Fort Indiantown Gap launches online safety briefings and payments for outdoor recreation; New kiosk for check in and check out

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Shane Smith | A newly constructed building will house the check-in/check-out kiosk for the installation’s outdoor recreation program. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Shane Smith)  

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, UNITED STATES

09.15.2016

Story by Maj. Angela King-Sweigart 

Fort Indiantown Gap

FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, Pa. - Those wishing to visit Fort Indiantown Gap for hunting, fishing, trapping and other activities in restricted areas may now complete their mandatory safety briefing and pay their annual $50 access fee via any internet capable device through a new program implemented this week.

“The briefing, which used to be available only in-person, can now be completed at the hunter’s leisure,” explained Col. Robert Hepner, garrison commander. “Also, the briefings will be available throughout the season as opposed to only before the season began, as in years past. This flexibility will allow for many more people to take advantage of our outdoor recreation programs here.”

The briefing covers the changes for the upcoming season which runs from Oct. 2016 to May 2017 and introduces hunters to the available hunting areas on the installation. All hunters wishing to use the installation must also possess a valid Pennsylvania Game Commission license. A lottery is used to select those who may hunt north of Blue Mountain during regular rifle season. The lottery entry costs $20, ensures a safe hunting environment and assists with managing the harvest.

Additionally, there are 1,000 Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) coupons this year. DMAP coupons are available by visiting the Wildlife office weekdays between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. Sept. 6 through Sept. 23. To be eligible to participate in the DMAP program, hunters must complete the online safety briefing, pay the access fee, and have a valid Pennsylvania Game Commission license.

All fees collected are used for the protection, conservation and management of fish and wildlife at Fort Indiantown Gap, including habitat restoration and improvement, biologist staff and support costs and related activities.
After completing their online registration and payment of fees, hunters will be able to check in and check out of the hunting areas using a new kiosk located on the installation. The check-in/check-out kiosk will be operational Sept. 19, when scouting opens at Fort Indiantown Gap. “This new kiosk is used nation-wide at more than 20 other installations. It provides clear instructions and convenient hours for those wishing to avail themselves of the programs here,” said Hepner.

To register to hunt at Fort Indiantown Gap by viewing the safety briefing and paying the fee visit http://ftig.isportsman.net. For questions about the new program please call [phone] or [phone], or email [e-mail].

For more information about activities on the installation visit the Fort Indiantown Gap website at http://ftig.png.pa.gov/, follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ftindiantowngap, or call our community information line at [phone].

• Date Taken: 09.15.2016
• Date Posted: 09.15.2016 09:08
• Story ID: 209682
• Location: FORT INDIANTOWN GAP, PA, US