34 Pa.C.S. § 2706.1 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2706.1
Complimentary nonresident licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) Authority to issue.--Subject to the limitations of subsection (b), the commission is authorized to issue complimentary nonresident hunting licenses to any of the following:

(1) The Chief Executive of the United States.

(2) The governor of any state.

(3) Authorized representatives of the conservation agencies of other states.

(4) Federal officials engaged in conservation work.

(5) Authorized officials of national conservation organizations.

(6) Conservation officials of any foreign country or major subdivisions of that foreign country.

(7) Representatives of the press, television, movie or other media whose activities enhance tourism potential for the Commonwealth.

(b) Limitation.--Complimentary licenses issued under subsection (a) shall be limited to 100 annually.

(c) Fees.--All complimentary licenses shall be issued without fee and shall be designated in a unique manner by the commission.

(d) Report.--The commission shall make an annual report listing each person who received a license under subsection (a) to all of the following:

(1) The Appropriations Committee of the Senate.

(2) The Appropriations Committee of the House of Representatives.

(3) The Game and Fisheries Committee of the Senate.

(4) The Game and Fisheries Committee of the House of Representatives. (June 28, 1993, P.L.178, No.37, eff. imd.) 1993 Amendment. Act 37 added section 2706.1. Cross References. Section 2706.1 is referred to in section 2705 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 542 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 542
Investigation after receipt of application.
Status: in_force

Upon receipt of any application under section 323 (relating to cooperative agreements) or 541 (relating to authority to provide deterrent fences), the commission shall investigate the conditions prevailing on such property and adjacent territory. If the investigation discloses the need of protection from deer, elk or bear as would be provided by fencing, the commission may enter into a written agreement with the applicant for the erection of a deer, elk or bear deterrent fence of such height, design, materials and type of construction as the commission specifies.
34 Pa.C.S. § 322 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 322
Powers and duties of commission.
Status: in_force

(a) Duties.--It shall be the duty of the commission to protect, propagate, manage and preserve the game or wildlife of this Commonwealth and to enforce, by proper actions and proceedings, the laws of this Commonwealth relating thereto.

(b) General powers and duties.--The commission has the power and duty to take all actions necessary for the administration and enforcement of this title.

(c) Specific powers and duties.--In order to administrate and enforce this title, the commission through proper action shall:

(1) Subject to section 2102(b) (relating to seasons, possession, bag limits and devices), fix seasons, daily shooting or taking hours, and any modification thereof, and daily, season and possession limits for any species of game or wildlife.

(2) Remove protection, declare an open season or increase, reduce or close a season.

(3) Increase or reduce bag limits or possession limits.

(4) Define geographic limitations or restrictions.

(5) Fix the type and number of devices which may be used to take game or wildlife.

(6) Limit the number of hunters or furtakers in any designated area and prescribe the lawful methods of hunting or taking furbearers in these areas.

(7) Govern the use of recorded calls or sounds or amplified calls or sounds of any description for taking or hunting game or wildlife.

(8) Add to or change the classification of any wild bird or wild animal.

(9) Prohibit the possession, importation, exportation or release of any species of birds or animals which may be considered dangerous or injurious to the general public or to the wildlife of this Commonwealth.

(10) Manage and develop its lands and waters and other government or private lands and waters under agreement with the owners as it considers advisable and, by proper action and proceedings, enact and enforce regulations to insure the prudent and proper use of these lands.

(11) Collect, classify and preserve such statistics, data and information as in its judgment will tend to promote the object of this title and take charge of and keep all reports, books, papers and documents which shall, in the discharge of its duties, come into its possession or under its control.

(12) Take any necessary action to accomplish and assure the purposes of this title.

(13) Serve the interest of sportsmen by preserving and promoting our special heritage of recreational hunting and furtaking by providing adequate opportunity to hunt and trap the wildlife resources of this Commonwealth. (June 28, 1996, P.L.428, No.64, eff. 60 days) 1996 Amendment. Act 64 added subsec. (c)(13).
34 Pa.C.S. § 324 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 324
Cooperation with Federal Government.
Status: in_force

The Commonwealth assents to the provisions of the Federal Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. § 669 et seq.) in which the Secretary of the Interior is authorized to cooperate with the states through their respective fish or wildlife agencies in wildlife restoration projects, including a prohibition against the diversion of license fees paid by hunters to purposes other than administration of the wildlife agency. The commission shall perform such acts as may be necessary to the conduct and establishment of these cooperative wildlife restoration projects and in compliance with regulations promulgated thereunder.
34 Pa.C.S. § 502 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 502
Collection fee for uncollectible checks.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Whenever any check or similar instrument issued in payment of any fee or fine or for any other purpose under this title is returned to the commission as uncollectible, the person who makes, issues or presents the check or other instrument shall be charged a $25 fee to be credited to the Game Fund. This fee shall be in addition to any costs of prosecution or penalties assessed as a result of the uncollectible check or instrument.

(b) Voidness for uncollectibility.--Any license, permit, voucher or privilege granted by the uncollectible check or other instrument shall be void until all fees are paid by a negotiable check or instrument. (July 9, 2008, P.L.927, No.67, eff. 60 days) 2008 Amendment. Act 67 amended subsec. (b).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2322 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2322
Prohibited devices and methods.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title or commission regulation, no person shall hunt, kill or take or attempt, aid, abet, assist or conspire to hunt, kill or take any big game, except wild turkey, with any of the following devices or methods:

(1) Any device other than a centerfire or muzzle-loading firearm or bow and arrow.

(2) Any automatic or semiautomatic firearm, except that any semiautomatic firearm modified to permit one shell in the chamber and no more than four shells in a magazine may

be used by a person who suffered an amputation or lost the total use of one or both hands.

(3) Any firearm propelling more than one projectile per discharge.

(4) Any projectile which is not all lead or which is not designed to expand on contact.

(5) When any big game is swimming.

(6) By any other method or device which is not specifically authorized or permitted by this title or commission regulation.

(b) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(c) Contraband.--Any big game killed contrary to this section is contraband.
34 Pa.C.S. § 922 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 922
Rights and liabilities of minors.
Status: in_force

A person under 17 years of age who is charged with a violation of any provisions of this title or regulations promulgated thereunder shall be subject to the provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 63 (relating to juvenile matters).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2903 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2903
Permit year.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in this title, all permits shall be issued for a one-year, two-year or three-year time period selected by the applicant for the permit based on the fiscal year for the Commonwealth. Fees under section 2904 (relating to permit fees) shall be multiplied by the time period selected by the applicant and remitted at the time of application for the permit. Except when an application for a permit is rejected, all fees shall be nonrefundable. The permit for a disabled person to hunt from a vehicle shall be valid for the lifetime of the disabled person. There will be no reduced fees for a permit issued for less than a year. (Nov. 25, 1988, P.L.1082, No.125, eff. imd.; Dec. 13, 2001, P.L.897, No.98, eff. imd.)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2502 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2502
Chemical test to determine amount of alcohol.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Any person who hunts or takes or attempts, aids, abets, assists or conspires to hunt or take game, furbearers or wildlife shall be deemed to have given consent to a chemical test of breath, blood or urine for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of blood or the presence of a controlled substance if any officer whose duty it is to enforce this title shall have reasonable grounds to believe the person to have been hunting or taking, or assisting or attempting to hunt or take, game, furbearers or wildlife while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance. The test shall be administered by personnel and equipment approved by regulation of the commission.

(b) Suspension for refusal.--

(1) If any person apprehended for hunting or taking, or aiding or assisting to hunt or take, game, furbearers or wildlife while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, or both, is requested to submit to a chemical test and refuses to do so, the test shall not be given, but, upon notice by the officer, the commission shall, in addition to any other penalty which may be imposed under this section:

(i) suspend the hunting and trapping privileges of the person for a period of one year; or

(ii) revoke the hunting and trapping privileges of the person for a period of three years for a second or subsequent refusal within a period of three years.

(2) It shall be the duty of the officer to inform the person that the person's hunting and trapping privileges

will be suspended or revoked upon refusal to submit to a chemical test. Any person whose hunting and trapping privileges are suspended under the provisions of this section shall have the same right of appeal as provided for in cases of suspension or revocation for other reasons.

(c) Test results admissible in evidence.--In any summary proceeding or criminal proceeding in which the defendant is charged with hunting or taking, or assisting, aiding or attempting to hunt or take, game, furbearers or wildlife while under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance, the amount of alcohol or controlled substance in the defendant's blood, as shown by a chemical testing of his breath, blood or urine, which testing was conducted with equipment of a type approved by regulation of the commission and operated by approved personnel, shall be admissible in evidence.

(d) Presumptions from amount of alcohol.--If chemical analysis of a person's breath, blood or urine shows:

(1) That the amount of alcohol by weight in the blood of the person tested is 0.05% or less, it shall be presumed that the person tested was not under the influence of alcohol, and the person shall not be charged with any violation under section 2501 (relating to hunting or furtaking prohibited while under influence of alcohol or controlled substance), or, if the person was so charged prior to the test, the charge shall be void ab initio.

(2) That the amount of alcohol by weight in the blood of the person tested is in excess of 0.05% but less than 0.10%, this fact shall not give rise to any presumption that the person tested was or was not under the influence of alcohol, but this fact may be considered with other competent evidence in determining whether the person was or was not under the influence of alcohol.

(3) That the amount of alcohol by weight in the blood of the person tested is 0.10% or more, it shall be presumed that the defendant was under the influence of alcohol.

(e) Other evidence admissible.--Subsections (a) through (d) shall not be construed as limiting the introduction of any other competent evidence bearing upon the question of whether or not the defendant was under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.

(f) Test results available to defendant.--Upon the request of the person tested, the results of any chemical test shall be made available to that person or his attorney.

(g) Blood test in lieu of breath test.--If for any reason a person is physically unable to supply enough breath to complete a chemical test, a physician or nurse, or a technician acting under a physician's direction, may withdraw blood for the purpose of determining its alcoholic content. The chemical analysis of the blood taken under these circumstances shall be admissible in evidence in the same manner as are the results of the breath chemical test. The hunting and trapping privileges of any person who refuses to allow a blood test under these circumstances shall be suspended pursuant to subsection (b).

(h) Test by personal physician.--The person tested shall be permitted to have a physician of his own choosing administer an additional breath, blood or urine chemical test, and the results of the test shall also be admissible in evidence. The chemical test given at the direction of a commission-approved officer shall not be delayed by a person's attempt to obtain an additional test.

(i) Immunity from civil liability.--No physician, nurse or technician or hospital employing the physician, nurse or technician or other employer of the physician, nurse or technician shall be civilly liable for the withdrawing of blood and reporting of test results at the request of the commission officer pursuant to this section.

(j) Prearrest breath test authorized.--An officer of the commission, having reasonable suspicion to believe a person is hunting or furtaking while under the influence of alcohol, may require that person prior to arrest to submit to a preliminary breath test on a device approved by the commission for this purpose. The sole purpose of this preliminary breath test is to assist the officer in determining whether or not the person should be placed under arrest. The preliminary breath test shall be in addition to any other requirements of this section. No person has any right to expect or demand a preliminary breath test. Refusal to submit to this test shall not be considered for purposes of subsections (b) and (e).
34 Pa.C.S. § 729 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 729
Public access projects.
Status: in_force

The commission may cooperate with private landowners and others who desire to aid in the conservation of game or wildlife by creating and maintaining public access projects. The hunting rights for these lands shall be made available to the commission by written agreement. The commission may authorize the director to execute agreements, and the commission shall promulgate such regulations to govern these projects as it deems necessary.
34 Pa.C.S. § 104 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 104
Title not to apply in certain cases.
Status: in_force

None of the provisions or requirements of this title shall be construed to apply to any member of the commission, or any of its lawfully qualified representatives or duly appointed officers or any other person charged with the enforcement of this title, when acting in any manner for the commission. This title shall not be construed to impose any liability upon any person while acting in a lawful manner and within the limitations of this title or performing any lawful duty or function imposed or authorized by this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2930 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2930
Propagating permits.
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization.--No person shall propagate any game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal which is presently found in a wild state within this Commonwealth for the purpose of sale, barter, gift or other transfer of possession, or offer to sell or barter, unless that person has first obtained a permit from the commission authorizing the propagation of a game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal.

(b) Form.--Each propagating permit shall name the species covered by the permit and shall contain such other information and be in such form as the commission shall designate.

(c) Pens, shelters and enclosures.--The commission shall adopt regulations concerning the type and size of pens, shelters and enclosures used for propagating any species of game or wildlife. All pens, shelters or enclosures used to hold game or wildlife under authority of a propagating permit shall provide for the health and comfort of the game or wildlife and be designed to protect the public, confine the species designated on the permit and exclude any species of game or wildlife which might be present in the wild.

(d) Marking game or wild birds.--No person shall sell, barter, give away or otherwise transfer possession, or offer to sell or barter, any game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal raised or held under authority of a propagating permit unless that game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal is marked by any one of the following alternative methods:

(1) A toe shall be clipped from the right foot before reaching six weeks of age.

(2) A marker shall be furnished by the commission at a reasonable cost. The markers must be attached in compliance with commission regulations no later than six weeks of age.

(3) On delivery of any live game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal the permittee shall prepare and deliver to the shipper, purchaser or consignee a receipt, detailed invoice or consignment document which shall include the date, name and address of purchaser or person to whom sold or consigned, the quantity, sex and species of the game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal and the name, address and permit number of the permittee.

(4) Immediately prior to delivery and removal from the licensed premises of any local game bird, wild bird, game animal or wild animal, the permittee shall place the dead wild bird or dead wild animal, or part thereof, in a package or container, or shall attach thereto a label, which package, container or label shall have printed upon it the name,

address and permit number of the permittee who produced the wild bird or wild animal. The permittee shall also issue a receipt, detailed invoice or consignment document which shall include the date of shipment or sale, the name of the shipper, purchaser or consignee, the quantity, sex and species of the animal or bird so shipped or sold and the name and address and permit number of the permittee shipping, consigning or selling the wild birds or animals. No dead wild bird or dead wild animal produced under the authority of the propagating permit shall be removed from its package or container or shall have removed from it the label provided for in this paragraph, except immediately prior to final consumption.

(5) Any reasonable method approved by the director.

(e) Disposition of game or wildlife.--Where game or wildlife of any kind is raised or eggs of game or wild birds are produced on premises under authority of a propagating permit, game or eggs and the plumage or pelts or hides of birds or animals may be sold or given away, and birds or animals may be shipped alive or may be killed within the enclosure, for sale or gift, without regard to sex or numbers, at any time of the year. A dealer or third person who arranges any trades, sales or purchases set forth in this subsection for any type of fee, reimbursement or commission shall be required to have and produce, on demand, the receipt, invoice or consignment document required under subsections (d) and (f).

(f) Receipt for shipping game or wildlife.--Each shipment of eggs, pelts, birds or animals, living or dead, or parts of birds or animals, raised or held under authority of a propagating permit shall be accompanied by a receipt, detailed invoice or consignment document issued by the permittee describing the shipment and stating the origin of the shipment, date, what is being shipped, propagating permit number, destination and any other information which may be required by the director. The receipt, detailed invoice or consignment document shall be available for examination during normal business hours until the shipment reaches its final destination at which time it becomes part of the consignee's record and must be retained for three years.

(f.1) Seasons and bag limits.--All species of game, other than those specified on the permit, found within the licensed enclosure covered by the propagating permit may be taken within the licensed enclosure only under the general provisions of this title governing seasons and bag limits.

(g) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful to:

(1) Have any game or wildlife in possession without the required permit receipt, detailed invoice or consignment document.

(2) Violate any of the provisions of this section or regulations pertaining to this section.

(h) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (Mar. 29, 1996, P.L.41, No.13, eff. imd.) 1996 Amendment. Act 13 amended subsec. (e) and added subsec.

(f.1). Cross References. Section 2930 is referred to in section 2965 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2301 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2301
Prima facie evidence of hunting.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--For the purpose of this title, any one of the following acts shall constitute prima facie evidence of hunting:

(1) Possession of any firearm, bow and arrow, raptor, trap or other device of any description usable for the purpose of hunting or taking game or wildlife.

(2) Possession of the carcass or any part or parts of any game or wildlife.

(3) Pursuing game or wildlife in any manner prohibited by this title or commission regulation.

(b) Lawful cooperation or assistance.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this title to the contrary, any person who has lawfully taken the bag or season limit for a particular species of game or wildlife or any person who meets the requirements of section 2701(c) (relating to license requirements) may aid, assist, abet or cooperate in any manner specified by this title or commission regulations with another person who is engaged in any lawful activity permitted by this title or the regulations of the commission. (June 28, 2004, P.L.452, No.48, eff. imd.) 2004 Amendment. Act 48 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 2301 is referred to in section 2325 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 547 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 547
Unlawful acts.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to make any fraudulent or false claim, statement or report required by this subchapter or to violate any other provision of this subchapter.

(b) Penalties.--A person who makes a fraudulent or false claim, statement or report commits a summary offense of the first degree. Any other violation of this subchapter is a summary offense of the fifth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 705 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 705
Price paid for acquisitions and improvements.
Status: in_force

(a) Game lands.--

(1) Except as provided under paragraph (2), the commission may pay for lands to be used as game lands what it considers a fair and reasonable price not to exceed $400 per acre exclusive of Federal and other cost-sharing funds and consistent with the market value of land in the locality in which the game land is located.

(2) The commission may pay for lands to be used as game lands in a county of the second class what it considers a fair and reasonable price exclusive of Federal and other cost-sharing funds and consistent with the market value of land in the locality in which the game land is located.

(b) Game farms and other areas.--The commission may pay for lands known as indentures or lands located within existing game lands or for lands to be used as rights-of-way to existing game lands or for lands to be used as State game farms what it considers a fair and reasonable price.

