State Rep. Jill N. Cooper | Pennsylvania 55th Legislative District
State Rep. Jill N. Cooper | Pennsylvania 55th Legislative District
As hunting season approaches in Pennsylvania, hunters and landowners are reminded of the purple paint law that marks property boundaries. Act 103 of 2019 allows landowners to use purple paint instead of traditional "POSTED" signs to indicate private property. The paint mark must be at least one inch wide and eight inches long, positioned between three and five feet from the ground.
The use of purple paint is considered more cost-effective as it requires less frequent placement than signs, which need to be no less than 100 feet apart. This method also reduces the risk of intentional trespassers removing signs.
Under Pennsylvania law, defiant trespass is when someone knowingly enters posted land and remains there despite being notified. This offense can lead to penalties including up to a year in prison and fines up to $2,500. Additional penalties may apply if trespassing occurs while hunting.
Hunting continues to grow in popularity within the state, with nearly 423,000 white-tailed deer harvested in 2023 according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC). The PGC offers "Learn to Hunt" seminars for those interested in taking up the sport.
Hunters are encouraged to participate in the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program by donating venison through local processors. Since its inception in 1991, nearly two million pounds of venison have been donated.
In other news, residents struggling with heating bills can apply for assistance through LIHEAP, a federally funded program providing grants for home heating costs. Applications can be submitted online or via phone until April 4, 2025.
Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging is accepting applications for $2 million in grants aimed at enhancing Senior Community Centers across the state. Applications must be submitted electronically by December 13.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services warns SNAP benefit recipients about a scam involving text messages claiming EBT card deactivation. Recipients should report suspicious communications by contacting DHS's fraud tip line.
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