At the last meeting of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners, the momentum seemed firmly behind a proposal to make crossbows legal during archery deer and bear seasons.

Since then, however, much has changed on the board, where roster changes could impact next week's final vote on the controversial issue.

The commissioners meet Jan. 25-27 in Harrisburg for their first meeting of 2009.

At an October commissioners meeting held in Washington, Pa., the preliminary vote on crossbows was 5-2 for the proposal. But weeks ago, one of the "yes" votes, H. Daniel Hill III of Erie, abruptly resigned from the commission to accept a new position as a policy adviser with newly sworn-in U.S. Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper. The terms of two additional "yes" votes, Commissioner Russell Schleiden of Centre Hall and Commission President Roxane Palone of Southwest Pennsylvania, expired in November, but both remain on the board and eligible to vote for up to six months or until replaced by Gov. Ed Rendell.

Furthermore, Commissioner Ronald Weaner of the southcentral part of the state wasn't present for the October vote but is expected to vote against the proposal next week. And while Commissioner David Schreffler of Central Pennsylvania voted "yes" in October, he asked for an amendment to the proposal banning telescopic sights on crossbows during deer and bear hunting. No word on whether next week's vote will include the amendment Schreffler requested or how he might vote if the amendment isn't added.

The crossbow is currently a legal sporting arm in all Pennsylvania hunting seasons except archery deer and bear, unless the archer receives a disability permit. It is legal to use for deer in highly populated Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D.

Each general Pennsylvania hunting license includes a turkey tag. Applications are being accepted through April 1 for a second turkey tag for use during the April 25-May 25 season. Tags run $21 for residents, $41 for nonresidents. Hunters who get a second tag are required to mail in their hunting report card, even if they don't get a second turkey. Check the Hunting and Trapping Digest or www.pgc.state.pa.us for details.

Anglers and boaters might mark their calendars for the 49th annual Pittsburgh Boat Show Jan. 23-25 and Jan. 30-Feb. 1 at the David Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown. Get details at 412-798-8858 and www.pittsburghboatshow.com.