(c) Purchase of outstanding rights.--The commission may pay what it considers a fair and reasonable price to purchase outstanding rights for timber, minerals, oil, gas or other purposes for lands which the commission owns or is about to acquire.

(d) Buildings and land.--The commission may purchase or construct buildings for administration, management or other purposes and may purchase land on which to construct the buildings at a price the commission considers fair and reasonable consistent with the purpose of the buildings or land. (Apr. 29, 2020, P.L.117, No.16, eff. 60 days) 2020 Amendment. Act 16 amended subsec. (a).
34 Pa.C.S. § 901 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 901
Powers and duties of enforcement officers.
Status: in_force

(a) Powers.--Any officer whose duty it is to enforce this title or any officer investigating any alleged violation of this title shall have the power and duty to:

(1) Enforce all laws of this Commonwealth relating to game or wildlife and arrest any person who has violated any of the provisions of this title while in pursuit of that person immediately following the violation.

(2) Go upon any land or water outside of buildings, except curtilage, posted or otherwise, in the performance of the officer's duty.

(3) Serve subpoenas issued under the provisions of this title or any other statute the officer is authorized to enforce.

(4) Carry firearms or other weapons, concealed or otherwise, in the performance of the officer's duties.

(5) Purchase and resell game or wildlife, or any part thereof, for the purpose of securing evidence.

(6) Stop any means of transportation within this Commonwealth under reasonable suspicion or under the administrative procedures for road checkpoints. Any officer who stops any means of transportation shall be in uniform and present a badge or other means of official identification and state the purpose of the stop.

(7) Search any person or means of transportation or its attachment or occupants, or any clothing worn by any person,

or any bag, clothing or container under probable cause, consent, exigent circumstances or other established exceptions to warrant requirements, provided that if any person is present the officer presents a badge or other means of official identification and states the purpose of the search.

(8) Conduct administrative inspections of persons, licenses and permits, firearms, ammunition and other implements of taking, game bags, game, meat poles, tags, clothing, waterfowl blinds, decoys, tree stands, immediate hunting locations, or any means of transportation or its attachments used as blinds or as hunting locations, and any coolers or containers possessed at a hunting location when prima facie evidence of hunting exists. Any officer conducting an administrative inspection shall, if any person is present, present a badge or other means of official identification and state the purpose of the inspection.

(9) Secure and execute all warrants and search warrants for violations of this title or, with proper consent, to search or enter any building, dwelling, house, tavern, hotel, boardinghouse, enclosure, vehicle or craft or any attachments thereto, to open, by whatever means necessary, any door, compartment, chest, locker, box, trunk, bag, basket, package or container and to examine the contents thereof and seize any evidence or contraband found therein.

(10) When making an arrest or an investigation or when found in the execution of a search warrant, seize and take possession of all game or wildlife or parts of game or wildlife which have been taken, caught, killed, had or held in possession, and seize all firearms, shooting or hunting paraphernalia, vehicles, boats, conveyances, traps, dogs, decoys, automotive equipment, records, papers, permits, licenses and all contraband or any unlawful device, implement or other appliance used in violation of any of the laws relating to game or wildlife.

(11) Administer any oaths required by the provisions of this title or relative to any violation of any law relating to game or wildlife and, where game or wildlife is found in a camp or in possession or under control of any individual or hunting party, question the person or persons, under oath, relative to the taking, ownership or possession of the game or wildlife.

(12) Operate or move any vehicle, permanently or temporarily equipped with a type of flashing or rotating red light or lights or audible device or both, approved by the commission, upon any street or highway within this Commonwealth when performing duties within the scope of employment.

(12.1) Operate any vehicle owned or leased by the Commonwealth and used for law enforcement purposes, equipped with flashing or rotating lights of such color and combination and audible devices as authorized in the definition of "emergency vehicle" in 75 Pa.C.S. § 102 (relating to definitions) and approved by the commission, upon any street or highway within this Commonwealth when performing duties within the scope of employment. Drivers of Commonwealth-owned or Commonwealth-leased vehicles equipped with lights and audible devices as authorized in this subchapter may exercise the privileges and shall be subject to the conditions as set forth in 75 Pa.C.S. § 3105 (relating to drivers of emergency vehicles).

(13) Demand and secure assistance when the officer deems it necessary.

(14) Demand and secure identification from any person who is the subject of an official investigation or investigative detention, supported by reasonable suspicion, if the officer presents a badge or other means of official identification.

(15) Enforce all the laws of this Commonwealth and regulations promulgated thereunder relating to fish, boats, parks and forestry and other environmental matters, under the direction of those agencies charged with the administration of these laws.

(16) Require the holder of any license or permit required by this title or by commission regulation to sign the holder's name on a separate piece of paper in the presence of the requesting officer.

(17) When acting within the scope of the officer's employment, pursue, apprehend or arrest any individual suspected of violating any provision of Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses) or any other offense classified as a misdemeanor or felony. The officer shall also have the power to serve and execute warrants issued by the proper authorities for offenses referred to in this paragraph and to serve subpoenas issued for examination. All powers as provided for in this paragraph will be limited by such administrative procedure as the director, with the approval of the commission, shall prescribe. The regulations shall be promulgated within 90 days of the effective date of this paragraph.

(18) When acting within the scope of the officer's employment and under the procedures outlined by the executive director, to use a facsimile in the enforcement of the provisions of this title and the regulations promulgated hereunder.

(19) When acting within the scope of the officer's employment, have the discretion to issue written or verbal warnings in lieu of making arrests or issuing citations.

(b) Use of protective materials.--Any officer whose duty it is to enforce this title shall comply with the procedures established by the executive director relating to the use of protective materials under section 2524 (relating to protective material required).

(b.1) Exception to the prohibition of interception and disclosure of communications.--(Deleted by amendment).

(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:

"Officer's employment." The period of time during which a wildlife conservation officer is currently engaged in an activity the officer is employed to perform at the time of the engagement and in places the officer is authorized to perform the activity. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.724, No.180, eff. 60 days; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. imd.; June 28, 2002, P.L.474, No.79, eff. 60 days; Oct. 7, 2010, P.L.474, No.64, eff. 60 days; Feb. 4, 2014, P.L.20, No.8, eff. 60 days; Oct. 31, 2014, P.L.3043, No.202, eff. 60 days; Feb. 15, 2018, P.L.6, No.3, eff. 60 days; Nov. 24, 2025, P.L.326, No.53, eff. 60 days)

2025 Amendment. Act 53 deleted subsec. (b.1). See section 8 of Act 53 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to allocation of money. 2014 Amendments. Act 8 added subsec. (a)(19) and Act 202 added subsec. (b.1). 2010 Amendment. Act 64 amended subsec. (a)(2), (3), (6),

(7), (8) and (14) and added subsec. (c). 2002 Amendment. Act 79 amended subsec. (a). 1996 Amendment. Act 184 added subsecs. (a) hdg. and (18) and (b). Cross References. Section 901 is referred to in section 902 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2962 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2962
Exotic wildlife dealer permits.
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization.--The commission may issue a permit to a person to act as an exotic wildlife dealer. The permit shall authorize the holder to import into this Commonwealth, possess, buy, sell, locate or find for a fee, barter, donate, give away or otherwise dispose of exotic wildlife. A dealer or third person who arranges any trades, sales or purchases set forth in section 2965 (relating to exclusions) for any type of a fee, reimbursement or commission shall be required to have an exotic wildlife dealer's permit.

(b) Shelter, care and protection.--No permit shall be granted by the commission until it is satisfied that the provisions for housing and caring for the exotic wildlife and protection for the public are proper and adequate and in accordance with the standards which may be established by regulations adopted by the commission.

(c) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful for any person to:

(1) Import into this Commonwealth, possess, buy, sell, locate or find for a fee, barter, donate, give away or otherwise dispose of more than one bird or one animal classified as exotic wildlife in any calendar year without first securing a permit issued under this section.

(2) Release exotic wildlife into the wild.

(3) Fail to exercise due care in safeguarding the public from attack by exotic wildlife.

(4) Recklessly engage in conduct which places or may place another person in danger of attack by exotic wildlife.

(d) Penalty.--

(1) A violation of this section relating to permits or regulations adopted thereunder is a summary offense of the first degree.

(2) Any other violation of this section is a summary offense of the sixth degree.

(3) Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, but, under no circumstances, shall the accumulated penalty for purposes of a field receipt exceed $500. There shall be no limit on any accumulated penalty a court may assess.

(e) Discretion of director.--In addition to the penalties provided, the director may, for any violation of this section or the rules and regulations thereunder, revoke or suspend any permit and order the disposal of any exotic wildlife held. (Apr. 20, 1988, P.L.353, No.55, eff. 60 days) 1988 Amendment. Act 55 amended subsec. (c). Cross References. Section 2962 is referred to in section 2965 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 905.1 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 905.1
Assaulting an officer.
Status: in_force

A violation of 18 Pa.C.S. § 2702 (relating to aggravated assault), that involves a person listed under 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2702(c)(37), and 2702.1 (relating to assault of law enforcement officer) is an offense under this title, and the penalties set forth in 18 Pa.C.S. §§ 2702 and 2702.1 shall apply. (Oct. 24, 2012, P.L.1205, No.150, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 150 added section 905.1.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2329 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2329
Additional penalty for poaching (Repealed).
Status: repealed

2010 Repeal. Section 2329 was repealed July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, effective in 60 days.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2926 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2926
Taxidermy permits (Deleted by amendment).
Status: in_force

2006 Amendment. Section 2926 was deleted by amendment July 7, 2006, P.L.358, No.77, effective in 90 days.
34 Pa.C.S. § 102 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 102
Definitions.
Status: in_force

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent provisions of this title which are applicable to specific provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when used in this title shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Acknowledgment of guilt." A written statement admitting guilt, given by an accused individual to an officer or deputy officer along with the payment of a fine, which statement shall

have the same force and effect as though the person executing it had a hearing before proper authority and been convicted of the offense of which he is accused.

"Arrow." A missile shot from a bow, having a slender shaft with fletching or vanes at the butt and a pointed head without any explosive, chemical or poison in the head or shaft and used solely with a bow.

"Big game." Unless otherwise modified by regulation of the commission, includes the elk, the whitetail deer, the bear and the wild turkey.

"Bird." A member of the class Aves, including any part, product, egg or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof (excluding fossils), whether or not included in a manufactured product or in a processed food product.

"Blind." A manmade structure of any size, shape or design constructed or arranged of any material in such a manner as to conceal the body of any person, either in whole or part.

"Bodily injury." Impairment of physical condition or substantial pain.

"Bow." A weapon which propels an arrow, is hand-held, hand-drawn, held in the drawn position by hand or by a hand-held mechanical device and released by hand. The term includes a device held in place by a brace secured around the body of the hunter. The term also includes a crossbow which, when used for hunting deer, bear or turkey, has a draw weight of no less than 125 pounds and uses arrows tipped with broadheads of a cutting edge design.

"Closed season." The periods of the calendar year and the hours during which it is unlawful to take game or wildlife.

"Commission." The Pennsylvania Game Commission of the Commonwealth. "Conspire" or "conspiracy." The act or action of two or more persons combining in any manner or degree to violate any provisions of this title, either before or after the actual commission of the offense, even though the offense is not consummated.

"Contraband." Any game or wildlife, or part or product thereof, or any personal property, including, but not limited to, firearms, traps, boats, decoys, vehicles and attachments and property designed for use or used in hunting and taking game or wildlife, when the game or wildlife, or part or product thereof, or the personal property is held in possession, transported or used or taken in violation of any law, the enforcement or administration of which is vested in the commission. Contraband shall be forfeited to the commission to be disposed of at the discretion of the director.

"Convicted." The finding of guilty of a person charged with an offense after a hearing before a qualified authority. The execution of an "acknowledgment of guilt" or a "plea of guilty" shall have the same effect.

"Director." The Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission or any person to whom authority has been delegated by the director.

"District justice." (Deleted by amendment).

"Domicile." That place where a person has a true, fixed and permanent home and principal residence and to which, whenever the person is temporarily absent, the person intends to return. A domicile is a permanent building, or part thereof, including a house, condominium, apartment room in a house or complex, or mobile home. No vacant lot, second home, camp, cottage or premises used solely for business shall be considered a domicile.

"Each." The whole or any part or parts, or manufactured products containing the whole or any part or parts, of any game or wildlife.

"Endangered species." All species and subspecies of wildlife which have been declared by:

(1) the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior to be threatened with extinction and appear on the Endangered Species List or the Native Endangered Species List published in the Federal Register; or

(2) the director to be threatened with extinction and appear on the Pennsylvania Endangered Species List published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

"Facsimile." A copy of game or wildlife with similar characteristics. The term includes man-made, taxidermy mounts, mechanical or electronic facsimiles.

"Fine shot." Pellets which are no larger than what is commonly known as BB's. The term does not include buckshot.

"Firearm." An instrument used in the propulsion of shot, shell, bullet or any other object by the action of gunpowder exploded, explosive powder, the expansion of gas or the force of a mechanical device under tension.

(1)

"Automatic." Any firearm which discharges more than once with a single pull of the trigger.

(2)

"Semiautomatic." Any firearm which reloads without aid of the shooter, but fires only once with a single pull of the trigger.

"Furbearers." Unless otherwise modified by regulation of the commission, the term includes the badger, the fisher, the mink, the muskrat, the opossum, the otter, the pine marten, the striped and spotted skunk, the beaver, the raccoon, all weasels, the red and gray fox and the bobcat.

"Game." Includes "game animals," "game birds" and any facsimile thereof.

"Game animals." Unless otherwise modified by regulation of the commission, the term includes the elk, the whitetail deer, the bear, the cottontail rabbit, the snowshoe hare, the red, gray and fox squirrel and the groundhog or woodchuck.

"Game birds." Unless otherwise modified by regulation of the commission, the term includes geese, brant, wild ducks, mergansers and swans; coots, gallinules, rails, snipe, woodcock; turkeys, grouse, pheasants, Hungarian partridges, bobwhite quail and mourning doves.

"Green pelt." A pelt which is not dried, cured or tanned. "Hunt" or "hunting." Any act or furtherance of the taking or killing of any game or wildlife, or any part or product thereof, and includes, but is not limited to, chasing, tracking, calling, pursuing, lying in wait, trapping, shooting at, including shooting at a game or wildlife facsimile, or wounding with any weapon or implement, or using any personal property, including dogs, or the property of others, of any nature, in furtherance of any of these purposes, or aiding, abetting or conspiring with another person in that purpose.

"Loaded firearm." A firearm of any kind which has a live shell or cartridge in either the chamber or magazine.

"Magisterial district judge." Includes a court of the minor judiciary having jurisdiction over summary offenses generally.

"Management unit." Any geographic area defined and designated by regulation of the commission for game or wildlife management purposes which may consist of all or a part or parts of one or more contiguous counties or management units and includes all lands and waters therein.

"Migratory game bird." Any game bird defined in 50 CFR 20.11 (relating to meaning of terms), except as otherwise provided in Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations.

"Migratory waterfowl." All species as defined in 50 CFR by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior.

"Mounted specimen." Any game or wildlife, or any portion or part thereof, prepared, preserved, arranged, set up or posed in a lifelike position or some other form of display.

"Officer." Any Game Commission officer or deputy Game Commission officer appointed by the commission or any other person with law enforcement powers who is designated by the director to enforce this title.

"Open season." The indicated periods of the calendar year and the daily hours during which game or wildlife may be legally hunted, taken or killed and includes both the first and the last day of the season or period of time designated by this title or by regulation of the commission. "Part" or "parts." Any portion of tissue, flesh, blood, bone, hide, skin, hair or feather of such substance, size, volume or weight, which may be determined by a qualified person as belonging to the species alleged, even though diluted or contained in any manufactured product.

"Person." An individual, partnership, association, corporation, political subdivision, municipal authority, the Commonwealth or any other legal entity as the context requires.

"Poaching." To unlawfully take game or wildlife by means of or as a result of multiple violations of the provisions of this title or the regulations thereunder.

"Possession." The detention and control, or the manual or ideal custody, of anything which may be the subject of property, for one's use and enjoyment, either as owner or as the proprietor of a qualified right in it, and either held personally or by another who exercises it in one's place and name. Possession includes the act or state of possessing and that condition of facts under which one can exercise his power over a corporeal thing at his pleasure to the exclusion of all other persons. Possession includes constructive possession which means not actual but assumed to exist where one claims to hold by virtue of some title without having actual custody. The presence in a vehicle of any kind, or its attachments, of any unlawfully taken game or wildlife or unlawful device or contraband is presumptive evidence of its possession by all persons occupying the vehicle or its attachments.

"Protected birds." All wild birds not included within the term "game birds."

"Raptors." All eagles, falcons, hawks and owls, individually or collectively, whether protected or unprotected.

"Resident." A person who is permanently domiciled within this Commonwealth which person's principal domicile is in this Commonwealth to which that person has the intention of returning whenever that person is temporarily absent.

"Serious bodily injury." Bodily injury which creates a substantial risk of death or which causes serious permanent disfigurement or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any bodily member or organ.

"Shooting hours." The designated periods of time, including any modification by regulation of the commission, for the lawful killing or taking of game or wildlife.

"Small game." All species of game birds and game animals not classed as big game.

"Take." To harass, pursue, hunt for, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, possess or collect any game or wildlife, including shooting at a facsimile of game or wildlife, or attempt to harass, pursue, hunt for, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect any game or wildlife or aiding, abetting or conspiring with another person in that purpose.

"Taxidermy." The practice of mounting, arranging, posing, preserving or freeze-drying game or wildlife, fish or reptiles in a lifelike position.

