Currently, under Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, a hunter that harvests a big game animal in the Commonwealth is required to immediately complete and attach the proper Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) issued tag before moving the harvested animal. The tag is required to remain affixed to the harvested big game animal until it is processed for consumption or prepared for mounting. In addition, unless properly tagged, it is unlawful for any person to ship or transport the carcass of any big game.

While the tagging of a big game harvest is a fairly straightforward process, perhaps there is a faster, more convenient way to do it through the use of technology. Currently, a hunter must complete a harvest tag that contains his or her name, address, license number, and the location where the big game animal was harvested. The tag must then be affixed to the carcass. However, given that the majority of individuals now carry a smartphone, it would seem prudent that the tagging and reporting process be updated to accommodate current and future digital technologies as additional options for our sportsmen and women.

Therefore, I plan to introduce legislation that would amend Section 2323 (Tagging and reporting) of Title 34 to provide that all tagging and reporting requirements as prescribed in regulations be promulgated by the commission. Let us come together and work towards updating past and current practices as we move forward in an ever-changing digital world.

I hope you will join me in support of this legislation which would allow needed flexibility on the part of the PGC to continue to deliver the best experience possible to Pennsylvania’s hunters.