By Blake Jackson
The Pennsylvania Game Commission is considering changes to its Ag Tag program, which aims to address crop damage caused by wildlife. Despite its purpose, the program is underutilized, with fewer than 1,000 farms currently enrolled, covering about 93,000 acres, or just 2% of the state’s total agricultural land. To improve the program’s effectiveness, commissioners discussed expanding the Ag Tag permit seasons and simplifying the application process during a virtual meeting on December 19. The committee voted unanimously to forward the proposal to the full Game Commission board for consideration at its January 2025 meeting.
Under the current system, Ag Tag permits are valid from August 1 to September 15 and February 1 to April 15, excluding Sundays, and only antlerless deer can be taken. However, Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith presented data suggesting that many farmers are not taking advantage of the program. Commissioner Allen DiMarco, himself a farmer, emphasized the need for a revamp to support farmers facing financial challenges due to fluctuating commodity prices and rising input costs.
In addition to expanding the season dates, Game Commission staff are working on an educational initiative to better inform farmers about the program and its benefits in addressing crop damage. Commissioners also highlighted the impact of deer on timber industries, with Commissioner Kristen Koppenhafer urging that forest agriculture be considered in future discussions.
The committee also voted on several other proposals, including increasing the number of antlerless licenses in certain wildlife management units and limiting nonresident elk licenses to 10% annually. Some proposals, such as establishing an early archery season for antlerless deer, did not pass due to concerns about potential changes to the Ag Tag program and the possibility of Sunday hunting legislation in the near future.
The Game Commission will discuss these proposals further at its board meeting in January 2025, with potential decisions expected by April.
Photo Credit: istock-oticki
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Soybeans