"Threatened species." All species and subspecies of wildlife which have been declared by:

(1) the Secretary of the United States Department of the Interior to be in such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if their environment worsens and appear on a Threatened Species List published in the Federal Register; or

(2) the director to be in such small numbers throughout their range that they may become endangered if their environment worsens and appear on the Pennsylvania Threatened Species List published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

"Title." The provisions of this title and any rules, regulations, restrictions or guidelines which are adopted by the commission and promulgated as required by law.

"Time." Official prevailing time.

"Transporting." To move from one place to another by any means whatsoever.

"Trapping." The securing or attempting to secure possession of game or wildlife by means of setting, placing or using any device that is designed to close upon, hold fast, confine or otherwise capture game or wildlife whether these means result in capturing or not. It includes every act of assistance to any other person in capturing game or wildlife by means of such device whether these means result in capturing or not.

"Violation." Any act in violation of a provision of this title or any regulation promulgated by the commission which implements or otherwise pertains to any provision of this title.

"Wild animals." All mammals other than domestic animals as defined in 1 Pa.C.S. § 1991 (relating to definitions). The term shall not include a species or variation of swine, pig or boar, held in captivity.

"Wild birds." All migratory birds as defined in 50 CFR by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service of the Department of the Interior, game birds and any other birds designated by the commission, including, but not limited to, grouse, partridge, pheasant, quail and wild turkey.

"Wildlife." Wild birds, wild mammals and facsimiles thereof, regardless of classification, whether protected or unprotected, including any part, product, egg or offspring thereof, or the dead body or parts thereof (excluding fossils), whether or not included in a manufactured product or in a processed food product. (Nov. 25, 1988, P.L.1082, No.125, eff. imd.; Apr. 4, 1996, P.L.55, No.19, eff. imd.; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2008, P.L.920, No.65, eff. imd.; July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days; June 24, 2013, P.L.145, No.25, eff. 60 days; July 2, 2014, P.L.847, No.92, eff. 60 days) 2022 Correction. The Legislative Reference Bureau added back in language that had been inadvertently dropped in the def. of "wildlife." 2014 Amendment. Act 92 amended the def. of "bow."

2013 Amendment. Act 25 amended the def. of "wild animals." 2010 Amendment. Act 54 amended the defs. of "closed season," "open season" and "violation." See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice. 2008 Amendment. Act 65 added the def. of "mounted specimen." 2004 Amendment. Act 207 deleted the def. of "district justice" and added the def. of "magisterial district judge." See sections 28 and 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to applicability and construction of law. 1996 Amendments. Act 19 added the def. of "migratory game bird" and Act 184 amended the defs. of "game," "hunt" or "hunting," "take" and "wildlife" and added the defs. of "bodily injury," "facsimile," "poaching" and "serious bodily injury." 1988 Amendment. Act 125 added the def. of "loaded firearm." Cross References. Section 102 is referred to in section 2902 of this title; section 5702 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses); section 5702 of Title 30 (Fish); section 67A01 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2925 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2925
Falconry permits.
Status: in_force

(a) Powers of commission.--The commission may adopt regulations to define, implement and provide for the issuance of falconry permits to eligible persons within this Commonwealth.

(b) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful for any person to engage in any falconry activities without a valid falconry permit or to violate any regulation of the commission relating to falconry.

(c) Penalty.--Except for endangered or threatened species, a violation of this section or any regulation adopted by the commission regarding falconry is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(June 24, 2011, P.L.46, No.9, eff. imd.) 2011 Amendment. Act 9 amended subsecs. (a) and (b).
34 Pa.C.S. § 544 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 544
Maintenance, repair or replacement.
Status: in_force

All fences, after erection, shall be maintained by the individuals interested, and the commission shall bear no part of any future maintenance. Replacement of the deterrent fences when worn out may be on the same basis as the erection of the original fence. The commission shall decide when the replacement deterrent fence is necessary.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2167 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2167
Endangered or threatened species.
Status: in_force

(a) Changes to list.--The commission may, by regulation, add or remove any wild bird or wild animal native to this Commonwealth to or from the Pennsylvania native list of endangered or threatened species.

(b) Possession, transportation, capturing or killing.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person, acting either for himself or as the representative of another, to bring into or remove from this Commonwealth, or to possess, transport, capture or kill, or attempt, aid, abet or conspire to capture or kill, any wild bird or wild animal, or any part thereof, or the eggs of any wild bird, which are endangered or threatened species. It is the duty of every officer having authority to enforce this title to seize all wild birds or wild animals, or any part thereof, or the eggs of any wild bird, which have been declared endangered or threatened.

(c) Purchase, sale, barter or exchange.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person, acting either for himself or as a representative of another, at any time to buy, sell, barter or exchange, or to offer for sale or barter, or to have in possession for sale or barter, or to aid, abet or conspire in the possession, sale, barter or exchange, or to give away any endangered or threatened species or subspecies of wild birds or wild animals, or parts thereof. It is the duty of every officer having authority to enforce this title to seize all endangered or threatened wild birds or wild animals, or any part thereof. This subsection shall not be construed to permit any individual or agency other than the commission to sell the skins or parts of game or wildlife or the plumage or parts of birds killed as a protection to crops or accidentally killed upon the highways or seized as contraband.

(d) Penalties.--A violation of this section shall be graded as follows:

(1) A first violation is a misdemeanor of the second degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt

or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

(2) A second violation within a seven-year period or during the same criminal episode as the first violation is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

(3) A third or subsequent violation within a seven-year period or during the same criminal episode as the first or second violation is a felony of the third degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

(4) In addition to any other penalty, a violation of subsection (b) that results in the killing of a protected bird listed under 16 U.S.C. § 668 (relating to bald and golden eagles) shall be graded one degree higher than the penalty provided under paragraph (1), (2) or (3). (July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days; May 8, 2024, P.L.49, No.13, eff. 60 days) 2024 Amendment. Act 13 added subsec. (d)(4). 2010 Amendment. See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice. Cross References. Section 2167 is referred to in section 2924 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2711 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2711
Unlawful acts concerning licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to:

(1) Hunt or take any game or wildlife by any means or manner or device, including the use of dogs, without first securing and personally signing the required license. The required license must be carried on person when hunting, furtaking or taking any game or wildlife within this Commonwealth.

(2) Procure a license in a name other than the person's legal name, furnish an address other than his legal place of residence and domicile or make any false or misleading statement whatsoever in securing a license.

(3) Lend or transfer in any manner whatsoever a license or game or wildlife kill tag to any other person regardless of the purpose.

(4) Issue, acquire or aid, assist or conspire, either for that person or any other person, in procuring any hunting or furtaking license for which that person is not legally entitled thereto.

(5) Possess while hunting or taking game or wildlife or going to or from hunting or taking game or wildlife any report card, license tag, license stamp or game or wildlife kill tag belonging to another.

(6) Except as provided under section 2705 (relating to classes of licenses), receive a hunting or furtaking license under any circumstances if under 12 years of age.

(7) Receive a hunting or furtaking license without presenting a written request executed by a parent or legally constituted guardian if under 17 years of age.

(8) Use firearms of any kind or a bow and arrow for the purpose of hunting any game or wildlife or attempting to take or kill any game or wildlife by hunting or trapping if under 12 years of age or when hunting or trapping any game

or wildlife or attempting to hunt or trap any game or wildlife if between 12 and 14 years of age, unless accompanied by a parent or a person 18 years of age or older serving in loco parentis or as guardian or some other family member 18 years of age or older or when hunting if between 14 and 16 years of age, unless accompanied by a person 18 years of age or older. For the purpose of this paragraph "accompany" means close enough that verbal instructions and guidance can be easily understood. The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to section 2363 (relating to trapping exception for certain persons).

(9) (Deleted by amendment).

(10) Hunt or take, or aid, assist or attempt to hunt or take, furbearers or take any game or wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth, either with or without a license, or make application, receive or attempt or conspire to receive any license required by this chapter, during any period that these privileges have been denied or withdrawn by this title, by the director or by a magisterial district judge or court.

(11) Conspire to or duplicate, reproduce, alter, forge or counterfeit any permit, license, tag or stamp required by this title.

(12) While exercising any of the privileges granted by any license provided for in this title, refuse or fail to satisfactorily provide positive identification or proof of license to any landowner upon whose land that person may be occupying or to any officer whose duty it is to enforce this title.

(13) Violate any regulations promulgated under the authority of this subchapter.

(a.1) Exemption.--For the sole purpose of implementing and enhancing a mentored hunting program within this Commonwealth, the commission may establish regulations exempting certain limited hunting activities from the prohibitions specified in subsection (a)(1), (3), (5) and (8). Such exemption shall include a provision limiting a mentored person participating in a mentored hunting program to the receipt of no more than one antlerless deer license in each license year. A person 17 years of age or older may participate in a mentored hunting program as a mentored hunter in no more than three licensing years.

(b) Penalties.--A violation of this subchapter relating to:

(1) Subsection (a)(1) insofar as it relates to hunting or furtaking without a valid license or licenses required is a summary offense of the third degree.

(2) Subsection (a)(1) insofar as it relates to signing a license is a summary offense of the eighth degree.

(3) Subsection (a)(2), (3), (4), (5) or (12) is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(4) Subsection (a)(6), (7) or (8) is a summary offense of the seventh degree.

(5) Subsection (a)(10) or (11) is a summary offense of the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

(6) Any of the other provisions of this subchapter or the regulations promulgated thereunder is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(c) Separate offenses.--Each day of violation or each illegal act constitutes a separate offense. (June 22, 1993, P.L.102, No.23, eff. imd.; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54,

eff. 60 days; June 24, 2011, P.L.46, No.9, eff. imd.; Dec. 15, 2011, P.L.441, No.107, eff. 60 days; May 15, 2013, P.L.26, No.7, eff. 60 days)

Amendment. Act 7 amended subsec. (a.1). 2011 Amendment. Act 107 amended subsecs. (a)(1) and (12) and (b)(2) and (3) and deleted subsec. (a)(9). 2010 Amendment. Act 54 amended subsecs. (a)(4) and (b). See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice. 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (a)(10). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law. 1993 Amendment. Act 23 amended subsec. (a)(6). Section 2 of Act 23 provided that Act 23 shall apply to the license year beginning July 1, 1993, and to each license year thereafter. Cross References. Section 2711 is referred to in section 2923 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 921 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 921
Time for commencing prosecutions.
Status: in_force

Prosecutions for violating any provisions of this title shall be commenced within two years after the violation occurs.
34 Pa.C.S. § 903 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 903
Delegation of enforcement powers.
Status: in_force

Any person elected or employed by the Commonwealth or by any municipality, whose duty it is to preserve the peace or to make arrests or to enforce the laws of this Commonwealth, may be designated and empowered by the director, with the approval of the commission, to enforce the provisions of this title under policies established by the director. Cross References. Section 903 is referred to in section 2314 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 721 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 721
Control of property.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The administration of all lands or waters owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the commission shall be under the sole control of the director, and the commission shall promulgate regulations consistent with the purpose of this title for its use and protection as necessary to properly manage these lands or waters. The acquisition, use and management of such lands or waters owned, leased or otherwise controlled by the commission, including timber cutting and crop cultivation, shall not be subject to regulation by counties or municipalities.

(b) Penalty.--A violation of regulations promulgated under subsection (a) is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. imd.)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2710 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2710
Replacement of lost licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) Regular licenses.--Any holder of a license who in any manner suffers the theft, destruction, mutilation or loss of the license shall be issued a replacement license upon:

(1) Application to the commission or to any issuing agent.

(2) The execution of the affidavit and application form provided for that purpose.

(3) The forfeiture of any remaining portions of the lost license.

(4) The payment of the prescribed cost and fee. The issuing agent shall indicate on the face of the license the word "replacement," together with the number of the original license.

(b) Special licenses.--Special licenses lost in or by the United States Postal Service shall be replaced by the issuing agent at a reasonable fee set by the commission. An affidavit shall be submitted by the applicant for the replacement of any lost special license.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2707 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2707
License periods.
Status: in_force

Licenses shall be issued for the period beginning July 1 and ending June 30 of the year next following. The effective and expiration dates of additional distinct licenses required or authorized by this title or by regulation of the commission shall be fixed by regulation of the commission.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2965 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2965
Exclusions.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The provisions of sections 2930 (relating to propagating permits), 2962(a) (relating to exotic wildlife dealer permits), 2963(a) (relating to exotic wildlife possession permits) and 2964(a) (relating to menagerie permits) shall not apply to any:

(1) Public zoological garden which receives government grants or appropriations.

(2) Private zoological park or garden which is open to the public and is accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums.

(3) Nationally recognized circus.

(b) Specific exclusion for exotic wildlife dealer permits.--The provisions of section 2962(a) shall not apply to any individual, partnership, association or corporation which holds a permit issued pursuant to section 2964, providing the purchase or sale of exotic wildlife or other authorized transaction is conducted for the sole purpose of maintaining stock for the menagerie. Cross References. Section 2965 is referred to in section 2962 of this title. APPENDIX TO TITLE 34 GAME ------- Supplementary Provisions of Amendatory Statutes ------- 1986, JULY 8, P.L.442, NO.93
34 Pa.C.S. § 2312 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2312
Buying and selling game.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Unless otherwise provided, it is unlawful for any person to buy, sell or barter, or aid, abet, assist or conspire to buy, sell or barter, or offer for sale or barter, or have in possession or transport for sale or barter, any game or the edible parts of game or any protected bird or animal or parts of any protected bird or animal.

(b) Imported game.--It is unlawful for any person to sell or barter, or offer for sale or barter, any game or wildlife protected by this title imported, either dead or alive, from another state or nation unless there is attached to the carton containing the game or wildlife or to the individual carcasses a tag identifying the game or wildlife in English and giving the state or nation from which originally shipped.

(c) Exception.--

(1) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent:

(i) The purchase or sale of game raised under the authority of a propagating permit in this Commonwealth.

(ii) The capture and sale of game or wildlife after securing a permit from the director and payment of any fees established by the commission.

(iii) The sale of the tanned, cured or mounted heads or skins, or parts thereof, of any game or wildlife not killed in a wild state in this Commonwealth.

(iv) The sale or purchase of any inedible part thereof, from game or wildlife lawfully killed, if such parts are disposed of by the original owner within 90 days after the close of the season in which the game or wildlife was taken.

(v) The sale of mounted specimens by any auctioneer licensed by the Commonwealth. The commission shall require no permit for such action. Any licensed auctioneer who sells ten or more mounted specimens during any one sale at a registered auction house must report those sales to the commission within 15 days of the completion of the sale.

(2) The commission may by regulation authorize the buying and selling of inedible parts of game and wildlife as it deems appropriate.

(3) This subsection shall not be construed to permit any individual or agency other than the commission to sell the skins or parts of game or wildlife killed as a protection to crops, or accidentally killed upon the highways, or seized as contraband.

(d) Penalty.--A violation of this section relating to:

(1) Threatened or endangered species shall be graded as follows:

(i) A first offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to

hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

(ii) A second offense within a seven-year period or during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

(iii) A third or subsequent violation of this section within a seven-year period or during the same criminal episode is a felony of the third degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

(2) Big game animals shall be graded as follows:

(i) A first offense or a second offense during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

(ii) A second offense within a seven-year period or a third or fourth offense during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

(iii) A fifth or subsequent offense during the same criminal episode or third offense within a seven-year period is a felony of the third degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

(3) The selling and buying of venison up to 20 pounds and the buying and selling of other game or wildlife is a summary offense of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three years. (Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2008, P.L.920, No.65, eff. imd.; July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days) 2010 Amendment. Act 54 amended subsecs. (a) and (d). See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice. 2008 Amendment. Act 65 amended subsec. (c)(1).
34 Pa.C.S. § 562 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 562
Powers and duties of hearing examiner.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The hearing examiner shall have the following powers and duties:

(1) Notify the parties of the place and time of the review.

(2) Upon request, issue compulsory process for the attendance of witnesses on behalf of the Commonwealth or the applicant and grant any reasonable continuance of the inquiry date and time as justice may require.

(3) Administer oaths to all persons testifying, which oaths shall in all ways be binding and of like effect as oaths administered in any court of this Commonwealth.

(4) Arrange for and supervise the electronic or stenographic recording of the proceedings and, if necessary, the preparation of the transcript.

(5) Perform, take or order any and all actions which are necessary to comply with Title 2 (relating to administrative law and procedure).

(b) Penalty.--A violation of subsection (a)(2) or (3) is a summary offense of the fourth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 929 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 929
Revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or registration.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, any hunting or furtaking license, special license or permit or registration granted under the authority of this title may be denied, revoked or suspended by the commission when the holder of the license, permit or registration is convicted of an offense under this title or has acted contrary to the intent of the registration or permit, with each offense constituting a separate violation subject to separate revocation. The commission may refuse to grant to that person any permit or registration and may deny any privilege granted by these documents for a period not exceeding five years unless otherwise provided in this title.

(a.1) Remedial hunter education course.--A person whose privilege to hunt with or without a license anywhere in this Commonwealth is revoked or suspended under a provision of this title requiring mandatory revocation or suspension shall, in order to obtain restoration, present evidence of the successful completion of a remedial hunter education course as provided by the director and approved by the commission prior to obtaining a license. This course may be taken no earlier than three months prior to the end of the period of revocation. The commission shall promulgate regulations establishing the curriculum, administration and any associated fees of such a remedial course, which fees shall bear a reasonable relationship to the costs of providing the course and the course materials.

(a.2) Vision examination and drug and alcohol education program.--A person whose privilege to hunt with or without a license anywhere in this Commonwealth is revoked or suspended under section 2522(c) (relating to shooting at or causing injury to human beings), in order to obtain restoration, shall present evidence of having taken a vision examination under section 2522(c) and, if required by the commission, present evidence of having successfully completed an alcohol and drug education program under section 2522(h).

