HARRISBURG, PA — With the advent of fall hunting and fishing seasons, Pennsylvania enthusiasts have something new to celebrate. The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) have unveiled the PA Sportsman license plate, a specialty tag designed to promote youth involvement in hunting and fishing. Available through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), this initiative aims to channel funds into youth-centric programs that bolster conservation efforts and outdoor education.
The PA Sportsman plate, priced at $40 plus the registration fee, features imagery that encapsulates the essence of Pennsylvania’s rich outdoor heritage. Iconic symbols such as the white-tailed deer and ruffed grouse, along with scenes of anglers in action, adorn this specialty plate. Of each purchase, $14 is earmarked for the Youth Hunting and Fishing Restricted Account, directly supporting the PGC and PFBC’s youth programs.
Steve Smith, Executive Director of the PGC, emphasized the critical role of these efforts, stating, “The outdoors are important to so many Pennsylvanians, and our state’s outdoor resources – both now and in the future – depend upon the people who care enough to protect them. With this license plate, sportsmen and sportswomen can help that cause while showing their pride in the things that make it all possible.”
In a similar vein, PFBC Executive Director Tim Schaeffer highlighted the long-term benefits of engaging young Pennsylvanians in outdoor activities. “Fishing and boating are year-round lifetime activities for individuals and families in Pennsylvania. It’s critical that we introduce young people to outdoor recreation and instill a conservation ethic early on. Equipped with the skills needed to enjoy all that Pennsylvania’s waters have to offer, they are also more likely to become stewards of our aquatic resources,” Schaeffer remarked.
The PGC and PFBC have been instrumental in developing educational programs that inspire interest in outdoor activities. The PFBC’s “Trout in the Classroom” program has reached over half a million students since its inception, teaching essential skills and fostering a love for nature. Meanwhile, the PGC’s “National Archery in the Schools Program” and “Junior Game Warden Camps” provide hands-on experiences that introduce young people to the responsibilities and rewards of conservation.
Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr., who sponsored the legislation for the license plate, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative. “This license plate allows our rich heritage of hunting and fishing to be proudly displayed by motorists while raising money for future generations of hunters and fishermen. I look forward to seeing these beautiful license plates displayed on vehicles as I travel throughout my district and beyond, knowing that we’re keeping kids involved in the outdoors.”
The introduction of the PA Sportsman plate represents a tangible commitment to nurturing the next generation of conservationists. By supporting programs that engage youth in outdoor activities, Pennsylvania is ensuring that its natural resources are cherished and protected for years to come. As these young stewards take up the mantle, the legacy of Pennsylvania’s hunting and fishing traditions will continue to thrive, fostering a culture of respect and responsibility towards the environment.
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