SENATE AMENDED

 

PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 2445, 3149

PRINTER'S NO.  4056

  

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, MARSHALL AND STURLA, JULY 14, 2009

  

  

AS AMENDED ON SECOND CONSIDERATION, IN SENATE, JUNE 30, 2010   

  

  

  

AN ACT

  

1

Amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated

2

Statutes, in preliminary provisions, further providing for

3

definitions; in enforcement, repealing the offense of

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4

assaulting an officer, further providing for the offense of

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5

assaulting an officer, for jurisdiction and penalties, for

6

revocation, suspension or denial of license, permit or

7

registration and for determination of second or subsequent

8

convictions; in game or wildlife protection, further

9

providing for endangered or threatened species; in hunting

10

and furtaking, further providing for killing game or wildlife

11

by mistake, for unlawful taking or possession of game or

12

wildlife, for unlawful use of lights while hunting, for

13

buying and selling game, for trespass on private property

14

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

15

for additional penalty for poaching; and, in hunting and

16

furtaking licenses, further providing for unlawful acts

17

concerning licenses. 

18

The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

19

hereby enacts as follows:

20

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

21

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

22

Consolidated Statutes are amended to read:

 


1

§ 102.  Definitions.

2

Subject to additional definitions contained in subsequent

3

provisions of this title which are applicable to specific

4

provisions of this title, the following words and phrases when

5

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

6

section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

7

* * *

8

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

9

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

10

wildlife.

11

* * *

12

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

13

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

14

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

15

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

16

this title or by regulation of the commission.

17

* * *

18

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

19

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

20

the commission which implements or otherwise pertains to any

21

provision of this title.

22

* * *

23

Section 2.  Section 905 of Title 34 is repealed:

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24

[§ 905.  Assaulting an officer.

25

A person who attempts to cause or causes bodily injury to an

26

officer making an arrest or investigation for a violation of

27

this title or performing any duties required by this title

28

commits a misdemeanor of the second degree.]

29

Section 2 3.  Sections 905, 925, 929(a) and (b), 932, 2167,

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30

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

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1

and 2321 of Title 34 are amended to read:

2

§ 905.  Assaulting an officer.

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3

[A] Any person who intentionally, knowingly or recklessly 

4

attempts to cause or causes serious bodily injury to an officer

5

making an arrest or investigation for a violation of this title

6

or performing any duties required by this title commits a

7

[misdemeanor] felony of the second degree.

8

§ 925.  Jurisdiction and penalties.

9

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

10

42 (relating to judiciary and judicial procedure), all

11

magisterial district judges shall have jurisdiction for all

12

violations of this title which are classified as summary

13

offenses and may accept guilty pleas and impose sentences for

14

violations of this title classified as misdemeanors.

15

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

16

other requirements of this title, the following fines and

17

penalties shall be imposed for violations of this title:

18

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

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19

and may be sentenced to imprisonment up to 60 months.

20

(2) (1)  Felony of the third degree, not more than

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21

$15,000 and may be sentenced to imprisonment up to 36 months.

22

[(1)] (3) (2)  Misdemeanor of the first degree, not [less

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23

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

24

imprisonment up to [six] 18 months.

25

[(2)] (4) (3)  Misdemeanor of the second degree, not

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26

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

27

to imprisonment up to [six] 12 months.

28

[(3)] (5) (4)  Misdemeanor [of the third degree,] not

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29

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

30

sentenced to imprisonment up to six months.

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1

[(4)] (6) (5)  Summary offense of the first degree, not

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2

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

3

sentenced to imprisonment up to three months.

4

[(5)] (7) (6)  Summary offense of the second degree, not

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5

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

6

to imprisonment up to one month.

7

[(6)] (8) (7)  Summary offense of the third degree, not

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8

less than [$200] $250 nor more than $500.

9

[(7)] (9) (8)  Summary offense of the fourth degree, not

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10

less than [$100] $150 nor more than $300.

11

[(8)] (10) (9)  Summary offense of the fifth degree, not

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12

less than [$75] $100 nor more than $200.

13

[(9)] (11) (10)  Summary offense of the sixth degree,

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14

[not less than $50 nor more than $100] $75.

15

[10] (12) (11)  Summary offense of the seventh degree,

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16

[not less than $25 nor more than $75] $50.

17

[(11)] (13) (12)  Summary offense of the eighth degree,

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18

$25.

19

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

20

the imposition of any fines and penalties, costs of prosecution

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

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

25

otherwise deemed appropriate by the court.

26

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

27

violates any provision of this title for which a particular

28

penalty is not [applicable] designated commits:

29

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

30

violation involves an endangered or threatened species and no

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1

more severe penalty is fixed.

2

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

3

violation.

4

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

5

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

6

concealed or sold and the offense is a second or subsequent

7

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

8

of fine shall be imposed.]Enhanced penalties for certain

9

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

10

apply to certain offenses:

11

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

12

amount of the applicable fine may be imposed when the offense

13

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

14

or during the same criminal episode and no penalties for

15

second or subsequent offenses are prescribed for the

16

violation under this title.

17

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

18

offense involves the unlawful taking of big game or

19

threatened or endangered species and a witness report was

20

instrumental in securing a successful conviction. Any

21

additional fines imposed under this paragraph shall be

22

directed to the commission to compensate any witness whose

23

report directly results in a successful conviction. If

24

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

25

compensated $250 for each additional $500 imposed.

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

(relating to fine), permit installment payments it considers

30

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

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1

which case its order shall specify when each installment payment

2

is due.

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

days] six months.

11

(g)  [Community public service] Adjudication alternative 

12

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

13

(relating to [community public service] adjudication alternative 

14

program) shall not be applied as an adjudication alternative for

15

any violation or offense under this title.

16

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

17

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

18

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

19

in the violation constitutes a separate offense.

20

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

21

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

22

incurred by the commission for the replacement of the species

23

involved in the violation shall be assessed by the magisterial

24

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

25

commission. Replacement costs shall only be assessed for

26

violations relating to threatened or endangered species of North

27

American game or wildlife and such other species of Pennsylvania

28

game or wildlife as designated by the commission.

29

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

30

offenses) is inapplicable to this title insofar as it relates

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1

to:

2

(1)  intent, willfulness of conduct or fines and

3

imprisonment for convictions of summary offenses and

4

misdemeanors; or

5

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

6

to criminal history record information) for misdemeanors

7

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

8

injury to human beings).

9

(k)  Impact on other laws.--A felony under this title shall

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10

not be deemed to constitute a felony for the purpose of any

11

other law relating to disqualification from employment, loss of

12

suffrage or for any other purpose.

13

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

14

registration.

15

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

16

title, any hunting or furtaking license, special license or

17

permit or registration granted under the authority of this title

18

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

19

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

20

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

21

the registration or permit, with each offense constituting a

22

separate violation subject to separate revocation. The

23

commission may refuse to grant to that person any permit or

24

registration and may deny any privilege granted by these

25

documents for a period not exceeding five years unless otherwise

26

provided in this title.

27

* * *

28

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

29

specifying the procedures to be followed in denying, revoking or

30

suspending any hunting and furtaking privileges, licenses,

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1

permits and registrations granted under the provisions of this

2

title.

3

§ 932.  Determination of second or subsequent [convictions] 

4

offenses.

5

Any person convicted or pleading guilty or signing an

6

acknowledgment of guilt under any provisions of this title who,

7

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

8

guilty or signed an acknowledgment of guilt for violating any of

9

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

10

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

11

a second or subsequent offender. Any acceptance of Accelerated

12

Rehabilitative Disposition within the past seven years of the

13

present violation shall be considered for the purposes of

14

determining a second or subsequent offense.

15

§ 2167.  Endangered or threatened species.

16

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

17

or remove any wild bird or wild animal native to this

18

Commonwealth to or from the Pennsylvania native list of

19

endangered or threatened species.

20

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

21

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

22

any person, acting either for himself or as the representative

23

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

24

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

25

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

26

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

27

endangered or threatened species. It is the duty of every

28

officer having authority to enforce this title to seize all wild

29

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

30

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

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1

violation of this subsection is a misdemeanor of the third

2

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

3

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

4

subsection are contraband.]

