If so, what would happen to the hunting industry in all of these states? The gobbler population in a given area is directly related to the reproductive success of hens in the population. What are the 2022-23 Hunting Season and Bag Limits? More about mountain lions in Pennsylvania: If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. I spend a lot of time outdoors, and I've seen about 10 black bears in Pennsylvania, and all within ten miles of my home. I asked our Game officials about evidence, and they cite no road kills. Most of my original Questions of the Month for the last several The report is available at www.pgc.pa.gov or by clicking here. First, we can discern from the flattish face and forward-facing eyes that we are looking at a cat of some kind. The most direct way to report an instance of a suspected sick, injured or nuisance wild animal is to call the Pennsylvania Game Commission Region Office that serves the county in which the animal is located. Visit www.bearwise.org for more ways to prevent human-bear conflicts. Bringing species back to a community where they are currently absent is an important step to ecological restoration, increasing biodiversity, and returning ecological processes such as seed dispersal or rodent population management to the system. How can I help to prevent negative human-bear interactions on my property? Their digestive systems and metabolism are adapted to survive harsh winter weather, including deep snow, cold temperatures and high winds. Previous Game Commission research has shown that reducing the fall season by one week allows more hens to survive to spring and reproduce. A few could, perhaps, be mistaken idenity. This change is necessary to reduce harvest rates to a level that will allow for growth of this migratory Canada goose population. By expanding concurrent seasons statewide, hunters are provided with more opportunities to harvest antlerless deer. With lots of hens breeding in the spring, turkey populations can rise quickly. Many species of wildlife are born in the spring and its almost certain Pennsylvanians will encounter young wildlife at one point or another. A dark brown puma, backlighted by a strong sun, could appear all black, or very dark, and he accepted that. Individuals can collect and obtain mushrooms and/or berries from state game lands. Most general and add-on licenses are available on HuntFishPA. Pennsylvanias elk herd is located in the states northcentral region. Are there Mountain Lions (Pumas, Cougars) in Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic States? Animals like coyotes and black bears can become a potential threat and cause harm to both humans and pets. And this genetic mix has been recognized, and the Florida puma is still protected. However, if you've seen a mountain lion, or other mystery creature, or evidence of either, in Pennsylvania, contact outdoor writer Marcus Schneck at mschneck@pennlive.com.). Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. For the sake of clarity, the lowest portion of the wall supporting the railing to the right is 6.75 inches in height (this is directly beside and in front of the cat in question). In July and August I received seven different reports, and everyone involved had done a search of some type to compare images of bobcats and pumas. Pennsylvanias management plan and seasons are not, and should not, be the same as other states, again, to ensure long-term sustainability of the wild turkey population. Pennsylvania has 308 state games lands, which span more than 1.5 million acres. Is there a way for Pennsylvania hunters to donate extra venison? YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Calls to the Operation Game Thief hotline are always answered by a secure recording device. Electronic bikes are not allowed to be used on state game lands at this time. How would mountain lions impact the entire trophic scale underneath them? Seal open areas under structures like porches, sheds and decks that can provide shelter for cougars or their prey. They rejuvenate succulent browse plants preferred by deer and elk, which promotes oak habitats, and their vitally important acorns, and maintains grasses and broadleaf plants sought by brooding turkeys and grouse. Visit www.legis.state.pa.us for contact and bill information. Where reports dating that far back from escapees? Hunting is legal, but closely regulated by the state. After that period, they must obtain a license to hunt. Bobcats tend to be a bit taller and lankier, with proportionately shorter torsos than those of house cats, panthers, leopards, and pumas. They ran across my yard, moving alongside my house, then disappeared into the woods. I have three observations here: 1. If you see a puma (mountain lion-cougar), contact me. Please remember and take note, it is unlawful to take the antlers that are found still attached to a skull. Natural food sources can be low this time of year, so bears are more likely to help themselves to food that is easily accessible. Both deer and turkey harvests must be reported within ten days (five days for turkeys or deer taken by mentored hunters, or persons required to make a homemade tag). Is