By Andy Bater, Chairman of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s Wildlife and Fisheries Committee
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau proudly supports Senate Bill 67, a key piece of legislation developed in collaboration between wildlife groups and the agricultural community to improve wildlife management and address deer overpopulation. With Pennsylvania farmers facing rising input costs and declining net farm income, this legislation provides critical relief by streamlining wildlife management protocols, establishing a voluntary database of reputable hunters, and strengthening trespass penalties. These measures will help farmers better control deer populations, protect their crops, and support the long-term sustainability of agriculture in our state.
Critics may assert that SB 67 undermines private property rights, but this assertion is misleading. The bill actually strengthens Pennsylvania’s trespass laws by imposing stronger penalties for unauthorized hunting, including potential loss of hunting licenses. This provides landowners with greater protection while encouraging responsible hunting practices. Importantly, SB 67 does not diminish private property rights; instead, it empowers farmers with more effective tools to manage wildlife and protect their livelihoods.
There has been some confusion about the addition of dog retrieval language to the legislation, which critics claim would weaken property rights. In reality, this provision is already part of existing law and simply carries over into this bill. Furthermore, the biosecurity provisions that we are actively advocating for would enhance private property rights, offering additional protections to landowners. Our support for these biosecurity measures underscores Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s commitment to safeguarding the property and agricultural operations of our members.
As we look to the future, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is committed to collaborating with the legislature to ensure that private property rights remain protected while addressing the needs of our agricultural community.