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

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

10

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

11

to give away any endangered or threatened species or subspecies

12

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

13

of every officer having authority to enforce this title to seize

14

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

15

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

16

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

17

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

18

contraband.] This subsection shall not be construed to permit

19

any individual or agency other than the commission to sell the

20

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

21

birds killed as a protection to crops or accidentally killed

22

upon the highways or seized as contraband.

23

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

24

as follows:

25

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

26

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt

27

or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

28

period of seven years.

29

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

30

during the same criminal episode as the first violation is a

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1

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the

2

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere

3

within this Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

4

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

5

period or during the same criminal episode as the first or

6

second violation is a felony of the third degree and may

7

result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

8

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of 15

9

years.

10

§ 2306.  Killing game or wildlife by mistake.

11

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

12

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

13

mistake kills or attempts to kill any game or wildlife other

14

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

15

the provisions of this title, shall pay restitution pursuant to

16

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

17

shall immediately remove all the entrails of any edible game or

18

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

19

commission officer in the county in which killed for disposition

20

and make a written sworn statement explaining when, where and

21

how the accident or mistake occurred.]

22

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

23

killing by accident or mistake shall be as follows:

24

(1)  Each deer - $25.

25

(2)  Each turkey - $20.

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

payment and written statement after further review and

30

investigation is not satisfied the killing or attempted killing

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1

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

2

carelessness or if the person fails to pay the prescribed

3

restitution within ten days, the officer shall cause the person

4

to be prosecuted for the unlawful killing or attempted killing

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

kill of game or wildlife pursuant to this section shall:

9

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

10

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

11

manner prescribed under section 2323 (relating to tagging and

12

reporting big game kills).

13

(2)  Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted

14

killing, report the same to the appropriate commission

15

regional office by telephone or electronic communication.

16

(3)  Within 24 hours after the killing or attempted

17

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

18

commission officer in the county in which killed for

19

disposition and provide a written, sworn statement to the

20

commission officer explaining when, where and how the

21

accident or mistake occurred.

22

(4)  Within ten days after the killing or attempted

23

killing, provide the commission officer full payment of

24

restitution.

25

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

26

* * *

27

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

28

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

29

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

30

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

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1

transport any game or wildlife or any part thereof which was

2

taken within 30 minutes prior to the commencement of lawful

3

hunting hours or within 30 minutes after the cessation of lawful

4

hunting hours.

5

* * *

6

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

7

(1)  Threatened or endangered species is a misdemeanor of

8

the second degree.

9

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

10

degree.

11

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

12

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

13

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

14

killing game or wildlife by mistake) is a summary offense

15

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

16

$500.]

17

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

18

degree.

19

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

20

fourth degree.

21

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

22

the fifth degree.

23

* * *

24

§ 2310.  Unlawful use of lights while hunting.

25

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

26

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

27

of the following activities to any degree:

28

* * *

29

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

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30

knowingly act, aid, assist or conspire either in the killing

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1

or taking or in an attempt to kill, take, possess, transport

2

or conceal any game or wildlife or a part thereof which has

3

been killed or taken by use of any artificial light.

4

* * *

5

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

6

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

7

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

8

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

9

to the additional penalties of:

10

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

11

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

12

or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of

13

ten years.

14

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

15

of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

16

within this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

17

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

18

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within

19

this Commonwealth for a period of three years.

20

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

21

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

22

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three

23

years.

24

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

25

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

26

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of two years.

27

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

28

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

29

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

30

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

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1

offense of the fifth degree.

2

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

3

(i)  Threatened or endangered species shall be graded

4

as follows:

5

(A)  A first offense is a misdemeanor of the

6

second degree and may result in forfeiture of the

7

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

8

in this Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

9

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

10

or during the same criminal episode as the first

11

offense is a misdemeanor of the first degree 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 ten years.

15

(C)  A third or subsequent violation within a

<--

16

seven-year period or during the same criminal episode

17

of a first or second offense is a felony of the third

18

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege

19

to hunt or take wildlife within this Commonwealth for

<--

20

a period of 15 years.

21

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

22

(A)  A first offense or a second offense during

23

the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor and may

24

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

25

game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth

26

for a period of five years.

