Rendell signs into law Solobay bill aimed at curbing deer population.

HARRISBURG – Gov. Ed Rendell today signed into law a bill authored by state Rep. Tim Solobay, D-Washington, that expands hunting areas throughout Pennsylvania to help curtail the problems caused by urban deer populations.

The law opens areas throughout the state in which bow hunters currently aren’t allowed to hunt by decreasing the safety zone from 150 yards to 50 yards. However, the distance for hunting with a firearm remains at 150 yards.

Previously, only six counties were eligible for the decreased safety zone.

The Washington County Democrat said this law (H.B. 565) is important because it will help reduce extensive damage to vehicles, and the potential for injury and death resulting from driving-related accidents with deer.

“I am pleased that Governor Ed Rendell has recognized the importance this legislation will have in protecting our communities and reducing accidents,” Solobay said. “It is important that we safely reduce the urban deer population to a more manageable extent.”

Well that will change a few things. For one, it opens my backyard to hunting.

I've been in one of the SRA's where it has already been reduced and man does it make for being able to hunt some tight places. I'm still not used to seeing houses, people and cars while hunting, but it is needed, and a great idea.

I was thinking much the same thing for my father-in-law's property. 2 acres right in the middle of suburbia.

HOOOOORAY !!!

very cool!!!

The laser range finder will be out tomorrow..........

Should make for some interesting harvests this fall! Allot of the wise old bucks that hang out in those small pieces will have to crawl up under the porch now! Only hope they adopt this concept in MD!

Interesting. Guess I will really have to consider hunting in my back yard this season, for a couple days.

Can you see the down side to this though. Picture your dead or dying deer lying on your anti-hunting neighbor's lawn.