House passes coyote bounty bill

BY ROBERT SWIFT
Times Shamrock Writer

Hunters could reap a $25 bounty for killing a coyote under a bill approved last Wednesday by House lawmakers.

The measure, sponsored by Rep. Mike Peifer, R-139, Honesdale, is designed to curb a growing coyote population in many parts of Pennsylvania that poses a threat to pets and domestic animals. The measure, approved 111-78 without any debate, goes to the Senate for consideration.

Licensed hunters and furtakers can kill an unlimited number of coyotes year-round under current law. But this legislation authorizes the Pennsylvania Game Commission to establish a coyote control program to give licensed hunters and furtakers a financial incentive to hunt and kill coyotes. The commission would set the rules to run the bounty program.

To pay for the bounties, the bill directs the transfer of $700,000 annually from the taxpayer-supported General Fund to a special account in the Game Fund.

The $700,000 amount is based on 28,000 coyotes killed during the previous year and the bounty amount, said Mr. Peifer.