporting is mandatory and a permit holder has to report whether or not they were successful. He noted the reporting rates are decreasing statewide. Hough commented, "It is a very difficult thing to do." He said the commission has tried to improve the numbers by giving permit holders various options including mailing, calling it in via the telephone, or do it online yet they have been unable to increase the number. Rep. Moul wanted to know if the DMAP permits are something that is done by request. Hough said it is done by request and it is something the landowner wants to get done in a particular area. Rep. Moul commented that "they are asking you for a favor but they are not complying with the rules." Hough replied, "Correct."
Noting Hough's testimony that 65 licensed elk hunters harvested 52 elk, Rep. Moul asked if the remaining 13 did not get an elk for some reason. Hough said the number was low for the reporting period. Rep. Moul then discussed the CWD problem. He reported there is a five-year quarantine on one of the two farms located in Adams County. Rep. Moul pointed out that to this day there is no test for the soil to see whether it is contaminated with CWD. He asked that if there is no way to test the soil to prove there is CWD in it then how can the commission possibly know that the soil is contaminated and quarantine the soil from having deer. Hough responded that in one of the other states where they had CWD they removed all of the animals from that farm for thirteen years. According to Hough, they put the animals back into the farm and animals contracted it again.
Rep. Maloney asked Hough if he feels the sportsmen's image of the commission is positive. Hough responded that based on past surveys it is "overall, yes it is positive." He added the commission will always have detractors. Rep. Maloney argued that Title 34 "is not geared towards sportsmen." According to Rep. Maloney, wherever he goes he is hit with the lack of public relations and/or the image the commission among sportsmen. He commended the commission on its mentoring program, the archery in the schools program but spoke about complaints of bullying by law enforcement and other complaints about the commission. Rep. Maloney asked Hough if he supported the statement at the end of the report which stated, "The majority of complaints were of unprofessional officer demeanor, and one alleged the improper use of force. After full investigation none of the complaints were founded." Hough said it is his understanding that during the reporting period there was a total of ten complaints out of 200,000 enforcement contacts. He added that nine investigations were conducted and only one was sustained against an officer.
Noting Hough is only serving in an interim capacity, Rep. Emrick wanted to know the timetable for appointing a permanent executive director. Hough explained that the commission has been actively seeking a new director and completed its interviews last week. He said they will be moving forward "pretty soon." Rep. Emrick questioned why the commission polled all citizens on the topic of the deer population in Pennsylvania. Hough responded that the commission "manages wildlife for all citizens of the Commonwealth and not just hunters." Rep. Emrick asked about the impact of asking average citizens about the deer population when they do not know. Hough explained that the survey he cited was one of many conducted by the commission He added the commission is doing hunter surveys "all the time." Rep. Emrick responded that the survey does have an impact on the commission's deer management program. Hough responded, "To some extent." Rep. Emrick argued it is "against the hunters' perspective or experience."
Rep. Emrick then asked about the DMAP program. He said he is becoming a proponent of dramatically changing the reporting mechanisms. Rep. Emrick commented that there are those who have called for mandatory reporting across the board so if an individual buys a hunting license that individual reports whether or not a deer is harvested. He argued that there is no empirical data on a large scale that the commission uses for deer management. Rep. Emrick then asked why a person is given another DMAP permit when that person is not complying with the reporting requirements. He also wanted to know if there is any consequence for not reporting. Hough responded, "No, not recently." He explained that under the game and wildlife code a hunter who harvests a deer and does not report it is subject to a penalty. Rep. Emrick asked if there is a penalty for a DMAP permit holder. Hough said there is a penalty but the commission has not enforced it for ten years. Rep. Emrick asked what the penalty would be. Hough said it a $25 fine. Rep. Emrick suggested the committee consider mandatory reporting for all licenses. He said it would help with collecting accurate data about deer harvesting. Rep. Emrick noted the commission information says over 900,000 licenses were sold and 343,000 deer were harvested. He commented that based on that data one in three hunters harvested a deer. According to Rep. Emrick, if that information was taken to the gun clubs in the legislative districts the "club members would laugh." He described the past season as "the worst season I can remember in years." Rep. Emrick asked if there are any plans to change the system. Hough said the commission is always looking at changes. Regarding the 47 percent reporting under DMAP, Rep. Emrick suggested that if the commission does not do anything it will not change.
