Hunting in Pennsylvania: Invasive Species to Pennsylvania and Its Rules for Hunting It

Pennsylvania has a rich history involving hunting, with the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) maintaining opportunities for hunters in the state. The state encourages hunting of feral swine, an invasive species that has been a persistent problem for the state.

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In addition to the damage they cause to crops and other aspects of private property, the animals are known to carry numerous diseases that can affect both humans and the domesticated pigs used in food production. The Pennsylvania Game Commission reports that feral swine carry 18 viral diseases, 10 of which are potential threats to humans. They also can carry 10 bacterial diseases, all of which are issues for humans.

Feral swine are protected mammals in Pennsylvania and are under the authority of the PGC. In March 2011, the executive director of the PGC, Carl G. Roe, signed an executive order announcing the intention to eradicate them. Here are the three most significant implications involved in the executive order.

1. Protection of feral swine is removed in most counties within Pennsylvania.

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2. Licensed hunters and trappers or persons who qualify for license and fee exemptions will be eligible to participate in unlimited taking of feral swine by firearm, bow or crossbow.

3. The order was effective immediately and remains in effect until rescinded or changed by a subsequent executive order.

Even with these measures, the feral swine persists Pennsylvania. One of these animals may weigh as much as 400 pounds, and females are capable of having a litter with between eight to 12 young each year, according to Pennsylvania State University.

In addition to hunting the animals, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that cage traps can be an effective means of catching the animals, especially during the winter months, when food is scarce.

This article is for information only. Please check current regulations before hunting.

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