Pennsylvania Game Commission

STATE COLLEGE, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials today announced that they plan to conduct controlled burns on the Scotia Barrens on State Game Land 176 in Patton Township, Centre County, to improve habitat conditions within this unique ecosystem.

Originally outlined in public meetings and meetings with news media in the area in March of 2009, Game Commission officials said that the planned prescribed burns will reduce the possibility of an uncontrolled wildfire impacting the surrounding developed communities.

“We are starting the public announcement process earlier this year to ensure that, if weather conditions cooperate, we can reach our prescribed burn goal on State Game Land 176,” said Bill Capouillez, Bureau of Wildlife Habitat Management director. “This year, our target goal is to burn the periphery buffer area between the surrounding developments and the high fuel loads existing on the State Game Land. This buffer burn area must be completed first in order to reduce the fuel load closest to the nearby homes, while also creating a much larger safety barrier for our interior burn areas that will begin in 2011.”

The buffer control area is comprised of three, 95-acre parcels which are slated to be burned between March 8 and May 8.

“This will allow us to burn the portion of the buffer area we missed last year, as well as the remaining portions of the buffer area we had hoped to burn this year,” Capouillez said. “We didn’t open the window of opportunity last year until April 6, because we wanted to provide advance notice to the public. This year, we are beginning the public notification now so that we can take advantage of the prime weather conditions that we anticipate will be available in March.”

In reiterating the importance for this controlled burn, Capouillez said that the Scotia Barrens ecosystem, which is a scrub oak/pitch pine barrens, depends on fire to regenerate itself.

“Prescribed burns are a tool used by the Game Commission to improve habitat and, in this case, will help maintain the ecological integrity of this unique habitat, which supports a number of wildlife and plant species of special concern,” Capouillez said. “Also, this controlled burn will reduce the fuel load – the leaf litter, pine needles and twigs on the forest floor – that increases the chance of a catastrophic wildfire being ignited by a lightening strike or by a cigarette carelessly tossed on the ground. Because of decades of fire suppression, fuel loads are unnaturally high. Prescribed fire allows us to control when and where fire occurs rather than react to an emergency situation.”

Additionally, the three 95-acre burn units will serve as a firebreak for future prescribed burns that are planned for SGL 176. To begin the preparation, agency employees have already re-initiated last year’s coordination efforts with all other jurisdictional agencies on the protection of any known cultural resources, as well as plants and animals designated as having a higher status of special concern. Much of the physical preparation to conduct the burns also was completed last year when agency personnel created fire breaks using existing roads, trails, herbaceous openings and dozed fire lines.

Capouillez noted that residents may see smoke emerging from the Scotia Barrens during the window of opportunity that the agency has targeted for the controlled burn, which is March 8 to May 8. This window was specifically selected to avoid peak incubation period for ruffed grouse (May 8), songbird nesting (May 14) and the birth of fawns (June 1).

“While we want to avoid the nesting, brooding and birthing cycles, the low-intensity heat from a slow, controlled burn will enable wildlife in the burn areas to escape in advance of the fire,” Capouillez said. “We have had experiences in the past where wild turkey nests have been known to be passed over by a controlled burn and the hen still returns to incubate the eggs. That would not be the result in the case of a wildfire.”

Capouillez emphasized that burning will be done when the weather is suitable to allow for a safe burn, including the rapid rising and dispersal of smoke. Also, he noted that the partnerships involved in this burn will ensure safety throughout the process.

“Once again, the Nature Conservancy has agreed to serve as ‘burn boss,’ and oversee the entire project,” Capouillez said. “Since controlled burning requires careful timing and a thorough knowledge of weather and fire behavior, highly trained fire personnel with either state or national certification from the Game Commission, The Nature Conservancy, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Park Service and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will partner to conduct this burn, as well as to provide equipment, materials and support.”

Capouillez said that the agency also has begun notifying local elected officials, emergency management agencies, fire companies, local airports and local Pennsylvania Department of Transportation officials.

Optimal weather conditions will be chosen for smoke dispersal, but Capouillez noted that during these controlled burns nearby residents will certainly see and smell smoke. The smoke usually disappears by the end of the day.

“People become upset when there is smoke in the air if they don’t know the reason for the fire,” Capouillez said. “That’s why we’re trying to get the word out about prescribed fire. If we carefully plan and conduct a burn when weather conditions favor smoke dispersal, this reduces smoke-related problems. Dealing with a little bit of smoke now is infinitely better than trying to control a raging wildfire later.”

Capouillez noted that the Game Commission has conducted prescribed burns on more than 1,500 acres of State Game Lands over the past three years.

“Added benefits from this prescribed burn will be a temporary reduction in ticks, a reduction in exotic and invasive species, training for those who participate in prescribed burns and informing the public about the benefits of prescribe burns,” Capouillez said.

Pennsylvania’s Wildlife Action Plan cites fire as an important tool in managing certain habitats, including barrens, forests and grasslands, and for species of greatest conservation need. For more information, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Wildlife” in the left-hand column, click on “Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan.”

SGL 176 currently contains 6,231 acres in Ferguson, Half Moon and Patton townships.

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Pa Game Commission Habitat Improvement Project Involves Controlled Burns

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Samples taken from the 43 hunter-killed elk during the state’s 2009 hunting season have all tested negative for chronic wasting disease (CWD), according to Dr. Walt Cottrell, the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s wildlife veterinarian. Samples also tested negative for brucellosis and tuberculosis.

Cottrell noted that the Game Commission still is awaiting the results of CWD testing for the hunter-killed deer samples collected during the 2009 rifle deer season.

“Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania,” Cottrell said. “Conducting these tests on hunter-killed deer and elk is one part of the Game Commission’s ongoing efforts to monitor wild deer and elk populations for the presence of CWD.

“We obviously need to keep a watchful eye on our wild and captive deer and elk. Working closely with the state Department of Agriculture and other agency representatives on the state’s CWD Task Force, we hope to protect our state’s wild cervids from this fatal disease.”

CWD tests on the elk samples were conducted by the New Bolton Center, which is the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary diagnostics laboratory. Under a contract with Penn State University, the elk samples also were tested for brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis and found to be free from these diseases. New Bolton Center also is conducting the CWD tests on the deer samples. Results are expected later this spring.

To learn more about CWD, visit the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “Wildlife” in menu bar in the banner, then choose “Wildlife Diseases” and click on “Chronic Wasting Disease.”

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Hunter-Killed Elk Test Negative For CWD And Other Diseases

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today presented the agency’s annual report to the General Assembly, and delivered testimony before the House Game and Fisheries Committee.

To view a copy of the agency’s annual report, please visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on “Resources” in the menu bar under the banner on the homepage, then select “Reports/Minutes” in the drop-down menu, click on “Annual Legislative Reports” and then click on “2009” in the listing.

Following is Roe’s testimony before the House Game and Fisheries Committee:

“This has been another productive year for the Game Commission as we faced many challenges and yet were able to continue to improve some of our programs,” Roe said. “We were still not able to do all we would like for the Commonwealth’s wildlife or the hunters and trappers due to the lack of resources to accomplish our objectives.

“As you read through the annual report you will again see that in the program accountability section we built the report on the strategic plan objectives to give you an idea of how we manage towards the goals and objectives of the strategic plan. Our public accountability section again addresses major program areas. The budget accountability is relatively self-explanatory. In the law enforcement accountability section we had five formal complaints compared to seven in 2008 and 10 in 2007. Of the five, one was sustained and was a case of unprofessional demeanor. Overall our wildlife protection efforts were again strong as we increased apprehensions for illegal take of game by 5 percent, hunting over bait by 13 percent, hunting or taking game with a motorized vehicle by 31 percent. Over all we had 19,172 violations detected with 6,948 citations and 12,224 warnings.

“Next, I would like to offer some comment in more detail on some of our programs. First, I would like to address some administrative programs that started last year where automation was a significant reason for the improvement in the process. The Pennsylvania Automated License Sales System commenced this past year and it was an unqualified success. Although there were some agent challenges early in the process, for the most part it was a great success and was very popular with both the agents and the hunters. Additionally within the PALs system, we initiated a harvest reporting system over the internet. We do not know the success of the system at this point or if it has increased the reporting rate, but we did receive many comments on the ease of the system. We did have one complaint from a hunter who was frustrated that the system would not work for him. He stated that he tried to put the antler points in the system and it would not take them. He said he could not report his 18-point buck because he had ten points on one side and we had only single digits to place the number. We have fixed that.

“Another area where we have used automation to increase information flow is the use of E-Bird. This is a program where our ‘citizen scientists’ can provide information on bird counts directly to a data base being run by Cornell University. This allows citizens who have an interest in birding and wildlife watching to directly participate into providing important information for those programs. This greatly assists the Christmas Bird Count and the Backyard Bird Count Programs.

“We now provide both our Hunting Digest and Game News via Nxtbook. This is a system that allows you to view both publications in an automated manner and allows for interaction in many of our pages. As you read the publication on the computer you actually turn the pages. We provide this service free to all libraries and schools. We believe this was particularly good for schools and allows for multiple students to read the Game News at the same time instead of only one person being able to read the hard cover magazine. We also provided this service to all our land cooperators without charge. It is a very unique system that provides broader service at a minimal cost.

“We continue to move forward with our wild pheasant reintroduction program that is a result of a great partnership with Pheasants Forever. We are introducing pheasants again this year to our third wild pheasant restoration area in Somerset County. Additionally, we had another area nominated for a pheasant restoration area in the south east part of the state. Although our pheasant management plan calls for four restoration areas, we believe that with continued success and assistance from Pheasants Forever and local landowners we can exceed that objective.

“Another program that we increased this year is our support for the Wounded Warrior Program. These are armed forces service members who want to hunt after spending time in Walter Reed or Bethesda Hospital. They want to come to Pennsylvania to hunt as a way of returning to normalcy. We provided support to several groups this year across the state and are looking forward to keeping that program going and expanding with the support of many sportsmen’s organizations.

“Last year’s hunting season was pretty good across the board. We do not have the results of the current deer season, but in 2008-09 we had an estimated deer harvest of 335,850. Our bear kill this past year was the second largest ever with 3,499 bear being taken. This past fall’s elk season was an interesting challenge. We had the lowest success rate we ever had during our elk season. We believe this was a result of a healthy mast crop in the area that changed the elk’s feeding patterns from their normal grazing habitat. They appeared to be able to stay in the woods and eat acorns instead of coming out into the gazing areas. It was much more difficult to pattern the elk. With that in mind, we had the same concern coming into the deer season. It appeared because of a large mast crop in many areas it was more difficult to pattern deer this year as they did not have to move very far to get food. They basically could move less than 100 yards and have plenty to eat from their cover areas. We will see how the harvest was this year and see if our concerns were founded.

“Over the past few years we have made a concerted effort to improve the communication about our deer program. As we have for the past three years, we will be offering a series of open houses in each of our regions. All of our deer information and data is available for the public to read and understand on our web site. Additionally we publish the deer chronicle twice a year to keep the public updated on our program and last but certainly not least is our ‘Ask the Biologist’ site where the public can ask our biologists any question they have on their mind.

“As a result of improved habitat in the northern tier, we have had reports of increase in grouse and snowshoe hare populations. The early successional growth has helped to provide adequate cover for these species. Last year, we also introduced a Snow Goose Conservation Hunt that ran from the end of February to the end of March. Hunters can apply for a no fee permit to take snow geese during this period.

“Preliminary approval for changes in next year’s hunting season includes a youth rabbit hunt for our junior license holders. This year there will be a major change to our bobcat program. We will move from a lottery system to a short open season for bobcats. Hunters and trappers with a furtaker license and a five dollar permit will be able to hunt or trap bobcats. We are also initiating a fisher season. Our trappers will be able to trap fisher in a short season in specific wildlife management units.

“On the legislative front, the primary issue continues to be the license increase. It has been 11 years since our last increase. As I always mention, I do not know of any company that is surviving on a revenue stream based on 1999 values. Certainly the rest of state government has not been held to those levels. In fact, if our budget would have been allowed to increase at the same rate as the rest of the state, we would have been able to spend $95.2 million instead of the roughly $68 million we have spent for the past three years. We have had numerous hearings across the state for the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee and all have been positive. I am sure you have heard the expression that we do not deserve an increase. Some may think that a license increase will increase our pay and that not giving an increase is punishment to us. A license increase does not increase the pay of anyone in the Commission. It does not provide any additional funding to individuals. However, without an increase it does limit how well we can do wildlife programs for the public. A license increase is about funding the wildlife resources of the Commonwealth. It is about how you want to resource our efforts to take care of wildlife for the citizens of the Commonwealth.

“In addition to no increase in revenues, we were also hampered to perform our mission by the hiring freeze and other actions. We were not allowed to hire key personnel that we needed to address critical problems. Examples of that was not hiring members of our forest inventory team and delaying the hiring of our one geologist that does our oil, gas and mineral, activities. What was difficult to understand was that our budget was approved and we had monies to hire these important positions. It was very frustrating and the reality is since we have a separate special fund it did not affect the bottom line of the general fund budget at all. We were also not allowed to purchase much needed vehicles last year and so far this year we have not been able to purchase vehicles again even though they are in the budget and approved. This just complicates matters as we are delaying needed infrastructure issues that will come due in the future.

“There is another legislative issue that we would like to see and that is that owners of oil, gas and mineral rights must notify the surface owner of any pending sale or transfer of those rights. This would preclude a lot of confusion on both public and private lands. We have had several instances where owners of subsurface rights on state game lands have sold or moved those rights without us knowing it and we would obviously have liked to have had the opportunity to gain those rights to protect the State Game Lands. The most obvious of these types of subsurface sales occur through county tax sales.

“Since we are rapidly approaching the end of the session, we do not anticipate much legislative activity as I am sure that the general state budget will be the primary focus of the body. However, we do want to thank the committee for their strong support of HB 1859, more commonly known as the poaching bill or increased penalty bill. It is an important piece of legislation that will certainly assist in reducing the illegal take of wildlife. We would also like to thank Representative Cutler for his piece of legislation that improves the understanding of the authority of our Wildlife Conservation Officers and their wildlife protection activities.

“I am sure there will be questions on Marcellus Shale, so I will quickly address the subject. During Fiscal Year 2008, the Game Commission approved three oil/gas leases within the Marcellus Shale development areas of the Commonwealth. These leases totaled 2,693.43 acres and were worth an average upfront payment of $907.38 dollars per acre to the Commission constituting an additional 10 acres of State Game Lands acquisition as well as revenues to the game fund. The average royalty per acre for these leases was 23.08 percent. During Fiscal Year 2008, there were no Marcellus wells drilled on any of these leases but there were four wells planned for drilling in the Fiscal Year 2009. On all other currently active leases on State Game Lands, there were two Marcellus wells commenced and placed into production in Fiscal Year 2008. The Game Commission received a total of $113,336.26 royalty revenues during Fiscal Year 2008 from Marcellus gas production, with the average approximate well production being only 250 mcf/day, rather than the 2,000-3,000 mcf/day production some have assumed would occur. Unfortunately, there have also been two separate environmental degradation incidents which occurred during these wells development causing the need for increased Game Commission coordination, and oversight management scrutiny.

“We believe we have had a very positive year in the Game Commission. There were many things in our strategic plan that we could not accomplish due to resource constraints, but we did continue to get a lot of things done. We have updated our strategic plan and that document will drive our programs and the objectives we want to accomplish for the next five years. We continue to update our species management plans that will assist in our integrated State Game Lands plans. We know what we need to do to improve conditions for wildlife and in turn provide great opportunities for our hunters and trappers. We want to do more. This is not a mater of will but a matter of resources available to get the job done.

“We believe we have had a very positive year in the Game Commission. There were many things in our strategic plan that we could not accomplish due to resource constraints, but we did continue to get a lot of things done. We have updated our strategic plan and that document will drive our programs and the objectives we want to accomplish for the next five years. We continue to update our species management plans that will assist in our integrated State Game Lands plans. We know what we need to do to improve conditions for wildlife and in turn provide great opportunities for our hunters and trappers. We want to do more. This is not a mater of will but a matter of resources available to get the job done.

“We are looking forward to a bright future for the wildlife resources of the Commonwealth and with your assistance we can do more.

“We are looking forward to a bright future for the wildlife resources of the Commonwealth and with your assistance we can do more.

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Pa Game Commission Delivers Annual Report To Legislature

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Game Commission is seeking public input on a draft deer management plan, which can be reviewed on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on the “Draft Deer Management Plan” icon under the large photo in the center of the homepage.

“We are seeking public comment on the revised deer management plan to ensure the resulting final management plan considers the thoughts and concerns of Pennsylvanians about this species,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “As written, the plan is science-based, progressive and promotes responsible management. We’re interested in hearing from Pennsylvanians who would like to offer comments, and to see if we’ve missed something or if they share our management vision for the future.”

Developed by biologists with the agency’s Deer Management Section, the deer management plan establishes management goals through 2018. Those goals are to: manage deer for a healthy and sustainable deer herd; manage deer-human conflicts at levels considered safe and acceptable to Pennsylvania citizens; manage deer impacts for healthy and sustainable forest habitat; manage deer to provide recreational opportunities; and to improve the public’s knowledge and understanding of deer and the deer management program. Game Commission staff uses these guidelines when making deer management recommendations to the Board of Game Commissioners.

“These goals are the result of a public involvement process,” DuBrock said. “The mission and deer management goals are important forms of public input, and in most cases, will outweigh other forms of public input. However, the mission and goals cannot always provide the necessary information for specific issues. As a result, the Game Commission also uses other methods of public involvement in its deer management program such as public meetings, surveys, and Citizen Advisory Committees.”

DuBrock noted that the Game Commission follows an adaptive management approach to deer management. Adaptive management is characterized by establishing clear and measurable objectives, implementing management actions, monitoring those management actions and whether they achieved the objectives, and adapting policy and management actions as necessary.

“Adaptive management recognizes deer management decisions must be made without the luxury of perfect information,” DuBrock said. “Consequently, the focus of adaptive management is on monitoring responses to management actions and learning. By managing white-tailed deer in this way, the Game Commission can effectively adapt management as conditions change.

“Deer population management integrates data-driven objectives for deer and forest habitat health with value-driven objectives for deer-human conflicts. First and foremost, the Game Commission must achieve its duties and responsibilities to wildlife and habitat. Deer and forest habitat health measures meet this need. However, objectively defining deer-human conflicts is impossible because of the range of values and perceptions exhibited by people. Rather than attempt to quantify deer-human conflicts, the Game Commission uses Citizen Advisory Committees to help assess deer-human conflicts.”

DuBrock stressed that deer management objectives are no longer defined by deer densities. Instead, deer management objectives are defined by measures of deer health, forest habitat health, and deer-human conflicts.

“The change from defining deer management objectives by deer densities to specific measures for each goal has created controversy,” DuBrock said. “Although the Game Commission acknowledges the desire of hunters and the public to know how many deer are in Pennsylvania at any given time, the Game Commission has a duty to implement a responsible and credible deer management program that addresses deer management goals through the most efficient use of available data.

“Responsible deer management cannot be a popularity contest. As Pennsylvania’s history demonstrates, deer management was, is, and will continue to be an issue where complete agreement by all stakeholders is unlikely. To accomplish the goals provided by the public, the Game Commission’s deer management program must be based on the best available information and made in the best interest of white-tailed deer, Pennsylvania’s wildlife and natural resources, and all citizens for today and tomorrow. Balancing the science and biology of deer management with the values of citizens will continue to be the greatest challenge for the Game Commission’s deer program.”

Public comments on the agency’s deer management plan will be accepted until March 12, via the website or by mail to: Deer Management Plan, Pennsylvania Game Commission, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797.

Additionally, public comment can be offered at the upcoming open houses that the Game Commission will be hosting in six communities around the state between Feb. 20 and April 10. Open houses will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a Saturday to maximize the opportunity for those interested in attending, and are being held in different locations than the three previous rounds to afford residents in other areas of the state the opportunity to attend.

The schedule for the open houses is as follows:

February 20 – Northcentral Region
Coudersport Volunteer Fire Company Training Center
171 Rt. 6 West
Coudersport, Pa 16915

Traveling West on Rt. 6, from red light in Coudersport at Sheetz, .07 miles on left across from Eulalia Cemetery, next to the Movie Galley.

Traveling East on RT. 6, from Port Alleghany, .02 miles past West Gate Inn on right, next to the Movie Galley.

February 27 – Northeast Region
PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
126 PPL Drive
Hawley, PA 18428

From Hawley/Honesdale take US 6 east to the intersection with PPL Drive (0.3 miles past the intersection of US 6 and SR 590), turn right and follow signs to the ELC.

From Milford take US 6 west to the intersection with PPL Drive(1.0 miles past the intersection of US 6 and SR 507), turn left. Follow signs to the ELC.

From Scranton take I-84 east to Exit 17 (Hamlin, Newfoundland, SR 191), turn left (north)onto SR 191. At SR 590, (9.0 miles) turn right. At US 6 (1.7 miles) turn right. At PPL Drive (0.3 miles), turn right. Follow the signs to the ELC.

March 13 – Northwest Region
Brokenstraw Fish and Game
1001 Mead Run Rd.
Youngsville, PA 16371

Traveling west on Rt. 6 turn right on Mead Run Road. Travel approximately 1 mile the club is on the left. Mead Run Road is approximately .7 miles west of Youngsville.

Traveling east on Rt. 6 turn left on Mead Run Road. Travel approximately 1 mile the club is on the left. Mead Run Road is approximately 2 miles east of the Rt. 27 / Rt. 6 intersection in Pittsfield.

March 20 – Southwest Region
Richland Fire Department – Solomon Run Banquet Facility
Mt. Airy Drive
Johnstown, PA 15904

DIRECTIONS (From Johnstown and points south)

Travel Rt 219 northbound and take the Galleria Drive exit

Turn left at the top of Galleria Drive

Turn right at Solomon Run Road

Turn right at Mount Airy Drive

THE BANQUET FACILITY PARKING LOT IS ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE BUILDING.

Directions (From Ebensburg and points north)

Travel Rt 219 southbound and take the Galleria Drive exit

Turn right at Galleria Drive

Turn right at Solomon Run Road

Turn right at Mount Airy Drive

THE BANQUET FACILITY PARKING LOT IS ON THE FAR SIDE OF THE BUILDING

March 27 – Southcentral Region
Shippensburg State University Conference Center
500 Newburg Road
Shippensburg, PA 17257

FROM EAST OF SHIPPENSBURG: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 16/226 (Carlisle). Follow U.S. Route 11 north to I-81 South. Exit I-81 South at Exit 29 (King Street). Turn right at the end of the exit ramp onto PA 174. Travel 2 miles to a “T” intersection. Turn left onto King Street (U.S. Route 11). At the 6th traffic light, turn right onto North Earl Street. Proceed approximately 1.4 miles, during which North Earl Street becomes the Newburg Road (PA Route 696). Just past the football stadium on the right is the Conference Center, also on the right. The Conference Center is the rear portion of a large red brick building. Look for the sign in the front of the building. Parking is in the rear.

FROM WEST OF SHIPPENSBURG: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Exit 15/201 (Blue Mountain). Turn left onto PA Route 997. At the “Y” intersection bear right onto route 696. In the town of Newburg, watch the signs carefully and stay on Route 696 (requires a left turn followed by an immediate right turn). Continue on Route 696 south another 8 miles toward Shippensburg. As the University stadium comes into view, the Conference Center is on the left and is the rear portion of a large red brick building, shared with the SU Foundation. Look for the sign in the front of the building. Parking is in the rear.

FROM NORTH OF SHIPPENSBURG: Take rural routes to I-81 and follow directions from North or use rural routes to PA turnpike and follow directions from West.

FROM SOUTH OF SHIPPENSBURG: Take I-81 north to Pennsylvania. Continue to exit 24 (Fayette Street). At exit ramp, turn left onto Route 696 and travel 2 miles to a “T” intersection. Turn left onto Fayette Street and proceed to another “T” intersection. Turn right onto King Street. At the 2nd traffic light, turn left onto North Earl Street. North Earl becomes the Newburg Road (PA Route 696). Proceed approximately 1.4 miles, just past the football stadium on the right, to the Conference Center, also on the right. The Conference Center is the rear portion of a large red brick building. Look for the sign in the front of the building. Parking is in the rear.

FROM THE PARKING LOT, the Open House is through the entrance off the parking lot and into the lobby on the first floor

April 10 – Southeast Region
Frackville American Legion
40 S. Mahanoy St.
Frackville, PA 17931

From Rt. 81, take exit 124B to merge onto S Lehigh Ave/PA-61 N and travel toward Frackville. In Frackville, turn right on Oak Street by the Turkey Hill. Take the first left on S. Mahanoy St.

These deer management open houses and the outreach information available at them were developed by a Deer Communications Working Group, which was created in 2007 to improve the agency’s efforts to explain deer management – and the need for it – to Pennsylvanians.

“This group has made tremendous progress in bringing the public up to speed on how and why we manage deer,” Roe explained. “They meet regularly and have developed displays, brochures, a new video and whitetail website, employee training and many other tools to help in the never-ending effort of explaining deer management to both the public and fellow employees. But despite all that has been accomplished in recent years, there is still much, much more to do.”

For more information about the agency’s deer management program, including a complete selection of the brochures being distributed at the open houses, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “White-Tailed Deer” in the center of the homepage. This website features links to all of the brochures used in the open houses, all issues of the agency’s “Deer Chronicle,” many top-notch references to agency research and general information, deer photos and even an “Ask The Deer Biologist” section.

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Game Commission Seeks Public Comment On Deer Plan

Harrisburg, PA 5th Annual Gun Rights Rally

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)- The Fifth Annual 2nd Amendment Rally date has been set for 10 AM on April 27, 2010 in Harrisburg, Pa. Once again we ask for your help and participation in this event.

We will use this event as a springboard to pass vital pro gun legislation that will affect how FFL’s conduct business and your ‘right to bear arms’ throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

It cannot be repeated often enough that the more interest shown at these kinds of events, the more our elected officials will notice our presence and the more impact our efforts will have throughout the day.

Our past four rally’s have highlighted needed changes in Pennsylvania Firearms laws resulting in improvements and protections being enacted into law such as ‘prohibiting the confiscation of firearms in an emergency’ and protecting the rights of hunters to carry a self defense firearm with them when in the field and eliminating the gun ban when riding a snowmobile and numerous other needed changes.

With YOUR help we can begin to raise the awareness of other problems (political minefields) that exist and encourage changes that the ‘people’ want and deserve. After all being the 10th most restrictive state in the country on firearms (according to the Brady Campaign) certainly hasn’t stopped criminals and cop killers!

After the rally, team leaders will break the attendees up into groups and visit every State House member and State Senator in the State Capitol to ask for their support for bills such as HB 40 (Castle Doctrine), HB 750 (Transportation of Firearms), HB 1541 (Penalties for Municipalities that enact local gun laws), and SB 842 (Castle Doctrine companion to HB 40) plus several other bills. Everyone that pre-registers will be informed of the team (organized by county of residence) they are on ahead of time by e-mail.

We need your help to pack the halls of the State Capitol Building to make this a successful event! After we visit all of the Legislators in teams, we suggest that you focus your attention on ‘your’ Senator and House member and let them know that he/she needs to listen to the needs of their constituents. The preferred dress is business casual. If you don’t own a suit or sports coat, try to borrow one and dress appropriately. Our appearance is a key factor in credibility. Once you see how the team leaders present the issues to their Legislators, you may want to again pay a visit to your Senator or Legislator at their district offices at a later date to follow up on the issues discussed in Harrisburg.

It is important to point out that each person attending will need to pre-register on the rally website (www.2ARally.com) and be present if you want a chance to win the prize, which is a Smith and Wesson M&P 15-22. If you haven’t pre-registered on the website, plan to show up a little earlier so that we don’t experience a last minute rush. This gun can be seen at www.2Arally.com along with the downloadable event flyer, details of the event, maps to the Capital Building, plus some of the bills we deem to be important issues in the Commonwealth. Also included are some of the guest speakers invited. If you plan to arrive armed, try to be there by at least 9 AM to check in your firearm at the door (rear entrance of Capitol building by fountain).

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Harrisburg, PA 5th Annual Gun Rights Rally Set

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)- Radnor Township, Pennsylvania Considers Mandatory Reporting of Lost or Stolen Firearms Ordinance..?

On February 8 the Radnor Township commissioners conducted an open meeting to listen to arguments for and against enacting an ordinance requiring the mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms. As it has in the past cease-fire PA utilized local political contacts to pressure the local elected officials (otherwise known as strong-arm tactics) into considering this legislation.

Of course this group is not one to let the truth stand in its way and this meeting was no exception to that rule. Openly manipulating the facts such as how many prosecutions were conducted by the municipalities with these ordinances in place and numerous other falsehoods were prevalent throughout much of the testimony of the other cease-fire PA officials.

Local gunowners presented a strong defense and factually challenged every contention of the anti-gun organization but, as it has been shown in the past, the backroom political deals continued to dominate in these situations further justifying the reasoning behind a statewide preemption Law. If only this law actually had some teeth in it?! Perhaps the answer is to be found in House Bill 1541 that has been introduced by Rep. Daryl Metcalfe.

This particular hearing resulted in enough questions being raised by those in opposition to this ordinance that a vote was postponed for two weeks so that answers could be obtained from the solicitor. While this may just have delayed the inevitable it is clear to the casual observer that the fight was worth it and it did draw out the officials from freedom hating Cease-Fire PA and showed them to be unscrupulous in their presentation and despicable for their ignorance of the law.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Pennsylvania Preemption Law Violations Continue

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)-  First let me wish everyone a Happy Valentines Day!

Each month we try to cover as much of the information that is directly relevant to the gun control/second amendment debate. It is growing increasingly difficult to be able to present these issues in a way that will not overwhelm the average individual.

We face so many overt issues such as preemption violations, covering legislative issues at the state and federal level-pro and anti-gun, educating legislators on the issues, etc. that the more underhanded and sinister attacks on our freedoms are difficult to document and report on in a timely fashion.

We have a host of deeply troubling behind-the-scenes initiatives such as reports of censorship running rampant on the Internet, federal agencies collecting information on gun owners from gun dealers, state legislators electing anti-gun committee chairman in secret, legislative meetings being held without advising pro-gun leaders and the list goes on and on.

On top of all of this is the issue of the average gun owner turning a blind eye to these and so many other issues. I’m sure all of us know some gun owners who have a myriad of reasons as to why they don’t need to be involved. All one has to do is to go to a gun show or the average gun club and take a look around.

I encourage you to grab these guys by the scruff of their philosophical neck and do your best to wake them up! We need everyone in this struggle for our freedoms and our heritage.

In the attached newsletter is information related to the 5th Annual Second Amendment Rally in Harrisburg scheduled for April 27th. Please take this information (Flyers are available on the website) and share it around to your friends and post it at your gun club. There are many changes involved with what we are doing with this rally to make it easier to sign up and so that more attendees can have a chance at prizes without any requirement to purchase anything. With 2010 being an election year and so many pro-gun pieces of legislation filed our behalf is extremely important that we make a strong impression by our presence in Harrisburg to talk about these issues and encourage legislators to bring these bills to the floor for a vote. Please try to do whatever you can to help us have an even better rally than we’ve had in the past!

Please take a moment to review the attached February/2010 FOAC e-newsletter that represents the latest information about the expanding variety of issues that are pertinent to our Freedoms. You are also encouraged to forward this article to your friends and fellow gun owners. For more important developments and news links that contain up to the minute information on political, election and recent firearms issues please visit our website–FOAC. If you would like FOAC to hold a special meeting or speak to any gun club in your area to energize local gun owners please contact us for further details.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Firearms Owners Against Crime Gun Owner Update – Feb 2010

National Animal Interest Alliance Trust

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PSPCA) originally seized hounds from Wendy Willard’s Murder Hollow Bassets in July 2009 for violation of the Philadelphia limit law.

PSPCA serves the County as its animal control officers. Despite allegations by the PSPCA that the dog were voluntarily surrendered, Ms. Willard states she was coerced into signing the dogs over to the PSPCA by threats to take all her dogs. However, the Philadelphia limit law does not provide authority to seize animals for violations and it does not apply at all unless the dogs are housed in a residential dwelling where human occupants live or sleep. In fact, Ms. Willard’s dogs live in a barn completely separate from her house.

Unsubstantiated and, as yet, unadjucated charges for alleged cruelty were subsequently brought by the PSPCA against Ms. Willard. Not only does Ms. Willard continue to vigorously deny guilt, she has asserted that the PSPCA warrant was illegally obtained and that her dogs were taken in violation of her constitutional rights.

Despite her immediately contesting the alleged surrenders, and six (6) days before any cruelty charges were filed, the PSPCA gave the dogs to Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue (Tri-State) an unlicensed rescue organization. Thereafter, before any determination of the charges or whether the surrenders were voluntary, Tri-State placed 10 of the dogs for adoption. Tri-State advertises that its adoption headquarters are in Chadds Ford, PA and, according to their website, claims to place up to 200 bassets annually in the NJ, NY and eastern PA area. Based on a search of the PA Department of Agriculture website, there is no record that the organization, which operates as a rescue network kennel, had a kennel license in 2009 as required by the PA Dog Law, which was revised in 2008.

In an action that appears oddly coincidental, just five (5) days before trial, the City of Philadelphia issued violations charging that Ms. Willard was operating a kennel as an illegal business without a license and did not have a zoning use permit. This was done despite the fact that Ms. Willard does not have a kennel, as defined under either PA or County law, and has never operated a business on her property.

The Murder Hollow Basset case continues taking new twists and turns as the PSPCA employs various tactics in an attempt to avoid disclosure of crucial facts about the hounds taken in the raid on Wendy Willard’s property and to force Ms. Willard to defend her rights without access to key information.

Trial was continued on 1/12/10 pending finalization of an agreement negotiated by the Court that was to include the following terms:

• all charges to be withdrawn at a future hearing,
• Ms Willard to have input into placement of the dogs,
• the house dog to be returned to Ms. Willard, and
• time allowed to address alleged deficiencies in the barn housing the pack.

The parties agreed to submit a proposed consent order to the Court within a few days.

