Hunters join farmers to fight crop damage

By Blake Jackson

Pennsylvania farmers struggling with crop damage caused by wildlife could soon have new allies: hunters. A package of four bills, set to be introduced in the state Senate early next year, aims to address this issue by empowering both farmers and hunters.

Senators Greg Rothman and Elder Vogel spearheaded the initiative, outlining a plan that incorporates hunting as part of the solution. Each bill tackles a specific aspect of the problem:

• Faster action: Farmers will be able to directly send deer harvested for crop damage to processors, bypassing lengthy wait times for Pennsylvania Game Commission approval.
• Connecting farmers and hunters: An online Agriculture Access List will match farmers seeking help with hunters willing to assist in mitigating crop damage.
• Agricultural voice at the table: A new at-large seat on the Game Commission will be reserved for someone with agricultural experience, ensuring farmers have a direct say in wildlife management decisions.
• Stronger deterrents: Penalties for trespassing while hunting will be increased, discouraging unlawful activity that can further harm crops.

This move comes after a public hearing in October where legislators, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and the Game Commission discussed the growing problem of wildlife-induced crop damage. "The hearing highlighted the negative impact on farmers and the potential for hunters to be part of the solution," said Senator Rothman. He emphasizes the win-win nature of the proposed legislation, aiming to empower both farmers and hunters.

The Farm Bureau, while awaiting the official bill language, expressed positive initial impressions. Chris Hoffman, the organization's president, commended legislators for addressing farmers' concerns and expressed excitement about the potential solutions. Tommy Nagle, the vice president, particularly welcomed the prospect of an agricultural representative on the Game Commission, seeing it as a "positive sign" and suggesting Farm Bureau involvement in filling that seat.

Senator Vogel, who chairs the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, echoed Rothman's sentiments, stating that while the bills won't solve the issue entirely, they offer a comprehensive approach that benefits both farmers and hunters.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission remains neutral until the official bills are drafted, but the proposed measures have sparked hope for a collaborative solution to the wildlife-induced crop damage plaguing Pennsylvania farmers. With hunters joining the fight, the future may yield more than just bountiful harvests for the state's agricultural sector.
 

Photo Credit: gettyimages-klosfoto