Carl G. Roe, Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director, offered the following advice to the state’s hunters before they go afield during this year’s hunting seasons:


We are supporting legislation - House Bill 460 - that would remove the requirement from law and allow hunters and trappers to carry their licenses in their pockets or wallets, with the other form of identification hunters and trappers are required to have while afield.

Hunters and trappers who venture out in the rain should be extra careful to take their licenses off of their jackets if they put them in the dryer or near any other source of heat. The new material is made of thermal paper, and will become illegible if placed in the dryer or left near a heat source for any length of time. Similarly, don't leave licenses [lying] on the dashboard of your car, as this will cause them to turn black as well.

If the new licenses get wet, simply wipe them off with a towel and let them air dry.

Only ball-point pens will work when filling in the harvest field tags that must be attached to harvested big game. Felt tip pens will smear, and pencils and other sharp implements used in the past, such as the pin tip of most back-tag holders, will not work on the new license material.

Pennsylvania hunters may also now use crossbows in the statewide archery deer and archery bear seasons with the proper licenses.

Roe also said hunters who have already harvested an antlered deer still may serve as an adult mentor for youth antlered deer hunters.