Holidays Mark Beginning of New Fishing Season

HARRISBURG – The holiday shopping season is quickly approaching and that means it’s time for anglers to get a jump on the 2012 sporting season. Anglers can purchase a 2012 license beginning December 1, which gives them a bonus month for free.

Fishing license vouchers also make great holiday gifts and stocking stuffers. Purchasing vouchers for family members and friends is easy and convenient. Vouchers – and licenses – can be purchased online through the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) Outdoor Shop at www.pa.wildlifelicense.com.  A voucher may be redeemed at any of more than 900 issuing agents across the state.

“We sell about 4,000 vouchers each year,” said Bernie Matscavage, director of the PFBC’s Bureau of Administration, which oversees sales. “They are easy to purchase and require only a method of payment. It’s just like a gift certificate. The recipient then redeems the voucher for a fishing license.

“A resident annual fishing license can be purchased for $22.70,” said Matscavage. “Add in a typical trout-salmon permit for $9.70 and an angler can enjoy more than a year of fishing for $32.40 – less than a typical dinner for two and about the price for two people to see one movie.”
In addition to online and at more than 900 issuing agents, fishing licenses and vouchers can be purchased at county treasurers’ offices, and at PFBC regional offices:

Northwest Region – Meadville (Crawford County)
11528 State Highway 98
Meadville, PA 16335

Walnut Creek Access Area – Fairview (Erie County)
241 Manchester Road
Fairview, PA 16415-1710

Linesville Visitors Center – Linesville (Crawford County)
13300 Hartstown Road
Linesville, PA 16424

Southwest Region – Somerset (Somerset County)
236 Lake Road
Somerset, PA 15501

PFBC Headquarters – Harrisburg (Dauphin County)
1601 Elmerton Avenue
Harrisburg, PA 17110

Northeast Region – Sweet Valley (Luzerne County)
5566 Main Road
Sweet Valley, PA 18656

Southeast Region – Elm (Lancaster County)
Brubaker Valley Road and Lakeview Drive
Elm, PA 17521

Southcentral Region – Newville (Cumberland County)
1704 Pine Road
Newville, PA 17241

The PFBC also sells a number of angling and boating-related products through the Outdoor Shop, including caps, books, posters and the flagship publication Angler & Boater magazine. Customers can also renew boat registrations and purchase launch permits for un-powered boats online.

The mission of the Fish and Boat Commission is to protect, conserve, and enhance the Commonwealth’s aquatic resources and provide fishing and boating opportunities. For more information about fishing and boating in Pennsylvania, please visit our website at fishandboat.com.