Jul 3, 2005 6 min read

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Vernon R. Ross Tuesday announced he will retire effective Dec. 31, to spend more time with his wife and family, and in the Great Outdoors with his grandchildren. “As much as I care about serving the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the Commonwealth’s wildlife and Pennsylvania’s hunters and trappers, it’s time for me to find more time for the people who matter most to me, my family,” Ross said. “They have supported me every step of the way in my professional career, and it’s time for me to spend as much time as I can with them.

“When I became Executive Director in May of 1999, I said that I had intended to serve only four years. More than six years later, I believe that this agency has accomplished much to be proud of for the benefit of our wildlife resources, for hunters and trappers and for all people who enjoy the state’s wildlife.

“Now that the Board of Game Commissioners has a full complement of eight members, I want to give this Board time to conduct an appropriate search, interview and selection process so that the agency can begin a new year with a new executive director.”

Ross began serving as the agency’s executive director on May 10, 1999. Since that time, he has gone about the business of meeting with full-time and part-time employees, as well as volunteers, in an effort to encourage positive change. He has championed many efforts to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Game Commission and its employees.

During his tenure, the Game Commission has expanded youth hunting opportunities as a means of increasing hunting participation. As a result, youth hunting licenses sales have increased from 100,845 in 1998, to 109,644 in 2004.

Ross also oversaw the implementation of a Deer Management Section to focus greater attention on the agency’s deer program.

He also worked to create region biologists and region wildlife diversity biologists to broaden and improve the agency’s wildlife management programs and to work with private landowners on habitat projects to benefit wildlife.

In addition, the agency has: expanded deer hunting opportunities; implemented antler restrictions; held limited elk seasons since 2001 and bobcat seasons since 2000; and increased turkey and small game hunting opportunities. He also oversaw implementation of important research projects for game and non-game species to enable the agency to make informed management decisions.

Also, including actions taken Tuesday, the Board of Game Commissioners has approved the acquisition of more than 47,550 acres of State Game Lands since July 1, 1999. The total State Game Lands system now amounts to more than 1.4 million acres.

“When I was a boy, I met the District Game Protector who served in the area of my father’s hunting camp,” Ross said. “His name was Norm Erickson, and he had a very positive impact on my life and represented the Game Commission well. For the past six years, I’ve been honored to serve as the executive director of that agency. But, as I close in on 65 years of age, I want to do my part to personally promote the state’s hunting heritage by spending time outdoors with my grandchildren in that same camp that I grew up visiting.”

A veteran of the U.S. Army, Ross served as a corporal, infantryman and combat photographer. After being honorably discharged in 1962, he was employed in the business world from 1962-95, where he served as a manager and marketing director, and vice president of operations and marketing.

A member of various sportsmen’s clubs and civic organizations, Ross helped form the “Sportsmen Coalition for Ridge/Schweiker ’94” and served as its chair. Following the election of Governor Tom Ridge, Ross was named the Commonwealth’s first-ever Sportsmen’s Advisor to the Governor in 1995. In this position, he was the executive director of the Governor’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Council and helped facilitate meetings between Governor Ridge and members of the Ridge Administration and sportsmen’s organizations.

During his tenure with the Ridge Administration, Ross helped bring the Fifth Governor’s Symposium on North America’s Hunting Heritage to Pennsylvania in 1998. Ross orchestrated a successful symposium by working with staff from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and other hunting organizations. The symposium hosted by Governor Ridge was so successful that it revived a program on the verge of ending.

A native of New Kensington, Westmoreland County, Ross now lives in Camp Hill, Cumberland County, with his wife, Carolyn. They have three children: Brian, Suzanne and Jennifer; and five grandchildren: Tyler, Dustin, Colin, Steven and Maggie.

Sen. Joe Conti (R-Bucks), Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Republican chairman, said: “Vern Ross has made a great impact on the Game Commission and provided a great service to the Commonwealth and sportsmen.”

Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Fayette), former Senate Game and Fisheries Committee Democratic chairman, said: “It was great working with Vern over the years and I wish him well in his future endeavors. During his years on the commission, I never doubted that he had the interests of sportsmen at heart.”

Melody Zullinger, Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs executive director, said: “We believe that Vern Ross has worked hard to make the Game Commission more open and accessible to hunters. During his tenure, hunters and trappers have had a better relationship with the agency. We also appreciate the work that he has done to expand youth seasons to strengthen the future of our hunting heritage by encouraging more young people to get involved in the outdoors.”

Don Heckman, Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation executive officer, said: “Not only is Vern Ross an avid and experienced turkey hunter, but he also is an advocate for the wild turkey management and hunting heritage. With Vern’s support, we earned passage of legislation to clear the way for a second spring gobbler license, and have made considerable progress at implementing the wild turkey management plan. He also has been a champion at promoting wildlife habitat, especially in cooperation with the National Wild Turkey Federation.”

Rod Zullinger, Pennsylvania Trappers Association president, said: “We are pleased with the progress made on behalf of trappers during Vern Ross’ service as Game Commission executive director. With his support, we have been able to participate in a limited bobcat season since 2000, and recently gained access to using cable restraints for coyotes and foxes beginning in January.”

Ed Wentzler, United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania legislative director, said: “Director Ross has well served both our wildlife resource and this agency. He has always been accessible to the United Bowhunters, and encouraged staff to address our concerns satisfactorily. We have enjoyed working with Vern, and wish him a long and enjoyable retirement.”