The Game Commission Monday announced that GPS-enabled applications, or “apps” as they are commonly referred to, are available to provide outdoor enthusiasts easy access to a host of information about all State Game Lands.

The app was developed by Gogal Publishing, of Warrington, Bucks County, which also has developed a series of fishing apps and maps for Pennsylvania, and will cost $9.99 (plus tax).

“Using a smartphone or tablet’s built-in navigation features, this new app provides turn-by-turn directions to parking lots, shooting ranges and check stations and includes details on 2012-13 seasons and regulations for the destinations you select,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Also, by using the internal map function, each destination can be viewed on a roadmap, with satellite imagery or in a hybrid view allowing you to identify the key features of the local area.”

Primarily purchased with hunter/furtaker license dollars, there are 1.4 million acres of State Game Lands, spread out over 65 of our 67 counties – Philadelphia and Delaware counties being the two exceptions. 

These lands are managed by the Game Commission for wildlife and to serve as public hunting and trapping areas. If the more than 300 numbered blocks of State Game Lands were all pulled together, the land mass would comprise an area larger than the state of Delaware.

Simple menus allow users to search for State Game Lands by the State Game Land number, Wildlife Management Unit or by which SGL is the closest to your present location. All results appear in distance order, allowing the user to find the nearest State Game Lands access no matter where you are.

Looking for State Game Lands beyond your current location? Just enter any Pennsylvania city into the search criteria to plan your next adventure. You can even save your favorite destinations for future use.

The app also assists hunters through the “Report Your Harvest” feature to phone in or input harvests and follow turn-by-turn directions to bear and elk check stations.

The “Find Game Commission Facilities” feature provides turn-by-turn directions and contact information to Game Commission offices and facilities.

“We are working to provide significant enhancements in coming months,” Roe said. “It is our goal to continually improve this product. So, make the most of your next State Game Lands outing with the official ‘PA State Game Lands’ App.”

7/23/2012