In the local paper today there was a recap of some of the issues presented at the State Game Commission's January meeting.

I would like to quote our local outdoor writer's (Tom Fegely) column from today...just to get some reactions...because I was not aware of all of this.

"At last months board sessions, tentative approval was given to the use of in-line muzzleloaders for the Oct. 19-26 doe-only hunt......though no guidelines on scope use or bullet limitations, if any, were approved.......................................... ...However, it must be considered that the October hunt was not originally set to provide flintlockers another season...The trial seasons are largely culling seasons........................................... ..Approval of Inlines with, perhaps, a maximum 4X scope, will maintain the integrity of the "one shot" hunt."

"Legalizing crossbows during the October hunt (19-26) and in all other firearms seasons (but not in the remainder of the fall bow season) was also considered and will again be open for discussion in April.......Alt holds firm in his belief that dramatic changes are necessary to assure the future of quality deer, deer hunting and deer habitat in Pennsylvania."

Quote:

"Alt holds firm in his belief that dramatic changes are
necessary to assure the future of quality deer, deer hunting and
deer habitat in Pennsylvania."

Then IMO they should start by allowing the taking of either sex on this years' original Archery backtag to help with the current problem. Yes, this is the same complaint I've had all along.(maybe eventually it will be heard!<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>) By the looks of things the &quot;doe hunt&quot; is going to be implemented, so there is no reason not to allow archers an opportunity to take out unbred does also, which supposedly is the basis for this &quot;doe hunt&quot; anyway. According to Alt himself, archers would only have a neglible impact, so why not? Just my own thoughts, Pinwheel 12

Wow...18 reads today and only one reply...was everybody busy watching Daytona?....or is everyone just sick of hearing about Pennsylvania's Deer Management issues? A or B? <img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>

The Daytona and a few Honey-do projects kept me pretty busy today. The honey-do's did get put on hold for the Daytona however. Was a bit disapointed with Juniors bad luck! Wow, inlines! That's kind of a surprise. I'm torn, I don't really like the idea (personally) of either in the early archery season but I do support an early doe kill for the good of the resource. Maybe we can hope that the success of the two will prevent a high power season in October.

Tom is good people. His problem is his wife Mary Lue an officer of the American Crossbow Association. Inlines were approved until one commissioners learned that scopes were also allowed and then that failed to be even proposed. Crossbows weren't even proposed this year.

Mark,

I have met Tom a few times myself. He is a good guy though some folks don't particularly care for him. I have never met his wife and was unaware of her affiliations.

Bob,

I am a Rusty fan so you and I both ended up in the same boat...<img src=icon_smile_wink.gif border=0 align=middle>.

His wife's name is Betty Lou I believe. Brain cramps.

Inlines in PA I just might have to get a smoke pole if it comes true. If not I won't, so will see. but I like what I read so far. thanks for the info Frank.

brian

Well, it's time I put my 2 cents in here.

I myself did not read the article, but the inline issue bothers me. I've always hunted with a muzzeloader in the traditional way. The late season that they give us was a way to get out when not many other hunters are out. Approving inlines for the early season is a bad idea!!!!! More guys running out buying equipement 2 days before the season, throwing a scope on it, and out into the woods throwing bullets at anything that moves.

then there is the issue of guns during archery season. What impact does it really have? I know what it does in my neck of the woods. It sends the deer for the thickest cover in the woods. That's fine buy me, but it kinda put the mature bucks on alert way before the rut kicks in. Forces them to become extremely nocturnal.

I'm not closed to new ideas, but they need to improve upon our seasons, not make things worse. all they want any ways is to kill the does off, by making it easier for people to do so.