Daley resigns from game commission
Butler County resident James Daley recently resigned as a Pennsylvania Game Commission board member in the wake of the panel's decision to switch to a Saturday opener for rifle deer season this year.
The Cranberry Township resident served as commissioner for Region 1 (Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties). Although his four-year term ended in February, Daley agreed to continue with the commission another six-months before deciding to leave.
“I was really disappointed in the ability of some of the other commissioners to study the data on the Saturday opener,” Daley said. “We got 1,152 public comments through our website. Eighty-one percent of those were opposed to the Saturday opener. If you had your eyes open, you would see that this is not the right thing at this time.”
Daley was originally a strong supporter of moving up the opening day from the traditional Monday after Thanksgiving to Saturday, but changed his mind after seeing how many hunters were against the move. Daley was also a part of a motion to rescind the vote on the Saturday opener. The vote failed 3-5.
“The five commissioners (who) voted for it are so dug in,” Daley said. “The commissioners are each selected by the district, but they're supposed to serve the commonwealth.”
Travis Lau, a spokesman for the commission, said public comments were recorded online and by phone, with 935 in opposition to and 217 in support of the Saturday opener. However, Lau pointed out public comments made during commissioner meetings reflected a 50-50 split. He added that he and a majority of the commissioners felt the public comments better represented the hunting community.
“Some of them cited logistical concerns, and some of them said they didn't want it changed because they liked the Monday opener as it is,” Lau said. “In no way do I think there is that huge a disparity. I just don't believe it.”
Lau said the commissioners made the decision in order to increase license sales and participation, adding that the change will be closely monitored. He said the Saturday opener will allow hunters to get into the woods without having to take a day off work for the first day of the season.
While the earlier start could impact some hunters, such as those who like to set up camp or construct a stand before the first day, Lau said he expects the change will be positive.
“My instinct is that they'll make it work because they want to participate in opening day,” Lau said. “It should be a truly great day for deer hunting.”
Fran Bodema, president of the Butler Hunting and Fishing Club, agreed. He said the Saturday opener would be good for hunters because it would allow people who work to be able to hunt on opening day.
On the other hand, he said Daley's presence on the commission will definitely be missed in Butler County.
Bodema said Daley was involved with numerous hunter education programs, and always willing to listen to hunters' concerns. He further appreciated Daley's open-minded nature, as well as the way he put a lot of thought into his decisions.
He hopes to see the same mindset in the next commissioner.
“Actually, I would like someone like Jim Daley,” Bodema said. “Someone who thinks things through before he makes a decision.” Daley's resignation takes effect June 1.
Lau said he hopes the next appointment will continue to bring different perspectives to the board.
“I think we've had a good board there,” he said. “Some of what makes them a good board came out in that Saturday opener discussion.”
Daley said as commissioner he tried to best represent not only his region, but the entire state. He spent much of his time personally responding to public comments made online or in person when meeting hunters.
“My idea was those people deserve to be heard from and deserve an answer. That's what I always try to do,” Daley said. “I would hope the next commissioner will do the same.”
With James Daley’s resignation effective June 1, Region 1 of the Pennsylvania Game Commission will need a new commissioner.Interested candidates should be well-versed in wildlife concerns, conservation and practices. They must also live within Region 1.Candidates will be interviewed by the advisory council, and Gov. Tom Wolf will select the final candidate for approval by the state Senate.Applicants should mail a resume and cover letter to Robb Miller, Governor’s Advisory Council for Hunting, Fishing and Conservation, 400 Market St., 7th Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17101-2301, or email robmille@pa.gov.
