Tom Venesky

A man who was the target of a sting operation by the Pennsylvania Game Commission had his charges dismissed during an appeal trial on Jan. 16.
Joshua Wingenroth, of Downingtown, was previously found guilty during a summary trial of two counts of using illegal electronic devices during hunting, disturbing game or wildlife, and violation of regulations on recreational spotlighting. The charges stem from a sting operation conducted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in December 2023.

As the new legislative session gets underway in Pennsylvania, the push to restore the Monday opening day of deer season will once again be the focus of a hearing.
State Rep. Brian Smith, R-Punxsutawney, confirmed that a hearing is scheduled before the House Game and Fisheries Committee. The hearing will be held on Feb. 3.

A bill being drafted by a Pennsylvania legislator would create a program to erect deer fencing around crops, and part of the cost would be paid by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
State Rep. Perry Stambaugh, R-New Bloomfield, is circulating a co-sponsorship memo for what he said is a long-term solution to the crop-damage issue. Stambaugh intends to introduce a bill in February that would create a 50/50 cost-share program between farmers and foresters and the Game Commission to erect wildlife-deterrent fencing to protect crops and forests from damage, mainly from deer.

Citing the possibility of additional Sunday hunting days and efforts to expand the ag tag program, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners’ Wildlife Management Committee was reluctant to advance several measures to expand deer hunting opportunities for consideration at the January quarterly meeting.
During a Dec. 19 virtual meeting, the committee voted against a proposal to create a general unit antlerless deer license that could be used in multiple wildlife management units.