What happened next?
Shortly after the negotiated terms were announced in Court, the PSPCA disclosed, as noted above, that the dogs had already been adopted out by the rescue group with whom they had been placed. That meant the PSPCA could not keep its commitment to let Ms. Willard have a voice in their placement. They also demanded that, before returning the house dog, Ms. Willard needed to pay $3,000 for reimbursement of medical expenses supposedly related to the alleged cruelty charges. The PSPCA then informed the Court and defense counsel that it was having significant problems that impeded moving ahead with the negotiated agreement.

To date, they have not identified the nature of the problems.

As it now appears, the rescue paid a few hundred dollars for a medical procedure performed on the house dog (unrelated to the cruelty charges), four months after the raid! In addition, about 75% of the bill was for boarding costs. It is beyond belief that the PSPCA wants to charge her for boarding an animal they claim was voluntarily surrendered to them and which they turned over to the rescue. Would the rescue seriously attempt to charge someone $3,000 to adopt the dog? Ms. Willard is vigorously contesting the claimed voluntary surrender of all of her dogs, but the issue may require a separate civil action after resolution of the criminal charges.

Despite these developments and the outrageous demand for money, Ms. Willard has acted in good faith and remains willing to continue discussions with a view toward a negotiated resolution.

As for the case, while the PSPCA has provided the defense with some limited materials, they are refusing, apparently in defiance of a Court order, to turn over certain key medical records. While in PA discovery is generally not provided for in summary trials in a complex case like this, where criminal charges may have significant repercussions for years, and where expert testimony is critical to provide an adequate defense, production of information is necessary to protect the defendant’s rights to due process.

Another troubling tactic they used in an attempt to turn public opinion against Wendy was the selective release, on the day after trial was postponed, of a misleading photo of one of the dogs seized. The photo, taken on the evening of the raid and published on a newspaper website, purports to show evidence of neglect which Ms. Willard adamantly disputes. Indeed, photos of the other dogs taken at that time are inconsistent with the one photo. Also, photos of all of the dogs taken shortly after the raid show well-nourished hounds. None of the other photos have been publicly released.

Some of the very people who are in the best position to know that some humane societies trample civil rights under color of law on a regular basis and spend lots of money spinning the truth to shape pubic opinion in their favor (look to the decades old photos that HSUS uses today to drum up support for anti-breeder and anti-hunting legislation), seemingly accept the PSPCA’s spin on the Murder Hollow Basset case without critical analysis.

If the average citizen is going to be able to overcome the efforts of animal rights fanatics to take our animals without just cause, we must support Ms. Willard in her difficult and just battle. The alternative is to allow our powerful opponents to prevail by outspending us and bleeding our resources while they usurp our constitutional rights.

About:
The Mission of NAIA is to promote the welfare of animals, to strengthen the human-animal bond, and safeguard the rights of responsible animal owners and professionals through research, public education and sound public policy. Visit: www.naiaonline.org

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Seized Hunting Dogs Given to Unlicensed Rescue Network Kennel

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced Liberty Press Publications, publisher of the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations, has set April 1, as the deadline for advertising copy in the 2010-11 Digest.

“To offset costs, the Game Commission went to a magazine-sized Digest and began accepting paid advertising,” Roe said. “Ad revenues have saved the agency hundreds of thousands of dollars over the past seven years. In addition to improving Digest content by going to a larger, full-color format, the ad revenues also enabled the agency to begin including in the Digest a ‘Hunting Annual’ insert filled with valuable information on wildlife and its management.”

Each year, the Game Commission prints more than one million copies of the Digest to distribute to every license buyer and Hunter-Trapper Education course participants. A copy of the current Digest (2009-10) is posted on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in the right-hand column of the homepage. The 2010-11 Digest will be posted on the website prior to July 1.

Liberty Press serves as publisher and handles all advertising accounts for the digest. Ad rates range from more than $10,000 for a full-color page to around $500 for a classified box ad. Promotional advertising does not constitute endorsement by the Game Commission or Liberty Press.

For additional advertising information concerning the Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting & Trapping Regulations, contact Guy Van Dyke at Liberty Press Publications. The toll-free telephone number is 1-800-296-6402.

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PA Game Commission Announces Deadline For Ads In Hunting Digest

Camp Compass Academy

Allentown, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- On Saturday February 13th students from the award winning program Camp Compass will be receiving a unique reward.

The students will be honored with mounted game heads from hunting trips from this past year. The mounts are a donated service by the Pennsylvania Taxidermy Association.

“This is an annual event and it will be neat to have the sponsors get to see the kids receive their mounts since usually the students receive them at the P.T.A. Convention each year.” stated John Annoni, Founder of the program. “Each student receiving a mount has been involved with Camp Compass for at least 2 1/2 years and this event will be a culmination of lots of classroom and field time.”

The event will be held prior to the show doors opening on Saturday, February 13th in the Northwest hall (booth 3445) adjacent to the Pennsylvania Taxidermy Association’s booth. It will start promptly at 9 a.m. and the event will end around 9:45 a.m. This will give participants in the show time to return to their booths for the start of the show. The event is only open to exhibitors and media involved with the show.

Camp Compass Academy is an award winning program that rewards inner-city children with hunting and fishing trips based on academic and social performance. It was recently featured on the NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams. It is nationally known as a program that has been able to implement a college style learning with an outdoor focus in places where traditional outdoor outlets have not been able to reach youth.

Contact:

Website: www.campcompass.org
Email: info@campcompass.org

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Inner-City Youth Hunting Program Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Interested in finding something new and different to try this winter? Coyote hunting may be just what you’re looking for, according to the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“Calling a coyote into shotgun range is one of the most incredible experiences I’ve ever had in the outdoors,” said Perry County Wildlife Conservation Officer Steve Hower. “Catching one sneaking in the backdoor as you sit motionlessly waiting for it to come into range is right up there with calling in a trophy gobbler on a crisp spring morning.

“The action is often close. Your quarry is one of the most intelligent animals out there. And, if you do everything right and take a coyote, you’ll be hooked.”

The eastern coyote can be found in all of the state’s 67 counties. Next to the black bear, it is Pennsylvania’s largest wild predator weighing in at 35 to 55 pounds. Adult males have exceeded 60 pounds. They roam our big woods and suburban areas and everything in-between. Opportunity and relative calm often dictate where they’ll be. They are masters at using cover and laying low, and rarely miss chances for easy-meals and fast-food.

Coyotes scavenge roadkills and root through litter along the edges of our interstate highways.

They’re also fond of groundhogs and mice, and they’ll even scarf down a feral cat if the opportunity presents itself. Coyotes do eat venison, but hunter gut-piles and unrecovered deer and highway kills provide more to coyotes than they take through deer predation. They also will eat wild grapes, field corn, apples, grasshoppers and even acorns.

Steve Hower poses with an eastern coyote he took on the trapline

In a word, coyotes are opportunists. They’re intelligent animals that seize the moment or the season and cash in whenever and as often as possible. But despite their fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants approach to life, coyotes can be located and patterned by people interested in hunting them. It’ll take some time and patience, according to Hower, but in the end, it’s all good and absolutely worth it.

“The best way to locate coyotes is to go to a remote area, cup your hands around your mouth and howl,” explained Hower. “If they’re nearby, they’ll normally respond to it. Your howl plants a seed in their mind that a strange coyote is in the area and they’ll either howl back immediately or even come to investigate.

“Sometimes coyotes come in quietly and without vocally responding to your howl. This is especially true if they’re close by. It can be quite a surprise if you don’t see one coming and it appears out of nowhere at close range!”

The best places to hunt coyotes are near areas where they spend their daytime hours. That’s why calling during daylight is best; it helps you identify coyote resting areas. They usually stay in the same general areas during the day, but those locations may change from one season to the next.

Another way to locate coyotes would be to look for sign such as scat and tracks. A snowy landscape will increase your chances of finding coyote sign. The problem with the scouting approach is that you may be decide, based upon sign you find, to hunt during the day in an area coyotes use only at night. So scouting can work, but locating coyotes through howling is far more effective in pinpointing their current location.

If you scout for sign, Hower said, remember that coyote tracks are oval or oblong, about 2.5 to 3 inches long, and the middle toenails point inward. Fox and dog tracks are more rounded.

“The best time to hunt coyotes is during early morning or late afternoon hours, which is when normally there’s little or no wind,” explained Hower. “If you’re using a mouth call, it’s almost always better if there are two people; one calling, one ready to shoot. They should position themselves about 30 yards apart with the shooter downwind from the caller. This is because a coyote will normally circle to approach the call from the downwind side. “

The caller can use popular calls such as a rabbit squealer, mouse squeaker, or a fawn bleat to call coyotes into gun range. Hower said these mouth calls are effective, and an inexpensive way for hunters to try this increasingly popular pursuit to see if they like it.

“Try to educate yourself on coyote vocalizations because they can vary. The howl basically announces or reaffirms a coyote’s presence in an area. Their very existence seems predicated upon establishing or defending territory. Coyotes also have challenge howls, and howls to locate other members of their family. If a coyote answers with a “woof,” or a little bark, it generally means it’s on to you and won’t come to your call. The more you learn about these vocalizations, the better your comprehension will be about how coyotes are reacting to your calls. The internet is a great place to hear and learn more about calls, but nothing beats trying to communicate with coyotes in the field.

“Both the caller and the shooter should be in full camouflage – including a face mask and gloves – and must remain absolutely still. If that coyote sees you move before you see it, it’s all over. It’s also a good idea to use a cover scent such as red fox or coyote urine or essence of skunk. Squirt a shot or two on a rock or tree trunk next to your calling position.”

There are all sorts of nuances in coyote hunting. No approach always works perfectly. No call is always best. Cover scents should be rotated. Experimenting is recommended. Try to work areas that are more remote. Set up quietly.

“I recommend a 12 gauge shotgun for calling because the action is often at close range and can happen very quickly,” Hower pointed out. “Use at least #4 shot. Most wild turkey loads will provide what you need.

“A good way to divert an incoming coyote’s ability to detect you is through using a rabbit, fawn or coyote decoy,” Hower added. “When they catch a glimpse of prey or another coyote, they become almost overwhelmed with taking it down. That fixation should provide the chance you need to make your move and take the coyote.”

Hower noted that there are other ways to hunt coyotes. He said hunting with dogs is becoming more and more popular, but added that you need good dogs, likely special transmitters and a lot of time. Chased coyotes will cross mountains into more remote or almost inaccessible areas, and roads, where dogs could be struck by passing vehicles.

Driving for coyotes can be effective, but there would have to be a lot of hunters involved. Hunting over bait (legal for coyote hunting) also could prove worthwhile, but there’s no guarantee a coyote would come in during daylight hours.

Coyotes can be lawfully hunted with either a general hunting or furtaker license, and with few exceptions may be done so throughout the year at any hour. Hunting exceptions are listed in the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest.

“So, if you’re up for a new challenge and want to experience a cold-weather pursuit that truly will test your outdoors skills and mettle, then it’s time for you to try and get closer to Pennsylvania’s elusive coyotes,” WCO Hower said. “You may never have cabin fever again!”

COYOTE GENEALOGY
Historians and furbearer biologists who have studied the eastern coyotes often disagree about their origin. Most biologists believe that eastern coyotes are a result of crossbreeding between western coyotes and wolves and have established themselves in Pennsylvania over the past 100 years. Historians argue that our coyotes are the “wolves” that were here when colonists arrived.

Regardless of which theory is correct. One thing is clear. The eastern coyote is more than just a coyote. In 1991, Robert Wayne of the University of California and Niles Lehman of the Scripps Research Institute of California showed through DNA analysis that eastern coyotes have wolf genes. Recent research has reaffirmed this. But when did they interbreed? No one knows. No one probably ever will.

FURTHER READING
Interested in reading more about eastern coyote? Please visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), click on the Wildlife dropdown menu, then select “Mammals,” and click on “Coyote.”

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Getting Close Enough To Take An Eastern Coyote

Falls Township Rifle & Pistol Association

Bucks County, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania’s Falls Township Rifle & Pistol Association has begun a letter writing campaign to Dick’s Sporting Good’s stores protesting what it describes as their enforcement of draconian New Jersey anti-gun laws in Pennsylvania.

According to Andy Barniskis, Legislative Committee Chairman for Falls Township Rifle and Pistol Association in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, a number of club members reported Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Pennsylvania demanding proof of state residency from customers purchasing handgun ammunition, and refusing ammunition sales to New Jersey residents.

Bucks County is located right across the Delaware River from New Jersey, and a number of club members are New Jersey residents who legally purchase handgun ammunition in Pennsylvania for use at the club’s Pennsylvania ranges.

In New Jersey, purchasers of handgun ammunition must show their state Firearms Owners Identification cards. In Pennsylvania, handgun ammunition buyers must only prove they are adults.

According to Barniskis, “We consider it an insult to gun owners for a retailer to enforce a foreign state’s anti-freedom legislation, when neither our state’s nor federal law requires any such thing.”

The following sample letter has been provided to club members and other regional gun owners, and club hopes the initiative to protest what appears to be Dick’s Sporting Goods corporate policy will spread.

————————————————————————

Edward W. Stack
Chairman & CEO
Dick’s Sporting Goods
300 Industry Drive RIDC
Park West Pittsburgh, PA 15275

Dear Mr. Stack:

It has come to my attention that Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Eastern Pennsylvania have been enforcing New Jersey’s anti-gun laws on customers seeking to purchase handgun ammunition. Purchasers of handgun ammunition have been asked to prove their state of residence, and sales of handgun ammunition have reportedly been refused to New Jersey residents.

I regard such practices as an insult to both Pennsylvania and New Jersey residents.

Pennsylvania gun owners have fought too hard resisting draconian anti-gun laws like New Jersey’s to accept having them imposed by a retailer in Pennsylvania.

What’s more, New Jersey residents purchasing handgun ammunition in Pennsylvania, for use at gun clubs or other venues in Pennsylvania, are violating no law, and refusing to sell ammunition to them because of New Jersey’s anti-freedom laws implies suspicion of criminal intent on their part. It is insulting, and it is not the appropriate role for a retailer.

It has further been alleged that local management of Dick’s Sporting Goods stores in Pennsylvania have told ammunition customers inquiring about the policy that “It’s the law.” Dick’s management or staff members who make such statements are either deliberately lying, to shift the blame for a shameful corporate policy, or are unacceptably ignorant of Pennsylvania and federal law. It also has been alleged that enforcement of the policy has been tinged by allegations of racial profiling, which would imply civil rights violations.

Please advise me as to the corporate policy of Dick’s Sporting Goods regarding the enforcement of extra-legal anti- gun policies in its stores, and whether such practices will cease in the immediate future; or whether I, my family, and friends should seek other, more respectful retailers in Pennsylvania for our shooting and outdoor needs.

Sincerely,

Your Name & Address

————————————————————————

About:
Falls Township Rifle and Pistols Association. Founded in 1958, Falls Township Rifle and Pistol Association has been welcoming shooting enthusiasts in Lower Bucks County for more than 50 years. Originally located on the Falls Water Works, we now reside at 354 Newbold Road in Fairless Hills, PA just south of Morrisville. Visit: www.ftrpa.org

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Dick’s Sporting Good’s Draconian ID Requirements for Ammunition

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG – -(Ammoland.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are encouraging bird and nature fans throughout the state to join tens of thousands of everyday North American bird watchers for the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), Feb. 12-15. A joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society, this free event is an opportunity for families, students, and people of all ages to discover the wonders of nature in backyards, schoolyards, and local parks, and, at the same time, make an important contribution to conservation. Participants count birds and report their sightings online at www.birdcount.org.

“These types of activities provide the citizen-scientist with an opportunity to help wildlife,” said Doug Gross, Game Commission biologist. “Anyone who can identify even a few species can contribute to the information wildlife managers use to decide where to invest limited resources in land conservation, as well as habitat improvement or protection.

“Additionally, this is a great opportunity for beginning bird watchers to hone their skills, and for all participants to enjoy the winter landscape.”

Participants are asked to count birds for at least 15 minutes on at least one day of the event and reporting their sightings online at www.birdcount.org. Additional online resources include tips to help identify birds, a photo gallery, and special materials for educators.

Gross noted that bird populations are always shifting and changing. For example, 2009 GBBC data highlighted a huge southern invasion of Pine Siskins across much of the eastern United States, including here in Pennsylvania.

“Participants counted 279,469 pine siskins on 18,528 checklists, as compared to the previous high of 38,977 birds on 4,069 checklists in 2005,” Gross said. “Failure of seed crops farther north caused the siskins to move south to find their favorite food, which certainly provided Pennsylvania birders with a unique opportunity.

“This year, people are spotting hermit thrushes, American robins and Eastern screech owls in their backyard.”

Gross also encouraged those submitting reports to the GBBCount website to also contribute bird sightings by registering at Pennsylvania eBird, a birding website managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“The Game Commission was the first state wildlife agency to host and manage a state eBird website, which is dedicated to helping birders throughout North America and the world record their bird observations and improve our understanding of the use of bird habitat and seasonal bird activities,” Gross said.

To submit sightings, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “Recreation,” then choose “Birding Home” and select “Pennsylvania eBird.”