27

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

28

or a third or fourth offense during the same criminal

29

episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may

30

result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

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1

take game or wildlife anywhere within this

2

Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

3

(C)  A fifth or subsequent offense during the

4

same criminal episode or a third offense within a

5

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

6

may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

7

take game or wildlife anywhere within this

8

Commonwealth for a period of 15 years.

9

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

10

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

11

turkey is a summary offense of the first degree and may

12

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

13

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

14

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

15

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

16

single wild turkey within a seven-year period is a

17

misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege

18

to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this

19

Commonwealth for a period of five years. A third offense

20

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

21

white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey is a

22

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the

23

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife

24

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten

25

years.

26

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

27

of the first degree and may result in the forfeiture of

28

the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

29

within this Commonwealth for a period of three years.

30

* * *

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1

§ 2312.  Buying and selling game.

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

parts of any protected bird or animal.

8

* * *

9

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

10

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

11

degree and results in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

12

take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

13

of five years.

14

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

15

results in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game

16

or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of

17

three years.

18

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

19

degree and results in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

20

take game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

21

period of three years.

22

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

23

fourth degree and results in forfeiture of the privilege to

24

hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this

25

Commonwealth for a period of two years.

26

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

27

offense of the fifth degree and results in forfeiture of the

28

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within

29

this Commonwealth for a period of one year.]

30

(1)  Threatened or endangered species shall be graded as

- 16 -

 


1

follows:

2

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

3

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to

4

hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within this

5

Commonwealth for a period of seven years.

6

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

7

during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor of the

8

first degree and may result in forfeiture of the

9

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere

10

within this Commonwealth for a period of 15 ten years.

<--

11

(iii)  A third or subsequent violation of this

12

section within a seven-year period or during the same

13

criminal episode is a felony of the third degree and may

14

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

15

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

16

of 15 years.

17

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

18

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

19

same criminal episode is a misdemeanor 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 five years.

23

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

24

a third or fourth offense during the same criminal

25

episode is a misdemeanor of the first degree and may

26

result in the forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

27

game or wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

28

period of ten years.

29

(iii)  A fifth or subsequent offense during the same

30

criminal episode or third offense within a seven-year

- 17 -

 


1

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

2

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or

3

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

4

of 15 years.

5

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

6

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

7

summary offense of the first degree and may result in the

8

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

9

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of three

10

years.

11

§ 2314.  Trespass on private property while hunting.

12

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

13

provision of this title or any regulations promulgated under

14

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

15

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

16

shall be in violation of this section.

17

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

18

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

19

violation of this section is a summary offense of the fifth

20

degree.

21

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

22

of the prior offense is a summary offense and upon conviction

23

will result in an immediate revocation of the person's

24

hunting and furtaking license and disqualification of the

25

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

26

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

27

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

28

summary offense of the fifth degree and may result in

29

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife

30

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of one year.

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1

§ 2321.  Unlawful killing or taking of big game.

2

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

3

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

4

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

5

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

6

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

7

possess or transport or knowingly, intentionally or 

<--

8

recklessly or intentionally aid, abet, assist, attempt or

<--

9

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

10

transport any big game animal during closed season.

11

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

12

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

13

possess or transport or knowingly, intentionally or

<--

14

recklessly or intentionally aid, abet, assist, attempt or

<--

15

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

16

transport any big game animal beyond established daily or

17

season limits.

18

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

19

abet in any manner any other person in the violation of

20

paragraph (1) or (2).]

21

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

22

prohibit the transportation or possession of one or more big

23

game animals which are lawfully killed and properly tagged.

24

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

25

attached in a natural manner and properly tagged as provided in

26

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

27

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

28

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

29

that the big game was unlawfully killed within this

30

Commonwealth. Under such circumstances, the person possessing,

- 19 -

 


1

transporting or controlling the big game shall immediately, upon

2

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

3

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

4

game or other satisfactory evidence that the carcass in

5

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

6

taken big game.

7

(d)  Penalty.--

8

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

9

is a summary offense of the first degree.

10

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

11

summary offense of the second degree.

12

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

13

is a summary offense of the fourth degree.

14

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

15

violation constitutes a separate offense.]

16

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

17

a violation of this section or a second violation of this

18

section during the same criminal episode is a misdemeanor

19

and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or

20

take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

21

period of five years.

