By Chris Berens, D&DH Intern
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously voted on June 15 to halt the required use of back tags for deer hunting in the state. According to the state’s GOP, Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam), an avid sportsman, introduced the bill after the Pennsylvania Game Commission launched the notion forward.
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Live in WI but hunt in MI. They have not used back tags for years! The tags are now wallet size and the tag would be too small to be of any value as long range ID. Have no problem with either method.
I moved from PA to WV in 1996. I felt weird with no backtag when hunting, but I soon got used to it. All my licence (hunting and fishing) could be with me in my wallet all the time. Deer tags can be easily downloaded from our DNR site and I don’t miss the big safety pin holder on my back at all.
I hunt in NY and PA and support PA’s move to not require back tags — they tear up my hunting jackets and shirts when caught on tree bark and do not really protect my licenses in rain or snow. Also, there is nothing like the frustration of having a buck look straight up at you when the tag holder makes noise when you pull away from the tree to get ready for a shot. I am saying a little prayer that Rep. Gillespie or some other brave legislator in PA pushes to remove the restriction on Sunday hunting — even just to let us hunt pheasant or something on Sunday other than coyotes and crows.
I hunt in NY and PA and support PA’s move to not require back tags — they tear up my hunting jackets and shirts when caught on tree bark and do not really protect my licenses in rain or snow. Also, there is nothing like the frustration of having a buck look straight up at you when the tag holder makes noise when you pull away from the tree to get ready for a shot. I am saying a little prayer that Rep. Gillespie or some other brave legislator in PA pushes to remove the restriction on Sunday hunting — even just to let us hunt pheasant or something on Sunday other than coyotes and crows.
I hunt in NY and PA and support PA’s move to not require back tags — they tear up my hunting jackets and shirts when caught on tree bark and do not really protect my licenses in rain or snow. Also, there is nothing like the frustration of having a buck look straight up at you when the tag holder makes noise when you pull away from the tree to get ready for a shot. I am saying a little prayer that Rep. Gillespie or some other brave legislator in PA pushes to remove the restriction on Sunday hunting — even just to let us hunt pheasant or something on Sunday other than coyotes and crows.
I never lost a back tag in 20yrs.misplaced that little paper 2 times.you can’t tell if someone has one or not without asking them 4 it. Wish Maryland still had the back tag
I have generally trusted the Game Commission’s judgement on most of their policy issues. However, on this issue, I am not sure that I agree. The back tag is the best way to identify a game violator without directly confronting them and risking an altercation. A visable back tag is a deterrent to some would be violators.
Agree back tags get in way and are inconvenient, as far as the maniac a couple of years ago, that was just a way to help catch the killer, this happens how many times where the perpetrator didn’t have a back tag on. if this is the only reason to have them lets get back tags for everyone! guilty until proven innocent
I know that the reason for back tags is the same as it is for license tags on cars — so that an observer can make identification. And I know that in some cases, back tag numbers have been beneficial. But several times I’ve lost mine. Fortunately, I found it again. Once my holder tore and I didn’t know it. My license came out. The wind was blowing as I crossed a field, and along came someone’s back tag. I picked it up and it was mine. That’s one time I wouldn’t have found it if the wind hadn’t been blowing strong and in the right direction.
Back tags are usually very difficult to read, and with the new license format they’re almost impossible to read. So, I’m for doing away with them.
Why the change, simply because the gentlemen who sponsored the bill wants it to be so? Yes, it is an old tradition but so what? In the many years I’ve hunted I have never lost a back tag holder. So far, I haven’t read a reasonable, solid reason making the change necessary. The only reasons that I have read for making the change is that it is "old" "a waste of time/money or "traditional" ……and???? Has anyone asked why the law of a back tag was instituted in the first place? There must have been a solid reason that it was done so. I will continue to use a back tag even if it no longer required.
In Wisconsin, We wear back tags. I can see keeping them for Gun Deer season and eliminating them for Bow hunting. It seems I am constantly moving my tag from my jacket to my harness to keep it VISIBLE….Really.. Come on, I’m wearing camo and shooting close range. Turkey hunters don’t need back tags.
No, I think a back a tag is a good way to keep folks honest. If a resident sees a voilator his number is displayed. If he has no tag he’s truely breaking the law, at least you know he has purchased a license. Imagine driving down the road with cars which have no tag on it! The reason we have all the hunting laws is because people have done some really dumb things.
so lets take the plates of all motor vehicles
same thing, no way to id. only violators would benefit
Back tags are a part of the Wisconsin tradition. It was a backtag that caught the murderer when he killed all those hunters in Northern Wisconsin. Without it he would of been just another hunter that would of escaped back to where he came from.
WRONG! Such a change will mean now the criminals will hunt without paying for licenses or doe tags. This is a good regulation that needs no improvement except maybe for property owners hunting on their own land… possibly including leaseholders and private hunting clubs at their own discretion?
The new licenses are so small that you can’t see the CID# anyway. I don’t have a problem with it.
How are the a waste of time and money, your license is still being purchased at the same price and being printed on the same amount of paper for your harvest tags. My back tag has always been pinned to my backpack and has never been a bother to me at all. This will change nothing.
As a native Pennsylvanian who has lived in Mo. fo 30 years now…I’m good with the back tag thing. I only wish the state would adopt Sunday hunting as well. What a difference it makes when you only have wekends to hunt. I love tradition but Sundays won’t hurt a thing.
Back tags are inconvenient and outdated? Try telling that to the two people who were saved from that maniac in Wisconsin a few years ago…the guy who killed six of their hunting partners. The only way they caught him was because they wrote down his backtag number in the dust on an idle ATV.
Well hurray for this, and hopefully Wisconsin follows. this is a waste of time and money