it illegal to feed bears? Of course, bobcats are proportionately a bit taller than a cougar or house cat, and if it is a bobcat my weight estimate could be off. When was CWD detected in Pennsylvania? Once hunted to extinction, Pennsylvanias resurgent elk herd now numbers 1,400. The Nittany Lion at State College wasn't just created out of thin air. Those interested in submitting their thoughts and opinions on an issue related to hunting and wildlife in the state are encouraged to email the agency at Archery and late seasons elk hunters will be notified of this location by letter or contact the Northcentral Region Office at 570-398-4744. Crews will then continue burning into the wind and downslope, sending fire into the previously burned or blackened area. How do I report suspected wildlife crimes? He saw a big cat. Applications will follow the same schedule as seasons past, where residents, and later nonresidents, are permitted to apply for a license in the opening round, and in each of the two successive rounds for any WMU where licenses remain. Mountain lion killed in Connecticut was on the opposite side of Pennsylvania a year ago, Is it real? Reducing the fall season in some WMUs and prohibiting rifles should allow turkey populations to reach harvest density goals without further decreasing season lengths in the future. Photos submitted as mountain lions are typically feral housecats. What is a prescribed fire? There is no prohibition, per se, on metal detecting on state game lands. I'm also a big believer in lifelong learning- there's always something new to learn! The rounded ears, More information is available here. Share on Social Try to block the mountain lion from your eyes and face as you strike it. Click here to learn more about our agency and its history. How is CWD spread? Things to consider panting are mast-producing trees for food, conifer trees for cover and native plants for seed and nectar. Consumption permits are issued from region offices. *It is illegal to feed elk and bear and deer with Chronic Wasting Disease Management Areas. Those buying licenses from an issuing agent will be issued harvest tags at the time of purchase and will have the opportunity to have digital licenses provided through email. It wasn't, and I assumed it was a road-kill. This content is restricted to subscribers of OutdoorNews.com. It is unlawful for individuals to possess a shed antler to sell, barter or trade OR to offer to sell, barter or trade any shed antler. With a decline in turkey population, why not eliminate the second Spring Gobbler tag? Reports generally go uninvestigated by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, which discounts them as mistaken identities, illegal pets escaped or released and outright fabrications. What if Im hunting in an area where CWD is known to exist? If you see a deer or elk displaying symptoms of CWD, report it to the appropriate Game Commission region office. In Pennsylvania, I receive a few reports of black, big cats, which makes one wonder -- are there melanistic (black) pumas out there, or are those sightings always wrong. Figure skating program in Kensington aims to make the sport accessible for local athletes, Philadelphia Zoo's new exhibit includes life-sized dinosaurs and lots of bugs, Ex-football player from Bucks County among new 'Survivor' competitors, Six Flags to enhance Hurricane Harbor with more water slides, tree house for young kids. Anyone, ages 11 and up, can currently register for Pennsylvanias online Hunter-Trapper Education course. What does a Puma (Mountain Lion) look like on a Game Camera? I've know of reports since 1973, in Cooke Forest, the heart of a lot of Pa. wilderness. That smacks of mountain lion behavior pun intended. Late-stage signs of CWD-infected animals include an extreme loss of body condition; excessive drinking, urination, salivation and drooling; and behavioral and neurologic changes such as repetitive walking patterns, droopy ears, a wide-based stance, and listlessness. How do I report my bobcat or fisher harvest(s)? Have all of those who have seen a puma really seen a bobcat? Other crew members are assigned to monitor the weather and smoke conditions throughout the day to ensure the fire stays within its prescription and is achieving the desired ecological effects. This allows many hens to be bred, even when a much lower number of gobblers than hens exists, ensuring an adequate hatch to sustain the population. Why not close pheasant hunting the day birds are stocked? Here are a few ways to limit human-bear interactions: Bring pet food containers and bird feeders inside overnight, or completely if bears continually return; keep trash cans inside, if possible, until the morning of collection day; and regularly clean and remove grease from outside grills. What should I do if I encounter young wildlife? Click here to learn more. The mountain lionalso known as the cougar, puma, panther, or catamount is a large cat species native to the Americas. (National Park Service). A form (PDF) to be used for such requests can be obtained at the Harrisburg Office of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and at Open Records Offices throughout the Commonwealth. As part of the American Marten Reintroduction Feasibility Assessment the Game Commission conducted extensive diet research from across the marten's range and found that marten eat primarily rodents, followed by a high percentage of insects and plants. This confirms the drop. Had this been faked, I'd suspect the hoaxter would try for a more authentic background. It had been captured in Florida, and was to be released. If the tag was on the antlers, there would be no way to identify the head or carcass. What is the Game Commission doing to manage CWD? However, it is unlawful to remove any historical or archeological artifact. Please keep scrolling - ALL the Puma posts are included. In Pennsylvania, most burns take place in March, April, May and November when grass is dormant and leaves are off, allowing sunlight and wind to dry the forest floor. With industrial expansion into the heart of Pennsylvania in the 1700s, mountain lion sightings and attacks became more common as habitat destruction pit settlers against native predators.. While there have been no confirmed occurrences of mountain lions in Pennsylvania since the late 1800s, dozens of sincere reports of sightings and tracks and even more hoaxed reports emerge across the state each year. Why cant Pennsylvanias Spring Gobbler season open earlier? Their bodies are mainly covered in tawny-beige fur, except for the whitish-gray belly and chest. If youd like that process to be changed, contact your state representative and state senator, and let them know your thoughts on the issue. At this time, there were no regulations in place to prevent that, nor was there anyone responsible for managing the wildlife. In an effort to expand hunting opportunities, in 2021, Sunday hunting is only open on the following dates for the following species. Isn't the release of another predator just going to cause or add to the further decline of species such as the wild turkey, northern goshawk, ruffed grouse, Allegheny woodrats, or rabbits? The more hens there are to be bred, the more gobblers a hunter can expect to see in future seasons, Senior Vice President for Conservation Programs Dr. James Earl Kennamer said. These color morphs are most common in rain forests and jungles. What factors are causing turkey populations to decline? More information is available here. Why is the Game Commission considering the reintroduction of American Martens? Still, our research shows females (both juvenile and adult) comprise a larger portion of the fall harvest than males. Gobblers harvested during the spring season do not impact the overall turkey population because the males we harvest are taken after peak breeding and when over half of the hens have begun incubating eggs. Is it lawful to use an inline during the late flintlock season? Why should I care about trapping? Their bodies are mainly covered in tawny-beige fur, except for the whitish-gray belly and chest. The doe bolted for the trees with the cat still attached, and every 6 feet or so you could see a large impression in the snow, which mustve been the cats rump as it was hanging on with teeth and claws. With that hope in mind, I have, for years, asked outdoors people if they ever heard of a mountain lion, or puma, in their area -- with my questioning limited to people in my home state of Pennsylvania. It is our mission to manage and protect wildlife and their habitats while promoting hunting and trapping for current and future generations. 18 inches. Habitat changes that can result in lower turkey populations include, a lower variety of habitat types, lower habitat quality (particularly due to exotic species replacing native species), lower number of mast-producing trees (particularly oaks and cherry), lower percentage of younger age-class forests, and less nesting brood cover for turkeys. Biology. Be sure to verify your mailing address when purchasing online licenses. Hi there! What species can a mentored hunter hunt? The estimated muzzleloader harvest was 28,260, of which 1,140 were antlered deer. After enhancing a few frames, however, I was able to deduce that it was, indeed, a large feline of some kind. My next task was to estimate the size of the cat. Onthese three Sundays, hunters on private land are required to carry written permission from the landowner. Eastern mountain lions lived in central Pennsylvania until the late 1800s, according to Foster. Is the Pennsylvania Game Commission funded by tax dollars? Our investigations have determined the overwhelming number of sightings of mountain lions in our state are actually bobcats. How do I report suspected sick, injured or nuisance wildlife? Opening day is biologically timed for when most hens, on an average year, have started to incubate their eggs. Weather, especially during spring nesting season can affect turkey populations. The information also allows for monitoring population trends and identifying any potential issues that may arise. Imagine my surprise. After all, skeptics often suggest that puma sightings are just deer sightings, so it would be logical to worry that a hunter might shoot an endangered puma, mistaking it for a brown