HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Game Commission will discuss possible changes to the Mentored Youth Hunting Program at the Board of Game Commissioners meeting set for January 25 to January 27, 2015, in Harrisburg.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is proposing to eliminate deer and wild turkey from the list of species mentored youth hunters under the age of 9 can pursue.

This proposal would restrict young hunters under the age of 9 to only hunting small game, while mentored youth ages 9–12 would remain licensed to harvest small and big game.

The proposed agenda and the proposed rule making for the meeting are available to view here.

The Commission cites public concern regarding the ability of youth to handle the firearms commonly used to hunt deer and wild turkey, as well as allegations that some adults unlawfully use their mentored youth’s harvest tags.

To comment on the proposed changes, contact [email protected].