Questions on packing out deer in PA

[Flee]

I may have to call the game commission but I can’t find a concrete answer on the specifics of what is and isn’t allowed to pack out a deer in Pennsylvania. It seems less regulated than some states as far as leaving spine behind, bones, etc. I’m also curious if the head has to come out intact with the tag in ear for proof of sex or does the genitals need to be left attached to a quarter.

 

[bj139]

I know in the past you had to transport the deer whole. With CWD, I think they allowed packing out recently, especially for those areas.

 

[mike7tcu]

I would like to know also. People do it for sure, I just wish it was in writing I feel like it’s such a grey area.

 

[Flee]

I would like to know also. People do it for sure, I just wish it was in writing I feel like it’s such a grey area.

exactly. And now with elk hunting in the state and more packs available for guys to pack out it’s becoming more popular. It should be in the booklet given out.

 

[ThePennsylvanian]

I may have to call the game commission but I can’t find a concrete answer on the specifics of what is and isn’t allowed to pack out a deer in Pennsylvania. It seems less regulated than some states as far as leaving spine behind, bones, etc. I’m also curious if the head has to come out intact with the tag in ear for proof of sex or does the genitals need to be left attached to a quarter.

Ok I addressed this, this year as well. I ended up calling the PGC, spoke with warden Dan Stitler out of Washington county. He said yes, packing out legal, in order to satisfy the law, the head must come out with the ear tag. Now I dont get how bringing the head out satisfies the law, but the way I see it it's what I'll do in order to prevent any headaches.....

 

[ZSully]

Ok I addressed this, this year as well. I ended up calling the PGC, spoke with warden Dan Stitler out of Washington county. He said yes, packing out legal, in order to satisfy the law, the head must come out with the ear tag. Now I dont get how bringing the head out satisfies the law, but the way I see it it's what I'll do in order to prevent any headaches.....

In Pa they’re isn’t the requirement of male vs female so proof of sex isn’t necessary. Legal deer are defined as Antlered or Antlerless. That’s why the head with ear tag satisfies the legal requirement.

 

[Backcountry bowman]

It’s not in the book so it’s going to be open for interpretation depending on the agent you speak to. Chances are if a warden happens to see you hauling game bags it’s gonna be a hassle with or with out a head. I’m not carrying a head.
I’m not looking forward to the day I need to take a boned out bear to the check station...

 

[ThePennsylvanian]

In Pa they’re isn’t the requirement of male vs female so proof of sex isn’t necessary. Legal deer are defined as Antlered or Antlerless. That’s why the head with ear tag satisfies the legal requirement.

Ok, that makes sense.

It’s not in the book so it’s going to be open for interpretation depending on the agent you speak to. Chances are if a warden happens to see you hauling game bags it’s gonna be a hassle with or with out a head. I’m not carrying a head.
I’m not looking forward to the day I need to take a boned out bear to the check station...

I did specifically say can I pack out a deer, so yes I'm sure someone would have issue with a boned out bear... now that said there's is nothing specifically prohibitive written barred from packing, so as far as I'm concerned, as long as all requirements are met for tagging, I wouldn't care who "had issues", sounds like they're personal problems to me!