(b) Regulations.--The commission may promulgate regulations specifying the procedures to be followed in denying, revoking or suspending any hunting and furtaking privileges, licenses, permits and registrations granted under the provisions of this title. (Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.783, No.111, eff. July 1, 2001; Dec. 30, 2003, P.L.436, No.63, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days) 2010 Amendment. Act 54 amended subsecs. (a) and (b). See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice.
34 Pa.C.S. § 926 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 926
Acknowledgment of guilt and receipt for payment.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (d), a person charged with violating any provision of this title which is a summary offense may sign within ten days of the commission of the offense an acknowledgment of the offense committed and pay to an officer of the commission the penalty in full, as fixed by this title, plus any costs of prosecution which may have accrued. The printed receipt for this payment shall only prove full satisfaction of the monetary fine for the offense committed and in no way shall limit the commission from further revoking hunting and furtaking privileges.

(b) Notice of right to hearing.--Each acknowledgment of guilt shall have printed on it a notice stating that the person has the right to a hearing in a judicial proceeding. At the same time that the printed acknowledgment of guilt is being completed, the officer of the commission shall give a verbal warning concerning the right of the person to a hearing in a judicial proceeding.

(c) Stopping payment of check.--A person who makes payment to the commission by personal check for an acknowledgment pursuant to this title and who stops payment on the check or issues a nonnegotiable check or instrument commits a summary offense of the seventh degree. The official receipt for payment of the penalty, issued by an officer, shall become void, and the prosecution of the person or persons named on the receipt shall be allowed to continue.

(d) Limitations of acknowledgments of guilt.--On and after June 30, 1999, acknowledgments of guilt pursuant to this section shall be used only in such counties as the commission may designate by regulation for such use. The commission shall only designate such counties for continued use of field acknowledgment as it finds to have summary offense procedures that differ from Statewide summary offense procedures. (Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. July 1, 1999)

1998 Amendment. Act 166 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec. (d). Cross References. Section 926 is referred to in section 931 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2328 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2328
Shipping or transporting big game.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Unless properly tagged, it is unlawful for any person to ship or transport the carcass of any big game. The tag shall contain in English the name, address and license number of the owner and the location where the big game was killed.

(b) Portions of big game.--Any person may transport an unmarked part of a big game carcass that has been legally taken and cut up. Such person shall, upon request of any law enforcement officer, furnish the name, address and license number of the person killing the big game and any other information required to properly establish legal possession.

(c) False information.--It is unlawful to furnish false or misleading information concerning the carcass or parts thereof in question.

(d) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2310 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2310
Unlawful use of lights while hunting.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as set forth in subsection (b), it is unlawful for any person or group of persons to engage in any of the following activities to any degree:

(1) Cast the rays of an artificial light of any kind on any game or wildlife or in an attempt to locate any game or wildlife while on foot, in any vehicle or its attachments, or any watercraft or any airborne craft while in possession of a firearm of any kind, or a bow or arrow, or any implement or device with which any game or wildlife could be killed or taken even though no game or wildlife is shot at, injured or killed.

(2) Intentionally or knowingly act, aid, assist or conspire either in the killing or taking or in an attempt to kill, take, possess, transport or conceal any game or wildlife or a part thereof which has been killed or taken by use of any artificial light.

(3) Operate, allow or permit any vehicle or its attachments, any watercraft or any airborne craft to be used for killing or taking or attempting to kill or take any game or wildlife by using the rays of any artificial light.

(b) Exceptions.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall not apply to:

(1)

(i) A person on foot who uses a flashlight or spotlight held in the hand, worn on the head or mounted on a firearm to take furbearers, if the sole source of power for the flashlight or spotlight is contained within the flashlight or spotlight or on the person.

(ii) For the purposes of this paragraph, a flashlight or spotlight mounted on a firearm shall not include a device that projects a beam of laser light to indicate the intended point of impact for one or more projectiles discharged from the firearm.

(2) Any political subdivision, its employees or agents, which has a valid deer control permit issued under section 2902(c) (relating to general categories of permits).

(c) Penalties.--

(1) A violation of subsection (a)(1) is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(2) A violation of subsection(a)(2) or (3) relating to:

(i) Threatened or endangered species shall be graded as follows:

(A) A first offense is a misdemeanor of the second degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

(B) A second offense within a seven-year period or during the same criminal episode as the first offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

(C) A third or subsequent violation within a seven-year period or during the same criminal episode of a first or second offense is a felony of the third degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

(ii) Big game animals shall be graded as follows:

(A) A first offense or a second offense during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

(B) A second offense within a seven-year period or a third or fourth offense during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

(C) A fifth or subsequent offense during the same criminal episode or a third offense within a seven-year period is a felony of the third degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

(iii) A violation of subsection (a)(2) where the species is a single white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey is a summary offense of the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three years. A second violation of subsection (a)(2) where the species is a single white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey within a seven-year period is a misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of five years. A third offense within a seven-year period where the species is a single white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

(iv) Any other game or wildlife is a summary offense of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three years.

(d) Contraband.--Any craft or vehicle or attachments thereto, and all artificial lights and any firearm or paraphernalia being unlawfully used, and any game or wildlife unlawfully taken, killed or possessed are contraband. (Mar. 29, 1996, P.L.41, No.13, eff. imd.; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days; July 3, 2007, P.L.79, No.26, eff. 60 days; July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days) 2010 Amendment. Act 54 amended subsecs. (a)(2) and (c). See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice. 2007 Amendment. Act 26 amended subsecs. (b) and (c). Section 2 of Act 26 provided that Act 26 shall apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of section 2.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2722 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2722
Authorized license-issuing agents.
Status: in_force

(a) County treasurer and commission employees.--Each county treasurer or, in home rule or optional plan counties, the person whose duties encompass those of a county treasurer, whose agency has not been recalled under this title, shall accept applications and issue licenses in accordance with this title. The director may also designate commission employees at commission facilities to issue licenses.

(b) Agents for issuing antlerless deer licenses.--Antlerless deer licenses shall be issued only by the commission or by authorized license-issuing agents designated by the director and shall be available through the Pennsylvania Automated Licensing Service.

(c) Agent for issuing bear and nonresident furtaker licenses.--Bear and nonresident furtaker licenses shall be issued only by the commission or by authorized license-issuing agents designated by the director.

(d) Appointment of additional agents.--The commission may appoint such number of qualified persons, with similar authority, as it deems necessary for the efficient distribution of licenses required by this title.

(e) Agent responsible for employees.--The authorized agent shall be solely responsible for each person acting under his direction.

(f) Recall of appointment or authority.--The director may recall the appointment or authority of any county treasurer or other agent at any time.

(g) Regulations.--The commission shall adopt regulations for:

(1) The appointment of hunting or furtaker license-issuing agents and shall establish the appropriate administrative fee for creating and maintaining these issuing agents. County treasurers shall be exempt from the payment of any administrative fee established by the commission.

(2) The administration, control and performance of activities conducted pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. imd.; Nov. 3, 2022, P.L.2133, No.148, eff. 60 days) 2022 Amendment. Act 148 amended subsec. (b).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2724 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2724
Record of license sales.
Status: in_force

(a) Daily record.--Each place where licenses are sold shall maintain a complete daily record of all license and voucher transactions, including applications received, in the manner and form prescribed by the director. The applications, licenses and records shall be made available, during normal business hours, for immediate inspection to any officer charged with the enforcement of this title or any representative of the Office of the Auditor General or Attorney General.

(b) Monthly report.--Within five days following the first day of each month, each issuing agent shall forward to the director, on forms supplied by the commission, a complete report of licenses and vouchers issued, in correct numerical sequence, together with all moneys collected from the sale of licenses and any other information required by the director. (July 9, 2008, P.L.927, No.67, eff. 60 days)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2141 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2141
Killing game or wildlife to protect person.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for a person to kill any game or wildlife as a means of protection unless it is clearly evident from all the facts that a human is endangered to a degree that the immediate destruction of the game or wildlife is necessary.

(b) Report, safekeeping and investigation.--A person killing any game or wildlife under this subchapter shall report the event to an officer as soon as possible following the incident but in no case later than 24 hours, provide for safekeeping of the game or wildlife intact at the place where it was killed and be available for interview by the officer.

(c) Exoneration.--At the conclusion of any investigation when any game or wildlife is allegedly killed as protection to a person, the officer may exonerate the person for the otherwise unlawful killing of the game or wildlife. In all cases the

officer shall seize and dispose of the game or wildlife as required by this title or upon instructions of the director.

(d) Prosecution.--Any officer making an investigation when game or wildlife was allegedly killed as a protection to a person shall proceed with prosecution as though the game or wildlife was unlawfully killed if the officer is dissatisfied with the explanation of the person killing the game or wildlife or if the physical facts of the killing do not support and sustain the facts alleged by the person killing the game or wildlife.

(e) Penalties.--A violation of this section relating to:

(1) Threatened or endangered species is a misdemeanor.

(2) Elk or bear is a summary offense of the first degree.

(3) Deer is a summary offense of the second degree.

(4) Bobcat or otter is a summary offense of the third degree.

(5) Wild turkey or beaver is a summary offense of the fourth degree.

(6) Any other game or wildlife is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (Oct. 24, 2012, P.L.1205, No.150, eff. 60 days; June 30, 2025, P.L.83, No.26, eff. 60 days) 2025 Amendment. Act 26 amended subsec. (b). 2012 Amendment. Act 150 amended subsec. (e)(1).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2309 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2309
Unlawful removal of game or wildlife from place of refuge.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to cut any dead or living tree, use smoke or any other method to take any game or wildlife or dig any game or wildlife out of its place of refuge or den.

(b) Woodchuck in cultivated fields.--Woodchucks may be dug out of their dens in cultivated fields by any person who, if not the owner, lessee or occupant or members of their families or hired help thereof, shall first secure permission of the person in charge of the property and, immediately after the removal of the woodchuck, replace the earth and level off the area dug out.

(c) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree. Each violation constitutes a separate offense.
34 Pa.C.S. § 722 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 722
Use of property.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in section 723 (relating to exchange or sale), all or any part of the lands and waters to which title has been acquired for the use of the commission or which have been leased may be used only to create and maintain public hunting and furtaking, game or wildlife propagation areas, farms or facilities for the propagation of game or wildlife, special preserves as provided for in this title or other uses incidental to hunting, furtaking and game or wildlife resource management.

(b) Permits, licenses and leases.--Except as provided in subsection (c), the commission may issue permits and licenses and enter into leases for uses of its lands as it deems in the best interest of the commission at such charge as it deems reasonable. The commission shall not issue any permits or licenses and shall not enter into any lease which would permit the use of commission-owned or leased land for the disposal of any hazardous or toxic or radioactive waste of any nature.

(c) Limitation of mining.--The commission shall not permit the mining of uranium or any other radioactive minerals from any of its lands.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2908 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2908
Violations.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided for in subsection

(a.1), it is unlawful to:

(1) Exercise any of the privileges granted by a permit issued under this title without first securing the required permit.

(2) Fail to carry, show or display the permit to any officer whose duty it is to enforce this title while exercising any privilege granted by the permit.

(3) Aid, assist or conspire with any person contrary to this chapter or regulations promulgated thereunder.

(4) Make any false or misleading statement on any application or any required report.

(5) Fail to submit any report when required or to keep accurate records.

(6) Violate any other provisions of this subchapter or regulations adopted thereunder.

(a.1) Exception.--Notwithstanding any other provision of this title, it shall not be unlawful for a properly permitted nuisance wildlife control operator to use electronic means to check on the status of a trap while acting pursuant to the authority granted under the permit. If the electronic device shall malfunction or in any way cease to provide the permit holder with real-time updates on the trap, the permit holder shall be required to physically check the trap within 24 hours.

(b) Penalty.--Except for endangered or threatened species, a violation of any other provision of this subchapter is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (June 27, 2013, P.L.153, No.29, eff. 60 days) 2013 Amendment. Act 29 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec.

(a.1).
34 Pa.C.S. § 902 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 902
Deputy Game Commission officers.
Status: in_force

Except for the powers conferred under section 901(a)(12.1),

(17) and (18) (relating to powers and duties of enforcement officers), deputy Game Commission officers shall, unless further restricted by the director, exercise all the powers and perform all the duties conferred by this title on Game Commission officers, except deputy wildlife conservation officers shall not be authorized to issue citations or field acknowledgments of guilt for violations and shall provide the information to the wildlife conservation officer. Retired wildlife conservation officers, retired waterways conservation officers, State park rangers, State forest rangers or current or retired State or municipal police officers shall exercise all powers and duties conferred on deputy Game Commission officers, including the right to issue citations and field acknowledgments of guilt for violations. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.724, No.180, eff. 60 days; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. imd.; June 28, 2002, P.L.474, No.79, eff. 60 days)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2385 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2385
Destruction of dogs declared public nuisances.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--A dog declared a public nuisance pursuant to section 2384 (relating to declaring dogs public nuisances) may be killed by any commission officer at any time or by any person when the dog is found to be in the act of attacking a big game animal.

(b) Reports after killing dog.--Any person who kills a licensed dog pursuant to subsection (a) and section 2384 shall notify the owner or a commission officer within 48 hours after the dog was killed. The person who killed the dog or the commission officer who receives the report shall disclose to the owner of the dog the time, place, circumstances relating to the death of the dog and the location of the dog's remains. All equipment found on the dog, including collar, name tag, license tag or any other personal property, shall be returned to the owner of the dog within ten days after conclusion of any prosecution or immediately if no prosecution is contemplated.

(c) Inapplicability of certain laws.--

(1) The provisions of 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 55 Subch. B (relating to cruelty to animals) shall not apply to any person killing any dog pursuant to subsection (a).

(2) The provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 85 (relating to matters affecting government units) shall not apply to any agency, commission or department or any officers charged by law with enforcing the provisions of this title. (June 28, 2017, P.L.215, No.10, eff. 60 days) 2017 Amendment. Act 10 amended subsec. (c)(1). Cross References. Section 2385 is referred to in section 5561 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).
34 Pa.C.S. § 741 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 741
Commission actions for damage to buildings or property.
Status: in_force

(a) Declaration of policy.--By virtue of the continued expenditure of its funds and its efforts to provide as much land as possible for recreational activities which are consistent with the intent of this title, the commission has sufficient interest in the maintenance and care of any lands, buildings, appurtenances, waters and the flora and fauna, minerals, oil or gas thereon to promulgate regulations which are necessary to preserve and protect the users, improvements, lands and buildings under its control.

(b) General rule.--The commission shall promulgate regulations to protect users, improvements, lands and buildings under its control. These regulations shall cover, but need not be limited to:

(1) Removal of any material.

(2) Damage of any kind.

(3) Any other regulations required to properly protect and preserve these lands for their intended use.

(c) Penalty.--A violation of regulations promulgated under this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(d) Recovery of damages.--When any person causes damage to commission-controlled lands or buildings and a satisfactory settlement in the form of a donation to the Game Fund cannot

be reached between the director's designee and the person responsible for the damages, the commission, as an agency of the Commonwealth authorized to protect and preserve lands under their control, may bring civil actions on behalf of the Commonwealth for the value of any damage done or materials of any kind removed from their lands or buildings. In addition, the commission is entitled to recover the costs of gathering the evidence, including testimony, in any civil action brought under this section where the defendant is found liable for damages.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2701 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2701
License requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except in defense of person or property or pursuant to exemptions authorized in this title or by regulation of the commission for implementing a mentored hunting program, every person, prior to engaging in any of the privileges granted by this title, shall first obtain the applicable license subject to any conditions or other requirements imposed by this title.

(b) Only one license valid.--Only one full-term or distinct hunting license and furtaking license shall be valid during any full-term license year. The issuance of any replacement license or the purchase of a second or subsequent license of any class shall immediately and automatically invalidate any license of the same kind which had been previously issued.

(c) Exception.--Any person who has never held a hunting license in Pennsylvania or any other state may participate in the hunting and trapping activities authorized under this title or commission regulations without compliance with subsection

(a) or section 2704 (relating to eligibility for license) if that person satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1) The person who participates in the hunting or trapping activities must always be in sight of and close enough to a licensed hunter who is at least 18 years of age to clearly hear and understand instructions communicated to the person through normal conversation without the aid of any device. The licensed hunter shall have a valid hunting license for the game or wildlife they are hunting or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706 (relating to resident license and fee exemptions).

(2) The unlicensed person may not possess, convey or use any firearm, bow or any other device that may be used to harvest game or furbearers.

(3) The unlicensed person must be in compliance with section 2524 (relating to protective material required) and

with any regulations promulgated by the commission related to protective material.

(4) The unlicensed person who participates in any hunting party shall be listed on any required hunting roster and shall count as a member of the hunting party for purposes of section 2324 (relating to roster of parties hunting big game) and commission regulations relating to big game animal hunting roster and parties hunting small game.

(5) For the purposes of this section, at no time shall a licensed hunter accompany more than one unlicensed person. (June 28, 2004, P.L.452, No.48, eff. imd.; Dec. 22, 2005, P.L.452, No.86, eff. 60 days; May 15, 2013, P.L.26, No.7, eff. 60 days) 2013 Amendment. Act 7 amended subsec. (a). Cross References. Section 2701 is referred to in section 2301 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 725 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 725
Rights-of-way, easements and licenses.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--On and across lands to which title has been acquired for its use, the director may, at such charge or fee as the commission may establish, grant:

(1) Rights-of-way or licenses for roads, for pipe, electric and other utility lines and for telephone, telegraph and television lines or any other rights-of-way or licenses not inconsistent with the purpose of these lands.

