HARRISBURG - The executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission plans to retire at the end of the year to spend more time with his family.

Vernon R. Ross, 64, has held the job since May 1999, although he had expected to serve only four years.

"More than six years later, I believe that this agency has accomplished much to be proud of for the benefit of our wildlife resources, for hunters and trappers and for all people who enjoy the state's wildlife," Ross said in a statement Tuesday.

Among the accomplishments Ross cited were expanded youth hunting-license sales, changes to how deer are managed, new seasons for elk and bobcat hunting, and the acquisition of more than 47,000 acres of additional state gamelands.