Spring Gobbler Hunters Reminded To Report Harvest

Mandatory reporting requirement for those with second spring gobbler license

HARRISBURG, Pa., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As the spring gobbler season ends today, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminded hunters who harvested a spring gobbler to report their harvest using any one of the three methods offered by the agency. 

While spring gobbler hunters using their general hunting license only must report if they harvested a bird, Roe emphasized that the more than 13,000 hunters who purchased a second spring gobbler license have a mandatory reporting requirement, regardless of whether they harvested a bird using this special license.

"Hunters can report both harvests or no harvest of their special spring gobbler license through the agency's website, through the toll-free telephone reporting system, or by using one of the pre-paid postage cards for turkey that appear in the annual Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest provided free to each license buyer," Roe said. "By offering these three options, the Game Commission is doing its part to make it easier for license buyers to report their required harvests and to help the agency better manage wildlife.

"Harvest reporting rates have been declining for years, and we're hoping these three reporting options make it easier for hunters to become more active in wildlife management and that reporting rates improve."

To report online, go to the Game Commission's website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on "Report Your Harvest" in the upper right-hand corner, click on "You can link to PALS by clicking here," check "Harvest Reporting," scroll down and click on the "Start Here" button at the bottom of the page, choose the method of validating license information, and click on the checkbox for the harvest tag being reported.  A series of options will appear for a hunter to report. After filling in the information, click on the "Continue" button to review the report and then hit the "Submit" button to complete the report. Failing to hit the "Submit" button will result in a harvest report not being completed. Also at the end of the process, hunters will be presented with a receipt page that they are encouraged to print for their records.

Hunters using the toll-free telephone reporting system can call the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) number, which is 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681). Those using the toll-free number will receive a confirmation number, which they should write down and keep as proof of reporting.  Callers should have their Customer Identification Number (hunting license number) and harvest or hunting information with them when they call, and they should speak clearly and distinctly when reporting harvests, especially when providing the Wildlife Management Unit number and letter.

"We certainly are encouraging hunters to use the online or telephone reporting system, which will ensure that their information is recorded," Roe said. "Either way, the more important point is that all hunters who harvest a spring gobbler or purchased a second spring gobbler license submit a report to the agency."

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Website: www.pgc.state.pa.us

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SOURCE Pennsylvania Game Commission