SENATE AMENDED

 

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 2445

PRINTER'S NO.  3149

  

THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA

  

HOUSE BILL

 

No.

1859

Session of

2009

  

  

INTRODUCED BY STABACK, PEIFER, BAKER, BELFANTI, BEYER, CALTAGIRONE, CARROLL, CASORIO, CREIGHTON, DALLY, FAIRCHILD, GEIST, GERGELY, GILLESPIE, GOODMAN, HALUSKA, HORNAMAN, KAUFFMAN, KORTZ, KOTIK, LEVDANSKY, LONGIETTI, McCALL, MICOZZIE, MOUL, MURT, PYLE, ROCK, SIPTROTH, SOLOBAY, SWANGER, VULAKOVICH, WALKO, WANSACZ AND MARSHALL, JULY 14, 2009

  

  

SENATOR ALLOWAY, GAME AND FISHERIES, IN SENATE, AS AMENDED, JANUARY 26, 2010   

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

2

Statutes, in preliminary provisions, further providing for

3

definitions; in enforcement, further providing for the

4

offense of assaulting an officer, for jurisdiction and

5

penalties, for revocation, suspension or denial of license,

6

permit or registration and for determination of second or

7

subsequent convictions; in game or wildlife protection,

8

further providing for endangered or threatened species; in

9

hunting and furtaking, further providing for killing game or

10

wildlife by mistake, for unlawful taking or possession of

11

game or wildlife, for unlawful use of lights while hunting,

12

for buying and selling game, for trespass on private property

13

while hunting, for unlawful killing or taking of big game and

14

for additional penalty for poaching; and, in hunting and

15

furtaking licenses, further providing for unlawful acts

16

concerning licenses. 

17

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

18

hereby enacts as follows:

19

Section 1.  The definitions of "closed season," "open season"

20

and "violation" in section 102 of Title 34 of the Pennsylvania

21

Consolidated Statutes are amended to read:

22

§ 102.  Definitions.

 


1

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent

2

provisions of this title which are applicable to specific

3

provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when

4

used in this title shall have the meanings given to them in this

5

section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

6

* * *

7

"Closed season."  The periods of the calendar year and the

8

[shooting] hours during which it is unlawful to take game or

9

wildlife.

10

* * *

11

"Open season."  The indicated periods of the calendar year

12

and the daily [shooting] hours during which game or wildlife may

13

be legally hunted, taken or killed and includes both the first

14

and the last day of the season or period of time designated by

15

this title or by regulation of the commission.

16

* * *

17

"Violation."  [A] Any act in violation of a provision of this

18

title [and a violation of a] or any regulation promulgated by

19

the commission which implements or otherwise pertains to any

20

provision of this title.

21

* * *

22

Section 2.  Sections 905, 925, 929(a) and (b), 932, 2167,

23

2306, 2307(b) and (e), 2310(a)(2) and (c), 2312(a) and (d), 2314

24

and 2321 of Title 34 are amended to read:

25

§ 905.  Assaulting an officer.

26

[A] Any person who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly 

27

attempts to cause or causes serious bodily injury to an officer

28

making an arrest or investigation for a violation of this title

29

or performing any duties required by this title commits a

30

[misdemeanor] felony of the second degree.

- 2 -

 


1

§ 925.  Jurisdiction and penalties.

2

(a)  Jurisdiction.--Notwithstanding the provisions of Title

3

42 (relating to judiciary and judicial procedure), all

4

magisterial district judges shall have jurisdiction for all

5

violations of this title which are classified as summary

6

offenses and may accept guilty pleas and impose sentences for

7

violations of this title classified as misdemeanors.

8

(b)  Fines and penalties for violations.--In addition to any

9

other requirements of this title, the following fines and

10

penalties shall be imposed for violations of this title:

11

(1)  Felony of the second degree, not more than $25,000

12

and may be sentenced to imprisonment up to 60 months.

13

(2)  Felony of the third degree, not more than $15,000

14

and may be sentenced to imprisonment up to 36 months.

15

[(1)] (3)  Misdemeanor of the first degree, not [less

16

than $2,000 nor] more than $10,000 and may be sentenced to

17

imprisonment up to [six] 18 months.

18

[(2)] (4)  Misdemeanor of the second degree, not [less

19

than $1,000 nor] more than $5,000 and may be sentenced to

20

imprisonment up to [six] 12 months.

21

[(3)] (5)  Misdemeanor [of the third degree,] not [less

22

than $500 nor] more than [$2,500] $3,000 and may be sentenced

23

to imprisonment up to six months.

24

[(4)] (6)  Summary offense of the first degree, not less

25

than [$500] $1,000 nor more than $1,500 and may be sentenced

26

to imprisonment up to three months.

27

[(5)] (7)  Summary offense of the second degree, not less

28

than [$300] $400 nor more than $800 and may be sentenced to

29

imprisonment up to one month.

30

[(6)] (8)  Summary offense of the third degree, not less

- 3 -

 


1

than [$200] $250 nor more than $500.

2

[(7)] (9)  Summary offense of the fourth degree, not less

3

than [$100] $150 nor more than $300.

4

[(8)] (10)  Summary offense of the fifth degree, not less

5

than [$75] $100 nor more than $200.

6

[(9)] (11)  Summary offense of the sixth degree, [not

7

less than $50 nor more than $100] $75.

8

[10] (12)  Summary offense of the seventh degree, [not

9

less than $25 nor more than $75] $50.

10

[(11)] (13)  Summary offense of the eighth degree, $25.

11

(b.1)  Costs of prosecution for violations.--In addition to

12

the imposition of any fines and penalties, costs of prosecution

13

shall [also] be assessed pursuant to 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 1725.1 

14

(relating to costs) [and], 3571 (relating to Commonwealth

15

portion of fines, etc.) and section 1403 of the act of August 9,

16

1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code, and as

17

otherwise deemed appropriate by the court.

18

(c)  Penalty for undesignated violations.--A person who

19

violates any provision of this title for which a particular

20

penalty is not [applicable] designated commits:

21

(1)  A misdemeanor of the [third] second degree if the

22

violation involves an endangered or threatened species and no

23

more severe penalty is fixed.

24

(2)  A summary offense of the fifth degree for any other

25

violation.

26

(d)  [Second and subsequent offenses.--Where game or wildlife

27

is taken, killed, wounded, possessed, transported, purchased,

28

concealed or sold and the offense is a second or subsequent

29

offense in a two-year period, one and one-half times the amount

30

of fine shall be imposed.]Enhanced penalties for certain

- 4 -

 


1

violations.--If applicable, one or more of the following may

2

apply to certain offenses:

3

(1)  An additional fine of one and one-half times the

4

amount of the applicable fine may be imposed when the offense

5

is a second or subsequent offense within a seven-year period

6

or during the same criminal episode and no penalties for

7

second or subsequent offenses are prescribed for the

8

violation under this title.

9

(2)  An additional fine of $500 may be imposed when the

10

offense involves the unlawful taking of big game or

11

threatened or endangered species and a witness report was

12

instrumental in securing a successful conviction. Any

13

additional fines imposed under this paragraph shall be

14

directed to the commission to compensate any witness whose

15

report directly results in a successful conviction. If

16

applicable, each witness, up to a maximum of two, shall be

17

compensated $250 for each additional $500 imposed.

18

(e)  Installment payment of fines.--Upon a plea and proof

19

that person is unable to pay any fine and costs imposed under

20

this title, a court may, in accordance with 42 Pa.C.S. § 9758 

21

(relating to fine), permit installment payments it considers

22

appropriate to the circumstances of the [defendant] person, in

23

which case its order shall specify when each installment payment

24

is due.

25

(f)  Nonpayment of fines and costs.--Unless otherwise

26

provided in this title, each person who fails to pay [the fine] 

27

any fines and costs imposed may, after a hearing before a

28

magisterial district judge, be imprisoned until the [fine is] 

29

fines and costs are paid in full. The court may imprison the

30

person for a number of days equal to one day for each $40 of the

- 5 -

 


1

unpaid balance of the [fine] fines and costs not to exceed [120

2

days] six months.

3

(g)  [Community public service] Adjudication alternative 

4

program inapplicable.--The provisions of 42 Pa.C.S. § 1520 

5

(relating to [community public service] adjudication alternative 

6

program) shall not be applied as an adjudication alternative for

7

any violation or offense under this title.

8

(h)  Separate offenses.--Where game or wildlife is unlawfully

9

taken, killed, wounded, possessed, transported, purchased,

10

concealed or sold, each bird or animal or part thereof involved

11

in the violation constitutes a separate offense.

12

(i)  Replacement costs.--In addition to the fines and costs

13

imposed for violations pursuant to subsection (b), the costs

14

incurred by the commission for the replacement of the species

15

involved in the violation shall be assessed by the magisterial

16

district judge in such amount as is fixed by regulation of the

17

commission. Replacement costs shall only be assessed for

18

violations relating to threatened or endangered species of North

19

American game or wildlife and such other species of Pennsylvania

20

game or wildlife as designated by the commission.

21

(j)  Title 18 inapplicable.--Title 18 (relating to crimes and

22

offenses) is inapplicable to this title insofar as it relates

23

to:

24

(1)  intent, willfulness of conduct or fines and

25

imprisonment for convictions of summary offenses and

26

misdemeanors; or

27

(2)  criminal records under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 91 (relating

28

to criminal history record information) for misdemeanors

29

under section 2522(b)(1) (relating to shooting at or causing

30

injury to human beings).

- 6 -

 


1

§ 929.  Revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or

2

registration.

3

(a)  General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this

4

title, any hunting or furtaking license, special license or

5

permit or registration granted under the authority of this title

6

may be denied, revoked or suspended by the commission when the

7

holder of the license, permit or registration is convicted of an

8

offense under this title or has acted contrary to the intent of

9

the registration or permit, with each offense constituting a

10

separate violation subject to separate revocation. The

11

commission may refuse to grant to that person any permit or

12

registration and may deny any privilege granted by these

13

documents for a period not exceeding five years unless otherwise

14

provided in this title.

15

* * *

16

(b)  Regulations.--The commission may promulgate regulations

17

specifying the procedures to be followed in denying, revoking or

18

suspending any hunting and furtaking privileges, licenses,

19

permits and registrations granted under the provisions of this

20

title.

21

§ 932.  Determination of second or subsequent [convictions] 

22

offenses.

23

Any person convicted or pleading guilty or signing an

24

acknowledgment of guilt under any provisions of this title who,

25

within the past [two] seven years, was convicted or pleaded

26

guilty or signed an acknowledgment of guilt for violating any of

27

the provisions of this title or the former laws relating to game

28

or wildlife then in force shall be sentenced under this title as

29

a second or subsequent offender. Any acceptance of Accelerated

30

Rehabilitative Disposition within the past seven years of the

- 7 -

 


1

present violation shall be considered for the purposes of

2

determining a second or subsequent offense.

3

§ 2167.  Endangered or threatened species.

4

(a)  Changes to list.--The commission may, by regulation, add

5

or remove any wild bird or wild animal native to this

6

Commonwealth to or from the Pennsylvania native list of

7

endangered or threatened species.

8

(b)  Possession, transportation, capturing or killing.--

9

Except as otherwise provided in this title, it is unlawful for

10

any person, acting either for himself or as the representative

11

of another, to bring into or remove from this Commonwealth, or

12

to possess, transport, capture or kill, or attempt, aid, abet or

13

conspire to capture or kill, any wild bird or wild animal, or

14

any part thereof, or the eggs of any wild bird, which are

15

endangered or threatened species. It is the duty of every

16

officer having authority to enforce this title to seize all wild

17

birds or wild animals, or any part thereof, or the eggs of any

18

wild bird, which have been declared endangered or threatened. [A

19

violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor of the third

20

degree. All wild birds or wild animals, or any part thereof, or

21

the eggs seized which are found to be in violation of this

22

subsection are contraband.]