(2) Water rights or other rights to maintain airway signals or forest fire observation towers when these rights will not adversely affect the game or wildlife resource or the use of the game or wildlife resource.

(3) Rights to erect, construct, maintain and operate antennas, towers, stations, cables and other devices and apparatus helpful, necessary or required for radio broadcasting, telecasting, transmission, relaying or reception of television.

(4) Rights to the Department of Transportation to establish roadside rests and highway maintenance facilities under regulations of the commission.

(5) Rights to any Federal or State agency or political subdivision to construct, maintain and operate water impoundments or flowage for flood control or recreational use.

(b) Charges.--The commission may charge for these grants remuneration and damages as it deems the conditions and circumstances warrant.

(c) Approval.--The director may approve the granting, lease or exchange of any easement, right-of-way or license for use of commission property.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2512 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2512
Unlawful acts on commission lands or waters.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--On any lands or waters owned, leased or controlled by the commission, it is unlawful, without first securing consent or a permit from the commission, to:

(1) Go upon any lands or waters which are posted against entry for any purpose.

(2) Cut down or otherwise destroy any trees, shrubs or other flora.

(3) Do or cause to be done any act to the detriment of such lands, structures, roads, trails, trees, shrubs or flora thereon.

(4) Remove any material, either organic or inorganic.

(5) Destroy, mutilate or remove any sign or placard.

(6) Fish, swim or boat on or in any waters posted against such acts.

(7) Post any of the commission's signs or placards, or any signs or placards similar in appearance thereto, on any lands not owned or controlled by the commission.

(8) Violate any regulations of the commission pertaining to the use and protection of such lands or waters or the users of such lands or waters.

(b) Penalties.--

(1) A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(2) Upon conviction, the defendant shall pay for all damages done or materials removed.

(3) In addition to any other penalty imposed, where the damages or materials removed are extreme or an agreeable arrangement cannot be reached between the concerned parties, the case shall be heard by the appropriate magisterial district judge who, if necessary, may appoint an independent person to appraise the damage to be paid to the commission. Any costs for the appraiser shall be added to costs of prosecution. (Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days)

2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (b)(3). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
34 Pa.C.S. § 707 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 707
Designation of property.
Status: in_force

The commission may designate lands which it secures title to, or partial control of, as required.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2942 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2942
Special retriever training areas.
Status: in_force

(a) Establishment.--Upon application of any club or organization having 20 or more members or upon the application of 20 or more citizens of this Commonwealth, the commission may issue a permit to the applicants authorizing the establishment and maintenance, on land owned by them or over which they have legal control, of a special retriever dog training area where dogs may be trained at any time during the entire year. No dog training area shall be of less than ten acres nor more than 50 acres. No retriever dog training area shall be established within the boundary of a regulated hunting ground.

(b) Releasing tagged birds.--The permittee may release domestically produced and properly marked ringneck pheasants, bobwhite quail or mallard ducks which may be shot and retrieved with retriever dogs. The released birds shall be individually tagged prior to release with metal tags supplied by the commission, at a reasonable fee, and bearing such information as the commission shall prescribe.

(c) Shooting untagged birds.--Any untagged birds which are shot or injured shall immediately be delivered to an officer of the commission for disposition along with the sum of $50 for each untagged bird killed. This money shall be deposited in the Game Fund.

(d) Fees and charges.--The permittee shall not impose or accept a fee or charge for the use of the area. The fee for any birds furnished to members or guests shall not be greater than the actual cost for acquiring or raising the bird.

(e) Hunter's license not required.--Every person participating in dog training or shooting birds under this section shall not be required to possess a resident or nonresident hunter's license.

(f) Training periods.--The permittee may at any time during the entire year train his own dog or the dogs of other persons on the training area or permit others to do so under such conditions as shall be mutually agreed upon.

(g) Hunting and furtaking restrictions.--Neither the permittee nor any other person shall at any time hunt or take furbearers within the confines of the training area. This limitation shall not apply while training dogs. The permittees or any person authorized by them may hunt or trap unprotected game or wildlife at any time and furbearers in season for the purpose of controlling the game or wildlife on the area and may permit the public to hunt bear and deer on the area during seasons fixed by the commission.

(h) Marking boundary.--The boundary line of a special retriever dog training area shall be plainly and conspicuously posted prior to October 1 of each year with legible notices as prescribed by the commission.

(i) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful to violate any of the provisions of this section.

(j) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 904 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 904
Resisting or interfering with an officer.
Status: in_force

(a) General offense.--When an officer is in the performance of any duty required by this title, it is unlawful for any person to interfere with or resist an arrest, inspection or investigation of the officer by threat, force, menace, flight or obstruction. A violation of this subsection is a summary offense of the first degree.

(b) Failure to produce identification upon demand.--

(1) A person who refuses to provide identification upon demand of an officer whose duty it is to enforce this title after having been told by the officer that the person is the subject of an official investigation or investigative detention, supported by reasonable suspicion, commits a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(2) A person who provides false identification to an officer whose duty it is to enforce this title for the purpose of avoiding prosecution or hindering apprehension or obstructing an investigation commits a summary offense of the second degree. (June 23, 2004, P.L.434, No.42, eff. 60 days; Oct. 7, 2010, P.L.474, No.64, eff. 60 days)

2010 Amendment. Act 64 amended subsec. (b)(1).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2708 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2708
Application requirements.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Applicants for any class of license shall be required to submit a legible application or to provide such information as may be required by the director, including the class of license desired, in such form as may be required by the director. The submission of an application or the transmission of required information to the commission and the signature of the licensee on the license shall certify the correctness of all information.

(b) Electronic filing.--On electronically filed license applications and affidavits, signature requirements shall be deemed met upon conferral of the applicant's valid credit or debit card number and expiration date. On electronically filed junior license applications and affidavits, signature requirements shall be deemed met upon conferral of the parent or guardian's valid credit or debit card number and expiration date.

(c) Additional policies.--The director, with approval of the commission, may establish additional policies and procedures as necessary for accepting and processing electronically filed license applications and affidavits. (Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.783, No.111, eff. 60 days)
34 Pa.C.S. § 702 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 702
Improvements to property.
Status: in_force

The commission may purchase, construct, repair and maintain buildings and other improvements on lands acquired for its use and under its control as may be necessary for their proper utilization, maintenance, protection, development, administration, propagation of game or wildlife, experimental or research activities, or any other purpose incident to game or wildlife, hunting, furtaking or functions of the commission.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2162 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2162
Disturbance of game or wildlife.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to drive or disturb game or wildlife except while engaged in the lawful activities set forth in this title.

(b) Nonapplicability.--This section shall not apply to any owner of land, any member of the commission, the director, any representative of the commission or any other law enforcement officer engaged in any otherwise lawful action.

(c) Penalty.--A violation of subsection (a) shall be a summary offense of the first degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2503 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2503
Loaded firearms in vehicles.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to have a firearm of any kind in or on or against any conveyance propelled by mechanical power or its attachments at any time whether or not the vehicle or its attachment is in motion unless the firearm is unloaded.

(b) Exceptions.--This section shall not be construed to apply to:

(1) A police officer engaged in the performance of his official duty.

(2) A commission officer engaged in the performance of his duty.

(3) A person carrying a loaded pistol or revolver when in possession of a valid firearms license issued by the chief or head of any police force or the sheriff of a county when the license is issued for protection under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 Subch. A (relating to Uniform Firearms Act).

(4) Any person as defined in section 2121(c) (relating to killing game or wildlife to protect property) while on lands they control and when not hunting or trapping for game or wildlife.

(5) Any motorboat or other craft having a motor attached or any sailboat if the motor has been completely shut off or the sail furled and its progress therefrom has ceased.

(6) Any political subdivision, its employees or agents, which has a valid deer control permit issued under section 2902(c) (relating to general categories of permits). The exceptions in paragraphs (1) through (5) do not apply when attempting to locate game or wildlife with an artificial light or when exercising any privileges granted by this title which may be exercised only when not in the possession of a firearm.

(c) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fourth degree if the vehicle is in motion. Otherwise the violation is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (Mar. 29, 1996, P.L.41, No.13, eff. imd.; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days) 2022 Correction. The Legislative Reference Bureau removed language that was erroneously added in subsec. (a). 1996 Amendments. Acts 13 and 184 amended subsec. (b).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2924 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2924
Endangered or threatened species permits.
Status: in_force

(a) Issuance.--The commission may issue permits for the importation, exportation, sale, exchange, taking or possession of any birds or animals classified as endangered or threatened, living or dead, or any parts thereof, including eggs.

(b) Species native to Commonwealth.--The commission may issue permits for birds or animals native to this Commonwealth which are taken from the wild in this Commonwealth and which are classified by the commission as endangered or threatened in Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code.

(c) Species not native to Commonwealth.--The commission may join with the appropriate Federal agency in issuing joint permits for any birds or animals not native to this Commonwealth which are classified as endangered or threatened in the Code of Federal Regulations. An endorsement by the director on a copy of a Federal permit with an addendum of any further restrictions will be considered a joint permit if no formal joint permit is issued.

(d) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful for any person to import, export, transport, sell, resell, exchange, take or possess or conspire, aid, abet, assist or attempt to import, export, transport, sell, resell, buy, exchange, take or possess any birds or animals of any endangered or threatened species, living or dead, or any parts thereof, including eggs, or to violate any regulations pertaining to such wildlife or this section.

(e) Penalties.--

(1) A violation of subsection (b) or (c) relating to permit violations is a summary offense of the first degree.

(2) The penalty for a violation of any other provision of this section is the same as set forth in section 2167(b) and (c) (relating to endangered or threatened species).

(3) A person who proves possession of any of the items prohibited by this section on or before March 28, 1974, shall be exempt from the penalties and forfeitures for mere possession.
34 Pa.C.S. § 553 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 553
Payment of claim.
Status: in_force

In all cases where an agreement between the commission's officers and the claimant is reached regarding the true value of damage sustained and the director is satisfied that the claim is reasonable and fair, a requisition shall be drawn upon the Game Fund in the amount mutually agreed upon.
34 Pa.C.S. § 501 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 501
Refund of moneys paid erroneously or unjustly.
Status: in_force

Whenever the director is satisfied that any fee, fine or any other moneys paid into the Game Fund under any of the provisions of this title or any other statute were erroneously or unjustly collected and deposited, the director, upon receipt of a petition for a refund within two years after the deposit, may authorize a requisition in favor of the person from whom the money was erroneously or unjustly collected for the amount involved. Upon receipt of the requisition, the proper official shall draw a warrant in favor of the person from whom the fee, fine or other money was erroneously or unjustly collected. Cross References. Section 501 is referred to in section 2709 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2706 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2706
Resident license and fee exemptions.
Status: in_force

(a) Agricultural lands.--Unless the privilege to hunt or take furbearers has been denied, any person domiciled within this Commonwealth who has reached their 12th birthday and attained accreditation as provided in section 2704 (relating to eligibility for license) and, as a primary means of gaining a livelihood, is regularly and continuously engaged in cultivating the soil for general farm crop purposes, commercial truck growing, commercial orchards or commercial nurseries, as either the owner, lessee or tenant of these lands, or as a member of the family or household, or regularly hired help of the owner, lessee or tenant, shall be eligible to hunt and take furbearers on these lands, including the woodlands connected therewith and operated as a part thereof, without a hunter's or furtaker's license as required in this title. Any of these persons may hunt or take furbearers on detached land which is operated under written lease as a part of the same farm and is within ten air miles of the home farm. Any person eligible to hunt or take furbearers on these lands without securing the required license may also, by and with the written consent of the owner or lessee thereof, hunt or take game or wildlife upon any lands other than those publicly owned which lie immediately adjacent to and are connected with the lands upon which these persons may lawfully hunt or take game or wildlife without securing a license.

(b) Disabled veterans.--

(1) Any resident disabled veteran who has a disability incurred in any war or armed conflict which consists of the loss of one or more limbs, or the loss of the use of one or more limbs, or who is 100% disabled as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, and who meets all other qualifications of this title and is otherwise mentally and physically fit, shall be issued a free regular hunting or furtaking license upon application to the commission or a county treasurer.

(1.1) Any disabled veteran who has a disability incurred in any war or armed conflict and possesses a disability rating between 60% and 99% as certified by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs and who meets all other qualifications of this act and is otherwise mentally and physically fit shall be issued a resident hunting or furtaking license at the cost of $1 upon application to the commission or a county treasurer.

(2) The application for the issuance of a license under paragraph (1) or (1.1) shall, in addition to the other information required by the commission, contain a statement

that the applicant is a war or armed conflict veteran and that the qualifying disability was service incurred.

(3) The issuing agent or the commission may require the production of the discharge papers of the applicant.

(4) If a disabled veteran who qualifies for issuance of a license under paragraph (1) presents documentation to show that the qualifying disability is permanent, the county treasurer shall issue the disabled veteran a lifetime hunting or furtaking license.

(5) In a county where there is no county treasurer by virtue of a home rule charter or optional plan of government, the county official who performs the functions of a county treasurer and who has been designated an issuing agent by the commission shall issue licenses under this subsection.

(b.1) Prisoners of war.--A former prisoner of war shall be entitled to purchase a resident hunting license at the cost of $1 plus the current issuing fee upon application to the commission. An application under this subsection shall contain the same information as is required for other resident hunting license applications. As used in this subsection, the term "former prisoner of war" means an individual who was imprisoned by enemy forces while in the service of the armed forces of the United States as certified by the appropriate branch of the armed forces of the United States.

(c) Landowner antlerless deer license.--Eligible landowners who own 50 or more contiguous acres of land within any county where the landowners desire to hunt antlerless deer shall be entitled to obtain one antlerless deer license for that county, at the prescribed fee, issued to one and only one person whose name appears on the deed. These antlerless deer licenses shall be allocated in advance of their availability to the general public from the quota established by the commission for the county where the land is situated to landowners who meet all of the following requirements:

(1) The 50 or more contiguous acres of land are owned by a natural person individually or as tenants by the entirety, or by a corporation of four or fewer shareholders, or by tenants in common of four or fewer natural persons.

(2) The 50 or more contiguous acres of land are open to public hunting and trapping and shall remain open to hunting and trapping during the hunting license year for which the antlerless deer license is issued.

(3) The applicant for an antlerless deer license shall furnish proof of ownership of 50 or more contiguous acres of land to the county treasurer within the county where the land is situated.

(d) Owners or possessors of land open to public hunting.--A resident owner or possessor of land, comprising greater than 80 contiguous acres farmed under a conservation plan which does not conflict with the act of June 22, 1937 (P.L.1987, No.394), known as The Clean Streams Law, and which meets the requirements of 25 Pa. Code Ch. 102 (relating to erosion control), shall, if he permits public hunting as evidenced by enrollment in a Cooperative Public Access Program, be entitled to purchase a Landowners Hunting License at the cost of $3 plus the current issuing fee. The 80-acre requirement shall be exclusive of safety zones in excess of 20% of the total acreage. The license shall be issued to the owner or possessor or an immediate family member of either the owner or possessor living in the same household so designated by the owner or possessor in the case of a single owner or possessor and to the individual so designated in the case of more than one owner or possessor. No

person shall be issued a hunting license under this subsection unless the person is 12 years of age or older, has met the requirements prescribed in section 2704 and has not been denied the privilege to hunt. A person entitled to receive a hunting license under this subsection shall certify to the commission in the form and manner prescribed by the commission that the land tract he owns or possesses is presently in his ownership or possession.

(e) Military personnel hunting licenses.--Resident military personnel hunting licenses shall be issued by the commission, county treasurer or issuing agent to persons who satisfy all of the following requirements:

(1) Are residents of this Commonwealth.

(2) Are on active and full-time duty in the United States Armed Forces.

(3) Are assigned to a facility outside this Commonwealth.

(4) Are on temporary leave in this Commonwealth. Such persons shall comply with the regulations of the commission.

(f) Pennsylvania National Guard hunting licenses.--

(1) Pennsylvania National Guard hunting licenses shall be issued by the commission, county treasurer or issuing agent to any person otherwise eligible for a resident hunting license in this Commonwealth who provides documentation that within the previous 24 months the person was deployed overseas as a member of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard or Air National Guard on active Federal service for a period of 60 consecutive days or more or was released early from such service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty. Only one Pennsylvania National Guard hunting license under this subsection may be issued for each qualifying deployment of a person applying for the license.

(2) The commission may promulgate regulations to implement this subsection.

(g) Reserve component of armed forces hunting licenses.--

(1) Reserve component of the armed forces hunting licenses shall be issued by the commission, county treasurer or issuing agent to any person otherwise eligible for a resident hunting license in this Commonwealth who provides documentation that within the previous 24 months the person was deployed overseas as a member of the reserve component of the armed forces pursuant to 51 Pa.C.S. § 7301 (relating to definitions) for a period of 60 consecutive days or more or was released early from service because of an injury or disease incurred in the line of duty. Only one hunting license under this subsection may be issued for each qualifying deployment of a person applying for the license.

(2) The commission may promulgate regulations to implement this subsection.

(h) Volunteer instructor license.--

(1) A volunteer instructor license shall be issued by the commission to an individual who meets all of the following:

(i) Is a resident of this Commonwealth.

(ii) Is certified by the commission as qualified to teach any of the hunter or trapper education curricula offered by the commission.

