Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1312

Introduced
9/12/24  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.

Impact

If enacted, SB1312 would significantly impact state laws governing wildlife management and hunting practices. The updates to definitions will provide clearer guidelines for law enforcement and residents, potentially reducing ambiguity regarding what constitutes unacceptable practices in hunting. The introduction of game recovery permits aims to streamline processes for hunters, thus promoting responsible hunting and potentially aiding in wildlife conservation efforts. The bill’s provisions to impose penalties will enhance the accountability of those involved in hunting activities, making compliance more critical for both individuals and organizations.

Summary

Senate Bill 1312 addresses various provisions related to hunting and wildlife management in the state. The bill proposes updates to definitions pertaining to unlawful devices and methods while hunting, specifically targeting restrictions on recreational spotlighting. Additionally, SB1312 introduces measures for obtaining game or wildlife recovery permits and establishes penalties for violations of the outlined regulations, aiming to strengthen enforcement and compliance in hunting practices across the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB1312 appears largely supportive among wildlife advocacy groups and responsible hunters, who view the bill as a necessary step towards improving hunting regulations and ensuring sustainable practices. However, there may also be concerns from certain groups regarding the restrictions placed on spotlighting, which is considered a common hunting method. The awareness raised by the bill regarding illegal hunting devices signals a positive move towards protecting wildlife, though the implementation of penalties may face scrutiny from those who see them as overly punitive.

Contention

Notable points of contention related to SB1312 might arise particularly concerning the restrictions on recreational spotlighting, as this aspect of the bill could be viewed differently by various stakeholder groups. While some argue that such restrictions are critical for wildlife protection and ethical hunting, others might perceive them as limitations on recreational opportunities. Additionally, the enforcement of penalties may spark debate regarding the balance between maintaining conservation efforts and allowing for traditional hunting practices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB303

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; in special licenses and permits, providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.

PA HB669

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods; and, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for denial or revocation of licenses and for period of revocation.

PA HB1431

In game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA HB851

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission, providing for prohibition and further providing for accountability; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; imposing penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB67

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer and for surrender of carcass to commission officer; in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for hunting on Sunday and further providing for unlawful devices and methods, for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and for hunting on Sunday without written permission; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

PA HB1538

In hunting and furtaking, further providing for prohibited devices and methods.

PA SB67

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for regulations, for report to commission officer, for surrender of carcass to commission officer and for unlawful activities; and, in hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting and repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday without written permission.

PA HB2106

In hunting and furtaking, repealing provisions relating to hunting on Sunday prohibited, providing for temporary Sunday hunting authorized and for hunting and training on Sunday, repealing provisions relating to trespass on private property while hunting and to hunting on Sunday without written permission, providing for the offense of trespass on private land while hunting or furtaking and for the offense of hunting, trapping or taking game or wildlife without written permission and further providing for training dogs on small game; in special licenses and permits, further providing for field dog trials; and imposing penalties.

PA SB1087

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer and for surrender of carcass to commission officer; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for the offense of trespass on private property while hunting; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

PA SB517

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission; in game or wildlife protection, further providing for report to commission officer and for surrender of carcass to commission officer; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for trespass on private property while hunting; and, in special licenses and permits, providing for agriculture access permit list.

Similar Bills

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In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for unlawful devices and methods and for restrictions on recreational spotlighting; in special licenses and permits, providing for game or wildlife recovery permits; and imposing penalties.

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