(File Photo of a Deer Approaching Sign)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania House Game and Fisheries Committee and the Pennsylvania Senate Game and Fisheries Committee approved several bills May 6 aimed at lowering hunting and fishing license costs and expanding deer hunting opportunities on private land. 

The House committee advanced legislation that would allow the Pennsylvania Game Commission to designate private lands where hunters could use bait to attract deer for purposes including wildlife disease management and habitat protection. 

The committee also approved House Bill 2460, which would allow students to learn about hunting and trapping in school-related programs. 

Meanwhile, the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee approved two measures related to reduced license fees. 

Senate Bill 469 would reduce hunting and fishing license fees to $1 for law enforcement personnel, including police officers, correctional officers, game wardens, waterways conservation officers, and county sheriff employees. 

The committee also advanced Senate Bill 1313, which would allow Pennsylvania natives who move out of state to purchase Pennsylvania hunting licenses at resident rates.