Discounted fishing, hunting rates proposed for COVID-19 fighters
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
Two state lawmakers, including one from the Mon Valley, plan to introduce legislation that would offer health care workers and first responders working on the front lines of the coronavirus pandemic a chance to enjoy fishing and hunting in Pennsylvania at a discounted rate.
State Reps. Bill Kortz of Dravosburg and Bob Merski of Erie, both Democrats, said they will introduce a bill that would allow law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, emergency service dispatchers, ambulance drivers and correction officers to purchase one-year fishing and hunting licenses for $1.
The lawmakers said they want to thank front line workers for their life-saving efforts during the coronavirus pandemic and to encourage them to take advantage of the state’s abundant fish and game opportunities.
“Pennsylvania’s health care professionals and first responders have been there for us 24/7 throughout this pandemic, working tirelessly to save lives even when doing so puts their own lives at risk,” said Merski, a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee. “Words are barely adequate to thank them, but we can give back in small ways.
“Offering reduced fees on hunting and fishing licenses is one way to do that while encouraging these front line heroes to relax outdoors.”
Kortz, who is retiring at the end of this year and is the Democratic chairman of the Game and Fisheries Committee, agreed, saying, “Our first responders and health care workers have and are working in extremely unprecedented times and dealing with enormous amounts of stress. Being able to offer them these reduced licenses will encourage them to spend time outdoors and relax. This is just one way we can show our appreciation and tremendous thanks for all they do to help save lives and keep us safe.”
Kortz and Merski said both the Game Fund and the Fish and Boat Fund are operating with substantial reserves, are fiscally sound and able to afford the temporary new reduced licenses.
By charging $1 for the licenses, both the Game and Fish and Boat commissions will still qualify for the federal matching funds they receive for each license sold, according to the lawmakers. The two commissions would also be granted the power to decide if they would like to sell $1 fishing licenses to other front line workers who aided in the response to the pandemic.
Kortz also announced he will soon introduce a bill that would require the Fish and Boat Commission to declare four statewide Fish for Free days each year.
The commission already declares two Fish for Free days each year, allowing anyone — resident or non-resident — to legally fish in state waterways without a license with all other fishing laws and regulations remaining in effect.
In past years, Kortz said, the commission has declared one of those days to be held over the Memorial Day weekend and another during the Independence Day weekend.
“Bad weather on either one or both of those days can be disappointing and defeat the purpose of encouraging this safe, fun activity,” Kortz said. “That’s why I want to expand the Fish for Free program to require the executive director of the commission to declare four such days each year, allowing more opportunities for people to take part.
“Fishing is a great way to spend time outdoors and is a welcome respite during these challenging times, and expanding these opportunities will result in more Pennsylvanians giving fishing a try.”
“Without a doubt, fishing has been a great outlet for hundreds of thousands Pennsylvanians during these challenging times,” Kortz wrote in a memorandum sent to all members of the state House on Wednesday. “Fishing has never been more important to those who already know of its many benefits. License sales are up as is daily participation.”
