A small number of public commenters used the Jan. 25 Pennsylvania Game Commission meeting to request two distinct, specific policy changes: reinstating rifles for fall turkey season, and allowing senior hunters rule adjustments to address vision and mobility limitations.

Rich Kramer, speaking as an individual, asked commissioners to “reinstate the use of rifles in fall turkey season,” saying the original decision to ban rifles was “not made based on science.” Kramer said he saw no scientific reason to prohibit rifles and asked the board to reverse the rule.

James Penick, a senior hunter, requested that senior hunting-license holders be allowed to use a 4-point standard rather than a brow-point measurement when identifying legal bucks, citing deteriorating eyesight. Penick said some senior hunters quit hunting because they cannot reliably identify a brow point at distance.

No formal rule changes were announced during the public-comment period. Commenters asked the commission to explain the scientific basis for existing rifle restrictions and to consider targeted accommodations for older hunters if enforcement or safety considerations permit.