Rep. Art Hershey

Rep. Art Hershey (R-Chester) this week announced legislation—House Bill 550 (not yet online) -- aimed at curbing the amount of damage to agricultural commodities from local wildlife, especially deer.

“Landscape and nursery businesses are losing on average $20,000 per year due to deer overpopulation,” said Rep. Hershey. “My legislation will amend the current law to permit farmers and nursery owners to use all available tools for better removal of destructive wildlife where crops and livelihoods are threatened.”

Currently, the law only allows for the killing of any game or wildlife engaged in the material destruction of only certain crops, and only by certain people. House Bill 550 would expand the law slightly to include the protection of all agricultural commodities. It would also extend the right to remove deer to contractors hired by the farmer for deer removal, instead of just farmers themselves and full-time employees.

Joining Rep. Hershey at the press conference were supporters Bill H. Wells, representing the Pennsylvania Landscape and Nursery Association, and Tim Schaeffer, executive director of Audubon Pennsylvania.

“Audubon Pennsylvania strongly supports recreational hunting and other means to bring overabundant deer populations under control,” said Schaeffer. “Over-browsing by deer eliminates thousands of acres of habitat for song birds and other wildlife species and is the largest single threat to bird habitat in many parts of the Commonwealth. Nearly every one of Pennsylvania’s Important Bird Areas has experienced significant damage caused by deer. We applaud Rep. Hershey and the cosponsors of this legislation for taking bold steps to give landowners the tools they need to control problems on their property.”

Hershey said the changes he is proposing will enable farmers to better protect their lands, and help all types of production agriculture deal with an estimated $90 million per years in crop losses, and $73 million per year in damage to our forests.

“House Bill 550 will also make it easier for local governments to address the problems associated with deer overpopulation, including Lyme disease, vehicle collisions, and damage to property,” said Rep. Hershey. “If my legislation becomes law, communities and local municipalities will have the ability to obtain deer removal permits currently only available to cities of the first class.”

House Bill 550 is expected to be formally introduced in the House in the coming weeks.

Links: Audubon PA – Managing Deer in Forest Habitat

PLNA – Say No to More Deer in PA

3/2/2007