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Collectible Patch and Prints Marks 50 Years Of Hunter Education in Pa

Pennsylvania Game Commission

Pennsylvania  – -(OutdoorWire.com)-  To honor 50 years of hunter education, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is offering a limited edition patch and fine-art print by George LaVanish, of Tyrone, Blair County. The print, titled Tomorrow’s Hunters, depicts and instructor and students in a hunter education training exercise. The companion patch is a thumbnail of the print’s theme.

As a token of appreciation, the four-inch embroidered patch and 13-inch by 18-inch print will be presented to each active volunteer instructor. The remaining items will be available to the public for sale.

Of the 5,000 patches, nearly 2,000 patches will sell for $5.66, plus shipping/handling and state sales tax. Orders for the patch are being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis via “The Outdoor Shop” on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Just click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page, choose the “Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop” in the lower left-hand corner of the page, select “Merchandise” from the banner, then click on “Patches” and scroll down to the “50 Years of Hunter Education” patch.

Of the 3,000 prints, roughly 200 prints will sell for $79.95 for unframed print, and $179.95 for framed prints, plus shipping/handling and state sales tax. Prints will be available by late March. Orders will be accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis via “The Outdoor Shop” on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Just click on the icon in the upper right-hand corner of the page, click on “Pennsylvania Game Commission Outdoor Shop” in the lower left-hand corner of the page, select “Merchandise” from the banner, and then click on “Misc. Prints” in the left-hand column.

Filed under: Hunting News by Ammoland 1 Comment »

Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association Teams with ADWA to Grow $15 Billion Deer Industry

AUSTIN, Texas – Many hunting ranches had a slow start in 2008 but finished with a banner year, proving that hunters will always be in pursuit of big deer. The American Deer & Wildlife Alliance (ADWA) announces a partnership with the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association (PDFA) in pursuit of growing the deer industry in North America.

As one of the largest state deer associations, PDFA is instrumental in protecting landowners, breeders and ranchers rights to raise and hunt deer on the land they own. “Now that our industry has 250”+ deer available to hunt we can add the World Wide Big Game revenues to the $15 billion dollar deer industry. Each year we just need a small percentage of those total dollars to shift our industry, and the numbers are huge. Our industry can do nothing but grow. There will be economic ups and downs but our greatest enemy will be legislation and regulations that will negatively impact our industry,” says Dave Griffith, President of the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association.

“We feel it is more important than ever to protect our rights as hunters, landowners and deer breeders,” adds ADWA director of operations Annie Jones. “ADWA encourages our industry to support organizations such as PDFA and NADeFA in looking out for our collective rights, and in their understanding that more exposure for deer and elk breeders can only benefit those who have felt marginalized in the national press.”

Pennsylvania is currently ranked no. 2 in commercial deer and elk farms, no. 3 in deer and elk sold, no. 4 in total deer and elk farms, and no. 5 in total deer and elk kept. Deer farms can be found in 60 of 67 counties in the state, and elk farms can be found in 30 counties. 82% of deer and elk farms have been created since 1990, indicating a fast-growing industry. Jones adds, “Soon people will see this move from a ‘niche farm sector’ to a mainstream one, as a bright future lies ahead. Its $40.3 million of direct farm receipts compare nicely with other farm sectors for which Pennsylvania is well-known.”

According to surveys pointed to in studies, Pennsylvania’s deer and elk farms expect to reach $47.1 million in sales by 2010, up from $16.8 million in 2001. This growth is a factor of varied industry trends, beginning with the diversity of enterprises and products involved. Deer and elk farms turn out a broad array of products and services, ranging from deer urine to venison meat. Services offered include hunting, breeding stock and tourism-related activities.

To support the Pennsylvania Deer Farmers Association, and to learn more about their economic impact on the state, please visit www.padfa.com .

ADWA partners with companies and organizations within the industry to promote their products, services, membership benefits and overall growth of the industry through education and aggressive public relations. Serving as a ‘PR engine’ for its members, ADWA combines the benefits of marketing and education to inspire credibility among consumers and unity within the industry. ADWA is also the title sponsor of Keith Warren’s Deer & Wildlife Stories, airing on the Outdoor Channel.

To learn more about the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance or for membership information, visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org or call 877.331.8607.

About:
Headquartered in Austin, Texas, the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance is a non-profit organization dedicated to the growth of the deer and wildlife industry, and to help educate consumers and the youth on the conservation issues which effect deer and wildlife as well as the industry. For more information on the American Deer & Wildlife Alliance, call 877.331.8607 or visit www.deerwildlifealliance.org.

Filed under: Conservation News, Hunting News, Shooting Industry News by Ammoland No Comments »