Pennsylvania Game Commission to Host Annual Waterfowl Briefing

[spectr17]

Pennsylvania Game Commission to Host Annual Waterfowl Briefing

7/709

HARRISBURG - Representatives of the waterfowl organizations, interested hunters and the public are invited to attend a briefing on Friday, August 7, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, on the status of Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2009-10 waterfowl hunting seasons. The briefing will begin at 1 p.m., in the Stull Environmental Education Center at Presque Isle State Park, Erie County.

In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.

Public comments will be accepted at the meeting; or by sending a letter to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797; or via e-mail (waterfowlcomments@state.pa.us) through the "Waterfowl" page in the "Quick Clicks" box in the right-hand column of the agency's homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Based on public comments, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval. All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS. States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.

Early migratory bird hunting seasons - including September Canada goose, mourning dove, American woodcock and webless species - will be announced in late July.

By mid-August, when the final selections usually are made for the regular and late migratory birds, the Game Commission will issue a news release on the remaining seasons. The agency also will print and distribute the annual brochure outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp. The annual brochure also will be posted on the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).


Contact:
Jerry Feaser (717) 705-6541 or PGCNews@state.pa.us