Feb. 05, 2019
HARRISBURG – Rep. Jim Gregory (R-Blair) this week had a meeting, at his request, with a representative from the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-York), chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, and Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford/Franklin/Fulton). The meeting was to discuss the recent announcement by the Game Commission to drastically reduce the deer population in the region as a method to deal with the increasing amount of cases of chronic wasting disease.
Gregory released the following statement after the meeting:
“Earlier today, I met with a Pennsylvania Game Commission representative to talk about the recent media reports regarding culling of deer in Blair and Bedford counties. The commission’s quick response to my request to meet with them was greatly appreciated.
“Speaking for my constituents, hunters, landowners and farmers, I expressed extreme concerns about the Game Commission’s proposal to eliminate more than half of the 4,000-5,000 deer in our region in reaction to reported cases of chronic wasting disease.
“My concerns were heard. We worked together with the Game Commission today and succeeded in getting a delay on the culling in order to give all stakeholders, especially those who passionately want a solution, a chance to be heard and engaged in the solution.
“To be clear, this is not a win for anyone who is concerned about this issue as the ultimate problem of chronic wasting disease is not going away. However, we need to look at other alternatives to radical depopulation of the herds.
“I'm encouraging hunters in the 80th District to make their voices heard by contacting the Game Commission.
“I look forward to being a part of this conversation and solution moving forward.”
Representative Jim Gregory
80th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
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tlehman@pahousegop.com
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