23

(c)  Purchase, sale, barter or exchange.--Except as otherwise

24

provided in this title, it is unlawful for any person, acting

25

either for himself or as a representative of another, at any

26

time to buy, sell, barter or exchange, or to offer for sale or

27

barter, or to have in possession for sale or barter, or to aid,

28

abet or conspire in the possession, sale, barter or exchange, or

29

to give away any endangered or threatened species or subspecies

30

of wild birds or wild animals, or parts thereof. It is the duty

- 8 -

 


1

of every officer having authority to enforce this title to seize

2

all endangered or threatened wild birds or wild animals, or any

3

part thereof. [A violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor

4

of the second degree. All wild birds or wild animals, or any

5

part thereof, found to be in violation of this subsection are

6

contraband.] This subsection shall not be construed to permit

7

any individual or agency other than the commission to sell the

8

skins or parts of game or wildlife or the plumage or parts of

9

birds killed as a protection to crops or accidentally killed

10

upon the highways or seized as contraband.

11

(d)  Penalties.--A violation of this section shall be graded

12

as follows:

13

(1)  A first violation is a misdemeanor of the second

14

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt

15

or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

16

period of seven years.

17

(2)  A second violation within a seven-year period or

18

during the same criminal episode as the first violation is a

19

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the

20

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere

21

within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

22

(3)  A third or subsequent violation within a seven-year

23

period or during the same criminal episode as the first or

24

second violation is a felony of the third degree and may

25

result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

26

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of 15

27

years.

28

§ 2306.  Killing game or wildlife by mistake.

29

(a)  General rule.--Any person who, while hunting or trapping

30

for game or wildlife which may be lawfully taken, by accident or

- 9 -

 


1

mistake kills or attempts to kill any game or wildlife other

2

than bears, elk or threatened or endangered species, contrary to

3

the provisions of this title, shall pay restitution pursuant to

4

subsection (b) to an officer of the commission. [The person

5

shall immediately remove all the entrails of any edible game or

6

wildlife, deliver the entire carcass, less entrails, to any

7

commission officer in the county in which killed for disposition

8

and make a written sworn statement explaining when, where and

9

how the accident or mistake occurred.]

10

(b)  Restitution.--Restitution for killing or an attempted

11

killing by accident or mistake shall be as follows:

12

(1)  Each deer - $25.

13

(2)  Each turkey - $20.

14

(3)  Each other wild bird or wild animal, other than a

15

bear, elk or an endangered or threatened species - $15.

16

(c)  [Additional action.--If the officer receiving the

17

payment and written statement after further review and

18

investigation is not satisfied the killing or attempted killing

19

was an accident or a mistake but was caused by negligence or

20

carelessness or if the person fails to pay the prescribed

21

restitution within ten days, the officer shall cause the person

22

to be prosecuted for the unlawful killing or attempted killing

23

of game or wildlife, and, if convicted, any amount paid shall be

24

applied to the payment of the penalty and costs.] Procedural

25

requirements.--Any person claiming a mistake kill or attempted

26

kill of game or wildlife pursuant to this section shall:

27

(1)  Immediately remove all of the entrails of any edible

28

game or wildlife and, if big game, tag the animal in the

29

manner prescribed under section 2323 (relating to tagging and

30

reporting big game kills).

- 10 -

 


1

(2)  Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted

2

killing, report the same to the appropriate commission

3

regional office by telephone or electronic communication.

4

(3)  Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted

5

killing, deliver the entire carcass, less entrails, to any

6

commission officer in the county in which killed for

7

disposition and provide a written, sworn statement to the

8

commission officer explaining when, where and how the

9

accident or mistake occurred.

10

(4)  Within ten days after the killing or attempted

11

killing, provide the commission officer full payment of

12

restitution.

