Pennsylvania

With Pennsylvania hunters aging out, new methods to control deer may be necessary [column]

Published

2 years ago

June 12, 2022

With Pennsylvania hunters aging out, new methods to control deer may be necessary [column]

It’s a painful factor to contemplate in a state with as wealthy a looking custom as Pennsylvania, however the seemingly irreversible decline of hunters is main to a degree the place deer populations and the conflicts they trigger might need to be saved in verify by sharpshooters, costly fertility controls and even commercializing deer to turn out to be an over-the-counter meat product.

In case you are an anti-hunter, watch out taking pleasure within the retreat of the looking class. Right here in Pennsylvania, it’s hunters, by way of license charges, who pay for the safety and conservation of birds and different nongame wildlife in Pennsylvania.

If the Pennsylvania Recreation Fee turns into underfunded, taxpayers might need to tackle the monetary burden of defending eagles, otters and 478 different species of birds and mammals.

To not point out discovering methods to regulate deer apart from leisure hunters who do it for gratis to society.

These are the dire warnings contained in a brand new guide, “Harvest of Fish and Wildlife: New Paradigms for Sustainable Administration.” A chapter within the guide takes an in depth take a look at hunter demographic tendencies in Pennsylvania and Virginia, and the implications on future administration of deer, a species that presents conflicts with people similar to deer-vehicle collisions, crop and landscaping injury, and carries the tick answerable for Lyme illness.

“Deer have the potential to have enormous impacts on the surroundings, whatever the direct human conflicts. Not having the ability to handle deer, provided that their pure predators are extinct in Pennsylvania—to lose that’s going to be problematic, to say the least,” says Penn State’s Duane Diefenbach, one of many high deer researchers within the nation and co-author of the guide’s chapter on the troubles forward in controlling deer.

“Just a few states nonetheless have massive numbers of hunters, however that is coming in any respect the state businesses in a short time. Within the subsequent 10 to fifteen years, there’s going to need to be modifications.”

Growing old drawback

In short, deer hunters in Pennsylvania are more and more made up of previous white males. They’re dying or giving up looking at a fast clip whereas youth are usually not filling their ranks.

Take into account that in Pennsylvania the common age of deer hunters elevated from 40 years previous in 1991 to 51 years previous in 2016, in response to the Pennsylvania Recreation Fee.

One motive for this, notes Diefenbach, is that extra persons are residing in city areas, fewer in rural areas the place hunters have largely come from. “You simply can’t stroll out the again door and go looking,“ notes Diefenbach, an adjunct professor of wildlife ecology at Penn State and chief of the college’s Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Analysis Unit.

One more reason fewer persons are changing into hunters as of late is cultural, he says. The quickest rising phase of the inhabitants is Black and Hispanic, and looking has not been a fixture of their cultures.

“Lack of change in traits of big-game hunters, relative to the overall inhabitants, signifies looking doesn’t appear to enchantment to the portion of the U.S. inhabitants that’s rising most quickly,” in response to the guide.

For teens residing within the digital age, looking is way down the record of issues to do. Regardless of multi-pronged efforts to recruit youths to the game, the variety of 12-year-olds shopping for looking licenses in Pennsylvania declined by about 408 licenses per yr from 2009-2017.

That’s unhealthy information going ahead. The variety of hunters in Pennsylvania in comparison with 2020 is projected to drop by 17 p.c in 2030 and by 37 p.c by 2040, to barely over half 1,000,000 hunters, in response to the guide. Within the late Nineteen Eighties there have been greater than 1 million deer hunters within the state.

Too few hunters

These dramatic declines will current severe issues for the Pennsylvania Recreation Fee because it tries to control a manageable deer inhabitants by way of hunters killing feminine deer.

At first, even with fewer hunters, the company might lengthen the looking season and enhance bag limits to trim the specified variety of does wanted to regulate the inhabitants.

Nonetheless, previously, hunters have resisted efforts to kill antlerless deer. Virginia, which has an eight-month deer season and probably the most liberal bag limits for does within the nation, nonetheless needed to start a program in 2008 that requires hunters, after they kill a buck, to take a doe earlier than a second buck may be hunted.