Rep. Gillespie commented that he was hoping for better news regarding WNS and he wanted to know if there is anything on the horizon to cure the disease. Hough responded, "No." He added that different things have been tried recently and they did not work. Rep. Gillespie then asked about the $3 million award from the US Department of Agriculture being used for additional incentives and habitat improvements on private lands. Bill Capouillez, Director of the Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management, explained that commission spent the money on creating habitat.
Rep. Lucas asked about Hunter-Trapper education courses. He said that last spring he testified before the commission about the six hour course. Rep. Lucas wanted to know if the commission hired a new director of the program. Hough responded, "No." Rep. Lucas asked if there have been any discussions about advanced courses. According to Rep. Lucas, his sportsmen's club was only allowed to offer a six hour course. He asserted that after the six hour course they really can't answer the question about whether or not they would feel safe hunting with the person that has taken the course. Hough said it has been talked about. He explained that you call allow for additional hours but you cannot require it. Rep. Lucas expressed concern that the students are not getting the training they need.
Rep. Lucas wanted to know the impact of starting bear season on a Saturday instead of a Monday. Hough said it has worked "pretty well." He added the numbers have not really changed. Rep. Lucas asked if the commission is looking into changing the start of deer season from the Monday after Thanksgiving to the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Hough responded, "Yes." Rep. Lucas spoke about an article he wrote about the possible change. He said the response he received was that about 65 percent of the hunters were opposed and 35 percent were for it. Rep. Lucas explained that the main reason for the opposition was tradition and second was the travel time to get to hunting lodges/camps. He suggested the commission could consider a Saturday start on a regional basis instead of statewide. Rep. Lucas also said there was a 50/50 split on Sunday hunting. He noted 90 percent of respondents said there are not enough deer in Pennsylvania.
Regarding the deer management issue, Chairman Causer noted the committee will conduct a public hearing on the subject on Wednesday, March 19. He then expressed concern the report included "very little financial information." Chairman Causer said he was looking for more specific information so the committee could do its proper oversight of the commission. He asked what financial information is provided to the commissioners. Hough said the commissioners receive any information they want and note the commission tries to be as transparent as possible. Chairman Causer wanted to know what information is provided to the commissioners. Dot Derr, the Director of the Bureau of Administration, offered an overview of what is provided to the commissioners at each of their quarterly meetings. Chairman Causer commented that additional financial information would be "helpful."
Chairman Causer then pointed out the committee held two public hearings on House Bill 1576 which he explained amends the Endangered Species Coordination Act. He commented that many legislators and others have expressed concern with the commission's actions under the Act and how those actions do not go through the same regulatory process that other agencies do. Chairman Causer pointed the commission has expressed its opposition to the legislation and asked Hough if they have any additional thoughts on the proposal. Hough said the proposals under the Act go through the commission and there is a comment period. Chairman Causer noted that Hough's predecessor argued the commission is the regulatory authority. He said the legislation provides some regulatory oversight and urged the commission to look at it again.
Chairman Causer expressed concern with the amount of acreage the commission has been acquiring. He said when the land is acquired it goes off the local tax rolls which is a major concern in some of the rural counties. Chairman Causer commented, "It appears the Game Commission is becoming a land baron agency." He also noted Title 34 limits the amount of money the commission may pay for land acquisition and he wanted to know the process for acquiring the land. Hough said the moneys come from various escrow accounts and offered an overview of the process. Chairman Causer reiterated his belief the commission is side-stepping Title 34. He requested more information on the escrow accounts. He also pointed out the commission receives land donations from land conservancies and others and questioned where those groups get their money.
Chairman Haluska asked if the commission is at its full complement. Hough said they have seven vacancies. Chairman Haluska then asked about the number of deputies. Hough responded that there are 351 statewide and 32 in the current class. Chairman Haluska pointed out to the committee that only ten percent of the commonwealth's population goes hunting. He also noted that a few years ago the committee held hearings on moving the start of deer hunting season to the Saturday after Thanksgiving and there was a great deal of negative kickback from the retailers.
