Public granted more access to control hunts

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

To control expanding white-tailed deer populations, many municipalities organize controlled archery hunts in which only law enforcement personnel can participate. In densely populated areas such as Mt. Lebanon and Fox Chapel, that’s the only way wary local politicians will approve it.

Last week the state Game Commission, the sole authority on hunting issues in Pennsylvania, clarified its position on granting special deer-control permits by giving preliminary approval to a measure that will strengthen the “public hunting” component of the permits. The new directive will limit the municipalities’ options.

“Permit criteria always had stipulated that lawful hunting be allowed on public lands seeking deer-control permits, unless waived by the agency’s executive director,” stated an email message from the Game Commission explaining the ruling. “Often applicants established organized control hunts, while others have organized or invited hunting clubs to help reduce deer numbers. Still others invited only local government employees to engage in hunting on the permitted properties.”

The clarification of special permit regulations further defines the meaning of “public hunting.”

In order to be granted a deer-control permit, municipalities now must ensure that hunting in the trouble areas is available to the general public. The controlled hunts “shall not include hunting opportunity that is afforded to an individual, or class of individuals, solely by virtue of their public employment.”

If approved at the Game Commission’s next formal session, the ruling is not expected to apply to communities that hire culling services from the state Department of Agriculture or other government bodies.

Fly fishing

International Angler in Robinson will hold two Learn to Fly Fish seminars in August. A primer on rods, reels, lines, knots and fly selection is free at the shop (5275 Steubenville Pike) at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 15. The next step, Fly Fishing 201, costs $30 and puts participants in real fishing conditions at a waterway to be named later at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 29. Get more information and register at 412-788-8088, internationalangler.

Kayak fishing

Ladies will learn to get closer to the fish at the free clinic Women’s Intro to Kayak Fishing Aug. 12 at Moraine State Park. Instructors will include Amidea Daniel, organizer of the state Fish and Boat Commission’s women’s and children’s programs. Check in is at 8:30 a.m. at the Bear Run Launch. For details and registration, visit the events calendar at fishandboat.com.