Pennsylvania Laws For Disabled Sportsmen

Persons with disabilities.

Motorized wheelchairs. A person whose disability requires him to use a motorized wheelchair or similar device powered by an electric motor may use the device on Commission property. The Commission does not represent that Commission properties, except those specifically marked and designated for access by person with disabilities, are suitable for this use.
Other motorized vehicles. The Executive Director of a designee may permit persons exempt from the fishing license requirement under section 2709(b) of the code (relating to exemptions from license requirements) and persons who are deprived of the use of a leg or both legs in a manner that significantly limits mobility to use an off-road motorized vehicle on Commission property for the purpose of gaining access to fishing or boating opportunities under the following conditions:
(i) The person applies in writing for permission stating the nature of the disability, the description of the vehicle and the areas for which use is proposed. The application should be sent to: Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. The application shall include a statement from a physician or a chiropractor licensed to practice in this Commonwealth describing the disability and certifying that the applicant meets the requirements of this section.

(ii) The vehicle is operated by the person with a disability or a person identified in the application to operate the vehicle for the person with a disability.

(iii) The person agrees that he will be responsible for the operation and for damages caused by operation of the vehicle.

(iv) The person acknowledges that the Commission does not represent that Commission properties, except those specifically marked and designated for access by persons with disabilities, are suitable for any such use.
As used in this subsection, the term, off-road motorized vehicle means a motorized vehicle specifically designed for this use. The term does not include a vehicle licensed or registered for on-road use, such as a 4 by 4 sports utility vehicle and the like. 63.8 Long Bows, Spears, and Gigs. - 2102(b)
(a) General. Except as otherwise provided in this part, carp, gar, suckers and eels may be taken with a long bow, including compound, and arrow; a spear; or gig, at any hour of the day or night aided by a light at night if so desired, in Commonwealth waters and waters bounding and adjacent thereto, except that there may be no spearing in the tributaries of Lake Erie from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily.

(b) Delaware River. The following provisions apply to use of long bows, spears, and gigs on the Delaware River:

(1) In addition to the species in subsection (a), herring, except shad, and catfish may be taken using long bows and arrow, spears or gigs.

(2) It is unlawful to use long bows and arrow, spears or gigs to take fish within 275 yards of an eel weir.

(3) Except as provided in paragraph (1), it is unlawful to take any fish on the Delaware River by means of long bows and arrow, spears or gigs.

(c) Restrictions. Spears or gigs may not be mechanically propelled, may not have more than five barbed points and may not be used in approved trout waters.

(d) Persons with disabilities. The Executive Director, of a designee, may issue permits to persons exempt from the fishing license requirement under section 2709(b) of the code (relating to exemptions from license requirements) - except a person who is blind - and a person who is permanently deprived of the use of a leg or an arm or both arms allowing them to use crossbows or mechanically propelled spears and gigs subject to limitations and conditions as set forth in the permit. Persons who wish to apply for a permit under this section may apply on forms provided by: Director, Bureau of Law Enforcement, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P. O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION
Bureau of Law Enforcement
P. O. Box 67000
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000
Phone: 717-657-4542

Application for Persons with Disabilities to Use Cross-Bows and Mechanically-Propelled Spears and Gigs

Instructions: Under 58 Pa. Code 63.8(c), persons who are so severely disabled that they are unable to cast and retrieve a line or bait hooks and remove fish without assistance and persons who are permanently deprived of the use of a leg or both legs or an arm or both arms may request a permit from the Fish and Boat Commission to fish for carp, gar, suckers and eel using cross-bows or mechanically-propelled spears and gigs. The use of these devices is subject to the same limitations applicable to use of long bows, spears and gigs and to such other conditions as the Commission may require. In order to qualify for a permit under this regulation, you should complete this form in ink (please print or type). Have your doctor complete and sign the Doctor's Certificate. Send the completed form to the address set forth above. You will be notified of action on your permit application within 45 days after you apply.

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION
Bureau of Law Enforcement
P. O. Box 67000
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000
Phone: 717-657-4542

Application for Persons with Disabilities to Use Motorized Vehicles on Commission Property

Instructions: Under 58 Pa. Code 53.11(c) persons who are so severely disabled that they are unable to cast and retrieve a line or bait hooks and remove fish without assistance and persons who are permanently deprived of the use of a leg or both legs in a manner that significantly limits mobility may request permission from the Fish and Boat Commission to use off-road motorized vehicles on Commission property. In order to qualify for a permit under this regulation, you should complete this form in ink (please print or type). Have your doctor complete and sign the Doctor's Certificate. Send the completed form to the address set forth above. You will be notified of action on your permit application within 45 days after you apply.