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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2008
CONTACT:
Carol Maravic
717-787-6725
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New Deer Depredation Program Protects Farmers

Area farmers now have new and important tools to protect their crops from damage caused by deer under a law recently passed by the General Assembly, according to Sen. Jane Orie (R-Allegheny).

Last June, legislation was passed to create a special permit, valid for one year, which allows farmers to use assistance to kill deer for crop damage.  The permit allows farmers to identify up to two licensed hunters to destroy game or wildlife causing agricultural damage.

Designated shooters must be residents of Pennsylvania, have a valid hunting license and be free from Game Code violations within the previous 10 years.

"Under the program, farmers will have to identify those who would serve as designated hunters, as well as the specific location of the property, the species of game or wildlife causing the damage and the nature and extent of the damage," Orie said.

She added that farmers will also be required to have a valid agriculture deer control permit.

Allegheny County farmers can contact Officer Daniel Puhala (North Allegheny), Officer Gary Fujak (West Allegheny), or Officer Beth Fife (Eastern Allegheny), at the Allegheny County office of the Game Commission at (724) 238-9523 to begin the process of obtaining a deer depredation permit.

Butler County farmers can contact Officer Randy Pilarcik (South Butler) and Officer Arthur Brunst (North Butler) at the Butler County office of the Game Commission at (814) 432-3187.

A kit will be issued with information and applications needed to enroll in the program.