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HB 2440

An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for the offense of unlawful devices and methods.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anita Kulik and 2 co-sponsors

Allows licensed deer hunters on designated private property to use bait to attract and remove deer under regulated conditions (disease, habitat concerns) or via a special permit.

Referred to Game & Fisheries
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Bill Summary · HB 2440

Summary of HB 2440 (Session 2025-2026, Pennsylvania)

Title

An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking, further providing for the offense of unlawful devices and methods.

Purpose and intent

The bill amends the existing provisions related to unlawful devices and methods used in hunting to carve out a specific exception. It allows licensed deer hunters to use bait to attract deer on private property under certain conditions, for purposes defined by regulations or permits.

Key provisions

  • Amendment to Section 2308(b)(2) of Title 34 (Game): The bill adds a new subparagraph to establish an exception to the general prohibition on unlawful devices and methods.
  • Exception scope:
    • Applies to licensed hunters on private property.
    • The area must be designated by the Fish and Boat Commission (the commission) for this purpose.
    • The hunter may use bait to attract deer for removal in specified circumstances.
  • Authorized purposes for baiting (as governed by regulations):
    • To address wildlife disease transmission, habitat degradation, or any other purpose established by commission regulations.
  • Special permit option:
    • The exception also allows baiting under a special permit issued in accordance with 58 Pa. Code Chapter 147 (relating to special permits).
  • Regulatory framework:
    • The exact parameters, designation areas, and permit processes will be defined in commission regulations and the referenced code chapter.

Who would be affected

  • Licensed hunters who hunt deer on private property within commission-designated areas.
  • Private landowners hosting designated zones, as well as the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission in implementing designations and permit rules.
  • Entities or individuals seeking to address specific issues (disease transmission, habitat degradation) through regulated baiting programs.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Effective date: The act is set to take effect 60 days after enactment.
  • Legislative progress: Referred to the House Committee on Game and Fisheries on April 27, 2026.
  • The exact regulations and permit process will be defined by the commission under existing regulatory authority (58 Pa. Code Chapter 147) and other commission rules.

Practical impact and considerations

  • The bill creates a narrowly tailored exception to permit baiting for deer under controlled conditions, potentially enabling management actions tied to wildlife disease, habitat concerns, or other regulator-defined objectives.
  • It relies on designations by the commission and special permits, ensuring oversight and regulatory guardrails.
  • Hunters would need to obtain the appropriate designation and/or special permit to engage in baiting for these purposes, on private property.

Summary in one line

HB 2440 amends hunting statutes to allow licensed deer hunters on commission-designated private-property areas to use bait to attract deer for removal under regulated conditions, including disease or habitat concerns, or via a special permit, with the measure taking effect 60 days after enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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