22

(ii)  A third or fourth violation of this section

23

during the same criminal episode or a second violation of

24

this section within a seven-year period is a misdemeanor

25

of the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the

26

privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this

27

Commonwealth for a period of ten years.

28

(iii)  A fifth or subsequent violation of this

29

section during the same criminal episode or third offense

30

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

- 20 -

 


1

degree and may result in forfeiture of the privilege to

2

hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth

3

for a period of 15 years.

4

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

5

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

6

wild turkey is a summary offense of the first degree and

7

may result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

8

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period

9

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

10

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

11

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

12

misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the privilege

13

to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within this

14

Commonwealth for a period of five years. A third offense

15

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

16

white-tailed deer or a single wild turkey is a

17

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in the

18

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife

19

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten

20

years.

21

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

22

(2) during the same criminal episode where the

23

species taken, injured, killed, possessed or

24

transported is white-tailed deer or wild turkey is a

25

misdemeanor and may result in forfeiture of the

26

privilege to hunt or take wildlife anywhere within

27

this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

28

(B)  A third or fourth violation of subsection

29

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

30

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

- 21 -

 


1

misdemeanor of the first degree and may result in

2

forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take wildlife

3

anywhere within this Commonwealth for a period of ten

4

years.

5

(C)  A fifth or subsequent violation of

6

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

7

episode where the species is white-tailed deer or

8

wild turkey is a felony of the third degree and may

9

result in forfeiture of the privilege to hunt or take

10

wildlife anywhere within this Commonwealth for a

11

period of 15 years.

12

Section 3 4.  Section 2329 of Title 34 is repealed:

<--

13

[§ 2329.  Additional penalty for poaching.

14

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

15

by illegally poaching any big game or threatened or endangered

16

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

17

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

18

threatened or endangered species illegally poached. Any fines

19

collected under this subsection shall be paid over to the

20

commission for use in maintaining the toll-free telephone number

21

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

22

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

23

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

24

caller's report.

25

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

26

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

27

big game or threatened or endangered species. Reports of

28

poaching of big game or threatened or endangered species are

29

confidential. No persons other than employees of the commission

30

in the course of official duties in connection with poaching

- 22 -

 


1

reports shall have access to identifying information relating to

2

the caller.]

3

Section 4 5.  Section 2711(a)(4) and (b) of Title 34 are

<--

4

amended to read:

5

§ 2711.  Unlawful acts concerning licenses.

6

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

7

title, it is unlawful for any person to:

8

* * *

9

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

10

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

11

or furtaking license for which that person is not legally

12

entitled thereto.

13

* * *

14

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

15

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

16

licenses required by this title is a summary offense of the

17

fourth degree.

18

(2)  Furtaking by a nonresident without a valid furtaking

19

license or licenses required by this title is a summary

20

offense of the second degree.

21

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

22

license or licenses required by this title is a summary

23

offense of the fifth degree.

24

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

25

or displaying a license is a summary offense of the eighth

26

degree.

27

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

28

offense of the fifth degree.

29

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

30

of the seventh degree.

- 23 -

 


1

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

2

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

3

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

4

revocation of the privilege to hunt or trap anywhere in this

5

Commonwealth.

6

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

7

the regulations promulgated thereunder is a summary offense

8

of the fifth degree.]

9

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

10

or furtaking without a valid license or licenses required is

11

a summary offense of the third degree.

12

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

13

or displaying a license is a summary offense of the eighth

14

degree.

15

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

16

summary offense of the fifth degree.

17

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

18

of the seventh degree.

19

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

20

the first degree and may result in forfeiture of the

21

privilege to hunt or take game or wildlife anywhere within

22

this Commonwealth for a period of five years.

23

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

24

the regulations promulgated thereunder is a summary offense

25

of the fifth degree.

26

* * *

27

Section 5 6.  The Pennsylvania Game Commission shall provide

<--

28

public notice of the provisions within this measure. This notice

29

shall be included within the next edition of the Pennsylvania

<--

30

Hunting and Trapping Digest for 2010-2011, and summaries of the

<--

- 24 -

 


1

amendments shall be made available at each issuing agent.

2

Section 6 7.  This act shall take effect in 60 days.

<--

- 25 -