The PGC at one time was an independent commission of the State and the legislature left them alone because the hunters lobby was one of the most powerful. Those days are gone in that we are divided. PC has reared it ugly head, combined with the fact most just don't care all that much. They spend perhaps a weeks total out hunting and that is it for the year. Done, over, finished.
Merry Christmas.
The PGC is still independent. Unfortunately. Id like to see PGC and Fish and Boat combined, with greater oversight on how they interact with DCNR. The "hunters lobby" is but one part of the mess we're in. The biggest hunting lo byists in the state is PFSC, and as their views became more extreme they alienated hunters and landowners. They may still have backing by their sportsmens clubs, but by and large the clubs individual members havent been happy with PFSC's efforts supporting hhnters rights. Hence why the Legislature has gotten ever increasingly involved, since by law, they oversee the GC, independent agency or not. Theyre only financially independent, they still must follow rules of Title 34 and 58(farm programs basically). Youre right, most rifle hhnters dont spend a lot of time afield, but they pay their money, amd many dont think theyre given enough opportunity, which includes number of game animals. IMO, we wouldnt have the bickering if the GC wasnt so aggressive with HR, and the whole sunday hunday fiasco.
