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Forest Order 09-19-17-23 Tree Stands, Hunting Blinds, and Trail Cameras
- It is prohibited to leave tree stands or blinds not clearly identified on National Forest System lands.
- You cannot leave stands or blinds on National Forest System lands between the period two weeks prior to the start of Pennsylvania's first deer season and two weeks after the conclusion of Pennsylvania's last deer season.
- Cameras and other game surveillance equipment must be clearly identified with the owners contact information.
Alert Start Date: May 16th, 2017
Alert End Date: N/A
Order Number: 09-19-17-23
Associated Documents
Forest Order
Under the authority of the Act of Congress dated June 4, 1897, as amended (16 U.S.C. 551), and pursuant to the Secretary of Agriculture's Regulations set forth at 36 CFR Part 261, Subpart B (36 CFR 261.50(a) and (bl), the following acts and omissions are prohibited on the Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania.
- Using or leaving tree stands or blinds that are not clearly identified with the owner's name, address, and phone number or PA Game Commission CID number or PA Game Commission tree stand number) printed and affixed in legible English. [36 CFR 261.58 (v)]
- Leaving tree stands or blinds on National Forest lands between the period of two weeks prior to the start of Pennsylvania's first deer season (typically archery in October) and two weeks after the conclusion of Pennsylvania's last deer season (typically flint lock in January). [36 CFR 261.58 (v)]
- Using or leaving cameras or other game surveillance equipment that are not clearly identified with the owner's name, address, and phone number or PA Game Commission CID number or PA Game Commission tree stand number) printed and affixed in legible English. [36 CFR 261.58 (v)]
THESE RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY FOR PUBLIC SAFETY AND TO PROTECT NATIONAL
FOREST PROPERTY. THEY ARE IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL PROHIBITIONS SET FORTH IN 36 CFR PART 261. THE PROHIBITION WILL BE IN EFFECT FROM THE DATE OF TffiS ORDER UNTIL SPECIFICALLY WITHDRAWN BY TERMINATION ORDER OF THE FOREST SUPERVISOR.
Pursuant to 36 CFR 261.50(e), the following persons are exempt from this order:
- Any Federal, State, or local officer or member or an organized rescue or firefighting force in the performance of an official duty [36 CFR 261.50(e)(4)]; and,
- Persons with a valid permit signed by the District Ranger or Forest Supervisor in their possession that specifically authorizes the otherwise prohibited act or omission [36 CFR 261.50 (e)(l)].
Violation of these prohibitions are punishable by a fine of not more than $5000 for an individual or $10,000 for and organization, or imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both, under authority of Title 16 U.S.C. 551, Title 18 U.S.C. 3559 and 3571.
Justification for Order
This order is essential to protect natural resources on the National Forest. Permanent tree stands and blinds often affect the growth of trees. In addition, permanent stands and blinds can also leave an impression to law-abidinng hunters that an area is “reserved” by other hnters as an annual hunting location. Leaving stands and blinds also affects the integrity of said stands and blinds which poses potential safety issues to hunters and forest users.
This order would also provide consistency with the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s land management practices regarding state game lands. This order is necessary to protect wildlife and other forest resources. It is in addition to all other prohibitions set forth in federal, state, and or local law.
Enforcement Plan
This order will be enforced by law enforcement and forest protection officers. The primary method of enforcement will be through regular patrols and site surveillance. Other forest employees will encounter such blinds and stands through their normal duties and can report these locations to law enforcement personnnel. Enforcement may or may not include other law enforcement agencies.