Virginia additionally has elevated incentives for hunters to take does by supporting venison-donation applications to get meat to the needy.

Even with these incentives, the time will come when there are just too few hunters accessible to get the job carried out, Diefenbach and his fellow authors warn.

Hunter alternate options

With out hunters, various strategies — probably costly and controversial — should be deployed.

One more and more being utilized in suburban communities and in parks includes hiring educated sharpshooters to cull deer herds.

One other various is fertility management by way of contraception vaccines or surgical procedures. Recreation managers in japanese states have been loath to approve such strategies, sustaining they’re ineffective in free-ranging deer herds as a result of virtually all does need to be handled.

A 3rd strategy is to commercialize the harvest of deer. It has been carried out to scale back kangaroos in Australia and for pink deer in elements of the UK. Processing and meals issues of safety must be addressed.

Pennsylvania has an extended solution to go earlier than deer administration with longer seasons or extra liberal bag limits can’t be happy with leisure hunters, Diefenbach believes. However because the guide part he helped write concludes, “Leisure deer looking will proceed to have a job in deer administration, however it might transition from the first methodology to one in all many alternate options.”

Advert Crable is an LNP | LancasterOnline open air author.

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Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania State Police to Ramp Up Enforcement Over Fourth of July

Published

5 hours ago

July 1, 2024

Press Room

Pennsylvania State Police to Ramp Up Enforcement Over Fourth of July

As the Fourth of July approaches, the Pennsylvania State Police in Troop L, covering Berks, Lebanon, and Schuylkill Counties, have announced a heightened enforcement of the Pennsylvania vehicle code to ensure highway safety and promote safe travel.

During this period, troopers will focus on areas that impact road safety, including DUI, aggressive driving, tailgating, seatbelt usage, and speeding. The enforcement aims to reduce accidents and encourage responsible driving behaviors during the holiday weekend, which typically sees increased traffic volume.

Motorists are urged to adhere to all traffic regulations, remain vigilant, and drive safely to ensure a celebratory and incident-free holiday. The Pennsylvania State Police remind everyone to buckle up, avoid distractions, and never drive under the influence.

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Pennsylvania

Freeman bill to create state poet laureate passes PA House

Published

13 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

Freeman bill to create state poet laureate passes PA House

HARRISBURG, June 28 – Pennsylvania would have an official Poet Laureate under legislation that passed the state House of Representatives today, according to the bill’s sponsor, state Rep. Robert Freeman.

“Poetry is a literary art form widely celebrated by the United States and 47 states by designating an official poet laureate. Gov. Robert Casey appointed Samuel Hazo as Pennsylvania Poet Laureate in 1993 but the position has since been effectively terminated,” said Freeman, D-Northampton.

“Many local governments in the commonwealth, including Philadelphia, York, and Erie County honor their local poets by designating them poet laureates. Through creating the position of Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, we would recognize important contemporary contributors to the literary arts and promote our commonwealth’s cultural heritage.”

Freeman’s legislation (H.B. 2308) would create the official position of Pennsylvania Poet Laureate and establish a selection process where a committee would send a list of nominees to the governor to make a final decision.

The Pennsylvania Poet Laureate, an unpaid position, would serve at official functions, such as reading a poem at the governor’s inauguration.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

Information provided to TVL by:
Tom Andrews
House Democratic Communications Office

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Pennsylvania

Brace for pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in part of Pennsylvania Sunday

Published

20 hours ago

June 30, 2024

Press Room

Brace for pea-sized hail with thunderstorms in part of Pennsylvania Sunday

A report was issued from the National Weather Service on Sunday at 11:52 a.m. for strong thunderstorms until 12:15 p.m. for Northern Lycoming and Southern Lycoming as well as Sullivan and Columbia counties.

Prepare for pea-sized hail (0.25 inches) and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.

“At 11:51 a.m., Doppler radar tracked a strong thunderstorm near Montoursville, moving east at 45 mph. Other storms were forming just west of this storm,” states the weather service. “Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is possible.”

Locations impacted by the alert include Williamsport, Montoursville, Hughesville, Duboistown, Jamison City, Kettle Creek Gorge, Ricketts Glen State Park, Central, Biggertown, Muncy Valley, Barbours, Loyalsockville, South Williamsport, Picture Rocks, Laporte, Eagles Mere, Williamsport Airport and Little League World Series Complex.

The weather service adds, “If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building. Very heavy rainfall is also occurring with this storm and may lead to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 7 p.m. for central and north central Pennsylvania.”

Shielding yourself from approaching lightning: Expert safety guidelines

Each year, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times, with the majority of these electrifying events occurring during the summer months. Unfortunately, lightning is responsible for claiming the lives of approximately 20 people annually, as reported by the weather service. The threat of lightning becomes more pronounced as thunderstorms draw nearer, peaking when the storm is directly overhead and gradually waning as it moves away.

To ensure your safety during a thunderstorm, keep these recommendations in mind:

Lightning safety plan:

When venturing outdoors, it’s vital to establish a clear plan for seeking shelter in case of lightning.
Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it’s an indication that lightning is nearby.
Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors.

Indoors safety measures:

Once you’ve found shelter indoors, abstain from using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and refrain from approaching windows and doors.
These precautions help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can follow conductive pathways.

Wait for the all-clear:

After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, wait at least 30 minutes before resuming outdoor activities.
Lightning can strike even when a storm has seemingly passed, so exercise caution.

When indoor shelter isn’t available:

If you find yourself outdoors without access to indoor shelter during a thunderstorm, take these steps to maximize your safety:

Avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as they expose you to greater lightning risk.
Steer clear of tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects. In wooded areas, stay close to lower stands of trees.
If you’re with a group, ensure individuals are spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people.
Camping in an open setting during a thunderstorm is strongly discouraged. If you have no alternative, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or other low-lying areas. It’s crucial to note that a tent provides no protection against lightning.
Do not approach water bodies, wet objects, or metal items. Although water and metal do not attract lightning, they conduct electricity effectively and can pose significant risks.

In summary, when facing the threat of lightning, vigilance and preparedness are your best allies. By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the chances of lightning-related accidents and prioritize your safety.

Rainy roadways ahead: Essential safety tips for heavy rain

When heavy rain strikes, safety is paramount. Equip yourself with these guidelines from the weather service to navigate wet roads and avoid hazards:

Beware of rapid water flow:

During heavy rain, avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, where swift-moving water can pose a serious risk.

Maintain safe driving distances:

The two-second rule for following distance is your ally in heavy rain. Extend it to four seconds to ensure safe spacing in adverse conditions.

Reduce speed and drive cautiously:

On wet roads, slowing down is paramount. Gradually ease off the accelerator and avoid abrupt braking to prevent skidding.

Choose your lane wisely:

Stick to the middle lanes to minimize the risk of hydroplaning. Outer lanes are more prone to accumulating water.

Visibility matters:

Enhance your visibility in heavy rain by turning on your headlights. Watch out for vehicles in blind spots, as rain-smeared windows can obscure them.

Watch out for slippery roads:

The initial half-hour of rain is when roads are slickest due to a mixture of rain, grime, and oil. Exercise heightened caution during this period.

Keep a safe distance from large vehicles:

Don’t follow large trucks or buses too closely. The spray created by their large tires reduces your vision. Take care when passing them as well; if you must pass, do so quickly and safely.

Mind your windshield wipers:

Overloaded wiper blades can hinder visibility. If rain severely impairs your vision, pull over and wait for conditions to improve. Seek refuge at rest areas or sheltered spots.

When stopping by the roadside is your only option, position your vehicle as far off the road as possible, ideally beyond guardrails. Keep your headlights on and activate emergency flashers to alert other drivers of your position.

In the face of heavy rain, these precautions can make a significant difference in ensuring your safety on the road. Remember to stay informed about weather conditions and heed guidance from local authorities for a secure journey.

Advance Local Weather Alerts is a service provided by United Robots, which uses machine learning to compile the latest data from the National Weather Service.

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