Golf Road
Tamaqua PA
1935
Mahala family photos

You live longer once you realize that any time spent being unhappy is wasted

QUOTE: Be HAPPY

Uncle Joe Mahala

https://www.statecollege.com/articles/local-news/the-history-of-deer-management-in-pennsylvania/

Formed in 1895, the PGC (PA Game Commission) began regulating hunting in the Commonwealth. Restocking efforts began in 1906 and continued for two decades; over 1,000 deer were purchased from breeders in Pennsylvania and were also imported from several states including Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Maine, New York, and New Jersey. To ensure a viable deer herd was re-established, restocking efforts were combined with the establishment of hunting seasons and harvest restrictions. In 1907, the PGC established the “Buck Law,” which made it illegal to harvest an antlerless deer. Though it was met with resistance from hunters, the Buck Law was deemed necessary to ensure an adequate rebound of the deer population.

Following the restocking effort and implementation of the first “Buck Law,” the PA deer herd increased dramatically. However, these were not the only factors causing this population growth. Again, we must examine the habitat at the time to understand the root causes of the population expansion. The years 1890-1930 are often referred to as “The Clearcut Era.” As the name implies, during this time period almost all of Pennsylvania’s forests were cut down. When these clearcuts re-grew, they provided ideal habitat for whitetail deer. High quality food and dense cover were in abundant supply. When considered in conjunction with the illegality of harvesting females, it is no wonder the population grew exponentially. In 1923, the “Buck Law” was changed to allow for antlerless deer seasons. While its need at the turn of the century may have been justified, some argue that the “Buck Law” persisted too long, actually causing more harm than good. By 1930, Pa.’s deer herd had grown to record levels. For a detailed analysis of our state’s deer herd from 1900-1950, see Roger Latham’s 1950 Pennsylvania Game News article, “Pennsylvania’s Deer Problem.”

Though it was essentially repealed in 1923, the “Buck Law” had a lasting impact on hunter mentality. In his 1950 article, Latham claims that even though hunters opposed its inception in 1907, they also opposed its revocation. It appears that the illegality of harvesting antlerless deer led to a cultural stigma that frowned upon the harvest of a female deer. Undoubtedly, some viewed such a harvest as immoral. The cultural impact of the “Buck Law” persisted long beyond its revocation. To a large degree, this culture shaped the deer herds and their associated habitat for the remainder of the 20th century.



Tamaqua is a borough in eastern Schuylkill County in the Coal Region of Pennsylvania, United States. It had a population of 6,934 as of the 2020 U.S. census. Tamaqua was established from territory from West Penn and Schuylkill Townships. The borough is part of the micropolitan statistical area of Pottsville.