13

§ 2307.  Unlawful taking or possession of game or wildlife.

14

* * *

15

(b)  [(Reserved)] Hunting before and after lawful hunting

16

hours.--It is unlawful for any person to take, injure, kill,

17

possess or transport or knowingly aid, abet, assist, attempt or

18

conspire in any manner to take, injure, kill, possess or

19

transport any game or wildlife or any part thereof which was

20

taken within 30 minutes prior to the commencement of lawful

21

hunting hours or within 30 minutes after the cessation of lawful

22

hunting hours.

23

* * *

24

(e)  Penalties.--A violation of this section relating to:

25

(1)  Threatened or endangered species is a misdemeanor of

26

the second degree.

27

(2)  Elk or bear is a summary offense of the first

28

degree.

29

(3)  Deer is a summary offense of the second degree.

30

[(3.1)  Deer killed as a result of negligence or

- 11 -

 


1

carelessness as provided for in section 2306(c) (relating to

2

killing game or wildlife by mistake) is a summary offense

3

punishable by a fine of not less than $100 nor more than

4

$500.]

5

(4)  Bobcat or otter is a summary offense of the third

6

degree.

7

(5)  Wild turkey or beaver is a summary offense of the

8

fourth degree.

9

(6)  Any other game or wildlife is a summary offense of

10

the fifth degree.

11

* * *

12

§ 2310.  Unlawful use of lights while hunting.

13

(a)  General rule.--Except as set forth in subsection (b), it

14

is unlawful for any person or group of persons to engage in any

15

of the following activities to any degree:

16

* * *

17

(2)  [Aid] Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly act,

18

aid, assist or conspire either in the killing or taking or in

19

an attempt to kill, take, possess, transport or conceal any

20

game or wildlife or a part thereof which has been killed or

21

taken by use of any artificial light.

22

* * *

23

(c)  Penalties.--[A violation of this section is a summary

24

offense of the fifth degree. In addition thereto, if any person

25

is hunting game or wildlife or if any attempt is made to take

26

any game or wildlife, the person or persons shall be sentenced

27

to the additional penalties of:

28

(1)  For each endangered or threatened species, a fine of

29

$1,000 and forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game

30

or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of

- 12 -

 


1

ten years.

2

(2)  For each elk or bear, a fine of $800 and forfeiture

3

of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

4

within this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

5

(3)  For each deer, a fine of $500 and forfeiture of the

6

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within

7

this Commonwealth for a period of three years.

8

(4)  For each bobcat or otter, a fine of $300 and

9

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

10

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three

11

years.

12

(5)  For each turkey or beaver, a fine of $200 and

13

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

14

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of two years.

15

(6)  For each other bird or animal, a fine of $100 and

16

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

17

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of one year.]

18

(1)  A violation of subsection (a)(1) is a summary

19

offense of the fifth degree.

20

(2)  A violation of subsection(a)(2) or (3) relating to:

21

(i)  Threatened or endangered species shall be graded

22

as follows:

23

(A)  A first offense is a misdemeanor of the

24

second degree and may result in forfeiture of the

25

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

26

in this Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

27

(B)  A second offense within a seven-year period

28

or during the same criminal episode as the first

29

offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may

30

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

- 13 -

 


1

game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth

2

for a period of ten years.

3

(C)  A third subsequent violation within a seven-

4

year period or during the same criminal episode of a

5

first or second offense is a felony of the third

6

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege

7

to hunt or take wildlife within this Commonwealth for

<--

8

a period of 15 years.

9

(ii)  Big game animals shall be graded as follows:

10

(A)  A first offense or a second offense during

11

the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor and may

12

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

13

game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth

14

for a period of five years.

15

(B)  A second offense within a seven-year period

16

or a third or fourth offense during the same criminal

17

episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may

18

result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

19

take game or wildlife anywhere within this

20

Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

21

(C)  A fifth or subsequent offense during the

22

same criminal episode or a third offense within a

23

seven-year period is a felony of the third degree and

24

may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

25

take game or wildlife anywhere within this

26

Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

27

(iii)  A violation of subsection (a)(2) where the

28

species is a single white-tailed deer or a single wild

29

turkey is a summary offense of the first degree and may

30

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

- 14 -

 


1

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

2

of three years. A second violation of subsection (a)(2)

3

where the species is a single white-tailed deer or a

4

single wild turkey within a seven-year period is a

5

misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege

6

to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this

7

Commonwealth for a period of five years. A third offense

8

within a seven-year period where the species is a single

9

white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey is a

10

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the

11

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife

12

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten

13

years.

14

(iv)  Any other game or wildlife is a summary offense

15

of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of

16

the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

17

within this Commonwealth for a period of three years.

18

* * *

19

§ 2312.  Buying and selling game.

20

(a)  General rule.--Unless otherwise provided, it is unlawful

21

for any person to buy, sell or barter, or aid, abet, assist or

22

conspire to buy, sell or barter, or offer for sale or barter, or

23

have in possession or transport for sale or barter, any game or

24

the edible parts of game or any protected bird or animal or

25

parts of any protected bird or animal.

26

* * *

27

(d)  Penalty.--A violation of this section relating to:

28

[(1)  Elk or bear is a summary offense of the first

29

degree and results in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

30

take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

- 15 -

 


1

of five years.

2

(2)  Deer is a summary offense of the second degree and

3

results in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game

4

or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of

5

three years.

6

(3)  Bobcat or otter is a summary offense of the third

7

degree and results in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

8

take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

9

period of three years.

10

(4)  Wild turkey or beaver is a summary offense of the

11

fourth degree and results in forfeiture of the privilege to

12

hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this

13

Commonwealth for a period of two years.

14

(5)  Each other wild bird or wild animal is a summary

15

offense of the fifth degree and results in forfeiture of the

16

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within

17

this Commonwealth for a period of one year.]

18

(1)  Threatened or endangered species shall be graded as

19

follows:

20

(i)  A first offense is a misdemeanor of the second

21

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to

22

hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this

23

Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

24

(ii)  A second offense within a seven-year period or

25

during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor of the

26

first degree and may result in forfeiture of the

27

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

28

within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 ten years.

<--

29

(iii)  A third or subsequent violation of this

30

section within a seven-year period or during the same

- 16 -

 


1

criminal episode is a felony of the third degree and may

2

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

3

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

4

of 15 years.

5

(2)  Big game animals shall be graded as follows:

6

(i)  A first offense or a second offense during the

7

same criminal episode is a misdemeanor and may result in

8

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or

9

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

10

of five years.

11

(ii)  A second offense within a seven-year period or

12

a third or fourth offense during the same criminal

13

episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may

14

result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

15

game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

16

period of ten years.

17

(iii)  A fifth or subsequent offense during the same

18

criminal episode or third offense within a seven-year

19

period is a felony of the third degree and may result in

20

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or

21

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

22

of 15 years.

23

(3)  The selling and buying of venison up to 20 pounds

24

and the buying and selling of other game or wildlife is a

25

summary offense of the first degree and may result in the

26

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

27

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three

28

years.

29

§ 2314.  Trespass on private property while hunting.

30

(a)  General rule.--Any person who while violating any

- 17 -

 


1

provision of this title or any regulations promulgated under

2

this title and who in addition is found to be trespassing as

3

defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 3503 (relating to criminal trespass)

4

shall be in violation of this section.

5

(b)  Penalty.--A violation of this section:

6

(1)  [For a first offense is a summary offense.] A

7

violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth

8

degree.

9

(2)  [For a second or subsequent offense within one year

10

of the prior offense is a summary offense and upon conviction

11

will result in an immediate revocation of the person's

12

hunting and furtaking license and disqualification of the

13

person from issuance of a future license for a period of one

14

year from the date of revocation.] A second or subsequent

15

violation of this section within a seven-year period is a

16

summary offense of the fifth degree and may result in

17

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

18

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of one year.

