By Blake Jackson
While deer can be majestic creatures, they can also become a nuisance for farmers. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers two free programs to assist farmers in managing localized deer populations.
1. Agricultural Deer Control Program (Ag Tag):
This program allows farmers to issue permits to hunters for removing deer outside the traditional hunting seasons. Farmers receive one permit for every 5 acres of cultivated land, and these permits can be distributed to both resident and non-resident hunters (up to four per person).
Key benefits of Ag Tag:
Permits are valid during periods when crops are less likely to be damaged (August 1st to September 15th and February 1st to April 15th).
Permits are free and don't require joining the Hunter Access Program.
2. Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP):
This program allows hunters to take antlerless deer during established hunting seasons on designated properties. Landowners receive one permit for every 5 acres of cultivated land or one for every 50 acres of other land use.
Key benefits of DMAP:
- Landowners can distribute coupons to hunters, allowing them to obtain permits (up to four per property).
- Alternatively, hunters can purchase permits directly from the landowner (up to two per property).
- Landowners with a deer management plan can potentially acquire more permits.
Hunters must report deer harvests through huntfish.pa.gov or by phone (800-838-4431).
This program connects landowners with hunters seeking to manage wildlife populations. While not directly related to deer control permits, it offers additional benefits to participating landowners.
Benefits of Hunter Access Program:
- Discounted hunting licenses
- Guaranteed antlerless deer licenses
- Free tree and shrub seedlings
- Game News magazine subscription
- Wildlife habitat technical assistance
- Increased law enforcement presence
Photo Credit: pexels-jim-fawns
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy