Hunting will become a more effective tool for reducing crop damage in Pennsylvania if a group of bills to be introduced early next year become law.

On Dec. 8, Sens. Greg Rothman and Elder Vogel circulated a co-sponsorship memorandum outlining their plan for a package of four bills designed to address crop damage caused by wildlife.

Each bill covers a specific issue related to crop damage and advances hunting as part of the solution.

The first allows farmers to send deer harvested for crop damage directly to a processor without having to wait for Pennsylvania Game Commission action.

Another bill creates an online Agriculture Access List, connecting hunters with farmers seeking help with crop damage mitigation.

A third bill will create a new at-large seat on the Game Commission to be filled by someone with agricultural experience.

The fourth piece of legislation increases penalties for trespassing while hunting.

Specific language has yet to be released, but the bills are expected to be introduced early in 2024.

The package is partly the result of an Oct. 23 public hearing between legislators, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Game Commission to discuss crop damage, said Rothman, R-Cumberland. Rothman chairs the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee.

“A recent hearing shed light on increasing crop damage by wildlife and the negative impact that damage has on Pennsylvania farmers,” he said. “The good news is farmers and hunters can both be part of the solution. These bills help farmers more effectively address crop damage while increasing hunting opportunities for sportsmen. A true win-win.”

Farm Bureau leaders were happy to see steps being taken by the Legislature but declined to take a position on the proposals until the bills are introduced.

Chris Hoffman, president of the state Farm Bureau, said the description of the bills in the memorandum seems to align with the lobbying group’s policies.

“We really appreciate our legislators who are willing to take these things on and listen to the needs of farmers,” Hoffman said. “We’re excited.”

Tommy Nagle, the Farm Bureau vice president, is happy to see the issue gaining traction and called the possibility of a new seat on the Game Commission board for an ag-related individual a “positive sign.”

“It would be nice to have a voice at the table. Farm Bureau would love to be involved in helping to fill that seat,” he said.

Vogel, R-Beaver, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, said he was happy to work with Rothman in addressing the crop damage issue with a legislative package.

“While this does not completely solve the issue, our legislative package aims to aid our farmers and sportsmen alike to ensure the crop damage issue can be addressed as well as potentially increasing hunting opportunities for Pennsylvania hunters,” he said.

Game Commission spokesman Travis Lau said the agency does not have a position on the crop damage proposal because the bills haven’t been drafted.

Source - https://www.lancasterfarming.com