19

§ 2321.  Unlawful killing or taking of big game.

20

(a)  General rule.--Except as provided in this title or by

21

regulation of the commission, it is unlawful for any person to:

22

(1)  [Kill or take or attempt or conspire to kill or take

23

in any manner more than the lawful number of big game animals

24

which may be taken in any license year] Take, injure, kill,

25

possess or transport or knowingly, intentionally or 

26

recklessly aid, abet, assist, attempt or conspire in any

27

manner to take, injure, kill, possess or transport any big

28

game animal during closed season.

29

(2)  [Possess or transport in any manner any big game

30

which was unlawfully killed or taken] Take, injure, kill,

- 18 -

 


1

possess or transport or knowingly, intentionally or

2

recklessly aid, abet, assist, attempt or conspire in any

3

manner to take, injure, kill, possess or transport any big

4

game animal beyond established daily or season limits.

5

[(3)  Assist, aid or abet or conspire to assist, aid or

6

abet in any manner any other person in the violation of

7

paragraph (1) or (2).]

8

(b)  Exception.--This section shall not be construed to

9

prohibit the transportation or possession of one or more big

10

game animals which are lawfully killed and properly tagged.

11

(c)  Evidence of unlawful killing.--Unless the head is

12

attached in a natural manner and properly tagged as provided in

13

section 2323 (relating to tagging and reporting big game kills),

14

the possession, transportation or control of any big game or a

15

part or parts of such big game shall be prima facie evidence

16

that the big game was unlawfully killed within this

17

Commonwealth. Under such circumstances, the person possessing,

18

transporting or controlling the big game shall immediately, upon

19

demand of an officer of the commission, produce the head of the

20

big game or the name and address of the person killing the big

21

game or other satisfactory evidence that the carcass in

22

possession or under the person's control is part of a lawfully

23

taken big game.

24

(d)  Penalty.--

25

[(1)  A violation of this section relating to bear or elk

26

is a summary offense of the first degree.

27

(2)  A violation of this section relating to deer is a

28

summary offense of the second degree.

29

(3)  A violation of this section relating to wild turkey

30

is a summary offense of the fourth degree.

- 19 -

 


1

(4)  Each bird or animal or part thereof involved in a

2

violation constitutes a separate offense.]

3

(1)  (i)  Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2),

4

a violation of this section or a second violation of this

5

section during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor

6

and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

7

take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

8

period of five years.

9

(ii)  A third or fourth violation of this section

10

during the same criminal episode or a second violation of

11

this section within a seven-year period is a misdemeanor

12

of the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the

13

privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this

14

Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

15

(iii)  A fifth or subsequent violation of this

16

section during the same criminal episode or third offense

17

within a seven-year period is a felony of the third

18

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to

19

hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth

20

for a period of 15 years.

21

(2)  (i)  A violation of subsection (a)(1) or (2) where

22

the species is a single white-tailed deer or a single

23

wild turkey is a summary offense of the first degree and

24

may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

25

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

26

of three years. A second violation of subsection (a)(1)

27

or (2) where the species is a single white-tailed deer or

28

a single wild turkey within a seven-year period is a

29

misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege

30

to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this

- 20 -

 


1

Commonwealth for a period of five years. A third offense

2

within a seven-year period where the species is a single

3

white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey is a

4

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the

5

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife

6

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten

7

years.

8

(ii)  (A)  A second violation of subsection (a)(1) or

9

(2) during the same criminal episode where the

10

species taken, injured, killed, possessed or

11

transported is white-tailed deer or wild turkey is a

12

misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the

13

privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within

14

this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

15

(B)  A third or fourth violation of subsection

16

(a)(1) or (2) during the same criminal episode where

17

the species is white-tailed deer or wild turkey is a

18

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in

19

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife

20

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten

21

years.

22

(C)  A fifth or subsequent violation of

23

subsection (a)(1) or (2) during the same criminal

24

episode where the species is white-tailed deer or

25

wild turkey is a felony of the third degree and may

26

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

27

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

28

period of 15 years.

