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For Immediate Release
November 18, 1998

HARRISBURG – Responding to complaints that the state Game Commission is not accountable to Pennsylvania residents, the Senate today approved a measure designed to rein in overzealous deputy wildlife officers and dedicate more agency resources to wildlife habitat improvements, according to Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango).

She said the changes are "needed to bring the commission under control and restore hunters’ faith in an agency meant to serve them – not persecute them."

Under the legislation, deputy wildlife conservation officers – frequently criticized as too aggressive and uncooperative – would no longer be allowed to issue citations. Deputies will still be able to investigate incidents, but only full-time officers will have the authority to issue citations.

"This system was used until 1983, so returning to it should not place any undue burden on the Game Commission’s full-time officers," White added. "Instead, it should be a big improvement for state residents."

The bill would also prohibit Game Commission officers from conducting searches without a warrant, unless specific constitutional requirements are met.

In addition, the measure would remove the power of conservation officers to accept acknowledgements of guilt in the field, White said. Hunters would instead be issued summary citations to be settled with district justices.

"For years, hunters have been complaining about harassment at the hands of deputy wildlife conservation officers, who don’t have the training necessary to act as full-fledged law enforcement officers," White said. "It’s time to rein in their power and return them to their original duties."

The bill also requires that an additional three dollars from the sale of each hunting license be set aside for wildlife habitat improvements.

"The Game Commission’s chief responsibility is to ensure that Pennsylvania remains a place where wildlife thrives," said White. "By dedicating this funding specifically for habitat improvement, we will help the commission better meet that mandate."

The measure also seeks to increase the commission’s accountability. The commission would be required to report annually to the Generally Assembly on its strategic plan, and the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee would conduct performance audits of the agency.

The commission would also be required to implement a complaint-tracking system and report on complaints to the General Assembly.

The senator said the Game Commission reforms were amended to legislation that would establish a modest fee increase for Pennsylvania hunting licenses – the first increase in over a decade. Under the bill, the fee for an adult, resident hunting license would increase from $12 to $19.

"All major sporting groups have endorsed the fee package, especially with the promise that new funding is dedicated to habitat improvement," said White.

The bill would also increase issuing agents’ fees from $.75 to one dollar, and create new combination licenses for junior hunters and senior citizens.

White said the measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.

CONTACT: Leigh Ramsey 717-787-9684