(2) This subsection may not apply to a full-time employee of the commission. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. July 1, 1991; Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. July 1, 1997; Dec. 30, 2003,

P.L.436, No.63, eff. July 1, 2004; July 5, 2005, P.L.55, No.19, eff. imd.; July 5, 2005, P.L.56, No.20, eff. imd.; July 7, 2011, P.L.283, No.64, eff. 60 days; June 13, 2012, P.L.637, No.64, eff. imd.; June 26, 2014, P.L.803, No.80, eff. 60 days; Jan. 26, 2022, P.L.14, No.3, eff. 60 days) 2022 Amendment. Act 3 added subsec. (h). 2014 Amendment. Act 80 amended subsec. (b). 2012 Amendment. Act 64 amended subsecs. (f)(1) and (g)(1). 2011 Amendment. Act 64 amended subsecs. (e), (f) and (g). 2005 Amendments. Act 19 added subsec. (b.1) and Act 20 added subsecs. (f) and (g). 1990 Amendment. Act 170 added subsec. (d). Cross References. Section 2706 is referred to in sections 2701, 2704, 2705, 2709 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 545 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 545
Request for review.
Status: in_force

Any dissatisfied applicant for deterrent fencing who is unable to reach a mutual agreement with the commission may request, in writing, that the director review the matter. The request shall be made within five days of the conclusion of the discussions. Cross References. Section 545 is referred to in section 561 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2963 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2963
Exotic wildlife possession permits.
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization.--The commission may issue permits to persons to possess exotic wildlife which shall authorize the holder to purchase, receive or possess exotic wildlife from any lawful source from within or without this Commonwealth.

(b) Shelter, care and protection.--No permit provided for in this section shall be granted until the commission is satisfied that the provisions for housing and caring for such exotic wildlife and for protecting the public are proper and adequate and in accordance with the standards established by the commission.

(c) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful for any person to:

(1) Possess, purchase or receive exotic wildlife, without first securing a permit to possess exotic wildlife issued under this section or regulations pertaining to this section.

(2) Release exotic wildlife into the wild.

(3) Fail to exercise due care in safeguarding the public from attack by exotic wildlife.

(4) Recklessly engage in conduct which places or may place another person in danger of attack by exotic wildlife.

(d) Penalty.--

(1) A violation of this section relating to permits is a summary offense of the third degree.

(2) Any other violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(3) Each day of violation shall constitute a separate offense, but under no circumstances shall the accumulated penalty for purposes of a field receipt exceed $300. There shall be no limit on any accumulated penalty a court may assess.

(e) Discretion of director.--In addition to the penalties provided, the director may, for any violation of this section, revoke or suspend any permit and order the disposal of any exotic wildlife held. (Apr. 20, 1988, P.L.353, No.55, eff. 60 days) 1988 Amendment. Act 55 amended subsec. (c). Cross References. Section 2963 is referred to in section 2965 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2704 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2704
Eligibility for license.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Persons meeting the requirements of this title who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the calendar year of application or who are older, whose hunting and furtaking privileges are valid and who shall meet the application requirements set forth in this title and pay the prescribed license cost and issuance fee shall be eligible to obtain the applicable hunting or furtaking license.

(b) Hunter education.--Persons who have not held a hunting license lawfully issued to them in this Commonwealth or another state or nation or have not hunted under the exceptions in section 2706 (relating to resident license and fee exemptions) or do not possess a certificate of training approved by the director prior to the enactment of this title shall be required to attain accreditation in a hunter education program approved by the director before a hunting license is issued to them. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to a person who presents:

(1) Evidence of service in the armed forces of the United States or in the United States Coast Guard and discharge or separation under honorable conditions within six months of the date of application.

(2) Evidence that the person is currently serving in the armed forces of the United States or in the United States Coast Guard.

(c) Furtaker's certificate of training.--No resident or nonresident furtaker's license shall be issued to any applicant unless the applicant presents to the agent authorized to issue the license any one of the following:

(1) Evidence that the applicant has held a trapping or furtaker's license issued by another state or nation.

(2) A certificate of training issued under this section.

(3) A certification signed by the applicant on the furtaker's license application that the applicant completed a voluntary trapping course sponsored by the commission or that the applicant has previously hunted or trapped furbearers within the last five years. The provisions of this section shall not apply to those persons under 12 years of age who trap furbearers under the direct supervision of an adult licensed furtaker 18 years of age or older.

(d) Duties of commission.--

(1) The commission shall provide for a course of instruction, approved by the director, in the safe and ethical utilization of firearms and traps or other devices used for taking furbearers. The commission may cooperate with any reputable association or organization in presentation of this course.

(2) The commission may designate any person who the commission determines to be competent to give instruction in the handling of firearms, traps or other devices to act as an instructor. The appointed person shall give the course of instruction and shall issue to each person who successfully completes the course of instruction a certificate of training in the handling of firearms, traps or other devices. No charge shall be made for the course of instruction, except as may be provided by this title or by regulations promulgated under this title.

(3) The commission shall furnish information on the requirements of the furtaker's education program which shall be distributed, free of charge, to applicants for furtaker licenses by the persons appointed and authorized to issue the licenses.

(4) The provisions of this section shall not apply to those persons under 12 years of age who trap furbearers under the direct supervision of an adult licensed furtaker 18 years of age or older.

(e) Compliance by certification.--The requirements of subsection (b) or (c) shall be deemed met by a certification signed by the applicant on the license application stating that the applicant has held a license issued by the Commonwealth or another state or nation in a prior year but is unable to produce evidence of holding such license.

(f) Courses combined.--Subject to the approval of the commission, the director may combine the courses of instruction in hunter education and furtaker's training into one comprehensive course.

(g) Hunter education in public schools.--Upon request of the commission, all public school districts in this Commonwealth shall make a school facility under their control available for the purpose of conducting a hunter education course. Classes may occur as an after-school or weekend function or any other day when school is not in session. The commission shall, to the best of its ability, work with the school to schedule classes for a time that best suits both the school and the commission. All classes shall comply with curriculum standards and program policies established by the director. The commission shall compensate the school for the actual cost incurred by the school related to the commission's use of the facility. Fees may not be charged to the public for the service under this section. (Nov. 25, 1988, P.L.1082, No.125, eff. imd.; June 22, 1993, P.L.102, No.23, eff. imd.; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.783, No.111, eff. July 1, 2001; June 5, 2020, P.L.210, No.27, eff. 60 days) 2020 Amendment. Act 27 added subsec. (g). 2000 Amendment. Act 111 amended subsec. (d). 1993 Amendment. Act 23 amended subsec. (a). Section 2 of Act 23 provided that Act 23 shall apply to the license year beginning July 1, 1993, and to each license year thereafter. 1988 Amendment. Act 125 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 2704 is referred to in sections 327, 2363, 2701, 2706 of this title; section 913 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2907 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2907
Reports.
Status: in_force

The director may require reports from any permit holder, except that no report may be required with respect to species of fox not indigenous to this Commonwealth. Annual reports shall be due within 30 days after expiration of the permit. For multiple-year permits, reports shall be submitted by July 30 of each year that the permit is in effect. The director may designate other times for reports if information is needed by the commission for its operations. (Apr. 20, 1988, P.L.353, No.55, eff. 60 days; Dec. 13, 2001, P.L.897, No.98, eff. imd.)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2943 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2943
Field dog trials.
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization.--Permits to hold dog trials on specified wild birds and animals may be issued by the director. A separate permit to hold a field trial shall not be required for any group

holding a permit for a dog training area under section 2941(a) (relating to dog training areas). Participants in these trials shall not be required to have a hunting license.

(b) Trials for small game.--It is lawful to hold field trials or meets where dogs are permitted to work on liberated or native small game:

(1) During the period of the year when dog training is permitted by this title.

(2) At any time of the year on a licensed special dog training area or regulated hunting grounds if the trial or meet is sponsored by the holder of the special dog training area permit or the holder of the regulated hunting grounds permit.

(3) During the period of the year when dog training is prohibited by this title if a proper field trial permit is obtained.

(c) Trials for raccoons.--It is lawful to hold trials or meets where dogs may work on drags or live raccoons at any hour, if permission is obtained to use privately owned land when the meet or trial is to be held on Sunday:

(1) During the period of the year when dog training is permitted by this title.

(2) During the period of the year when dog training is prohibited by this title if a raccoon dog field trial permit is obtained.

(d) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful to:

(1) Aid, abet, assist or participate in any trial or meet for dogs without a permit as required in this section.

(2) Aid, abet, assist or participate in any field trial in violation of any other provisions of this section.

(3) Release any live raccoons for any purpose under subsection (c).

(e) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 703 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 703
Rights-of-way and other rights.
Status: in_force

The commission may lease or otherwise secure rights-of-way on and across public or private lands and waters or other rights which may be required to implement this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 302 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 302
Director.
Status: in_force

(a) Appointment.--The commission shall select a director. No member of the commission nor anyone who has served as a member of the commission within one year after service shall be eligible for selection as director. The director shall serve as such at the pleasure of the commission.

(b) Compensation.--Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the Executive Board of the Commonwealth shall fix the compensation of the director.

(c) Function.--The director shall be the chief administrative officer of the commission and attend to its administrative work and have charge of all activities under the jurisdiction of the commission and this title. The director shall be the chief Game Commission officer and shall direct, supervise and control all employees of the commission and report to the commission any negligence, dereliction of duty or incompetence on the part of any employee, with the facts relevant thereto, and shall make any further reports as may be required by the commission.

(d) Certification of commission action.--The director may certify any action of the commission as being their official act.

(e) Publications.--Subject to section 325 (relating to limitation on disclosure of certain records), the director may have printed such bulletins, posters, literature and other printing as may be necessary to the work of the commission, including publications of general interest to persons concerned with conservation of our natural resources. Publications and forms used to convey information, whether in electronic, print or other media format, may contain advertisements. The publications shall at all times be maintained as a nonpartisan publication.

(f) Execution of contracts, leases and agreements.--The director shall represent the commission in the execution of land purchase contracts and in the execution of leases and other similar agreements. (Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. 60 days; Nov. 9, 2006, P.L.1349, No.141, eff. 60 days) 2006 Amendment. Act 141 amended subsec. (e). 1998 Amendment. Act 166 amended subsec. (b). Cross References. Section 302 is referred to in section 325 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 543 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 543
Purchase of materials and construction.
Status: in_force

(a) Purchase and delivery of materials.--The commission may purchase and deliver to the appropriate sites the required amount of wire fencing, staples, insulators, posts or other material necessary to construct a deer, elk or bear deterrent fence approved by the commission.

(b) Construction of deer or elk deterrent fences.--

(1) The commission may construct, or may enter into contracts for the construction of, or enter into a written agreement with the applicant for the construction of, deer or elk deterrent fences on sites approved by the commission.

(2) In making application for a deterrent fence under the provisions of this subsection, the applicant shall agree to one of the following three fence construction options:

(i) The commission may construct, or may contract for the construction of, the deterrent fence.

(ii) The applicant may, within six months of delivery of materials, construct the deterrent fence.

(iii) The applicant may contract with a third party for the construction of the deterrent fence.

(3) After any deterrent fence is constructed and approved by the commission under the option specified in paragraph (2)(i), the commission shall pay for the cost of installation, and the landowner or lessee shall then reimburse the commission for 50% of the cost of installation.

(c) Construction of bear deterrent fences.--Prior to delivery under subsection (a), an applicant for a bear deterrent fence shall have agreed, in writing, with the commission to construct the bear deterrent fence without cost to the commission and to complete construction of the bear deterrent fence within seven days from the date the material is delivered to the site. In case the bear deterrent fence is not completed within the stipulated time, the commission may recover the materials it furnished at such time and in such manner as desired or found practical.

(d) Specifications.--All deterrent fences shall be constructed and installed in accordance with plans and instructions supplied and approved by the commission.

(e) Reimbursement of applicant for materials.--The commission may, through prior written agreement with the applicant, pay the applicant for any or all materials necessary

to construct a deterrent fence within the time limitations set forth in this section. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. imd.)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2326 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2326
Excess kill of big game.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any body of persons hunting in unison or cooperating in any manner with each other while hunting to kill or be in possession of more than the lawful number of big game as fixed by commission regulation.

(b) Individual liability.--Every person hunting together or in any manner cooperating with others in hunting for big game shall be individually liable for the penalty imposed for such big game killed in excess of the number set by commission regulation.

(c) Excess kill delivered to commission.--In all circumstances where more than the lawful number of big game is killed by a hunting party, any excess big game shall be turned over to the nearest officer of the commission within 12 hours after killing.

(d) Penalties.--

(1) Any violation of this section relating to a bear or elk is a summary offense of the second degree.

(2) Any violation of this section relating to any other big game is a summary offense of the fourth degree.

(e) Contraband.--Any big game killed contrary to this section is contraband.
34 Pa.C.S. § 704 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 704
Certification of title or title insurance.
Status: in_force

The title records for lands acquired by the commission shall first be carefully searched and examined by the commission. When the commission is satisfied that a valid title can be secured, the commission shall obtain a certificate of title from an attorney at law employed by the commission or title insurance from a title company authorized to do business within this Commonwealth insuring the title to the commission of the lands being acquired.
34 Pa.C.S. § 709 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 709
Cooperative agreements relating to land.
Status: in_force

The commission may enter into cooperative agreements with government agencies and with interstate compact agencies, singly or in concert, for impounding, managing, using, maintaining and operating lands and waters for game or wildlife management, public hunting and furtaking and may expend moneys from the Game Fund for the cost of their acquisition, construction, operation and maintenance. The commission may enter into similar agreements and undertake similar expenditures in conjunction with private or commercial interests for the same purposes.
34 Pa.C.S. § 301 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 301
Organization of commission.
Status: in_force

(a) Composition.--The independent administrative commission known as the Pennsylvania Game Commission shall consist of nine competent citizens of this Commonwealth who shall be well informed on the subject of wildlife conservation and restoration and who shall be appointed by the Governor, by and with the advice and consent of a majority of the elected members of the Senate. The Governor shall ensure that at least one member appointed to the commission represents the interest of agricultural commodities that pertain to normal agricultural operations and wildlife.

(b) Qualifications.--The members of the commission shall be appointed from the various geographical sections of this Commonwealth so that one and only one shall be a resident of each of the following districts:

(1) The counties of Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Lawrence, Venango, Butler, Warren, Forest and Clarion, constituting the first district.

(2) The counties of Beaver, Allegheny, Washington, Greene, Armstrong, Indiana, Westmoreland and Fayette, constituting the second district.

(3) The counties of McKean, Elk, Jefferson, Potter, Cameron, Clearfield, Clinton and Centre, constituting the third district.

(4) The counties of Cambria, Somerset, Blair, Bedford, Huntingdon and Fulton, constituting the fourth district.

(5) The counties of Tioga, Lycoming, Union, Bradford, Sullivan, Columbia, Montour and Northumberland, constituting the fifth district.

(6) The counties of Snyder, Mifflin, Juniata, Franklin, Perry, Cumberland, Adams, Dauphin, York, Lebanon and Lancaster, constituting the sixth district.

(7) The counties of Susquehanna, Wyoming, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Wayne and Pike, constituting the seventh district.

(8) The counties of Chester, Bucks, Montgomery, Philadelphia and Delaware, constituting the eighth district.

(9) The counties of Carbon, Monroe, Schuylkill, Berks, Northampton and Lehigh, constituting the ninth district.

(c) Term of office and compensation.--The members of the commission shall hold office for terms of four years each and may continue to hold office for a period of time not to exceed six months or until a successor is appointed and qualified, whichever occurs first. A member of the commission who serves three consecutive terms shall not be eligible for reappointment to the commission. Commissioners shall receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.

(d) Vacancies.--Upon the death, resignation or removal from office of any person so appointed, the Governor shall appoint a competent person to serve for the unexpired term as provided in subsection (a).

(e) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

"Agricultural commodity." As defined in section 2 of the act of June 10, 1982 (P.L.454, No.133), referred to as the Right-to-Farm Law.

"Normal agricultural operation." As defined in section 2 of the Right-to-Farm Law. (Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days; Mar. 21, 2014, P.L.380, No.26, eff. 60 days; Jan. 26, 2022, P.L.14, No.3, eff. imd.; June 30, 2025, P.L.83, No.26, eff. 60 days)

2025 Amendment. Act 26 amended subsec. (a) and added subsec. (e). 2022 Amendment. Act 3 amended subsecs. (a) and (b)(7) and

(8) and added subsec. (b)(9). 2014 Amendment. Act 26 amended subsecs. (a) and (c). Section 2 of Act 26 provided that the amendment shall apply to members of the Pennsylvania Game Commission who are appointed on or after the effective date of section 2. 2002 Partial Repeal. Section 4 of Act 231 provided that section 301 is repealed insofar as it relates to the consent required by the Senate to appointments by the Governor. 1996 Amendment. Section 9 of Act 184 provided that the amendment of subsec. (c) shall not apply to a current member of the Pennsylvania Game Commission until the member completes the term being served on the effective date of Act 184. Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 5 of Act 93 of 1986 in the appendix to this title for transition provisions.
34 Pa.C.S. § 555 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 555
Limitation on expenditures for bear damage claims.
Status: in_force

The director shall not spend in excess of $50,000 annually from the Game Fund for the payment of bear damage claims submitted and adjusted in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2121 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2121
Killing game or wildlife to protect property.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Subject to any limitations in this subchapter, nothing in this title shall be construed to prohibit any person from killing any game or wildlife:

(1) which the person may witness actually engaged in the material destruction of cultivated crops, fruit trees, vegetables, livestock, poultry or beehives;

(2) anywhere on the property under the person's control, including detached lands being cultivated for the same or similar purposes, immediately following such destruction; or

(3) where the presence of the game or wildlife on any cultivated lands or fruit orchards is just cause for reasonable apprehension of additional imminent destruction. Lands divided by a public highway shall not be construed as detached lands. Any person who wounds any game or wildlife shall immediately make a reasonable effort to find and kill the game or wildlife. Every person shall comply with all other regulations in this subchapter pertaining to the method and manner of killing, reporting the killing and the disposition of game or wildlife and their skins and carcasses.