The data collected helps the Game Commission and other wildlife researchers understand the importance of particular locations to birds and bird population trends, information that is critical for effective conservation. These efforts enable everyone to see what would otherwise be impossible: a comprehensive picture of where birds are in late winter and how their numbers and distribution compare with previous years. In 2009, participants turned in more than 93,600 checklists online, creating the continent’s largest instantaneous snapshot of bird populations ever recorded.

Each year, in addition to entering their tallies, participants submit thousands of digital images for the GBBC photo contest. Many are featured in the popular online gallery. Participants in the 2010 count also are invited to upload their bird videos to YouTube; some also will be featured on the GBBC web site. Visit www.birdcount.org to learn more.

Businesses, schools, nature clubs, Scout troops, and other community organizations interested in the GBBC can contact the Cornell Lab of Ornithology at (800) 843-2473 (outside the U.S., call (607) 254-2473), or Audubon at citizenscience@audubon.org or (215) 355-9588, ext 16.

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Game Commission Encourages Participation In Great Backyard Bird Count

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- If you are interested in helping wildlife in your own backyard, the Pennsylvania Game Commission now is selling bluebird nesting boxes at its Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Avenue. The boxes sell for $7, and customers can select from assembled boxes or kits that can be assembled as a wood-working project.

“Bluebirds are early nesters, so now is the time put up new nest boxes, as well as to clean and repair existing boxes,” said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity chief. “These bluebird boxes enable Pennsylvanians to help wildlife in a natural way.

“Also, building nesting boxes is a great project for individuals, families or civic organizations interested in wildlife. These box designs are proven to attract bluebirds and other species, including tree swallows and house wrens.”

Bluebirds live in open country, and are a beautiful songbird native to Pennsylvania. Bluebirds are cavity nesters and have become less common due to a lack of suitable nest sites. Many nest sites have been lost through changing land-use practices, as well as to urban and suburban sprawl. But the introductions of house sparrows and starlings in 1851 and 1890 have been the primary reasons for the bluebirds’ decline.

The bluebird boxes offered by the Game Commission include an opening that is the prescribed one-and-one-half inches in diameter. This precludes starlings from being able to enter. However, house sparrows still will enter the boxes, particularly those placed in close proximity to houses. If this occurs, the house sparrow nests should be removed immediately. If it happens repeatedly, consider moving the next box to another, and preferably more open, location.

Boxes should be erected on a free-standing pole three to five feet above the ground – facing south, if possible – and facing a nearby tree or fence where young birds can safely land on their initial flights from the box. To reduce predation and competition from other species, no perch should be placed on the box; bluebirds do not need one. Boxes placed in pairs, about 20 feet apart, may help reduce competition from swallows.

The Game Commission’s Howard Nursery has been manufacturing bluebird nest boxes and box kits for more than a quarter century. Each year, about 9,000 boxes are manufactured there and sold or provided to Pennsylvanians to help bluebirds. That annual influx of new nest boxes helps ensure Pennsylvania remains a “keystone state” in bluebird conservation.

Sales will continue while supplies last, and office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:45 a.m. until 4 p.m. The Game Commission’s headquarters is at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg. To order by phone, call the Game Commission’s Harrisburg office at 1-888-888-3459. If ordering by phone, shipping and handling costs will apply depending on how many boxes are ordered.

For more information on bluebirds, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.p.us), select “Birds” from the “Wildlife” drop-down menu, then select “Bluebirds Home.” Also, information about additional wildlife nesting structures can be found by clicking on “Howard Nursery” under the “General Store” drop-down menu and then selecting “Wild Homes Order Form.

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Bluebird Nesting Boxes On Sale At PA Game Commission Headquarters

Pheasant Chicks

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA --(AmmoLand.com)- Sportsmen’s organizations with approved propagation facilities can augment local ring-necked pheasant stockings and increase localized recreational hunting opportunities by raising day‑old pheasant chicks supplied free-of-charge by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Applications to participate can be downloaded from the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on “Self Help,” then “Forms & Programs” and then selecting “Pheasant Chick & Egg Program.” In order for Game Farm superintendents to plan and set hatches to accommodate requests, the Bureau of Wildlife Management must receive completed applications by March 31.

“To restore self-sustaining and huntable pheasant populations, the Game Commission is committed to creating Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, as outlined in our pheasant management plan,” said Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “While we strive to create these areas, we continue to urge interested clubs to participate in our pheasant chick and egg programs, which provide wonderful opportunities to get young people involved in raising birds. In addition to learning about the food and habitat requirements of pheasants, they’ll have the chance to see the chicks mature into adult game birds, and to help increase hunting opportunities.”

In 1929, the Game Commission began the propagation of pheasants on an extensive scale with the establishment of two game farms. Over the next six decades, to off‑set the increasing demand for pheasants from hunters, three other farms were placed into operation, and the day‑old pheasant chick program was implemented and made available to sportsmen’s organizations, 4‑H clubs, farmers, and other cooperators for rearing and releasing on areas open to public hunting.

In 1959, the number of pheasant chicks distributed to cooperators reached 229,685, an all-time high, in addition to the more than 88,500 pheasants raised and released by the agency at its four game farms. Unfortunately, cooperator participation has dwindled significantly over the last few decades. In recent years, only a dozen or so clubs have participated; raising and releasing 3,000-4,000 birds.

Because of budgetary constraints, the Game Commission was forced, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000. The Game Commission released 100,000 adult birds again this past season, and expects to keep pheasant production at 100,000 until additional financial resources are made available. However, as part of the agency’s pheasant management plan, the agency intends to increase that stocking effort to 250,000 birds, should increased funding become available.

DuBrock said that the agency provides, free of charge, day-old pheasant chicks to clubs entering into an agreement with the Game Commission to raise birds and promote recreational hunting on lands open to public hunting. Gender is not determined as the chicks are boxed for distribution, but are generally at a one-to-one male/female ratio. The number of chicks received depends on the size of the club’s facility. The agency will provide enrolled clubs with plans for a brooder building, covered pen, and guidelines for rearing pheasants.

“The agency also offers enrolled organizations technical assistance and advice at the club’s facility, and a training session and overview of agency game farm operations can be scheduled during the off‑season from January through March to assist in development of the club’s program,” DuBrock said.

To be eligible to receive pheasant chicks, a sportsmen’s club is required to have a minimum of 25 square feet of covered pen space available per bird. In addition, 72 square inches of floor space per chick is recommended in the brooder building. All feed and expenses incurred in the work of constructing covered pens and raising pheasants will be the responsibility of the club. All pheasants propagated by organizations must be released on lands open to public hunting.

Pheasant chicks can be raised at the cooperator’s facility or by a designated caretaker with the proper facilities.

“Youth who participate in raising birds can help release hen pheasants in early September in areas where hens are protected from hunting and where habitat is sufficient to provide food and cover,” DuBrock said. “These birds can provide good dog training opportunities and releasing hens early also provides additional room in the pen to finish growing out the males for the hunting season.

“Maximum recreational opportunities can be attained by releasing male pheasants as close to the opening of small game season as possible, and no later than the end of the second week of the season.”

Game Commission pheasant hatches come off once a week during the month of May, and the chicks for clubs will be scheduled into those hatches. Game farm superintendents will send notification to approved organizations when chicks will be ready for pick‑up.

The Game Commission requires a complete report of the production and release results. Renewal applications will not be processed unless a complete report has been filed for the prior year.

In addition to the cooperating sportsmen’s club program, the agency also sells surplus day-old hen pheasant chicks and eggs in lots of 100 chicks for $60, or 300 eggs for $180. Early requests receive top priority and orders are processed until the last scheduled hatch, which usually is the first week of June. While day-old hen pheasant chicks may be purchased by anyone, pheasant eggs will be sold only to licensed game propagators. Both eggs and chicks must be picked up at the supplying Game Commission game farm.

The pheasant is native to Asia. Recorded attempts to establish pheasants in North America date back to the mid 1700s. These early attempts were unsuccessful; it wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

During the early 1890s, Pennsylvania citizens purchased pheasants from English gamekeepers and released them in Lehigh and Northampton counties. For several decades, many other small releases were made across the Commonwealth to establish pheasants for sport hunting.

In the early 1900s, the Game Commission set aside a special appropriation of funds to purchase and propagate game. Pheasant eggs were purchased and given to agency refuge keepers, sportsmen’s organizations and private individuals interested in raising pheasants. The first stocking of pheasants by the Game Commission occurred by 1915.

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Hunting Home” from the “Recreation” drop-down menu then click on the pheasant photograph.

Image: Wheelersgamebirds.com

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Clubs Urged To Participate In Pheasant Chick And Egg Program

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA – -(AmmoLand.com)- For the fourth consecutive year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission is hitting the road to bring six deer management open houses to communities throughout the Commonwealth beginning on Feb. 20 and ending on April 10.

Open houses are used by the agency as an interactive public outreach tool that employs multimedia presentations, exhibits and wildlife managers to bring both the nuts-and-bolts and finer details of deer management to hunters, farmers and others whose lives are influenced by deer.

The effort emphasizes bringing this powerful communications and educational tool to residents as a means to further the general public’s understanding of deer and deer management. The approach is bolstered by having agency employees on hand to engage participants who attend the open houses.

Open houses provide a means to cover wide-ranging topics through specialized stations set up in a large hall. Stations are spaced out so participants who have questions and/or comments for station attendants can communicate in a one-on-one exchange without interruptions and with the expectation of getting answers immediately.

“Here’s your chance to interact with a deer biologist, or State Game Land manager, or forester,” explained Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “And hopefully, one of the open houses will be close to your home. The goal here is to reach out to Pennsylvanians, both figuratively and literally. We hope that every person who attends an open house can better identify with our deer management program upon leaving.”

Six open houses are currently scheduled to be held in Pennsylvania. They will all have the same presentation: displays manned by agency staff.

The displays are:

• Goals that Direct the Deer Program – Outlining the five goals of the deer management program;
• Management Goals are a Product of Public Input – Focuses on the participating stakeholders who were involved in developing the current deer plan goals;
• Where do you hunt? – Helps hunters take a critical look at the characteristics of habitat through visual representation;
• Deer Necessities — Identifies the preferences that guide deer in selecting habitat;
• Habitat Variability – Focuses on how habitat health is rated differently from one Wildlife Management Unit to another;
• Telemetry Study – Sheds light on the dispersal of young male deer;
• Deer Aging – Allows participants to learn how deer are aged through tooth wear; and
• Deer Management DVD – Nonstop presentation of the agency’s recently-produced deer management DVD, free copies of which will be available to open house visitors.

Open houses will be held in six different locations from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on a Saturday to maximize the opportunity for those interested in attending, and are being held in different locations than the three previous rounds to afford residents in other areas of the state the opportunity to attend.

The schedule for the open houses is as follows:

February 20 – Northcentral Region
Coudersport Volunteer Fire Company Training Center
171 Rt. 6 West
Coudersport, Pa 16915

February 27 – Northeast Region
PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center
126 PPL Drive
Hawley, PA 18428

March 13 – Northwest Region
Brokenstraw Fish and Game
1001 Mead Run Rd.
Pittsfield, PA 16340

March 20 – Southwest Region
Richland Fire Department – Solomon Run Banquet Facility
176 Mt. Airy Drive
Johnstown, PA 15904

March 27 – Southcentral Region
Shippensburg State University Conference Center
500 Newburg Road
Shippensburg, PA 17257

April 10 – Southeast Region
Frackville American Legion
40 S. Mahanoy St.
Frackville, PA 17931

These deer management open houses and the outreach information available at them were developed by a Deer Communications Working Group, which was created in 2007 to improve the agency’s efforts to explain deer management – and the need for it – to Pennsylvanians.

“This group has made tremendous progress in bringing the public up to speed on how and why we manage deer,” Roe explained. “They meet regularly and have developed displays, brochures, a new video and whitetail website, employee training and many other tools to help in the never-ending effort of explaining deer management to both the public and fellow employees. But despite all that has been accomplished in recent years, there is still much, much more to do.”

For more information about the agency’s deer management program, including a complete selection of the brochures being distributed at the open houses, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “White-Tailed Deer” in the center of the homepage. This website features links to all of the brochures used in the open houses, all issues of the agency’s “Deer Chronicle,” many top-notch references to agency research and general information, deer photos and even an “Ask The Deer Biologist” section.

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Game Commission To Launch Fourth Round Of Deer Management Open Houses

Quail Hunting

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to close the bobwhite quail season statewide beginning with the 2010-11 seasons. However, under the proposal, quail could be hunted on regulated hunting grounds, and hunters would be allowed to release captive-raised or propagated quail for hunting on public and private lands by permit.

“We have significant evidence that bobwhite quail populations have declined dramatically in the state since 1966,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director.

“We also are concerned that the continued release of pen-reared bobwhite quail may have negative impacts on remaining isolated quail populations. The first step toward recovery of the Northern Bobwhite is to close the season statewide.”

Roe noted that Game Commission staff currently are working to complete a state bobwhite quail plan that carefully reviews the status and trend of Pennsylvania’s quail population, restoration potential, and management practices.

“Given the diminished status of wild quail populations, and our ongoing work to complete and implement a bobwhite quail management plan, we believe the timing is appropriate to close the quail season,” Roe said.

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Pa Board Closes Bobwhite Quail Season

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a continue a major change in pheasant hunting designed to be a major step toward re-establishing wild pheasant populations in Pennsylvania.

The agency’s Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan calls for restoring self-sustaining and hunt-able populations of wild pheasants in suitable habitats called “Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas” (WPRAs). In 2009, the Board created three such areas, defined as the Pike Run, Somerset and Central Susquehanna WPRAs. The agency is releasing wild-trapped pheasants into these areas, with a goal of achieving a density of 10 hen pheasants per square mile.

To give these wild pheasants the best opportunity to establish naturally reproducing populations, the Board has continued its ban on releasing of any artificially propagated pheasants – including Game Commission raised pheasants –within these WPRAs. Also, to limit disturbances to nesting hen pheasants, dog training of any manner will continue to be prohibited in these WPRAs from the end of small game season in early February through July 31 each year.

“Working with major partners, such as Pheasants Forever, the California University of Pennsylvania and local landowners, we already have a jump-start on creating WPRAs,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “These groups have invested in creating the necessary pheasant habitat in three areas of the state. To make the best use of the agency’s resources, and with the support of these partners, we are going to identify these areas as the first WPRAs in the state.

“While we hope to identify more, the Game Commission will continue to raise and release pheasants on public lands with suitable pheasant habitat each fall. And, should we receive additional revenues, we plan to increase our pheasant production level to 250,000 birds, as noted in the Ring-necked Pheasant Management Plan.”

For the 2010-11 seasons, the WPRAs continue to be defined as follows:

(1) Pike Run WPRA: The portion of Washington County, WMU 2A, bounded on the east by the Monongahela River, on the north by I-70, on the west by PA Rt. 917 to Swagler Rd. to Spring Valley Rd. to PA Rt. 2015 to Lone Pine Rd. to the intersection with Tenmile Creek in West Zollarsville, and bounded on the south by Tenmile Creek.

(2) Somerset WPRA: That portion of Somerset County, WMU 2C, bounded on the western side starting at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd. and Stutzmantown Rd. proceeding south on Coleman Station Rd., crossing SR 31, to Brotherton Rd., continuing south to Round Hill Rd., then east onto Wills Church Rd., then to Archery Rd. The boundary then follows Berlin Plank Rd. (US Rt. 219) south into the town of Berlin where it joins the Mason Dixon Hwy. (US Rt. 219) proceeding south to Pine Hill Rd. to Walker School Rd. then east on Maple Valley Rd., to Sawmill Rd. to the Cumberland Hwy. (SR 160). The boundary then follows the Cumberland Hwy. (SR 160) south to Salco Rd. and then proceeds north on Salco Rd. to Huckleberry Hwy. (SR 160) in the town of Berlin. The boundary follows Huckleberry Hwy. (SR 160) north, crossing SR 31, to the intersection of Roxbury Rd., then north to Shanksville Rd. The boundary then proceeds north to Stutzmantown Rd., then west to the beginning at the intersection of Coleman Station Rd.

