CWD NOT FOUND IN PENNSYLVANIA HUNTER-KILLED DEER SAMPLES
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) was not detected in samples taken from hunter-killed deer during the state's 2007 hunting season, according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, Pennsylvania Game Commission wildlife veterinarian.
In 2007, 3,800 samples from hunter-killed deer were tested, and CWD was not detected. This marked the fifth year for testing hunter-killed deer. In total, nearly 18,100 deer have been tested. CWD was not detected in any samples from previous years.
Results showing that the CWD tests of hunter-killed elk from 2007 were all negative were announced on Feb. 13.
SPRING GOBBLER HUNTERS REMINDED TO REPORT HARVESTS
Pennsylvania Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management Director Calvin W. DuBrock today reminded successful spring gobbler hunters to submit their harvest report card, as required by law. If hunters can't find one of the pre-addressed and postage paid harvest report cards that came with their license, they can use the harvest report card found on page 33 of the 2007-08 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations to report their kill.
A downloadable replacement harvest report card also has been posted on the agency's website (
www.pgc.state.pa.us) under the "Forms & Programs" section in the left-hand column, and "Big Game Harvest Report Card" in the "Forms" section. Or, hunters can mail a postcard with their name; address; back tag number; date of harvest; WMU, county and township; and method of take (shotgun or bow for spring gobbler). Cards can be mailed to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Big Game Harvest Report, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.
DuBrock noted that reporting is mandatory for the 8,975 individuals who received one of the special spring gobbler hunting licenses, which provided holders the privilege to harvest a second spring gobbler, regardless of whether they took a second spring gobbler. All special spring gobbler license holders should use the report card provided with the special license.
For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission - State Wildlife Management Agency website:
http://www.pgc.state.pa.us/pgc/cwp/view.asp?a=11&Q=174394