(b) Protected game or wildlife.--Before any game or wildlife, which may be designated by regulation of the commission, or any bird or animal classified as threatened or endangered may be killed, every reasonable effort shall be made to live trap and transfer such game or wildlife. The trapping and transfer shall be done in cooperation with a representative of the commission.

(c) Definition.--As used in this subchapter, the word "person" shall be limited to any person cultivating, as a primary means of gaining a livelihood, any lands for general or specialized crop purposes, truck farming or fruit orchard or nursery being regularly maintained, as either the owner, lessee or a member of the family of the owner or lessee assisting with the cultivation of the land, or a domiciled member of the household of the owner or lessee or an employee of the owner or lessee, regularly and continuously assisting in the cultivation of the land or other person as authorized by commission permit. (July 3, 2007, P.L.79, No.26, eff. 60 days)

2007 Amendment. Act 26 amended subsec. (c). Section 2 of Act 26 provided that Act 26 shall apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of section 2. Cross References. Section 2121 is referred to in sections 2124, 2503 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 726 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 726
Leases.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the director, with the approval of the commission, may lease any land or interests in land over which the commission exercises title or control for a term not to exceed 25 years when the commission determines the lease will promote public hunting or furtaking or benefit the game or wildlife resource or will otherwise further the interests of the commission.
34 Pa.C.S. § 724 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 724
Disposition of timber, minerals and other products.
Status: in_force

The commission may dispose of, by lease, sale or otherwise, timber, buildings, other appurtenances, minerals, oil and gas, or rights therein, including natural gas storage, or any other product, on or under lands to which it has title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2523 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2523
Rendering assistance after incidents.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person who has inflicted injury or witnessed the infliction of injury to a human being with any firearm or bow and arrow, while hunting or furtaking, to flee or to fail or refuse to render immediate and full assistance to the person injured.

(b) Penalties.--

(1) A violation of this section by the person inflicting such injury where a human being is injured but not killed is a misdemeanor of the second degree. In addition to the fine imposed, the defendant forfeits the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth, with or without a license, for a period of ten years.

(2) A violation of this section by the person inflicting such injury where a human being is killed is a misdemeanor of the first degree. In addition to the fine imposed, the defendant forfeits the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth, with or without a license, for a period of 15 years.

(3) A violation of this section by a person witnessing such injury where a human being is injured but not killed is a summary offense of the third degree.

(4) A violation of this section by a person witnessing such injury where a human being is killed is a summary offense of the first degree.

(5) A person convicted of a second or subsequent violation of this section shall be sentenced to pay a fine of twice the amount of the penalty imposed by this section and, in addition thereto, forfeits the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth, with or without a license, for an additional period of ten years. (Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 2523 is referred to in section 2741 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 546 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 546
Limitation on expenditures for deterrent fencing.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the director shall not spend in excess of $300,000 annually from the Game Fund for deer, elk or bear deterrent fences in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.

(b) Commercial forest lands.--The director shall not spend in excess of $300,000 annually from the Game Fund for deer or elk deterrent fences on commercial forest lands to promote and protect the regeneration of forest flora in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. For purposes of this subsection the phrase "commercial forest lands" shall mean land which is owned or leased by an individual, corporation or association, operated on a profit-making basis and meets all of the following requirements:

(1) The land shall consist of a minimum of 1,000 acres.

(2) The land is managed for the production or utilization of forest products on a sustained yield basis as defined by regulation of the commission.

(3) The land is open to public hunting. (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. imd.)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2944 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 29 / Section 2944
Field dog trials for retrievers.
Status: in_force

(a) Authorization.--It is lawful to hold field meets or trials for retrieving dogs, where the skill of the dogs is demonstrated by retrieving dead, wounded or trussed game birds, which have been propagated or otherwise legally acquired and released on the day of the trials, on premises owned or controlled by the club or individual conducting them at any time of the year after having secured a permit required under this section.

(b) Permit.--Permits shall be required for all retriever trials where game birds are shot and killed and for all other trials held during the closed period for training dogs.

(c) Permission to kill birds.--The permits shall authorize the holders to kill all of the birds released by the permittee on the day of the trials or from the hand while the trials are in progress.

(d) Official gun.--The person or persons designated by the committee in charge to do the shooting for the trials shall be known as the official gun or guns. No other person shall be permitted to kill, or attempt to kill, any of the birds released for the trials. Birds so released may be killed during the closed period without regard to sex or numbers.

(e) Tagging of game birds.--Before any game birds are released or killed under this section or consumed on the premises or removed therefrom, a tag shall be attached to each bird. The tags shall be numbered consecutively and supplied by the commission at reasonable cost and shall contain such information as the commission may require. The tags shall remain

attached to the individual birds until prepared for consumption and shall not be used more than once.

(f) Shooting untagged birds.--Any untagged birds which are shot or injured shall immediately be delivered to an officer of the commission for disposition along with the sum of $50 for each untagged bird killed. This money shall be deposited in the Game Fund.

(g) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful to:

(1) Aid, abet, assist or participate in any trial for dogs without a permit as required in this section.

(2) Aid, abet, assist or participate in any retriever field trial in violation of any other provisions of this section.

(h) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 101 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 1 / Section 101
Short title of title.
Status: in_force

This title shall be known and may be cited as the Game and Wildlife Code.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2304 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2304
Ownership of carcass of game or wildlife.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The carcass of game or wildlife lawfully killed or taken shall be the property of the person who inflicts a mortal wound which enables that person to take possession of the carcass.

(b) Officer not to arbitrate disputes.--No officer whose duty it is to enforce this title shall be called upon to arbitrate any dispute concerning the ownership of game or wildlife or to testify concerning any such dispute.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2311 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2311
Restrictions on recreational spotlighting.
Status: in_force

(a) Unlawful acts.--It is unlawful for any person to cast or to assist any other person in casting the rays of a spotlight, vehicle headlight or any other artificial light of any kind from any vehicle, watercraft, airborne craft or any attachment to such vehicles or crafts:

(1) Upon any building at any time.

(2) In any manner which frightens, excites or harasses any livestock, poultry or other farm animal.

(3) To search for or locate for any purpose any game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth, other than specified in paragraph (4), daily between the hours of 11 p.m. and sunrise on the following day.

(4) To search for or locate for any purpose any game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth at any time during the antlered deer rifle season and during the antlerless deer rifle season.

(5) Upon photoelectric cell lights. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply if it is proven that the headlights of a vehicle or conveyance were being used while traveling on a roadway in the usual way.

(b) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (June 28, 1993, P.L.178, No.37, eff. 60 days)
34 Pa.C.S. § 2511 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2511
Damage to trees.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful while hunting or while preparing to hunt for any game or wildlife:

(1) To cause damage to any tree or trees located upon any public or privately owned lands as a result of constructing any tree stand, platform or any other manmade support of any description or as a result of using any portable tree stand or any other implement or device of any description to climb any tree.

(2) To use or occupy any tree stand, platform or any other manmade support of any description which, when constructed, damaged any tree or trees. This section shall not apply to a private landowner upon land which he owns or to any person to whom he has given written permission in advance.

(b) Penalties.--

(1) A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree.

(2) Upon summary conviction, the defendant shall be sentenced to remove the tree stand, platform or any other manmade support or climbing device of any description.

(3) In addition to any other penalty imposed, the defendant shall be liable to pay to the one in control of a tree the amount of any damage done by the defendant to the tree. The amount of the damage to the tree shall be determined by the magisterial district judge. If a reasonable settlement for damage to the tree is not reached, the magisterial district judge may appoint a competent appraiser to determine the amount of the damage. The amount of the damage determined shall be assessed against the defendant and paid to the magisterial district judge for disposition. The magisterial district judge shall deliver the amount collected to the person or governmental agency having legal control over the land where the damage occurred. The appraiser appointed by the magisterial district judge shall be entitled to a reasonable fee for services rendered which shall be assessed against the defendant as additional costs. (Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (b)(3). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2742 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2742
Period of revocation.
Status: in_force

(a) First offense.--Except as otherwise provided, for the first offense any person convicted or having signed an acknowledgment of guilt of violating any of the provisions of this title may be denied the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth, with or without a license, for a period not to exceed three years as the commission determines.

(b) Second or subsequent offense.--Except as otherwise provided, any person convicted or having signed an acknowledgment of guilt of a second or subsequent offense of violating any of the provisions of this title may be denied the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere in this

Commonwealth, with or without a license, for such period as the commission determines.

(c) Clemency from revocation.--The commission shall not revoke the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere in this Commonwealth for an unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife violation if all of the following conditions are met:

(1) The unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife violation is the person's first unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife offense.

(2) The person complies with all of the procedural requirements set forth in section 2306(c)(1), (2) or (3) (relating to killing game or wildlife by mistake) concerning removal of entrails, tagging, reporting, delivery of carcass and providing a written, sworn statement.

(3) The unlawful taking of game or wildlife violation occurs during:

(i) an open season within the applicable wildlife management unit for the species involved; or

(ii) a closed season within the applicable wildlife management unit for the species involved, but only if there was an open season within an adjacent wildlife management unit for the same species.

(4) The person pleads guilty to the applicable unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife violation charged.

(5) The unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife violation does not involve a threatened or endangered species.

(6) There are no relevant aggravating circumstances present concerning the unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife violation. (Feb. 15, 2018, P.L.6, No.3, eff. 60 days) 2018 Amendment. Act 3 added subsec. (c).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2705 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2705
Classes of licenses.
Status: in_force

Unless otherwise provided, any person wishing to exercise any of the privileges granted by this title shall first secure the applicable resident or nonresident hunting or furtaker license as follows:

(1) Adult resident hunting licenses to residents who have reached their 17th birthday but have not reached their 65th birthday.

(2) Junior resident hunting licenses to residents who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the license year of application for a license but who have not reached their 17th birthday prior to the date of the application for the license and who present a written request, bearing the signature of a parent or guardian, for the issuance of a license. The actual hunting privileges granted to the holder of a junior license shall not be exercised until that person in fact is 12 years of age.

(3) Senior resident hunting licenses or, at the option of the applicant, a senior lifetime resident hunting license to residents who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the license year of the application for the license. The commission shall develop, implement and administer a system to provide tags, report cards and applications to those residents who hold a senior lifetime resident hunting license issued under this paragraph. The system shall require the applicant or license holder to pay any approved fee assessed by the issuing agent.

(4) Adult resident furtaker licenses to residents who have reached their 17th birthday but have not reached their 65th birthday.

(5) Junior resident furtaker licenses to residents who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the license year of application for a license but who have not reached their 17th birthday prior to the date of the application for the license and who present a written request, containing the signature of a parent or guardian, for the issuance of a license. The actual furtaking privileges granted to the holder of a junior license shall not be exercised until that person in fact is 12 years of age.

(6) Senior resident furtaker licenses or, at the option of the applicant, a senior lifetime resident furtaker license to residents who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the license year of the application for the license.

(7) Senior lifetime resident combination hunting and furtaking license, including archery and muzzleloader privileges, to residents who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the license year of the application for the license. The commission shall develop, implement and administer a system to provide tags, report cards and applications to those residents who hold a senior lifetime resident hunting license issued under this paragraph. The system shall require the applicant or license holder to pay any approved fee assessed by the issuing agent.

(7.1) Junior resident combination hunting and furtaker license, including archery and muzzleloader privileges, to residents who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the license year of application for a license but who have not reached their 17th birthday prior to the date of the application for the license and who present a written request, containing the signature of a parent or guardian, for the issuance of a license. The actual privileges granted to the holder of a junior resident combination license shall not be exercised until that person in fact is 12 years of age.

(8) Adult nonresident hunting licenses to all nonresidents of 17 years of age or older.

(9) Junior nonresident hunting licenses to all nonresidents who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the license year of application for a license but who have not reached their 17th birthday prior to the date of the application for the license and who present a written request, bearing the signature of a parent or guardian, for the issuance of a license. The actual hunting privileges granted to the holder of a junior license shall not be exercised until that person in fact is 12 years of age.

(10) Adult nonresident furtaker licenses to nonresidents of 17 years of age or older.

(11) Junior nonresident furtaker licenses to nonresidents who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the license year of application for a license but who have not reached their 17th birthday prior to the date of the application for the license and who present a written request, containing the signature of a parent or guardian, for the issuance of a license. The actual furtaking privileges granted to the holder of a junior license shall not be exercised until that person in fact is 12 years of age.

(11.1) Junior nonresident combination hunting and furtaker license, including archery and muzzleloader privileges, to nonresidents who have reached or will reach their 12th birthday in the license year of application for a license but who have not reached their 17th birthday prior to the date of the application for the license and who present a written request, containing the signature of a parent or guardian, for the issuance of a license. The actual privileges granted to the holder of a junior nonresident combination license shall not be exercised until that person in fact is 12 years of age.

(12) Seven-day nonresident small game license to persons eligible to procure a nonresident hunting license. The license shall be valid for a period of seven consecutive days. The holder of the license shall be entitled to hunt for, take or kill crows and small game.

(13) Antlerless deer licenses, bear licenses, archery licenses, muzzleloader licenses and any other license required to insure just and proper administration of this title and sound game or wildlife conservation to eligible persons, subject to the regulations, requirements and conditions which the commission shall establish. Any such license shall be made available to residents serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or in the United States Coast Guard without regard to quota limitations or application deadlines.

(14) Migratory game bird licenses for hunting all migratory game birds to eligible persons, subject to the regulations, requirements and conditions which the commission shall establish. Any such license shall be made available to residents serving on active duty in the armed forces of the United States or in the United States Coast Guard without regard to quota limitations or application deadlines.

(15) Elk hunting license to persons eligible for classes of licenses in paragraphs (1), (2), (3), (7), (7.1), (8),

(9) and (11.1). Notwithstanding any other provisions of this title or the regulations promulgated thereunder, elk licenses under this paragraph shall not be subject to the provisions of sections 2706 (relating to resident license and fee exemptions) and 2706.1 (relating to complimentary nonresident licenses). To ensure sound management of Pennsylvania's wild elk population, the commission may promulgate regulations to establish a limited number of licenses. The commission may establish a nonrefundable application fee at a cost of $10.

(16) Special wild turkey license to be used in conjunction with an adult or junior resident license, adult or junior nonresident license, senior resident license, senior resident lifetime license, senior lifetime resident combination hunting and furtaking license and junior resident and nonresident combination hunting and furtaking license when the commission by regulation authorizes the harvest of

wild turkeys over and above the number of turkey harvest tags attached to the preceding licenses. (Nov. 25, 1988, P.L.1082, No.125, eff. imd.; Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. imd.; Aug. 5, 1991, P.L.217, No.24, eff. July 1, 1992; June 22, 1993, P.L.102, No.23, eff. imd.; Apr. 4, 1996, P.L.55, No.19, eff. imd.; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. July 1, 1999; Dec. 20, 2000, P.L.783, No.111; July 2, 2004, P.L.467, No.53, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. Act 53 added par. (16). 2000 Amendment. Act 111 amended the entire section, effective in 60 days as to par. (15) and immediately as to the remainder of the section. Cross References. Section 2705 is referred to in sections 327, 2711, 2923 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2524 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2524
Protective material required.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Unless further restricted by regulations of the commission, every person hunting for or assisting to hunt for deer, bear or woodchucks shall wear either a minimum of 250 square inches of daylight fluorescent orange-colored material on the back and front combined or, in lieu thereof, a hat of the same color material. The material shall be worn so it is visible in a 360-degree arc. Unless otherwise specified by regulations of the commission, the provision of this section shall not apply to any season for using muzzle-loading firearms only or season for using bows and arrows only.

(b) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree. Cross References. Section 2524 is referred to in sections 901, 2701 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 931 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 9 / Section 931
Disposition of nonresident offenders.
Status: in_force

Subject to any inconsistent regulations or rules prescribed pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. § 3502 (relating to financial regulations):

(1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2), upon the apprehension of a nonresident of this Commonwealth for any violation of this title that is a summary offense, the officer whose duty it is to enforce this title shall issue a citation as provided by the Pennsylvania Rules of Criminal Procedure unless the nonresident offender elects to proceed under section 926 (relating to acknowledgment of guilt and receipt for payment).

(2) An officer whose duty it is to enforce this title shall be authorized to arrest a nonresident for a summary offense violation of this title and escort him to the appropriate issuing authority for a hearing, posting of bond or payment of the applicable fine and costs only when one or more of the following circumstances exist:

(i) The nonresident offender refuses to accept a citation from the officer.

(ii) The nonresident offender fails to provide positive identification showing his mailing address.

(iii) The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the nonresident offender is a repeat offender under this title.

(iv) The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the nonresident offender is hunting while his hunting privileges are suspended or furtaking while his furtaking privileges are suspended.

(v) The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the nonresident offender has failed to respond to a citation issued under this title or to pay assessed fines or penalties for a prior offense under this title.

(vi) The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the nonresident offender may pose a threat of harm to another person or property or to himself or herself.

(vii) The officer has reasonable grounds to believe the nonresident offender will not appear as required if issued a citation. The officer shall not exercise his authority to arrest a nonresident under this paragraph if the nonresident offender chooses to place the amount of the applicable fine and costs in a stamped envelope addressed to the appropriate issuing authority and mails the envelope in the presence of the officer.

(3) The amount of fine and costs to be mailed to the issuing authority under paragraph (2) may be paid in cash, personal or other check, credit card or guaranteed arrest bond.