(3) Central Susquehanna WPRA: Portions of WMU 4E in Northumberland, Montour, Columbia and Lycoming counties from the West Branch of the Susquehanna River south to the intersection with PA Rt. 642 and the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Milton. The southern boundary is defined by PA Rt. 642 east from Milton to Mausdale, then north on PA Rt. 642 to just south of Jerseytown, proceeding east on Eyersgrove Rd. to Eyers Grove at PA Rt.42. Proceeding south on PA Rt. 42 to Mordansville, northeast of Mordansville along Robbins Rd. (Rt. 600) to Mordansville Rd. (Rt. 541), south on Millertown Rd. (Rt. 4011), then continuing east to follow Mount Pleasant Rd. (Rt. 4020) and Mount Pleasant St. (PA Rt. 4034) to Orangeville at the southeast corner of the WPRA. PA Rt. 487 lines the eastern boundary from Orangeville north to Maple Grove/intersection with PA Rt. 254. The northern boundary begins with PA Rt. 254 west of Maple Grove to the intersection with Winters Rd. (Rt. 459) proceeding west to the intersection with Austin Trail (PA Rt. 4039). Continuing west on Owl Rd. (Rt. 599), north and west on Reese Rd. (Rt. 578), and north and west on Trivelpiece Rd. (Rt. 576). Eagle Rd. (PA Rt. 4037) then continues northwest to the intersection with Whitehorse Rd./Whitehorse Pike (Rt. 661) heading west to just south of Sereno, and then south on PA Rt. 42 to Millville. From Millville, proceeding southwest on PA Rt. 254 to Jerseytown. Then northwest on PA Rt. 44, north on Swartz Rd., west on Shultz Rd., north on Ants Hill Rd., west on Wolf Hollow Rd., then north on Katy’s Church Rd. Crossing into Lycoming County and proceeding northwest on G Wagner Rd., west on Ridge Rd., crossing into Montour County, southwest on County Line Rd., south on Muncy Exchange Rd. (PA Rt. 1003), west on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008), west on Mingle Rd. (Rt. 433), west on Hickory Rd. (PA Rt. 1008) for the second time, and proceeding north on Gearhart Hollow Rd. (Rt. 441). Continuing west on Showers Rd. (PA Rt. 1010), crossing into Northumberland County, proceeding north and west on Pugmore Lane, north on Hockley Hill Rd. (PA Rt. 1011), west on Miller Rd. (Rt. 653), continuing southwest on Balliet Rd. (Rt. 664). Proceeding northwest and west on Schmidt Rd. (Rt. 564). continuing north on Susquehanna Trail (PA Rt. 1007), continuing west on Hughes Rd. (Rt. 655), crossing under I-180, proceeding south on Crawford Rd. (Rt. 507) to PA Rt. 54. Proceeding northwest on PA Rt. 54 to the West Branch of the Susquehanna River.

A native of Asia, pheasants were brought to North America back in the mid 1700s, but these early attempts to introduce pheasants to the continent were unsuccessful. It wasn’t until 1881, in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, that pheasants first became established.

During the early 1890s, Pennsylvania citizens purchased pheasants from English gamekeepers and released them in Lehigh and Northampton counties. For several decades, many other small releases were made across the Commonwealth to establish pheasants for sport hunting.

In the early 1900s, the Game Commission set aside a special appropriation of funds to purchase and propagate game. Pheasant eggs were purchased and given to agency refuge keepers, sportsmen’s organizations and private individuals interested in raising pheasants. The first stocking of pheasants by the Game Commission occurred by 1915.

Habitat loss, from urban/suburban sprawl to changes in agricultural practices, had an impact on Pennsylvania’s naturally-reproducing pheasant populations. Additionally, budget constraints forced the Game Commission, in 2005, to reduce its annual pheasant stocking allocation from 200,000 to 100,000.

For more information on pheasants and the history of the agency’s pheasant management plan and propagation program, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), select “Hunting” then click on the photograph of the pheasant.

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Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas Continue For 2010-11

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a slate of deer seasons for the 2010-11 seasons that includes adding Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2C, 2E, 4D and 4E to the split five-day antlered deer season, Nov. 29-Dec. 3, and seven-day concurrent season, Dec. 4-11. Those WMUs now part of the split season structure are WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E.

The proposed package retains the two-week (12-day) concurrent, antlered and antlerless season in the remaining 14 WMUs.

Deer harvest data from 2009-10 is expected in mid-March, and will be used to guide the Board’s establishment of antlerless deer license allocations.

Two other changes proposed, so far, is to eliminate the two-week antlerless deer seasons held following the close of the regular firearms season leading up to Christmas in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D. However, the Board voted to extend the concurrent antlered/antlerless deer hunting for archery hunters in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D from Jan. 17-29.

Based on a motion by Game Commissioner Thomas Boop, the Board directed staff to prepare for its April meeting to suspend the issuance of Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits to public landowners, unless an approved management plan is in place. Boop noted that this action does not impact private landowners ability to enroll in DMAP, which enables landowner to address deer management objectives on their properties.

Hunters with DMAP antlerless deer permits may use them on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 29-Dec. 11 in WMUs 2C, 2D, 2E, 2G, 3C, 4B, 4D and 4E.

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Pennsylvania Board Adds WMUs To Split Rifle Deer Seasons

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2010-11, including broad changes to deer, bear, turkey and small game seasons.

The public may offer comments on all proposed 2010-11 seasons and bag limits, as well as other Board actions, between now and the Board’s next meeting, April 19-20, at which time the Board will finalize seasons and bag limits for 2010-11.

Also, the Board will take action on setting antlerless deer license allocations for the 22 WMUs at its April meeting. Deer harvest estimates for the 2009-10 seasons will be available in mid-March.

Following are several articles on meeting highlights… Keep reading next post.

Fees for DMAP permits are $10 for residents and $35 for nonresidents.

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Pa Game Commissioners Propose 2010-11 Hunting Seasons And Bag Limits

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG – -(Ammoland.com)-The agenda for the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners meeting, which is slated for Jan. 24-26, was posted on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) today, and can be viewed by clicking the “Next Commissioners’ Meeting” box on the homepage and then on the agenda link.

The Board meeting will be held in the auditorium of the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters to collect additional recommendations on the 2010-11 seasons and bag limits, and to conduct a workshop and formal meeting. The headquarters is at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg.

On Sunday, Jan. 24, beginning at 1 p.m., the Board will hear public recommendations for 2010-11 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits. Doors will open at noon. Individuals interested in offering public testimony – limited to five minutes — may begin to register at noon on a first-come, first-to-speak basis.

On Monday, Jan. 25, the Board will gather any additional public comments and hear Game Commission staff reports beginning at 8:30 a.m. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Registration for those interested in offering public testimony – limited to five minutes – also will begin at that time. Additionally, starting with the staff reports on Monday, Jan. 25, the Game Commission will begin webcasting the Board’s meeting through its website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) for those unable to attend the meeting in Harrisburg.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Game Commission will take up its prepared agenda to, among other things, give preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2010-11. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Additionally, the Board’s meeting will be webcast beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Antlerless deer license allocations for the 2010-11 seasons will be presented for the Board to consider at its meeting in April. Harvest results from the 2009-10 deer seasons will be announced in mid-March.

Dates for the Board’s April, June and October meetings, and for the January 2011 meeting, will be set by the Board on Jan. 26.

“In the past, we printed and mailed copies of the agenda to more than 100 sportsmen’s club representatives, outdoor writers and legislators,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “However, in our ongoing efforts to cut operational costs, we have decided that it would be better to post this information on our website providing a wider and more uniform distribution, while saving money for important conservation work.”

A limited number of copies of the agenda will be made available to those who attend the meeting.

Once the January meeting ends, Roe also noted that a copy of the January meeting minutes will be posted on the website as soon as they are transcribed, which generally takes between two to three weeks. Previous meeting minutes are posted on the website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) in the “Reports/Minutes” section of the homepage.

“Posting the minutes on the website allows us to cut the costs of printing and mailing copies of this document and reach a wider audience,” Roe said. “It’s a cost-savings move that makes Game Commission actions and decisions more accessible to the public.”

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Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners January Agenda Posted

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA- (Ammoland.com) – Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe today announced the agency will be helping Commonwealth school students learn about the vital role of trees in the environment through its “Seedlings for Schools” program, in which students will be able to plant a variety of tree seedlings at home, on school grounds or in their community.

“There is no charge to schools participating in this project, as the seedlings are provided by the Game Commission’s Howard Nursery,” Roe said. “The cost of shipping seedlings is covered through the generous donations of Waste Management; Mealey’s Furniture; Wildlife for Everyone Foundation; USFWS-Partners for Wildlife; and Pheasants Forever Chapter 603.”

The program provides two levels of involvement based on the grade level, and the agency has been working with the state Department of Education to get the word out about the availability of seedlings.

“Seedlings for Your Class” is primarily for third grade students.  As part of this program, the Game Commission provides a classroom or one grade level with enough seedlings for each student to take a seedling home to plant.  Seedling choices are silky dogwood or white pine, and a teacher’s guide comes with the seedlings. Orders will be accepted Jan. 19-April 1.

“Seedlings to Develop Habitats” is primarily for middle and high school students.  As part of this program, the Game Commission provides a variety of seedlings to students interested in planting seedlings on school or community grounds to improve habitat, plant along a stream, develop a tree nursery, or create an environmental area. Orders will be accepted Feb. 26-April 26.

“Seedlings come in bundles of 25, and will be shipped directly to schools by UPS during the weeks of April 19 and 26, dependent on order receipt and weather, to be available for Arbor Day plantings,” said Cliff Guindon, superintendent of the Game Commission’s Howard Nursery.  “Once seedlings arrive, it is important to keep them moist.  Hand out seedlings with roots in plastic bags with moist shredded newspaper or plant them in juice/milk cartons for transplanting at home. ‘How to plant’ information and educational materials will be provided with seedlings.”

For more information, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “Seedlings for Schools” icon in the center of the homepage.

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GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ‘SEEDLINGS FOR SCHOOLS’ PROGRAM

Eastern Chapter FNAWS

LANCASTER, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- There are exciting changes happening at the Eastern Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation (Formerly Eastern Chapter Foundation for North American Wild Sheep) 19th annual hunting and fishing show.

The three day convention held January 28-30, 2010 at the Lancaster Host Resort and Conference Center will feature several topical seminars, banquets, and more. The show features over 65 exhibitors, 4 live auctions and a silent auction. Auction items include domestic and international hunting and fishing trips, art, jewelry, furs, and vacations just to name a few.

Come out on Thursday night to our first annual Wild Game social and Meet and Greet with Bob Foulkrod; star of Bass Pro Shops “Real Hunting” and “Winchester Legends.” Dance and sing along to southern rock band “Smokin’ Gunzz” and meet and talk with Bob Foulkrod in a relaxed setting. Several different types of wild game will be available to try. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Bob Foulkrod will also be hosting a seminar on Saturday morning with complimentary coffee and donuts.

Enjoy a delicious breakfast with world class bow hunter Tom Hoffman! He will be giving a seminar and answering your bow hunting questions on Friday morning.

Interested in learning how to properly pack for a hunting trip? Learn from Master guide and owner/operator of Asian Mountain Outfitters Bryan Martin at his Friday afternoon seminar “Packing Light, Packing Right.” Also become an expert in the common pitfalls of international hunting/traveling. Chris Nash from Simon Nash Safaris, Australia will instruct you on the most common mistakes made when hunting abroad.

Come out Friday evening to the Exhibitor Reception and Pig Roast. In conjunction with this event, Lancaster Homebrew will also be hosting a wine tasting with their own homemade wine.

Bring the whole family – there will be a wildlife forensic crime scene activity presented by Dan Lynch of the Pennsylvania State Game Commission on Saturday morning and laser shooting for youth throughout the entire event.

For more information on the convention please visit the Eastern Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation website at www.ecfnaws.org or contact the office at 717.336.3743.

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New Events at Eastern Chapter of the Wild Sheep Foundation 19th Annual Hunting Show

White-Nose Syndrome In Bats

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- White Nose Syndrome (WNS) has caused cave bat population reductions in New York and New England over the past three winters.

It surfaced near Albany in 2006. Pennsylvania Game Commission officials say that they are expecting cave bat mortalities this winter, if the disorder spreads through hibernacula as it did New York and New England over the previous winters.

To track the effects of WNS, the Game Commission is asking the public to report winter-flying bats or dead and dying bats on the landscape.

“If you’re outside this winter and observe bats, we really need to hear from you,” said Lisa Williams, Game Commission biologist. “While an occasional dead or disoriented bat is not unheard of in winter, we need residents to let us know if they find multiple bats outside of buildings this winter. White Nose Syndrome causes bats to fly out of their winter shelters and die on the landscape. By assisting us with surveillance, you can help us identify new die-offs so we can conduct a site investigation. Of course, commonsense safety rules apply: do not go in caves or mines or underground; do not handle bats – dead or alive; and keep children and pets away from dead or grounded bats.”

There are two quick and easy ways to report sick-acting or dead bats this winter. The first is by calling the nearest Game Commission region office. The second is by using the Game Commission’s “Report a Sick Bat” form that can be accessed in the right-hand column of the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on “Report a Sick Bat” in the “Quick Clicks” section.

WNS was first observed in Mifflin County in December 2008. Today it is known to exist in 11 locations in Bucks, Centre, Mifflin, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. It affects all six species of cave bats found in Pennsylvania: little brown bat, big brown bat, Indiana bat (federally endangered), eastern pipistrelle; small-footed bat (state threatened) and northern long-eared bat. The disorder has killed 750,000 to a million bats in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia since 2006.

“The trail from New York marching down the Appalachians into West Virginia and Virginia was unexpected,” explained Cal Butchkoski, Game Commission biologist. “It’s been our experience that migrating bats do not follow landscape features when migrating from hibernacula to summer habitats. Rather, they radiate out from these winter roosts in various directions. Given the unexpected pattern, and the fact that the southern sites were all popular recreational caves, it’s probable that transmission by people has contributed to the southerly spread.”

Butchkoski noted that federal decontamination protocols and a moratorium on bat cave entries are now in place to reduce the possibility that WNS is hitch-hiking on cave visitors and caving gear.

The cause and source of spread have been the greatest mysteries of WNS since it first appeared in underground New York three years ago. Evidence is mounting that WNS is caused by a cold-loving Geomyces fungus. Scientists recently named this fungus Geomyces destructans, given its destructive effect on bat populations. The National Wildlife Health Center (NWHC) reported recently,

“Histopathological examination indicated that Geomyces destructans infection of skin causes characteristic epidermal erosions and ulcers that can also progress to invade underlying connective tissue.”

It’s a finding that strongly suggests this fungus would arouse a hibernating bat – and once aroused from hibernation bats quickly burn through their fat reserves and die.

Preliminary data from WNS infection studies conducted at NWHC indicate Geomyces destructans can be transmitted from bat-to-bat in a controlled environment. This finding suggests that WNS transmission may occur during the fall bat swarm, as well as during hibernation. Once WNS appears in hibernacula, whether it got there on an infected bat or hitchhiking on a human, it passes through a hibernating bat colony quickly.

WNS is so devastating to bats because hibernating bats have an extremely high rate of contact as they cluster together, and it strikes when a bat’s immune response capabilities are minimized to conserve the energy needed to support hibernation. Since bats are huddled in hibernation for more than five months with suppressed immune systems, they are perfect targets for WNS. That’s why it has been so destructive.

“I expect a majority of the bat hibernation sites in eastern Pennsylvania to have WNS by the end of April,” explained Greg Turner, Game Commission endangered mammals biologist. “To date, WNS has not appeared west of the Route I-99 corridor, where some of our largest bat populations hibernate. We have our fingers crossed that WNS won’t clear the Allegheny Front this winter, which may be a barrier to bat and WNS movement, but only time will tell. If anyone observes flying or dying bats in western Pennsylvania this winter, we definitely want to hear about it. Reports from areas west of Centre and Mifflin counties will be treated as extremely high priority.”

Pennsylvania has more than 5,000 known abandoned mines and about 1,500 natural caves beneath its surface, and plenty more unexplored subsurface nooks and crannies that hibernating bats occupy. The Game Commission can confirm that WNS has appeared in less than one percent of that total, but that number is small because the state’s wildlife biologists can physically check and monitor only so many hibernacula in a given winter. That is why public assistance in WNS surveillance is so important.

“Pennsylvania bat hibernacula have wintered more than a million bats annually in recent years,” noted Greg Turner. “That will change when WNS infiltrates and spreads through these mines and caves. The population losses bats experience may take a century or more to recover from, given their low reproductive rate of one pup per female per year. The losses also could be ultimately irreversible if WNS lingers in hibernacula and bats don’t develop some sort of natural defense or immunity to it. Once WNS infiltrates bat hibernacula throughout the Commonwealth, recovering these populations will be a long term challenge.”

Ok, so maybe you’re thinking, “So what. I don’t care about bats anyway.” But let’s do some math and inject a little science into it. If Pennsylvania is home to more than a million bats that eat about 2,000 mosquito-sized insects a night during those seven months when you like being outdoors, imagine what it’ll be like when they’re not working the nightshift in your neighborhood.

Bats have been hanging around since the dawn of mammals in North America some 50 million years ago. Their small size, appetite for insects and nocturnal movements kept them out of harm’s way for centuries upon centuries. But over the last 100 years or so, bats have become more and more vulnerable to impacts to hibernacula, maternity roosts and summer habitat. The emergence of WNS couldn’t have come at a worse time for bats. Their population collapse is poised to be one of the largest ever to hit North American wildlife unless WNS mortality slows or stops.

Figuring out how to slow or stop the spread of WNS tops every bat biologists’ 2010 wish list. Investigating and responding to WNS is the focus of a multi-state effort lead by the Pennsylvania Game Commission that includes 11other state wildlife agencies and research partners working collaboratively to shed further light on WNS and develop management solutions.

In April 2009, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and its project partners were awarded nearly a million dollars by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to support research and management activities. The multi-state approach enables biologists to conduct research at a scale rarely undertaken. One focal point of this research in Pennsylvania and Kentucky centers on monitoring WNS-affected and clean sites with acoustic bat call detectors to measure and compare bat activity levels and to identify the timing of major emergences. New York and Vermont placed Wisconsin bats in two previously-affected sites with no surviving bats to see if the new bats develop WNS symptoms. This work will shed light on whether sites remain contaminated after bats are gone, which is unknown.

