By Blake Jackson
State and agricultural leaders gathered on Feb. 11, 2026, at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg for the third town hall focused on addressing wildlife-related crop damage in Pennsylvania.
The meeting brought together the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, and Hunters Sharing the Harvest to share updates and expand collaboration among farmers, landowners, and hunters.
Panelists included Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, Game Commission Deputy Executive Director Dave Gustafson, Landowner Engagement and Hunting Access Manager Tyler Strohecker, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman, and Hunters Sharing the Harvest Executive Director Randy Ferguson. The discussion followed two similar meetings held in 2025 as deer pressure on crops intensified statewide.
“Wildlife belongs to all residents of the Commonwealth. Due to the work and support of this group, the Game Commission has been able to implement creative and successful pathways to address wildlife crop damage, while keeping hunters on the front lines of managing healthy wildlife populations," said Game Commission Gustafson.
"From expanding Sunday Hunting opportunities, to working to expand more statewide opportunities for our Certified Hunter Program and Agricultural Deer Control Program, we’ve accomplished a lot in a little more than a year’s time.”
Recent legislative and regulatory changes were highlighted, including Act 36 of 2025, which repealed Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting ban. During the 2025-26 season, 13 Sundays were open to deer hunters, providing additional opportunities to manage deer on agricultural land.
“When wildlife pressures threaten farm viability, collaboration is the solution. From updating Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting law to investing additional funding to get venison into our food banks, the Shapiro administration is partnering with the PGC to deliver real, commonsense solutions that support farmers, expand opportunities for hunters, and help feed Pennsylvanians in need," Secretary Redding said.
"By bringing farmers, landowners, hunters, and conservation partners to the same table, we’re protecting crops, strengthening our agricultural economy, and ensuring working farms remain viable for generations to come.”
Officials also shared updates on expanding the Certified Hunter Program and Agricultural Deer Control Program, along with record venison donations that continue to support food-insecure Pennsylvanians across the Commonwealth.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-imagixian
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy