Senate Confirms Three Game Commissioners to New Terms
Pennsylvania lawmakers approved second and third terms for three members of the Board of Game Commissioners, which oversees the state's wildlife management.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hunting
Live Poll
Do you trust Pennsylvania's Game Commission to manage wildlife well?
The Pennsylvania Senate confirmed Dr. Michael Mitrick, Haley Sankey and Allen DiMarco to new terms on the Board of Game Commissioners after Governor Josh Shapiro appointed them. The new terms run through 2030.
Why it matters
The Board of Game Commissioners sets hunting and trapping rules and manages wildlife across Pennsylvania. Continuity on the nine-member board keeps long-running wildlife management decisions with experienced commissioners.
Board members serve four-year terms and may be reappointed for a maximum of two additional terms. Commissioners receive no compensation but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.
The players
Josh Shapiro
Josh Shapiro is the Governor of Pennsylvania, who appoints members of the Board of Game Commissioners.
Pennsylvania Senate
The Pennsylvania Senate is the state legislative chamber that confirms gubernatorial appointments to the Board of Game Commissioners.
Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners
The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners is the nine-member state body that regulates hunting and trapping and manages wildlife.
The details
Sankey and DiMarco were confirmed for second terms on May 6, 2026, and Mitrick was confirmed for a third term on October 7, 2026. Sankey serves as Board President and DiMarco as Board Vice President.
Timeline
May 6, 2026: Senate confirms Haley Sankey and Allen DiMarco for second terms.
October 7, 2026: Senate confirms Michael Mitrick for a third term.
2030: Current commissioner terms end.
Season Trajectory
The confirmations follow Pennsylvania's structure of four-year commissioner terms capped at two reappointments, which keeps board membership staggered across nine geographic districts. Continuity on the board maintains the commission's existing approach to managing the state's wildlife.
Continuity on the Board of Game Commissioners means the existing rules for hunting and trapping across Pennsylvania are overseen by the same commissioners through 2030. Hunters and trappers can expect the board's current management approach to remain in place over that period.
The takeaway
Stable board membership gives Pennsylvania hunters and trappers consistency in wildlife rules through 2030. Staying informed about board decisions is the most practical way to track changes that affect seasons and licensing.
Further reading
For more on the state's wildlife rules, see Hunting coverage for Pennsylvania.
Source note: This article includes information reported by GantNews.
Live Poll
Do you trust Pennsylvania's Game Commission to manage wildlife well?