(4) The officer shall give the nonresident offender a receipt for payment, a copy of which shall be mailed with the payment and a copy retained by the officer. (Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. July 1, 1999)
34 Pa.C.S. § 554 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 554
Request for review.
Status: in_force

When the commission's officers and the claimant cannot agree upon the value of the damages, the claimant may, within ten days of the conclusion of discussions, request, in writing, that the director review the matter. Cross References. Section 554 is referred to in section 561 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2306 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2306
Killing game or wildlife by mistake.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Any person who, while hunting or trapping for game or wildlife which may be lawfully taken, by accident or mistake kills or attempts to kill any game or wildlife other than threatened or endangered species, contrary to the provisions of this title, shall pay restitution pursuant to subsection (b) to an officer of the commission.

(b) Restitution.--Restitution for killing or an attempted killing by accident or mistake shall be as follows:

(1) Each deer - $25.

(2) Each turkey - $20.

(3) Each other wild bird or wild animal, other than an endangered or threatened species - $15.

(4) Each bear - $100.

(5) Each elk - $100.

(c) Procedural requirements.--Any person claiming a mistake kill or attempted kill of game or wildlife pursuant to this section shall:

(1) Immediately remove all of the entrails of any edible game or wildlife and, if big game, tag the animal in the manner prescribed under section 2323 (relating to tagging and reporting big game kills).

(2) Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted killing, report the same to the appropriate commission regional office by telephone or electronic communication.

(3) Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted killing, deliver the entire carcass, less entrails, to any commission officer in the county in which killed for disposition and provide a written, sworn statement to the commission officer explaining when, where and how the accident or mistake occurred.

(4) Within ten days after the killing or attempted killing, provide the commission officer full payment of restitution. (July 9, 2010, P.L.387, No.54, eff. 60 days; Feb. 15, 2018, P.L.6, No.3, eff. 60 days) 2018 Amendment. Act 3 amended subsecs. (a) and (b). 2010 Amendment. See section 6 of Act 54 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to public notice. Cross References. Section 2306 is referred to in section 2742 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 551 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 551
Authority for payment.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as limited by subsection (b), the commission may pay for any damage done to livestock or poultry or damage done to bees or bee-keeping equipment by bears upon lands open to public hunting and lands within safety zones if the damages are reported to an office of the commission within ten days of the damage and the claims are presented in a sworn written statement.

(b) Bee hives and equipment.--No claim for damage to bees or their hives or bee-keeping equipment shall be paid if any of the following factors occurred:

(1) The bear is killed.

(2) The affected hives are located more than 300 yards from the domicile of the owner or from the domicile of his employee or other agent in charge thereof.

(3) The claim is a second or subsequent claim filed by the claimant and the claimant has not erected, maintained and operated a commission-approved and furnished bear deterrent fence around the hives.

(c) Restriction on claimants.--All payments for bear damages shall be restricted to persons domiciled in this Commonwealth.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2725 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2725
Remitting funds to commission.
Status: in_force

(a) Deposit of funds.--All funds derived from this source shall be deposited in the Game Fund.

(b) Failure to comply.--Any issuing agent who fails to comply with any of the provisions of this title or regulations adopted thereunder relating to the issuance, recording of data or remitting costs for licenses issued shall not be entitled to retain the sum fixed for his services. These sums shall be paid to the commission and, if not paid, may be recovered by the commission, by suit. Delinquent agents are subject to a penalty of 10% payable to the commission on any outstanding balance of license money due the commission, which penalty shall be compounded on a monthly basis. Delinquent agents shall be recalled after a delinquency period of 30 days.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2305 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2305
Retrieval and disposition of killed or wounded game or wildlife.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person who kills or wounds any game or wildlife while engaged in any activities permitted by this title to refuse or neglect to make a reasonable effort to retrieve, retain or lawfully dispose of such game or wildlife.

(b) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fourth degree.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2315 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2315
Hunting on Sunday without written permission (Repealed).
Status: repealed

2025 Repeal. Section 2315 was repealed July 9, 2025, P.L.122, No.36, effective in 60 days.
34 Pa.C.S. § 521 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 5 / Section 521
Establishment and use of Game Fund.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, all fees, royalties, fines, penalties and other moneys paid, received, recovered and collected under the provisions of this title shall be placed in a separate fund by the State Treasurer to be known as the Game Fund and shall be used solely for any contingent, incidental or other expenses of any kind or description reasonably necessary in carrying on the work of

the commission, including, but not limited to, the purchase of land, the costs of activities for the promotion of public interest in recreational hunting and furtaking, nongame species, endangered or threatened species and all other game or wildlife in this Commonwealth and administration of this title.

(b) Specific allocation of certain revenues.--

(1) A minimum of $4.25 from each resident and nonresident license and $2 from each antlerless deer license issued for which the full fee has been paid shall be used for habitat improvement, development, maintenance, protection and restoration conducive to increasing natural propagation of game and wildlife on all lands under the control or operation of the commission, including lands enrolled in the commission's public access programs and other public lands open to hunting under agreement with the commission. The moneys collected under this paragraph shall be deposited into one separate account and shall be used exclusively for the natural propagation of game and wildlife by:

(i) Improving and maintaining any natural wildlife habitat by the production, distribution and planting of trees, shrubs, vines and forage crops.

(ii) Forest management practices related to the creation and development of food and cover.

(iii) Development and management of food and cover openings, including maintenance of soil fertility and herbaceous ground cover.

(iv) Purchase, construction and enhancement of wetlands and riparian areas.

(v) Construction and maintenance of nesting, brooding and rearing structures or areas.

(vi) The prorated cost for the purchase, maintenance and operation of equipment, tools and materials necessary to meet the habitat improvement objectives of this section. No moneys in this account shall be used for capital purchases under this subparagraph. The commission shall submit an annual report on all expenditures from this account in the manner prescribed under section 522 (relating to appropriation and audit of moneys).

(2) Any moneys collected by or for the commission from the sale of the migratory bird hunting license shall be used for the purpose of migratory game bird management, habitat acquisition and improvement and related program administrative costs.

(3) (Deleted by amendment). (Dec. 17, 1990, P.L.687, No.170, eff. imd.; Apr. 4, 1996, P.L.55, No.19, eff. imd.; Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. July 1, 1999; Nov. 25, 2002, P.L.1120, No.138, eff. July 1, 2002) 2002 Amendment. Act 138 amended subsec. (b).
34 Pa.C.S. § 708 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 7 / Section 708
Payments in lieu of taxes.
Status: in_force

The commission shall make payments in lieu of taxes on all lands, waters or buildings to which title has been acquired in the name of or for the use of the commission, which payments shall be equal to the fixed charges as apply to and are imposed upon State forests pursuant to section 1 of the act of May 17, 1929 (P.L.1798, No.591), referred to as the Forest Reserves Municipal Financial Relief Law.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2509 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 25 / Section 2509
Damage to property.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person while hunting game or wildlife or taking furbearers of any kind to:

(1) Cause or assist in causing damage or injury, in any manner whatsoever, to either real or personal property of any kind.

(2) Leave gates or bars open.

(3) Break down, destroy or injure fences.

(4) Tear down or scatter rail, post, wood or stone piles.

(5) Harass, injure or kill livestock of any kind.

(6) Hunt or trap in or upon unharvested buckwheat, corn, sorghum or soybean fields without the permission of the owner or person in charge of such property.

(b) Additional restrictions.--In addition to the restrictions imposed by subsection (a), it shall be unlawful for any person hunting foxes by means of horses and hounds to hunt on any land which is not controlled by them.

(c) Removal of wounded game or wildlife.--Subsection (a) shall not be construed to prevent the removal of mortally wounded game or wildlife from its place of refuge in a rail, post, wood or stone pile or fence if permission has first been obtained from the owner or person in charge of the property and the property is restored to the condition in which it was found.

(d) Penalty.--A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree, and, in addition, a violator shall be liable for damages pursuant to subsection (e).

(e) Costs for damages.--

(1) Any person who shall cause damage to real or personal property, including crops of any kind shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay the penalty prescribed in this section and, in addition thereto, shall be liable to pay, upon demand of the person having legal control of the property, the sum equal to the amount of the damages determined by a court of competent jurisdiction.

(2) The court may appoint a competent appraiser to determine the amount of such damage. The amount of the damage determined by the court shall be assessed against the defendant and paid to the court for disposition. The court shall deliver the amount collected to the person having legal control over the land where the damage occurred.

(3) The court-appointed appraiser shall be entitled to a reasonable fee for services rendered which shall be

assessed against the defendant as additional costs for delivery to the appraiser by the court. Cross References. Section 2509 is referred to in section 2741 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 328 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 328
Accountability.
Status: in_force

(a) Relationship with public.--The commission shall implement policies and programs to improve its relationship with the general public and with its licensees in accordance with its strategic plan.

(b) Program accountability.--The commission shall require program accountability of its various functions through program performance measurement in accordance with its strategic plan.

(c) Financial accountability.--The commission shall improve the financial accountability of its various functions through performance measurement in accordance with its strategic plan.

(d) Law enforcement accountability.--The commission shall maintain a system to respond to citizen complaints against wildlife conservation officers and deputy wildlife conservation officers. The commission shall release information relating to the number and nature of complaints received on at least an annual basis. The commission may release further information related to the nature of the complaints, provided that the release of such information is not prohibited or restricted by any contract, regulation, order of court or statute to the contrary.

(e) Reports to General Assembly.--No later than January 31 of each year the commission through its executive director shall make annual written reports on the matters described in subsections (a), (b), (c) and (d) to the Game and Fisheries Committee of the Senate and the Game and Fisheries Committee of the House of Representatives. The commission shall meet with the respective committees of the General Assembly to receive oral testimony in relation to annual written reports when so requested.

(f) Financial analysis.--

(1) Within 180 days of the effective date of this subsection, the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shall prepare a financial analysis of fees, fines, penalties, royalties, Federal and State appropriations and other sources of revenue received by the commission and of expenditures, including annual operating costs, investments, land purchases and capital projects, to carry out the financial analysis under this subsection:

(i) The commission shall provide records, financial statements and other documents reflecting the revenue and expenditures subject to the financial analysis under this subsection.

(ii) The commission shall respond to inquiries and requests for information from the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee in a timely manner.

(iii) The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shall include its most recent performance audit under section 522(b) (relating to appropriation and audit of moneys).

(2) The financial analysis shall be submitted to the President pro tempore of the Senate, chair of the Game and Fisheries Committee of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and chair of the Game and Fisheries Committee of the House of Representatives. The financial analysis shall be public information. (Dec. 21, 1998, P.L.1274, No.166, eff. imd.; Nov. 27, 2019, P.L.739, No.107, eff. 90 days) 2019 Amendment. Act 107 added subsec. (f). 1998 Amendment. Act 166 added section 328. Cross References. Section 328 is referred to in section 522 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2163 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2163
Unlawful importation of game or wildlife.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--It is unlawful for any person to bring or, in any manner, to have transported into this Commonwealth from any other state or nation, any living game or wildlife or the eggs of any bird, the importation of which is prohibited by the commission or under the provisions of any Federal law, or to release within this Commonwealth any game or wildlife reared in captivity or in a domestic state, the importation of which is prohibited.

(b) Further restrictions.--It is unlawful to bring into, sell or possess any game or wildlife or the eggs of any bird or to release within this Commonwealth, for any purpose, imported game or wildlife or game or wildlife reared in captivity or in a domestic state in this Commonwealth contrary to any regulations the commission promulgates to safeguard the native game or wildlife of this Commonwealth.

(c) Penalties.--

(1) Except for endangered or threatened species, a person importing, selling, releasing or possessing game or wildlife or the eggs of any bird contrary to any of the provisions of this section, or causing them to be released or imported, commits a summary offense of the fifth degree. Each bird, egg or animal involved in a violation constitutes a separate offense.

(2) A violation of this section relating to any endangered or threatened species is a misdemeanor. Each bird,

egg or game or wildlife involved in the violation constitutes a separate offense.

(d) Contraband.--Any game or wildlife or egg possessed by any person contrary to this section is contraband. (Oct. 24, 2012, P.L.1205, No.150, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 150 amended subsec. (c)(2).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2382 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2382
Training dogs on small game.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Unless otherwise provided by commission regulation, it is lawful to train a dog or dogs during any time of the calendar year. Persons who are solely training dogs and who comply with the provisions of this section shall not be required to have a hunting or furtaking license. The commission may, by regulation, prohibit or further restrict or relax the training period for specific breeds of dogs on game or wildlife.

(b) Restrictions.--

(1) Any dog being trained pursuant to subsection (a) shall be accompanied by and under the control of the owner or a handler.

(2) The owner or handler or any other person shall not carry a bow and arrow or a firearm fired from the shoulder while training a dog.

(3) No dog shall be permitted to kill or inflict any injury upon the pursued game or wildlife.

(c) Sunday limitation.--It is unlawful to train dogs on privately owned property on Sunday. This limitation shall not apply to:

(1) National or State forest land.

(2) State game lands.

(3) Privately owned property when the consent of the person in charge of the land is first obtained. (Dec. 19, 1996, P.L.1442, No.184, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 2382 is referred to in section 2386 of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2723 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 27 / Section 2723
Agent bonding requirements.
Status: in_force

Except for agents already under bond to receive and disburse public funds, every other agent shall furnish security in a

form satisfactory to the commission and in an amount approved by the commission.
34 Pa.C.S. § 304 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 3 / Section 304
Deputy Game Commission officers.
Status: in_force

(a) Appointment.--The commission may appoint deputy Game Commission officers as necessary. Except as otherwise provided, they shall possess the rights and powers given by law to Game Commission officers and be subject to all requirements and regulations, either of the law or of the commission, controlling the action of Game Commission officers.

(b) Compensation and expenses.--Deputy Game Commission officers shall not be entitled to compensation for either time or expenses incurred in the performance of their duties unless specifically employed for special duties by written order of the director. The commission shall, from time to time, fix the rate of compensation and allowable expenses for special duty services.

(c) Collection of fees.--Any deputy Game Commission officer not specifically employed, in writing, for special duties under subsection (b) shall, with written authorization of the director, be entitled to collect the fees as are now or may hereafter be paid to constables, to be assessed and collected as costs of prosecution for services legally rendered in the performance of any duties in the enforcement of this title.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2165 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2165
Possession or interference with active nests or eggs of birds.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person to take or have in possession or under control either the active nest or any egg of any game bird or protected bird or to interfere with or destroy the active nest or egg.

(b) Penalties.--

(1) A violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth degree for each active nest or egg possessed or interfered with.

(2) A violation of this section relating to birds which are listed as threatened or endangered is, in addition to any other penalties, a misdemeanor for each active nest or egg possessed.

(c) Contraband.--Any active nest or egg possessed by any person contrary to this section is contraband. (Oct. 24, 2012, P.L.1205, No.150, eff. 60 days) 2012 Amendment. Act 150 amended subsec. (b)(2).
34 Pa.C.S. § 2362 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 23 / Section 2362
Permitted acts.
Status: in_force

Nothing contained in this subchapter shall prevent:

(1) The possession of imported green pelts which were lawfully taken and exported from another state or nation which have attached positive proof in English of where and when they were taken and marked or tagged in accordance with the requirements of that state or nation.

(2) The killing of lawfully taken furbearers with a firearm as prescribed by regulations of the commission.

(3) The lawful taking of furbearers by any resident of this Commonwealth 12 years of age or older after first securing a furtaking license.

(4) The sale of pelts or carcasses of lawfully taken furbearers.
34 Pa.C.S. § 2102 — PA Code / Title 34 / Chapter 21 / Section 2102
Regulations.
Status: in_force

(a) General rule.--The commission shall promulgate such regulations as it deems necessary and appropriate concerning game or wildlife and hunting or furtaking in this Commonwealth, including regulations relating to the protection, preservation and management of game or wildlife and game or wildlife habitat, permitting or prohibiting hunting or furtaking, the ways, manner, methods and means of hunting or furtaking, and the health and safety of persons who hunt or take wildlife or may be in the vicinity of persons who hunt or take game or wildlife in this Commonwealth.

(b) Seasons, possession, bag limits and devices.--

(1) The commission shall promulgate regulations relating to seasons and bag limits for hunting or furtaking, the possession of certain species or parts thereof, the number and types of devices and equipment allowed, the identification of devices and the use and possession of devices.

(2) If in any year the commission fails to establish seasons or bag limits or fails to establish other hunting or furtaking regulations under authority of this title, the open seasons and bag limits for game or furbearers, unless otherwise provided by this title, and all other hunting or furtaking regulations adopted under authority of this title, shall be the same as set by regulation of the commission for the previous license year, and all seasons shall open and close one calendar day earlier than the previous license year. In the event the commission fails to establish seasons and bag limits for a license year beginning in a leap year, the seasons shall open and close two calendar days earlier than the previous license year.

(c) Transportation, sale and disturbance of game or wildlife.--The commission shall promulgate regulations concerning the transportation, introduction into the wild, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale or purchase of game or wildlife or the disturbing of game or wildlife in their natural habitat.

(d) Traps, firearms, ammunition and other devices.--The commission shall promulgate regulations stipulating the size and type of traps, the type of firearms and ammunition and other devices which may be used, the manner in which and the location where the devices may be used, the species the devices may be used for and the season when the devices may be used.

(e) Penalties.--

(1) Unless otherwise specifically provided, any person convicted or pleading guilty to or pleading nolo contendere to any violation of any regulation promulgated under this title where any game or wildlife is unlawfully possessed, killed or taken or any attempt is made to unlawfully kill, take or possess any game or wildlife shall be subject to the penalties imposed under section 2307(d) (relating to unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife).

(2) Unless otherwise specifically provided, any other violation of any regulation of the commission is a summary offense of the fifth degree. (July 9, 2025, P.L.122, No.36, eff. 60 days) 2025 Amendment. Act 36 amended subsec. (b)(2). Cross References. Section 2102 is referred to in section 322 of this title.