CAPTAIN HOOK
So all 48 states allow semi auto rifles for hunting ?

I believe that is true. Delaware is the other state that does not allow semi rifles for hunting.  My info came from the NRA and NSSF.

dpms
Discussion on the 5 round magazine limit for big game. Staff asked if the BOC considers this that they also limit semi shotguns for big game to the same magazine limit to keep the regulations streamlined. 

That sounds like a common sense measure/compromise that addresses the safety concerns that many sportsmen, and some of the staff/BOC might have.  
 
How do you feel about that one dpms?

Was able to watch the semiauto portion of the BOC working group meeting. Again semiauto for small game, furbearers, and groundhogs, seems most likely based on the comments from commissioners and staff. Big game not likely but surely on the radar for the future. 

Mountian Man
If you cant knock a deer down in one shot...you should just give it up. I pick off squirrels with a longbow ffs.....

I'll be.... who can argue that point?

Shoot squirrels with a longbow?

Got my respect... flu-flu's?

WV allows semis for deer.  I don't know a lot of people who use them, I think one of my wife's cousin uses an AK style, but I don't think he carries it all season.  I see it as another non-issue.  More guns to sell, n'at.  A lot like the inclusion of x-bows IMHO.

do they publish the minutes of the working group meeting? for those of us who work during the day and cant live stream

$10 for licensed individuals
$30 for non-licensed individuals

Between these new permit fees and the failed deer management policy/antler restriction...its going to be a lot easier for hunters to quit buying licenses

Do you think there may be a plan to kill the Pheasant Stocking ...... again? Or might these fees be just thrown out to see what sticks? Maybe fictitious from the get go, only to be used as bargaining chips?

How about the forerunner to bunny stamps, squirrel stamps, coyote stamps, etc?

psu_fish

rsquared

psu_fish
 
 
That is cause little 6 year old who weighs about 50 lbs. and is barely four feet tall is not pulling the trigger on a big ol' buck...daddy is

 
And the regulations were changed this year to address that concern.  Mentored hunters under age 7 do not get their own buck tag anymore and must use the buck tag of the mentor.  So whether or not daddy or junior pulls the trigger, daddy's buck tag is going on that deer.  
 
 
 
 

 
 
I'm sure that helps...but 7 y/o Johnny still aint pulling no trigger

 
psu_fish,
I can say, you are pretty ignorant on the capabilities of many 7 year olds.  I know mine was able to hold sub 2" groups with a .243 @ approx. 80 yards from a bench.
He shot an Ar-15 like a champ, again from a bench.  My daughter (9 yrs old at the time), was ten ringing the target with the AR from 50 to 100 yds.  She was sub 1" at 80 yds with the .243.  In the right environment, kids are more than capable.  
 
Both spent some time out MYH this year with me during rifle.  No shot opportunities but that will come.  
 
To stay on topic, I am ok with semi's as I have been in the woods with the slug gun semi's for many years and never an issue, even in pretty tight confines.  There is a WHOLE lot LESS shooting these days too..
I do agree with a 5 shot maximum capacity and if the PGC chooses to limit all rifles/shotguns to these, I am fine with it.  I only put 3 shells in my Mossberg 500 when I am carrying that in Allegheny co cause I'm too lazy to pull the plug!  

Good luck to those hunting the late season.  I'll try to make it out a couple times with my bow and possibly take the kids out with the crossbow.
 

psu_fish
How many benches and lead sleds are carried into the woods and treestands?

Save your breath and be prepared for kids 7 and up to be in forest and field with their ARs. in the very near future. They can sit on logs and lean on trees.

I have to agree. I have 6 kids, never alowed them to own or play with toy guns, but the 4 who wanted to went with me when I went to the range. My youngest was fairly  good with her Rossi single shot 22. However she did refuse to shoot her first turkey with her 20ga. when she was 7. I think that Tom scared her cause she's never wanted to go again.

Hell Captain most of their fathers never learned to properly handle or shoot a gun.

Let alone teach the "children" the difference between hunting and kil....... err, brown and down harvesting!

Disclaimer; not resonsible for comments prior to activation of New Years resolution.

CAPTAIN HOOK
I really don't see many kids interested in hunting heading into the future. Just too many drawbacks today. Mainly posted property,and Game Commission rules changing up year to year. Deer rifle hunting especially, it's turned into a walk in the woods with your gun most days. Can't shoot at most deer you see. In one breath the GC acts like they want more deer killed the next breath they juggle things to slow the kill. Oh well lots lying on the roads!    

Your first sentence is all the more reason I enthusiastically support the Mentored program.  It's been absolutely phenomenal for fostering a love for hunting in my 13 year old, and for many other kids and dads I know.  I would think any sportsman who is concerned about our future hunting numbers in PA would love the mentored program.  
 
One other big drawback - the biggest, IMO now that I've got young kids - is youth sports and other activities.  Can't tell ya how many dads I know who have gotten so sucked into their kids' sports and activities and running here and there and everywhere and spending all kinds of money, have just quit hunting and fishing altogether, and don't even really think about teaching their kids how to hunt and fish anymore.  The things you cite above certainly make it even tougher, although we are personally fortunate to have access to some great private property that has held steady populations of deer for most of the failed HR years.  A few lean years in some places, but for the most part things are rebounding now.  
 
Both my boys play sports year round, and the 13 year old plays AAU and school sports now.  So I know how hard it is to find time.  I really think if he hadn't started hunting under the Mentored program, it would have been very hard to foster a love for hunting in him by the time he was 12.  It's certainly not because he, or other kids his age, are lazy.  It's because they love their sports or other activities and are so committed to them.  Starting him 4 years earlier made a big difference I think.  
 
 

I hear ya on the sports thing . Coached and did all that too years back. Bad thing today is every sport wants the kids in that sport only. Some sports were seasonal but now days one sport can last much longer into the year.
 
I let my son decide if he wanted hunt, I really didn't push. We both loved fishing and hunting was an option. I loved hunting in my younger days, mixed seasons , ducks , small game, turkey, deer, it all was fun. Today it's narrowed down to deer only. Mainly by choice, but posted and disappearing areas to hunt just added to the loss of interest. Less game also factors in.
 
Deer hunting has also becoming less interesting when your limited to what you can shoot or not. I'm no fan of antler restrictions especially in our area 1A. Years of watching 6 points walk by you and not allowed to shoot makes you wonder why I'm I even hunting ? I've shot plenty of doe but that gets to be old news. Wouldn't even shoot one some years just didn't feel right.
Bad thing is if adult hunters are bored or not excited about hunting deer how long before young hunters follow? I know it's not about killing something every season, I enjoy just being out but one gets tired of just looking.
Bad result is less time spent hunting, good result is more time for fishing !