Crack down on poachers, drinking hunters coming

A measure to stiffen punishments for poachers and hunters who are under the influence of alcohol sailed through the Pa. Senate Game and Fisheries Committee last week.

SB 1200 would require Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact Act, a multi-state crackdown on poachers. Basically, it would enable Pennsylvania to recognize the revocation of an individual’s hunting, fishing or trapping privileges in another state. A companion bill, HB 1859, would increase fines and penalties for poaching.

Committee members also passed HB 1523, which would reduce the allowable blood alcohol content for hunters from .10 to .08 percent. Violations would range from summary offenses to second-degree felonies, depending on the type of violation and any prior offenses.

The committee formally approved the sale of a bull elk hunting license to be auctioned off by a wildlife conservation organization; and HB 181, which would clarify the enforcement powers and duties of Game Commission wildlife conservation officers.