Ongoing research in Pennsylvania continues to monitor hibernating bat arousal patterns at Barton Cave in Fayette County to ascertain if arousal patterns change before and during WNS. Other partners are working to install cameras in clean and WNS-affected sites to monitor behavioral activity of bats aroused from hibernation and investigating the temperature/humidity preferences of hibernating healthy and WNS-affected bats in affected and unaffected sites and states.

In other WNS-related projects, Dr. Hazel Barton, a professor of microbiology at Northern Kentucky University; Dr. DeeAnn Reeder, assistant professor of biology at Bucknell University and Turner will conduct a treatment experiment at Bucks County’s Durham Mine in which a substance is placed in a petri dish below clustering bats. As the substance evaporates, the vapors will rise to the ceiling and potentially kill the fungus on bats roosting above it. This treatment has been shown to kill Geomyces without harming captive bats, and this will be the first time it is tried in a natural setting. If affected bats are treated and recover, the experiment could help confirm once and for all that Geomyces destructans is the WNS causative agent. Such a treatment option could also be used to protect the highly-endangered Virginia big-eared bat and gray bats in the southern WNS states. There is little hope that it has large-scale application across the entire range of WNS, however, due to the extreme difficulty of applying it large-scale.

The Game Commission will continue to participate in vital WNS research and control studies, and will monitor conditions at Durham Mine and other affected sites. Periodic updates will be reported to media if change occurs. However, the Game Commission reminds residents that they can help the agency in the fight against WNS by reporting sick-acting or dead bats they find while out and about this winter.

For more information on bats, visit the Game Commission’s website, select “Wildlife” in the dropdown menu, then Mammals, and then click on “Bats Home.” To learn more about WNS, visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s website at www.fws.gov/northeast/white_nose.html

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Pa Game Commission Tracks White-Nose Syndrome In Bats

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)-  Our state and nation are facing extraordinary times and events as I’m sure each of you know! The economic problems have the potential to overshadow every aspect of our life and the choices we make in the next six months to a year are extraordinarily important!

The old saying “these are times that try men’s souls” is truly applicable in these troubling times when one considers that the social issues that affect us all seem to be under assault from every aspect.

Pragmatically speaking the social issue that seems to be under the greatest continuous assault continues to be gun control and our right to bear arms.

The anti-gun organizations continue to push an agenda of civil disobedience hoping to drive legislators in Harrisburg to enact even more onerous regulations. The failure of the justice system to hold those committing these acts accountable only serves, like bargaining with terrorists, to encourage more acts of disobedience. As a backdrop to all of this manipulation of policy and the truth more and more information is coming out as to the failure of government to hold criminals accountable who commit violent crime is firearms.

The hypocrisy of pursuing more gun control laws when the very structure of government is ignoring the laws we now have with impunity is an affront to everything our nation stands for and especially to all of those who fought for it.

As you will see in the attached newsletter the Philadelphia Inquirer has conducted a massive study of the Philadelphia justice system and how it prosecutes criminals. This study has sent shock waves throughout policymakers and citizens alike for it reveals a pattern and practice of ambivalence, negligence, and arrogance regarding citizen safety and the enforcement of laws that these public officials are charged with doing. Unfortunately all of the suffering and victimization seems to be lost in the shuffle of those wanting to make excuses as to why they didn’t do what they are charged with doing!

Now into this mix comes the struggle that we all fight and that is to maintain our right to bear arms and to try and recover some of our freedoms that have been stripped from us by laws that have no place in a constitutional republic. If you have not up to this point had cause to consider the dangers that the multifaceted attack on our freedoms has two our country, our way of life and each of our families then now would be a good time to reevaluate that position. If you choose to reevaluate these issues then as part of that reevaluation I suggest that each of us consider our level of involvement currently and whether or not we should rededicate and recommit ourselves to this important struggle.

Please take a moment to read the attached January/2010 FOAC e-newsletter that represents the latest information about the expanding variety of issues that are pertinent to this day and time. You are also free to forward this webpage to any of your friends and fellow gun owners.

For more important developments and news links that contain up to the minute information on political, election and recent firearms issues please visit our website–FOAC. If you would like FOAC to hold a special meeting or speak to any gun club in your area to energize local gun owners please contact us for further details.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Firearms Owners Against Crime Gun Owner Update – Jan 2010

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania hunters who would like the opportunity to harvest a second spring gobbler can purchase a second spring gobbler tag until the spring gobbler season begins on May 1, according to Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. In fact, thanks to the new Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS), hunters can purchase a second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent or through the agency’s website.

In the past, hunters had to wait until Jan. 1 before submitting a license application for the second spring gobbler tag and then wait for the agency to mail the license back to them. The process was made necessary to spread out administrative workload of processing and handling licenses for the fall hunting seasons. However, because of PALS, hunters can now purchase the second spring gobbler tag at any issuing agent and walk out of the store with the license in hand.

Roe noted that hunters are able to take one spring gobbler as part of their general hunting privileges. However, the second spring gobbler tag license affords those hunters interested in this additional opportunity to take a second spring gobbler. Hunters may only purchase one second spring gobbler license during a license year, as the season limit remains two spring gobblers, but they may only harvest one bird per day.

“So, if you are looking for that application in your digest to mail in, you won’t find it,” Roe said. “You can just purchase the special spring gobbler license either through the Game Commission’s website or visit your local license issuing agent.”

Fees set by state law for the special license are $21.70 for residents and $41.70 for nonresidents.

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Pa Hunters Reminded About Second Spring Gobbler Hunting Tag

Why we need a Second Special Snow Goose Season!

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are set to offer hunters the opportunity to participate in the second snow goose conservation hunt designed to help stem the growth of continental snow goose populations.

Hunters must obtain a free snow goose conservation hunt permit and report cards from the agency to participate in the season, which will be held from Feb. 20 through April 3. To do so, hunters can access the “Snow Goose Conservation Season” page by clicking on the appropriate icon in the center of the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and then following the instructions. By completing the application online, hunters will be able to print off the permit and report cards and will not have to wait for the package to be mailed.

For those individuals with no online access, permits and the required report cards can be obtained by calling the Game Commission at the Harrisburg headquarters (717-787-4250) and asking for the Bureau of Wildlife Management. However, this process will require mailing the permit and report cards to the applicant, so allow a minimum of one week for processing and mail delivery to obtain a permit.

“Snow goose populations have reached levels that are causing extensive and possibly irreversible damage to their, as well as other nesting birds’, arctic and sub-arctic breeding grounds,” pointed out John Dunn, Game Commission waterfowl biologist. “For some populations of snow geese their nesting habitats can no longer support these large numbers. What’s more, these geese are beginning to impact fragile coastal marsh habitats and crops in Mid-Atlantic States and Quebec.

“It’s likely that North America has never had as many snow geese as it does now. The current population of greater snow geese that inhabits the Atlantic Flyway is estimated at more than one million birds, more than double the management goal of 500,000. They have become a huge and unexpected problem for themselves and other wildlife that shares the wintering and breeding grounds these waterfowl occupy.”

The quickest and probably most effective way for wildlife managers to respond to the problem is to allow additional hunting days – and new hunting methods – to reduce and stabilize snow goose populations. That’s why the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service first offered states the opportunity to allow hunters to take snow geese at a time when all other waterfowl seasons are closed. This will include an option to allow hunting hours for this special snow goose season to extend one-half hour after sunset. Currently, all waterfowl shooting hours close at sundown, except for the September Canada goose season.

Hunters participating in the snow goose conservation hunt may use electronic calls. The daily bag limit during the conservation hunt is 15 daily with no possession limit.

“The regular snow goose season began Nov. 6 and ends on Feb. 19, with a daily limit of 15 birds,” Dunn said. “However, the use of electronic calls during the regular snow goose season is not permitted.”

Participating states are required by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to monitor and assess hunting activity and harvest. That is why the Game Commission has created the free Snow Goose Conservation Hunt Permit.

“Along with this snow goose conservation hunt permit, hunters must possess a general hunting license, migratory game bird license and a federal duck stamp (for those 16 or older),” Dunn said. “The permit holder will be required to maintain records specifying hunting activity and daily harvest. All permit holders must submit a report, even if they did not hunt or harvest any birds, to the Game Commission no later than May 3. Failure to report by May 3 may result in loss of eligibility to participate in next year’s snow goose conservation hunt.”

For more information on the snow goose conservation hunt, including hunting tips, visit the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “Snow Goose Conservation Season” icon in the center of the homepage, then click on “Special Snow Goose Conservation Season – Spring 2010.”

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Pa Game Commission Prepares For Second Special Snow Goose Hunting Season

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa --(AmmoLand.com)- The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will hold its first meeting of 2010 on Jan. 24-26, in the auditorium of the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg.

A copy of the agenda for the upcoming meeting will be posted on the agency’s website in mid-January.

On Sunday, Jan. 24, beginning at 1 p.m., the Board will hear public recommendations for 2010-11 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits.  Doors will open at noon.  Individuals interested in offering public testimony – limited to five minutes — may begin to register at noon on a first-come, first-to-speak basis.

On Monday, Jan. 25, the Board will gather any additional public comments and hear Game Commission staff reports beginning at 8:30 a.m.  Doors open at 7:45 a.m.  Registration for those interested in offering public testimony – limited to five minutes – also will begin at that time.

On Tuesday, Jan. 26, beginning at 8:30 a.m., the Game Commission will take up its prepared agenda to give preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2010-11, among other things.  Doors open at 7:45 a.m.  Antlerless deer license allocations for the 2010-11 seasons will be presented for the Board to consider at its meeting in April.  Harvest results from the 2009-10 deer seasons will be announced in mid-March.
Also, on Jan. 26, the Board will set its other meeting dates for 2010.

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Pa Board Of Game Commissioners To Meet On Jan. 24-26

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation

MISSOULA, Mont.—-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania has broken into a Top 10 list of places to find monster elk, an historic indicator of successful habitat and management efforts. Keeping that conservation momentum going, both at home and across the U.S., is the goal of a newly launched Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation chapter in Bloomsburg/Danville, Pa.

“Elk have roamed the Keystone State since 1913 after a successful restoration effort led by a young Pennsylvania Game Commission, but this is Pennsylvania’s first-ever Top 10 appearance in Boone and Crockett Club records, and that’s a big deal,” said David Allen, RMEF president and CEO.

The Boone and Crockett Club has kept trophy records of North American game since 1830. In the 169 years preceding 2000, Pennsylvania produced zero record-class elk.

In 2001, Pennsylvania held its first elk hunt in over seven decades. Between then and now, the club’s prestigious records book has gained four bulls from the commonwealth, which ties it with California as America’s 10th most productive trophy elk state in the new millennium. See full lists of Top 10 Boone and Crockett elk states below.

RMEF has played a key role in the growing success of Pennsylvania’s elk herd, says Carl Roe, executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

“The Game Commission’s efforts to improve habitat within the elk range in Pennsylvania has been greatly supported by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and its numerous Commonwealth chapters,” Roe said. “We welcome the newest RMEF chapter and look forward to working with them as partners for elk habitat.”

Additionally, Roe recently announced that Pennsylvania’s special elk tag will be auctioned at the RMEF Elk Camp & Hunting, Fishing and Outdoor Expo in Reno, Nev., March 4-7, 2010. Funds raised will support the agency’s conservation programs.

Since 1991, RMEF has partnered with the Pennsylvania Game Commission to complete more than 175 different projects to enhance and protect over 14,800 acres, open 8,088 acres for public access, fund research and management initiatives, educate some 33,000 students and promote Pennsylvania’s strong hunting and conservation heritage.

Sample highlights:

• Land Acquisitions—RMEF funding helped purchase 1,533 acres now included in State Game Lands #311 in the heart of Pennsylvania’s elk country. Another acquisition added 217 acres at the confluence of Hicks Run and the Bennett Branch to lands managed by the Bureau of Forestry. RMEF helped purchase and reclaim mining sites on the 4,100-acre New Garden property between the Sproul and Moshannon state forests. A 1,378-acre property, Kettle Creek, was purchased by RMEF and conveyed to the state for inclusion in the Sproul State Forest. In two separate acquisitions, RMEF helped secure 536 acres of key habitat in Cameron County between the Driftwood and Sinnemahoning branches of Sinnemahoning Creek, now part of the 200,000-acre Elk State Forest.
• Elk Herd Expansion and Monitoring—RMEF helped fund a 3-year trap-and-transfer project to relocate elk, expand elk range and reduce conflicts with other land uses in the Sproul State Forest. RMEF also helps develop and maintain forage openings for elk.
• Economic Impact Study—RMEF funded a 4-year study (1997-2001) in partnership with Penn State to identify economic impact of elk on tourism in north-central Pennsylvania.
• Elk Habitat Research—In 2006, RMEF helped fund research on preferred calving sites, forage and ranges of elk in Pennsylvania.
• Pennsylvania Elk Country Visitor Center—RMEF helped facilitate, launch—and fund $2.4 million for construction of—the largest elk watching and conservation education center in the eastern United States, located in north-central Pennsylvania.
• Conservation Education—RMEF helped establish wildlife viewing sites, purchase and equip a mobile exhibit to increase public awareness of elk and elk hunting, award scholarship funding to the Pennsylvania Institute for Conservation Education, and fund more than 100 workshops, clinics and programs for Pennsylvania youths and women.

Statewide, RMEF and its partners have spent over $14.4 million on these and other conservation and education projects in Pennsylvania.

None of these efforts would be possible without fundraising by local RMEF chapters, and the newly chartered Bloomsburg/Danville chapter is planning its first annual banquet for Feb. 20, 2010. For more info, call Allen Wetzel at 570-374-2588, or visit www.rmef.org.

Like more than 550 other volunteer-led fundraisers nationwide, the Bloomsburg/Danville event will help raise awareness as well as funding for future RMEF efforts.

A portion of local proceeds will fund a state grants program for continuing conservation and education projects in Pennsylvania.

“Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquets are always a good time for a great cause, which is why the organization has grown to over 150,000 members, impacted over 5.7 million acres of habitat nationwide, and become one of America’s premier forces for conservation. We’re proud that Columbia and Montour counties are now an official part of the movement,” said Dan Honaberger, volunteer chairman for the new chapter.

Montana based, RMEF focuses on habitat conservation and was a major partner in restoring wild elk herds to Kentucky, Tennessee, Wisconsin and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

Pennsylvania is the only eastern state or province on the Boone and Crockett Club’s Top 10 lists.

Here are those lists, along with actual entries into Boone and Crockett records (typical and non-typical combined):

American Elk, 1830-1999

1. Arizona, 135
2. Montana, 128
3. Wyoming, 90
4. Idaho, 69
5. Colorado, 62
6. New Mexico, 52
7. Alberta, 38
8. Utah, 32
9. Nevada, 27
10. Oregon, 21

American Elk, 2000-2009

1. Utah, 120
2. Arizona, 86
3. Montana, 49
4. Nevada, 47
5. Wyoming, 45
6. New Mexico, 38
7. Alberta, 10
8. Idaho, 8
9. Washington, 7
10. 10. (tie) California, 4 / Pennsylvania, 4

About the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation:
Snowy peaks, dark timber basins and grassy meadows. RMEF is leading an elk country initiative that has conserved or enhanced habitat on over 5.7 million acres—a land area equivalent to a swath three miles wide and stretching along the entire Continental Divide from Canada to Mexico. RMEF also works to open, secure and improve public access for hunting, fishing and other recreation. Get involved at www.rmef.org or 800-CALL ELK.

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Pennsylvanians Launch New Chapter in Elk Conservation

Pennsylvania Black Bears

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- With an additional 342 bears taken during the extended bear season that was open last week in certain parts of the state, Pennsylvania Game Commission preliminary harvest reports accounted for 3,499 bears, which moves this year’s harvest into second place in state bear harvests.

Updated preliminary results also now show that the two-day archery bear season resulted in a harvest of 114, and the statewide three-day season resulted in a harvest of 3,043.

Official total bear harvest figures for all three seasons won’t be available until early 2010, after a detailed review of each harvest report is completed.

In the 2005 bear season, hunters harvested a record 4,164 bears. Other recent bear harvests include: 2,598 in 1998; 1,740 in 1999; 3,075 in 2000; 3,063 in 2001; 2,686 in 2002; 3,000 in 2003; 2,977 in 2004; 3,124 in 2006; 2,362 in 2007; and 3,460 in 2008.

The preliminary three-season bear harvests by Wildlife Management Unit (with 2008 figures in parentheses) were: WMU 1A, 8 (21); WMU 1B, 36 (67); WMU 2C, 246 (227); WMU 2D, 127 (166); WMU 2E, 77 (117); WMU 2F, 282 (246); WMU 2G, 1,024 (738); WMU 3A, 254 (313); WMU 3B, 291 (390); WMU 3C, 73 (177); WMU 3D, 272 (199); WMU 4A, 125 (145); WMU 4B, 43 (43); WMU 4C, 141 (94); WMU 4D, 441 (448); WMU 4E, 57 (52); WMU 5B, 1 (0); and WMU 5C, 1 (1).