29

Section 3.  Section 2329 of Title 34 is repealed:

30

[§ 2329.  Additional penalty for poaching.

- 21 -

 


1

(a)  Additional penalty.--A person who violates this chapter

2

by illegally poaching any big game or threatened or endangered

3

species shall, in addition to any other penalty imposed, be

4

sentenced to pay a fine of $200 for each big game animal or each

5

threatened or endangered species illegally poached. Any fines

6

collected under this subsection shall be paid over to the

7

commission for use in maintaining the toll-free telephone number

8

under subsection (b) and to compensate callers whose reports led

9

to payment of a fine under this subsection. Each caller shall be

10

compensated $100 for each $200 collected as a result of the

11

caller's report.

12

(b)  Report of violations.--The commission shall establish

13

and maintain a toll-free telephone number to report poaching of

14

big game or threatened or endangered species. Reports of

15

poaching of big game or threatened or endangered species are

16

confidential. No persons other than employees of the commission

17

in the course of official duties in connection with poaching

18

reports shall have access to identifying information relating to

19

the caller.]

20

Section 4.  Section 2711(a)(4) and (b) of Title 34 are

21

amended to read:

22

§ 2711.  Unlawful acts concerning licenses.

23

(a)  General rule.--Except as otherwise provided in this

24

title, it is unlawful for any person to:

25

* * *

26

(4)  Issue, acquire or aid, assist or conspire, either

27

for that person or any other person, in procuring any hunting

28

or furtaking license for which that person is not legally

29

entitled thereto.

30

* * *

- 22 -

 


1

(b)  Penalties.--A violation of this subchapter relating to:

2

[(1)  Hunting by a nonresident without a valid license or

3

licenses required by this title is a summary offense of the

4

fourth degree.

5

(2)  Furtaking by a nonresident without a valid furtaking

6

license or licenses required by this title is a summary

7

offense of the second degree.

8

(3)  Hunting or furtaking by a resident without a valid

9

license or licenses required by this title is a summary

10

offense of the fifth degree.

11

(4)  Subsection (a)(1) insofar as it relates to signing

12

or displaying a license is a summary offense of the eighth

13

degree.

14

(5)  Subsection (a)(2), (3), (4), (5) or (9) is a summary

15

offense of the fifth degree.

16

(6)  Subsection (a)(6), (7) or (8) is a summary offense

17

of the seventh degree.

18

(7)  Subsection (a)(11) is a summary offense of the third

19

degree. In addition to the imposition of any penalty, a

20

convicted violator [shall] may incur a five-year [mandatory] 

21

revocation of the privilege to hunt or trap anywhere in this

22

Commonwealth.

23

(8)  Any of the other provisions of this subchapter or

24

the regulations promulgated thereunder is a summary offense

25

of the fifth degree.]

26

(1)  Subsection (a)(1) insofar as it relates to hunting

27

or furtaking without a valid license or licenses required is

28

a summary offense of the third degree.

29

(2)  Subsection (a)(1) insofar as it relates to signing

30

or displaying a license is a summary offense of the eighth

- 23 -

 


1

degree.

2

(3)  Subsection (a)(2), (3), (4), (5), (9) or (12) is a

3

summary offense of the fifth degree.

4

(4)  Subsection (a)(6), (7) or (8) is a summary offense

5

of the seventh degree.

6

(5)  Subsection (a)(10) or (11) is a summary offense of

7

the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the

8

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within

9

this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

10

(6)  Any of the other provisions of this subchapter or

11

the regulations promulgated thereunder is a summary offense

12

of the fifth degree.

13

* * *

14

Section 5.  The Pennsylvania Game Commission shall provide

15

public notice of the provisions within this measure. This notice

16

shall be included within the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping

17

Digest for 2010-2011, and summaries of the amendments shall be

18

made available at each issuing agent.

19

Section 6.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.

- 24 -