deer. How, Who, and Why? That does not mean that the agency does not care and that we will not follow up with the information provided. The Game Commissions CWD Surveillance Dashboard is available online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/CWDResultsLookup. So glad to post. Second, antlerless allocations are set at the WMU to harvest a targeted number of antlerless deer. In fact, the woods literally abut my backyard. Those wishing to purchase a hunting license can do so in-person at one of these License Issuing Agents. The license year begins July 1 and ends June 30. Pennsylvanias new hunting and furtaker licensing system, Office of Open Records: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Open Records, Commonwealth Keystone Building, 400 North Street, 4th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17120-0225. Except there's one big problem, at least for East Coasters: cougars don't really live here. A Game Commission vehicle was there, and the Fed Ex driver, after reaching the bottom of a long hill, turned back to check on what he saw. Are mountain lions living in Pennsylvania today? Can so many people be wrong? This group is to focus on organizing the reports of Mountain Lions (cougars, pumas, panthers) in Pennsylvania. Probably the most revolutionary advancement towards this goal has been the Best Management Practices (BMP) completion. Now consider: If it was confirmed that there was a breeding population of endangered pumas on the mountain ridge behind my house, if the USFWS recognized the existence of this endangered species, what might happen? Users must realize that these decisions are highly weather dependent and therefore cannot be made more than a few days in advance. The burns are conducted under precise weather conditions (i.e., the prescription) by trained crews. The cat was far enough away that I couldn't get a size reference, and I believed the cat was further away than it actually was. Mountain lions are 7-9 feet, while bobcats are 3 feet long. Rarely seen but surprisingly numerous, the bobcat (Lynx rufus) prowls most of Pennsylvania's woods throughout much of the state. When he told me this, he commented on how an experience like the one he and his friends had just is not forgotten. Which is the better camera, the Mark IV or the 7D? The mountain lion will most likely attempt to tackle you and crush your skull or bite your throat. Where is Pennsylvanias elk herd located? A hunter mentor must be 21 years of age and possess a valid, current hunting license or otherwise qualify for a license and fee exemptions. The rule change could make more antlerless licenses available deeper into hunting season, perhaps giving hunters who purchase their licenses later a chance to get one. Mountain lions are found in mountains, coniferous forests, grasslands, swamps, and dry scrublands. I had three cameras positioned, so had a cat visited, I'd have had it. The proposal to remove the three-license limit for antlerless deer hunters statewide is intended to ensure that licenses allocated within a WMU are issued to the fullest extent possible. I'll be anxious to learn of your report. Learn more about Pennsylvania elk. Who conducts burns on State Game Lands? How do I submit comments and ideas about current and proposed seasons and bag limits set by the Board of Game Commissioners? Fall seasons differ according to the wild turkey population density in each Wildlife Management Unit, varying from closed to 3 weeks + a 3-day Thanksgiving holiday season. Florida Agricultural And Mechanical University, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis, Massachusetts Institute Of Technology (Mit), Missouri University Of Science And Technology, State University Of New York Health Science Center At Brooklyn, Suny College Of Environmental Science And Forestry, The University Of North Carolina At Charlotte, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At Houston, The University Of Texas Health Science Center At San Antonio, The University Of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, The University Of Texas Medical Branch At Galveston, The University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Uniformed Services University Of The Health Sciences, University At Buffalo Suny School Of Engineering And Applied Sciences, University Of California, Los Angeles (Ucla), University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign, University Of Maryland Baltimore County (Umbc), University Of Massachusetts Medical School Worcester, University Of Tennessee Health Science Center, University Of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. For Pennsylvania hunters to donate extra venison, injured or nuisance wildlife https: //pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/CWDResultsLookup Chronic... Cougars or their prey also allows for monitoring population trends and identifying any potential issues that may.... Sundays, hunters on private land are required to carry written permission from the flattish and. The burns are conducted under precise weather conditions ( i.e., the Mark IV or the 7D problem, least. 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