Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs
2426 North Second St. ● Harrisburg, PA 17110 ● www.pfsc.org
Phone: 717-232-3480 ● Fax: 717-232-3480
info@pfsc.org
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 7, 2003
CONTACT:
Renae Kluk
717-232-3480
Sportsmen & women make their voices heard
HARRISBURG-
Sportsmen and women representing
counties across the commonwealth gathered in Scranton recently to take a stand
on the issues affecting hunting, trapping, fishing, and the environment.
Delegates from around the state voted
against the proposed changes in the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s florescent
orange regulations. PFSC’s Executive
Director Melody Zullinger believes it’s because, “we have not seen data to
indicate this is a safety issue, and we feel it places an unfair and
unnecessary restriction on our law abiding sportsmen and women.”
The sportsmen’s
organization’s grassroots are unanimously opposed to the recent House
Resolutions that affect the way the Fish and Boat Commission and the
Pennsylvania Game Commission is structured.
Delegates voted against HR 15, a proposal to examine a possible merger between
the agencies. At the convention, PFSC leaders were quick to point out they were
against the idea when a merger was proposed and studied years ago, and they
have always been against any merger of the agencies. Delegates also voted down House Resolution 222. It is a proposal to study the transfer of
law enforcement powers and responsibilities from both the PGC and PFBC, to the
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
The delegates
unanimously voted to reaffirm the PFSC’s position on private and commercial
development in state parks. Recently,
in the Northern part of Cambria County, there has been discussion about
developing a lodge and golf course at Prince Gallitzin State Park. The Federation always has been opposed to
private and commercial development in state parks, and remains opposed to
private and commercial development.
The sportsmen
and women and conservationists who comprise PFSC also voted to support a
proposed amendment that guarantees each Pennsylvanian the right to hunt and fish. However, delegates would like to see
legislators include the right to trap in House Bill 1512.
Pennsylvania
Federation of Sportsmen's Club’s delegates also voted in favor of:
- The Pennsylvania Game Commission
continuing its canine program.
- House Bill 1064 that allows a
sliding scale of fines for the unlawful taking of * antlered deer.*
- House Bill 235 that allows hunters
suffering from serious diseases to drive and park on gamelands.
- Working with the Pennsylvania Fish
& Boat Commission to increase license fees and create a Junior License
program.
- Petitioning the PFBC to designate a
200-yard section of Clear Creek, Bedford County, a “Junior and Disabled
Person Section” from the first day of Trout Season until May 30th.
Pennsylvania
Federation of Sportsmen's Club’s delegates also opposed:
·
A request
that the PFBC stop its netting operation on the Delaware River until the
American Shad runs show a significant and sustained increase.
·
Allowing
youth to harvest * antlered * deer
during the current early * youth
antlerless deer * season.
·
Using a
crossbow during archery season.
* Delegates also elected two new members to PFSC’s Board of
Directors. Dr. Helga Hooper from
Clifford, PA will serve as Representative to the National Shooting Sports
Federation. And Janet Nyce from Green
Lane, PA will serve as the Alternate Representative to the National Wildlife
Federation. *
The Pennsylvania
Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs is a statewide, grassroots organization that
gets its direction from every one of its members. At two conventions each year, PFSC’s leaders listen to the needs
and wishes of sportsmen and women and conservationists. Then, with those goals in mind, they work
alongside Pennsylvania’s decision makers.
The Federation has over 70 years of experience fighting for your rights
and privileges to hunt, fish, and trap.
The mission of the
Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc. is to provide a statewide,
united voice for the concerns of all sportsmen and conservationists; to insure
their rights and interests are protected, and to protect and enhance the environment
and our natural resources. For more
information on the PFSC and to learn how you can become a member, check out our
web site: http://www.pfsc.org
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