Pa. trims bag limit for hunted porcupines

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is trimming the number of porcupines hunters can take, a little more than a year after wildlife officials approved hunting of the previously protected species.

The commission on Tuesday cut the daily bag limit on the prickly rodent to three from six. Hunters can take 10 during the seven-month season starting in September.

Game Commission Bureau of Law Enforcement director Rich Palmer says the decision came over fears illegal markets could develop. He tells the Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era the meat is popular in Vietnam while other parts including quills and claws can be used by Native Americans.

 

The commission approved porcupine hunting last year to help property owners control the population. Porcupines are attracted to wood and salt and sometimes damage homes and vehicles.