Leading the top five bear harvest counties this year all come from the Northcentral Region. The top county was Clinton, with 294 (139 in 2008); followed by: Lycoming, 280 (251); Tioga, 215 (236); Cameron, 214 (75); and Potter 181 (294).

Preliminary county harvests by region for the three seasons (with 2008 figures in parentheses) are:

Northwest: Warren, 101 (59); Forest, 60 (60); Jefferson, 59 (62); Clarion, 48 (65); Venango, 33 (64); Butler, 13 (13); Crawford, 8 (31); and Mercer, 3 (6).

Southwest: Somerset, 72 (103); Fayette, 71 (43); Westmoreland, 65 (37); Armstrong, 44 (50); Indiana, 32 (66); and Cambria, 19 (40).

Northcentral: Clinton, 294 (139); Lycoming, 280 (251); Tioga, 215 (236); Cameron, 214 (75); Potter 181 (294); Centre, 148 (125); McKean, 142 (141); Clearfield, 134 (113); Elk, 120 (92); and Union, 50 (57).

Southcentral: Huntingdon, 110 (134); Bedford, 65 (80); Mifflin, 64 (56); Blair, 44 (51); Juniata, 33 (22); Snyder, 23 (44); Fulton, 16 (13); Perry, 8 (14); and Franklin, 5 (0).

Northeast: Pike, 115 (73); Bradford, 74 (102); Monroe, 75 (54); Sullivan, 68 (134); Carbon, 66 (32); Luzerne, 56 (59); Wayne, 49 (107); Wyoming, 44 (55); Lackawanna, 32 (39); Susquehanna, 30 (40); Columbia, 27 (24); Northumberland, 5 (6); and Montour, 1 (1).

Southeast: Schuylkill, 37 (36); Dauphin, 24 (19); Lebanon, 8 (0); Berks, 7 (1); Northampton, 5 (4); and Lehigh, 2 (2).

According to preliminary reports, the top 10 legal bears processed at check stations that were taken during the all seasons all had actual or estimated live weights that exceeded 610 pounds, and 38 bears exceeding 500 pounds were legally harvested. Edward L. Bechtel, of Lykens, Dauphin County, harvested the largest bear, which was a male that had an estimated live weight of 668-pounds. The bear was taken in Jefferson Township, Dauphin County, at 3:50 p.m. on Dec. 3.

Other large bears included: a 655-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Jim Thorpe, Carbon County, by David S. Kohnow, of Morrisville, at 4:15 p.m. on Nov. 24; a 654-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Terence J. Burkhardt, of Jim Thorpe, at 4:35 p.m., on Nov. 23; a 654-pound male (estimated live weight) also taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Michael J. Wimmer Jr., of Jim Thorpe, at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 23; a 644-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Todd Township, Fulton County, by Travis L. Crouse, of Chambersburg, at 9:06 a.m. on Nov. 23; a 644-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Todd Township, Huntingdon County, by Max L. Hess, of Huntingdon, at 1 p.m. on Nov. 23; a 640-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Barrett Township, Monroe County, by Howard G. Dietsch III, of Greentown, at 2 p.m. on Nov. 25; a 621-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Lackawaxen Township, Pike County, by Albert G. Beisel, of Lackawaxen, at 11:25 a.m. on Nov. 25; a 612-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Brown Township, Lycoming County, by Lawrence T. Jagielski, of Reading, at 12:30 p.m. on Nov. 24; and a 610-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County, by David T. Frey, of Harrisburg, at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23.

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Pennsylvania Bear Hunt Now Ranks Second In Bears Harvested

Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Chuck Adams, the world’s best-known and most widely published bowhunter, is returning to the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show (Feb. 6-14) to give one-on-one bowhunting clinics, to the lucky contest winners of an online drawing, during his seminars February 6-12.

Adams is part of an All Star line-up of outdoor celebrities that includes Michael Waddell, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Mark Menendez, Bob Clouser, Larry Weishuhn, Aaron Martin and many more.

Entering the contest is easy. Just go to www.easternsportshow.com, click on the Chuck Adams contest box and fill out the entry form.

Even if you don’t win the contest you can still learn from the master. All Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show attendees are invited to watch, listen and learn from the legend himself at these once-daily clinics.

“No one knows more about bowhunting than Chuck Adams. And, Chuck really enjoys sharing his knowledge and hunting experiences with hunters of every ability at the Show,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Adams will also host a western USA big-game hunting seminar once per day February 6-12.

Adams has authored 4,550 magazine articles and 10 full-length books on bowhunting. He appears 25-30 times each year on ESPN, WGN, and TNN television networks and stars on ESPN’s Whitetail Country and Advantage Adventures shows.

Adams is the first archer to accomplish the “Super Slam” by taking of all 27 species of North American big game. He also has 111 Pope & Young record-book trophies and 181 Safari Club International records to his credit–more than any other hunter. Adams is the only bowhunter to complete five Grand Slams on American deer, and hold five Pope & Young World Records. And, he is the youngest archer ever inducted into the National Bowhunters Hall of Fame and SCI Bowhunters Hall of Honor.

Wide Range of Contests Showcase Skills and Talents

NEW! Predator Hunting Contest
New for 2010, the American Predator Federation Predator Hunt hosted by the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show Feb. 12th through 14th. 100 percent payout for this single or team hunt, it features six starting locations around Pennsylvania. Visit the Show website for the official registration form at www.easternsportshow.com . Monies and trophies for coyote, red fox, gray fox, and bobcat to be awarded after weigh in.

Fly Tying Contest
Hosted by the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited, this contest will take place on Saturday, February 13th at 10AM. Cash prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in the Junior, Amateur, and Open categories. Application forms, rules and fly patterns can be found at the Cumberland Valley Chapter of Trout Unlimited’s website at cvtu.homestead.com

20th Annual Northeastern States Elk Calling Contest
Join elk callers from the East coast as they compete for top regional elk caller honors. The contest takes place at 5:00 Thursday, February 11 in the Small Arena. Trophies awarded to top 3 winners. New this year: Youth Division. Registration is anytime before the contest across from the Rocky Mountain Elk display.

PA 3D Bowhunter Challenge
Presented by the PA 3-D Bowhunters, events include a Fun Shoot, as well as Individual and Progressive Pot Money Shoots. Qualifying rounds take place 6-14th, with finals beginning on Saturday, February 13th and continuing on Sunday, February 14th. Class winners and top 3 Progressive Pot Shooters each day are notified to return for the finals. Competition in 17 different classes is provided. Four person team shoot will be held during the individual qualifying rounds with the first score a shooter turns in used for the team score. For more info, call Jesse Schertzer at (717) 944-2069 after 3 PM.

Keystone I.B.O. Indoor Nationals
Keystone I.B.O. Indoor Nationals and the 14th PA Indoor Bowhunters Challenge presented by Keystone Country Store. Hosted by the Eastern Sports & Outdoors Show and PA 3-D Bowhunters. Pre-registration is a must! There are only 30 spots available per time listing. Call 1-877-999-9898 for times and registration.

Antler Scoring
Co-sponsored by the PA Deer Association–PA State Chapter, Quality Deer Management Association, and Trupes Quality Hunting and Wildlife Management. Any legally obtained Whitetail Deer Mounted Head or Antlers with the skull plate intact may be submitted for scoring. An entry fee/donation of $15 for an official score and $10 for non-official score will be charged. Cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 will be awarded along with merchandise prizes. For further information contact: Steve Trupe, event coordinator at (877) 806-6993 or via email at steve@ezsowdeerfood.com.

Keystone Regional Duck & Goose Calling Contest
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association. The contest is on Wednesday, February 10th. Registration starts at 1 PM. The registration fee for each contest is $20.00. The Junior Duck and Goose calling contest is at 2 PM and the Keystone Regional Duck calling contest is at 3 PM. For more information, call Sam Palumbo at (717) 756-5032. Top prize of $500 for Keystone Regional Duck Calling!

PA Turkey Calling and 35th Annual Owl Hooting Contests Presented by the Michaux-Yellow Breeches Local Chapter of the PA Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Professional Friction, Professional Open, Youth and Amateur Adult competitions, as well as an Open Owl Hooting competition take place at 1 PM on Sunday, February 7th in the Small Arena. All contestants must be members of the NWTF. For more information, call Randy Rakers at (717) 245-3631. Entry forms are available at www.easternsportshow.com under “Contests and Entry Details”.

Amateur Wildlife Photography Contest
Presented by the Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania Association (C.O.P.A.). Open and Children’s divisions in a number of categories, including: flora; birds; aquatic/reptiles; mammals; scenic; and open. For more information, call Linda Swank (717) 529-9064.

Decoy Painting
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association on Saturday, February 6th. Registration from 10 AM – noon, painting from 12:30 – 3:30 PM. Prizes will be given for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place as well as two honorable mentions. For more info, call Brian Gayman at (717) 357-0719. Freshly painted decoys from the decoy painting contest will be auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Knife & Hawk Championship
Presented by The PA Federation of Muzzleloaders. Daily winners are invited to return for championship competition on Saturday, February 13th at 6PM. Knives and tomahawks must meet modified NMLRA rules. There is a $2 entry fee. Contestants have 5 throws each with knife and hawk for a combined score and must complete one full turn before striking target. For more information call Neal Panzarella at (717) 235-3993.

Professional Taxidermy Contest All are welcomed to enter this competition, compete for prizes, and have the top honor of having your work on display at The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. As an added feature, live taxidermy demonstrations to be held throughout the week and professional taxidermists will be on hand to answer any questions about a career in taxidermy or handling your next trophy in the correct way for your taxidermist to ensure the best possible mount. Be sure to drop by and check out the wonderful wildlife artistry. Contact: Cathy Popp at (daytime) 717-367-5585 or (evening) 717-367-7998. Visit www.pataxidermy.com.

Gunning Decoy Contest
Presented by the Susquehanna River Waterfowlers Association on Saturday, February 13th. Prizes will be given for Best of Show, 2nd, and 3rd Best of Show as well as 1st, 2nd and 3rd in each species class (Marsh Ducks, Diver Ducks, Geese and Confidence). Ducks are auctioned at the end of the contest. For more info, call Shawn Trent at (717) 395-2341.

Entry forms for contests are available at www.easternsportshow.com under “Contests and Entry Details”.

Show visitors are encouraged to visit www.easternsportshow.com for dates and times of seminars, panels and contests.

The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, now in its 55th year, has grown to be the largest outdoor hunting and fishing event of its kind in North America. With more than 1,100 exhibitors, The Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show brings the passion for the outdoors–indoors­–by bringing outdoor sports enthusiasts of all ages from across the country to view the latest and best in hunting and fishing gear, shop for ATV’s and RV’s and plan & book hunting and fishing trips with outfitters & charters from around the world. The Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show also offers a wide range of seminars presented by experts along with hunting and fishing related contests and family-oriented entertainment

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Chuck Adams Headlines Contests at Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa –-(AmmoLand.com)- If you’ve logged onto the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), you probably noticed a significantly new look to the homepage, as well as a new manner in navigating through the various sections. However, as with any transition, the agency’s technical staff continues to rebuild information that its website visitors have come to rely on finding online, and some outdated information will not make the cut.

“We focused on transitioning necessary information, such as the annual digest and migratory game bird brochure, which outlines the ongoing seasons and regulations, over to the new website format first,” said Robert Strailey, Game Commission Bureau of Automated Technology Services director. “Also, we made sure that hunters will be able to report their harvests, as well as those who have a Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits.

“Other popular sections, such as the Hunter/Trapper Scrapbook, which features hunters and trappers with their quarry, are on hold, and we have made the decision to drop previous years’ postings and build the new site with photos submitted from the current seasons. Another resource area, our news release archives, eventually will provide access to news releases from 2007 through the present. News releases issued prior to Jan. 1, 2007, will no longer be available online. However, at present, we only have available news releases back to Oct. 27.”

Strailey noted that the transition of the Game Commission’s website from its old Dynamic Site Framework-format to the new Aqualogic format was made necessary because the Office of Administration’s Information Technology Services changed the website development package it provides state agencies to build their websites. This is the second such format change in less than 10 years.

“We encourage the public to be patient as we continue to rebuild and refine our website, which will be more user-friendly and easier to navigate,” Strailey said. “We will be offering new sections to better inform the public about the Game Commission’s wildlife management efforts, as well as its mission to promote hunting, trapping and wildlife viewing.”

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Pennsylvania Game Commission Website In Transition

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)-As is becoming a standard pattern and practice of the anti-gun groups (i.e. Cease Fire PA, Mothers Against Guns, etc.) to extort from the Pennsylvania State Legislature more gun control, Aliquippa becomes the 17th community to enact this legislation into law.

The anti-gun groups continue to demand the passage of this legislation even though the concept has never been proven to work although the effectiveness of any particular measure, or lack thereof, has never been an impediment to their agenda.

According to Aliquippa Mayor Battalini, “the ordinance is designed to give police a leg up on stolen firearms in the city, Mayor Anthony Battalini said.

“Most crimes committed with guns are committed by people who are already prohibited from having them,” Battalini said

“This aims to make it harder for criminals to get guns.” Battalini is a member of the Bloomberg’s Mayors Against Illegal Guns coalition but he says his support of the new gun ordinance has nothing to do with gun rights. Further Battalini says

“I’m a gun owner, but I don’t work for the gun lobby — I work for Aliquippa,” and he then says that “I am not against guns — I am against illegal guns.”

All of this smoke and mirrors coming from Battalini is all the more interesting because he, himself, has a criminal record that would prohibit him from lawfully owning firearms.

The consideration of this measure came at the expense of openness because no one from this community responded to repeated phone calls and e-mails prior to its passage. I did receive a call on 7 December from the solicitor, Richard Start, in regard to my previous phone calls and when questioned about the legality of this measure he seemed almost gleeful in proclaiming that it was lawful until I mentioned the Atty. Gen. letter regarding the illegality of local gun laws that had been sent to each district attorney in the Commonwealth. I forwarded a copy of this Atty. Gen. letter to the solicitor for Aliquippa and have not heard back from him since.

Coupling Aliquippa with West Mifflin and the other 15 communities it is apparent that they’re thumbing their nose at the likelihood of anyone within the justice system prosecuting them for violating Pennsylvania law and is an outrageous example of civil disobedience for the constituents they represent.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S. Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Aliquippa, PA Breaks State Law & Enacts Lost Or Stolen Firearms Ordinance

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)-On November 19 the Pennsylvania House Judiciary committee held a hearing on House Bill 40, the current version of Castle doctrine.

This hearing was a circus that would’ve made the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus proud. Every element was present accept the truth from those opposed this commonsense measure from prearranged and orchestrated testimony to the canned responses and the proselytizing of cease-fire PA about the concept of lost or stolen firearm reporting.

What Chairman Caltagirone was probably not counting on was the depth and breadth of supporters for this legislation and the wide ranging testimony that contradicted virtually every aspect of what cease-fire PA, the District attorneys Association, and even the Pennsylvania State police led legislators to believe.

In a remarkable development House Bill 40 was receiving additional cosponsors even during the course of the Judiciary Committee hearing which clearly indicates that the weight of testimony was on the side of gun owners and law abiding citizens.

At this time the number of cosponsors on this legislation stands at 120 House members from both sides of the aisle and all indications are that we will receive a vote on this legislation in the very near future.

As part of this effort for this hearing we once again conducted a grassroots lobbying day that was attended by nearly gunowners from around the state. This effort was meant to introduce gunowners to the methods by which we use to provide information to and to educate legislators on the issue of gun control, gun ownership, violent crime and our Constitution. This effort complimented our attendance and testimony before the House Judiciary committee.

Please stay tuned to rapid developments on this legislation and for a list of cosponsors please see the Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League website.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected
Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors
enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S.
Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Pennsylvania House Judiciary Committee Holds Hearing On Castle Doctrine

Firearms Owners Against Crime

Pennsylvania --(AmmoLand.com)- Now that the Pennsylvania elections are over it seems that every anti-gun group in this state and even some throughout the nation have targeted Pennsylvania as a battleground state.

Let’s take a look at a portion of the list of anti-gun issues that have surfaced recently.

Recent Anti-gun issues in Pennsylvania:

• 17 communities are committing acts of civil disobedience and enacting their own firearms laws.
• The Pennsylvania State police Commissioner issues letter of support for these communities.
• The Pennsylvania State police Commissioner violates Pennsylvania law by reconfiguring how certain firearms are sold.
• Rep. Caltagirone (chairman of the House Judiciary committee) and Sen. Greenleaf (chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee) hold up both respective Castle doctrine bills in their committee (House Bill 40-Senate Bill 842).

The list goes on and on and on and at the heart of this are the machinations of Cease-Fire PA, Mothers Against Guns, Mayors against Illegal Guns, and a host of smaller, insignificant anti-gun groups that like a bad record seems to be fixated on the fake cause of stopping illegal guns by putting more burden and more restrictions on law-abiding citizens.

As you’ll see there are a great many gun issues that cry out for common sense and the attention of everyone of us. Pay particular attention to very quiet attempts to classify the materials involved in manufacturing ammunition as hazardous materials.

