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Fact-forward news for readers like you who want to know more. Subscribe today. By Marcus Schneck mschneck pennlive. Special to The Patriot-News Bear hunters would see enormous changes in their hunting seasons under a package of proposals given preliminary approval by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners.
Archery season in those WMUs runs from Sept. Some items of note from the Game Commission: Archery hunters may use long, recurve or compound bows, or crossbows. Bows must have a draw weight of at least 35 pounds; crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of pounds. Hunters may use illuminated nocks for arrows and bolts, as they aid in tracking or locating the arrow or bolt after being launched. However, transmitter-tracking arrows are illegal. Tree stands and climbing devices that cause damage to trees are unlawful to use or occupy unless the user has written permission from the landowner.
Like what you're reading? The National Deer Association NDA put some numbers to that, surveying state and provincial wildlife agencies across North America to determine the percentage of the total white-tailed deer harvest taken with a bow or crossbow. It calculated that, over the three years from through , archers accounted for about 25 percent of all whitetails harvested nationally.
In the state Northeast region, archers took about one-third of the deer harvested in that time. They accounted for 37 percent again last year, or , deer, which included 80, bucks. Stainbrook said those figures represent a shift in the harvest rather than additional harvest since many archers also are rifle hunters. To help hunters get the most from archery season, the Game Commission is offering some reminders and tips. Archery hunters may use long, recurve or compound bows, or crossbows.
Bows must have a draw weight of at least 35 pounds; crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of pounds. The Game Commission encourages hunters to spend as much time as possible afield this fall prior to and during the hunting seasons to scout and identify areas where deer are traveling and bedding and where fall foods are abundant. Food availability changes from year to year, and in areas where food is spotty, deer often move to find better feed. Hotspots change from one year to the next, even from the start to the close of the season, so tracking deer activity and keying in on food sources is important.
Archery hunters should take only broadside or quartering-away shots at deer within their maximum effective shooting range, which differs for each hunter depending on their skill level and type of equipment used. Hunters may use illuminated nocks for arrows and bolts, as they aid in tracking or locating the arrow or bolt after being launched. However, transmitter-tracking arrows are illegal. Tree stands and climbing devices that cause damage to trees are unlawful to use or occupy unless the user has written permission from the landowner.
Portable hunting tree stands and blinds are allowed on state game lands, but not until two weeks before the opening of the archery deer season. Hunters must remove them no later than two weeks after the close of the flintlock and late archery deer seasons in the WMU being hunted. In all cases, tree stands on state game lands also must be conspicuously marked with a durable identification tag that identifies the stand owner. Hunters can find their number in their HuntFishPA online profile or on their printed license.
Hunters who plan to be afield on private property on the Sundays open to archers must carry with them written permission from the landowner to be there. Leave a note or topographic map with your family or a friend. Pack a cellphone for emergencies. Practice climbing with your tree stand before opening day of the season, especially at dawn and dusk.
Always use a fall-restraint device — preferably a full-body harness — when hunting from a tree stand. Wear the device from the moment you leave the ground until you return.
Stay on the ground on blustery days.
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