HARRISBURG, PA - Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe praised Gov. Edward G. Rendell for signing Senate Bill 1200 into law, which clears the way for Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Wildlife Violator Compact (IWVC).

"We are one step closer to banding with 37 other states in a united front against convicted poachers, who steal from all citizens, most especially, law-abiding hunters," Roe said. "Once we complete the administrative step to join the compact, someone who has lost his or her hunting license privileges in one state for a poaching conviction will lose those hunting license privileges in Pennsylvania, as well as in all states that are members of the compact.

"In addition, individuals convicted of poaching here in Pennsylvania will lose their ability to lawfully hunt in the 37 other states who are members of the IWVC."

Roe noted that having Pennsylvania join this compact is widely supported by sportsmen, as Pennsylvania currently is one of only 13 states that had not joined.

"Combined with Act 54 of 2010, the recently enacted law to increase fines and penalties for poaching, Pennsylvania has taken important steps to shed its reputation as being viewed as a 'poacher's paradise,'" Roe said. "Those who are found guilty of breaking poaching laws in one state will no longer be able to lawfully hunt in Pennsylvania until they have paid their due. It's a great day for ethical hunters!"

Senate Bill 1200, sponsored by Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Richard L. Alloway II (R-33), unanimously passed the Senate on March 23, was approved by the House on Sept. 13, by a vote of 178 to 15. Gov. Rendell signed the bill into law on Sept. 24, and it is now Act 60 of 2010.

Act 54 of 2010 was introduced as House Bill 1859, and sponsored by House Game and Fisheries Committee Chairman Edward G. Staback. The bill was approved by the House on July 21, 2009, by a vote of 196-3. The Senate, after making minor adjustments to the bill, approved the measure unanimously on July 3, 2010, followed by a 189-6 concurrence vote later on July 3 in the House, which sent the bill onto Gov. Rendell, who signed it on July 9.