The recent murder of a police officer in the Penn Hills community who was out on parole, had an electronic monitoring bracelet on, and was never prosecuted for a myriad of gun crimes has heightened the debate over gun control laws and their effectiveness. Of course the anti-gun groups trotted out the same old message that it’s time for reasonable gun laws, ignoring the fact that we have 126 pages of reasonable Pennsylvania gun laws that didn’t stop this miscreant from murdering a police officer, all the while protesting that they support a citizen’s right to bear arms.

Note that the West Mifflin Borough, PA Council is once again targeting gun owners by reconsidering, as some sort of ironic Christmas present, the concept of mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms. We are asking all gun owners in this area to consider attending this meeting so that you can express your dissatisfaction with this moronic concept. As an interesting aside when talking with the solicitors of these communities and they are asked what they will do if a firearm turns up in a crime in their community that was not reported stolen from different community, you get this pregnant pause or a look on their face like DUH “I never thought of that”. Clem Kadiddlehopper of Red Skelton comes to mind! This goes back to the patchwork quilt concept and why we have a preemption law in this state to preclude local communities from enacting their own laws.

For more important developments and news links that contain up to the minute information on political, election and recent firearms issues please visit our website: www.foac-pac.org.

If you would like FOAC to hold a special meeting or speak to any gun club in your area to energize local gun owners please contact us for further details.

About:
The Firearm Owners Against Crime (FOAC) is non-partisan, non-connected
Political Action Committee organized to empower ‘all’ gun owners, outdoors
enthusiasts and supporters of the 2nd Amendment to the Bill of Rights of the U.S.
Constitution Visit: www.foac-pac.org

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Upcoming Anti-Gun Issues Affecting Pennsylvania

Beaver Trapping Season

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, Pa –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminds hunters and trappers they still have a mixed bag of seasons from which to choose after the statewide firearms deer season concludes on Saturday, Dec. 12. They include seasons for deer, snowshoe hare, ruffed grouse, squirrel, cottontail, pheasant, coyote, beaver and other furbearers, crows, doves and waterfowl.

The statewide late archery and flintlock muzzleloader deer seasons run concurrently from Dec. 26 to Jan. 9.

In Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) 2B, 5C and 5D, bowhunters can participate in additional archery season for antlerless deer from Dec. 14-23, and the late flintlock season runs from Dec. 26-Jan. 23. All hunters with WMU 2B 5C or 5D antlerless deer licenses can use any legal sporting arm to harvest antlerless deer from Dec. 14 to 23, and from Dec. 26-Jan. 23.

The small game seasons are as follows: squirrel, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26 to Feb. 6; ruffed grouse, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 23; rabbit, Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26 to Feb. 6; and snowshoe hare, Dec. 26-Jan. 1. In addition, pheasants (males and females) will be open from Dec. 14-23 and Dec. 26 to Feb. 6, in WMUs 1A, 1B, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4D, 5C and 5D.

Hunters who participate in any of these seasons must have a general hunting license, which provides Pennsylvania hunting privileges through June 30. Depending on the deer season hunters are participating in, they also must meet additional licensing and fluorescent orange requirements.

All antlerless deer taken by hunters in the late archery and special regulations area antlerless seasons must be tagged with an unused WMU-specific antlerless deer license harvest tag or a Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permit harvest tag.

Flintlock muzzleloader season participants may harvest an antlerless deer with either a WMU-specific or DMAP-specific antlerless deer license/permit or general hunting license deer harvest tag. Buck hunting in the late seasons is governed by antler restrictions and limited to only bowhunters and flintlock muzzleloader hunters who possess an unused general hunting license deer harvest tag.

During the flintlock season, only single-barrel long-guns .44 caliber or larger and flintlock handguns .50 caliber or larger with a flintlock ignition system are permitted. The firearm must be an original or reproduction of a gun used prior to 1800. Peep sights and fiber-optic inserts are permitted, as well as iron, open “V” or notched sights. A flintlock ignition system consists of a hammer containing a naturally-occurring stone which is spring-propelled onto an iron or steel frizzen, which, in turn, creates sparks to ignite the gunpowder. Flintlock muzzleloader hunters may use “any single projectile” ammunition.

Hunters are reminded that firearms limitations for special regulations counties – Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia – remain in effect for the extended antlerless season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D. Those restrictions do not apply to those portions of Beaver, Berks, Butler, Lehigh, Northampton, Washington and Westmoreland counties contained in WMUs 2B and 5C, where firearms deer hunters may choose to use a rifle, shotgun or crossbow.

Hunters using archery or muzzleloader licenses, and hunting with those special sporting arms, are not required to wear fluorescent orange clothing while afield, but are encouraged to do so where the seasons overlap with late season firearms deer hunters. Special regulations area hunters must wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing, unless they possess an archery or muzzleloader license and are hunting with a bow, flintlock or crossbow.

Those hunting in the late seasons also may take coyotes with either a general hunting license or a furtaker license, 24 hours a day, from July 1-June 30, including Sundays, as per specifics listed on page 76 of the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Digest. The bag limit is unlimited, and hunters may use electronic calls and can pursue coyotes without wearing fluorescent orange in most instances. Also, trappers can take an unlimited number of coyotes until Feb. 21.

Trappers also may use cable restraints for foxes and coyotes from Jan. 1 through Feb. 21. In order to participate in this season, trappers must have passed a mandatory cable restraint certification program, which was developed and implemented with the assistance of the Pennsylvania Trappers Association.

Furbearer hunting seasons continuing through the winter months, include: red and gray foxes, until Feb. 20, including Sundays; raccoons, until Feb. 20; bobcats, for those with special permits, until Feb. 20; and skunks, opossums and weasels, until June 30 (certain restrictions apply during the spring gobbler season, so please refer to page 76 of the 2009-10 Digest).

Furbearer trapping seasons include: beavers, Dec. 26-March 31 (bag limits depend on WMU, which is outlined on page 74 of the 2009-10 Digest); minks and muskrats, until Jan. 10; raccoons, skunks, opossums, foxes and weasels, until Feb. 21; and bobcats, for those with special permits, until Feb. 21.

“Trappers seeking new locations to place sets are encouraged to contact any of the agency’s six region offices for contact information for landowners looking for relief from nuisance beavers,” Roe said. He also recommended trappers review the various “Field Officer Game Forecasts” available online (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

Crows may be hunted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until April 4.

Dove hunters also will have late season opportunities when dove season reopens Dec. 26-Jan. 2. Shooting hours are one-half hour before sunrise to sunset, and the daily limit is 15.

Waterfowl hunters have plenty of hunting opportunities to pursue from December into March. Hunters can take Canada geese and white-fronted geese during the following upcoming seasons: Atlantic Population Zone, Dec. 19-Jan. 26; Southern James Bay Canada Goose Hunting Zone, Dec. 14-Jan. 28; and Resident Canada Goose Zone, from Dec. 11-Feb. 19. Atlantic brant may be taken from Dec. 10-31. Statewide snow goose season runs until Feb. 19, after which the conservation season runs from Feb. 20 through April 3. In addition to all required licenses, conservation season snow goose hunters must obtain a free permit from the Game Commission website.

Ducks, sea ducks, coots and mergansers may be hunted in the Lake Erie Zone until Jan. 2; in the North Zone, until Jan. 9; in the Northwest Zone Dec. 14-Jan. 1; and in the South Zone until Jan. 15.

For details on waterfowl bag limits in each of the zones, please consult the Pennsylvania 2009-10 Guide to Migratory Game Bird Hunting, which is available on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on the “Waterfowl Hunting 2009-10” icon in the center of the homepage.

In addition to a regular Pennsylvania hunting license, persons 16 and older must have a Federal Migratory Bird and Conservation Stamp, commonly referred to as a “Duck Stamp” to hunt waterfowl. Regardless of age, hunters also must have a Pennsylvania Migratory Game Bird License to hunt waterfowl and other migratory birds, including doves, woodcock, coots, moorhens, rails and snipe. All migratory game bird hunters in the United States are required to complete a Harvest Information Program survey when they purchase a state migratory game bird license. The survey information is then forwarded to the USFWS.

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Hunting And Trapping Opportunities For Winter Abound

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- When is the largest bear killed in Pennsylvania’s bear season not the largest bear harvested?

When it is the largest bear killed over bait, which equals poaching.

That’s what happened when Charles W. Olsen Jr., of Wilkes-Barre, Luzerne County, decided that it’d be easier to kill a bear over a pile of pastries, rather than the method used by ethical hunters.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) Cory Bentzoni became suspicious when he saw a truck loaded with pastries from a local store driving along Route 309 in Dallas, Luzerne County.

“As we were about one week away from the opening of the statewide bear season, I thought that something illegal might be underway,” WCO Bentzoni said. “Being that we were so close to bear season, seeing that person drive by with an unusual amount of pastries was like watching an individual go down a row of parked vehicles testing each handle to see if it were open. Something just didn’t seem right.”

Bentzoni wrote down the vehicle license plate of the truck and found that it was registered to Olsen. He then instructed all Game Commission personnel operating bear check stations throughout the region to notify him if Olsen brought a bear into any one of the check stations.

Sure enough, on Nov. 25, Olsen brought a bear with an estimated live weight of 707-pound into the bear check station at the Northeast Region Office in Dallas, Luzerne County. Wyoming County WCO Vic Rosa was immediately contacted by the Northeast Region Office, since Olsen reportedly harvested the bear in Noxen Township, Wyoming County.

Northeast Region Land Management Supervisor Peter Sussenbach, who also was aware of the tip provided by WCO Bentzoni, approached Olsen and said “there might be a problem with this bear.” At that point, Olsen confessed that he had killed the bear over a bait pile.

“What is most unfortunate is that law-abiding bear hunters in the area were robbed of the opportunity to legally harvest truly a trophy bear by fair chase means,” said Northeast Region Law Enforcement Supervisor Dan Figured.

“It was thanks to the quick thinking of an observant Wildlife Conservation Officer, and some basic investigative work, that helped resolve this case.”

WCO Rosa plans to file charges of illegally killing a bear over bait later this week. If found guilty, Olsen faces fines and penalties of between $500 and $1,500, as well as the loss of hunting/trapping privileges for at least three years. In addition to criminal fines in this case, the Game Commission intends to request from the judge restitution for this trophy-class bear, which could amount to $5,000.

The enhanced restitution was adopted into regulations by the Board of Game Commissioners last year as another tool to deter those who would steal Pennsylvania’s wildlife

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Pa Man Charged With Illegally Killing Largest Bear Of 2009 Season Over Bait

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- Pennsylvania Game Commission officials are urging wildlife enthusiasts to join the tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the United States in the Audubon Society’s 110th Annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC), which will take place Dec. 14, through Jan. 5.

“Bird enthusiasts, armed with binoculars, bird guides and checklists, will head out on an annual mission – often before dawn – to make a difference and to experience the beauty of creation,” said Dan Brauning, Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Section supervisor. “Each year, volunteers brave snow, wind, or rain, to take part in the Christmas Bird Count, and they have made an enormous contribution to conservation to help guide conservation actions.

“The data collected through this effort – which is the longest-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations – allows researchers, conservation biologists, and other interested individuals to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America. When combined with other surveys such as the Breeding Bird Survey, it provides a picture of how the continent’s bird populations have changed in time and space over the past hundred years.”

Local counts will occur on one day between Dec. 14 and Jan. 5. Volunteers can pick the most convenient circle, or participate in more than one count. There is a specific methodology to the CBC, but everyone can participate. The count takes place within “Count Circles,” which focus on specific geographical areas. Each circle is led by a “Count Compiler,” who is an experienced birdwatcher, enabling beginning birders to learn while they assist. Also, those who live within the boundaries of a Count Circle can even stay at home and report the birds that visit their backyard feeders, or join a group of birdwatchers in a local field.

“In either case, if you have never been on a CBC before your first step is to locate and contact your local Count Compiler to find out how you can volunteer,” Brauning said.

To view instructions on how to search for a circle and sign-up for an open count, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “Wildlife” in the left-hand column, and then choose the “Christmas Bird Count” icon in the center of the page.

Information also can be obtained from Audubon Society’s Christmas Bird Count website (http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/), or on the Pennsylvania Society for Ornithology’s website (http://www.pabirds.org).

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Pa Game Commission Urges Participation In Christmas Bird Count

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG. PA –-(AmmoLand.com)- While there are no known cases of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in the Commonwealth, the Pennsylvania Game Commission, joined by veterinarians and laboratory technicians from the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of Agriculture, will continue its efforts tomorrow to sample thousands of hunter-killed deer to test for CWD.

“Currently, there are no confirmed or suspected cases of CWD-infected deer or elk in Pennsylvania, and we are doing what we can to ensure that it stays that way,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “We are planning to collect samples from 4,000 hunter-killed deer to test for CWD in the upcoming firearms deer season. Last year, we tested samples from more than 4,200 deer. CWD was not detected in any of the samples.”

Game Commission deer aging teams will collect deer heads throughout the state beginning Tuesday, Dec. 1 – the second day of the state’s two-week rifle deer season. The heads will be taken to the six Game Commission Region Offices, where samples will be collected for testing.

The CWD tests on these deer samples will be conducted at the University of Pennsylvania’s veterinary diagnostic laboratory at the New Bolton Center in Chester County. Results are expected in 2010.

The Game Commission collected liver, lung and blood samples from the 43 elk harvested. The Game Commission also collected brain tissue and lymph node samples from elk that were not to be mounted, and requested that taxidermists submit the caped heads from elk provided by hunters seeking to have their trophies mounted. Elk hunters were provided pre-paid mailers for taxidermists to submit the samples. All elk samples will be tested for CWD at the New Bolton Center as well.

Under a contract with Penn State University, samples also will be tested for bovine tuberculosis and brucellosis. With funding from the state’s Animal Health Diagnostic Commission, the Game Commission and Penn State also are examining liver samples for nutritional mineral and heavy metal content, as elk frequently graze on reclaimed strip mines.

Dr. Walter Cottrell, Game Commission wildlife veterinarian, said the agency will release the elk and deer test results as soon as they are available.

The Game Commission, with the assistance of the Pennsylvania and U.S. departments of Agriculture, has conducted tests on more than 300 elk and more than 22,000 deer killed by hunters in Pennsylvania over the past six years. Since 1998, more than 600 deer and elk that have died of unknown illness or were exhibiting abnormal behavior also have been tested. No evidence of CWD has been found in these samples. The Game Commission will continue to collect samples from deer and elk that appear sick or behave abnormally.

Even though CWD had not been detected in Pennsylvania, CWD testing of healthy appearing hunter-killed deer or elk is available through the New Bolton Center. Hunters who wish to have their deer tested may do so for a fee by making arrangements with the New Bolton Center Laboratory (610-444-5800).

First identified in 1967, CWD is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) that affects cervids, including all species of deer, elk and moose. It is a progressive and always fatal disease, which scientists believe is caused by an agent capable of transforming normal brain proteins into an abnormal form.

There currently is no practical way to test live animals for CWD, and there is no vaccine to prevent an animal from contracting the disease. There is no cure for animals that become infected. There is no evidence of CWD being transmissible to humans or to other non-cervid livestock under normal conditions.

Deer harboring CWD may not show any symptoms in the disease’s early stages. The usual incubation period for CWD is between 12-24 months. Commonly observed signs of an infected animal include lowered head and ears, uncoordinated movement, rough-hair coat, weight loss, increased thirst, excessive drooling, weakness, and ultimately, death.

Hunters who see deer behaving oddly, that appear to be sick, or that are dying for unknown reasons are urged to contact the nearest Game Commission Region Office. Hunters should not kill or consume animals that appear to be sick.

“We count on hunters to be our eyes when they head out to hunt deer,” Roe said. “With the help of the nearly one million deer hunters who go afield, we can cover a lot of ground.

“Hunters should be mindful of wildlife health issues, even more so in recent years. At this point, we have no evidence that CWD is in Pennsylvania, or that it poses health problems for humans.”

Not only should hunters shoot only deer that appear to be healthy and behave normally, but the Game Commission also recommends that they use rubber gloves for field dressing. These are simple precautions that hunters can follow to ensure their hunt remains a safe and pleasurable experience.

CWD is present in free-ranging or captive wildlife populations in 15 states and two Canadian provinces. The Game Commission has been working with other state agencies to protect the Commonwealth’s wild and captive deer and elk by emphasizing measures designed to prevent its introduction into the state.

In September of 2005, in order to prepare for a possible CWD occurrence, Gov. Edward G. Rendell and agency representatives of the Pennsylvania CWD task force finalized and signed the state’s response plan, which outlines ways to prevent CWD from entering the state’s borders and, if CWD is in Pennsylvania, how to detect, contain and work to eradicate it. The task force was comprised of representatives from the Governor’s Office, the Game Commission, the state Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the state Department of Health, the state Department of Environmental Protection and the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency. Also, representatives of important stakeholder groups – including hunters, deer and elk farmers, meat processors and taxidermists – helped shape the final draft of the plan. A copy of the final plan can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by clicking on “Reports/Minutes” and then selecting “Pennsylvania CWD Response Plan.”

In December of 2005, recognizing the transmissible nature of the disease, the Game Commission issued an order banning the importation of specific carcass parts from states and Canadian provinces where CWD had been identified in free-ranging cervid populations. In May of 2009, Roe modified that order to include all states where CWD had been detected, whether in a captive or wild setting. Now hunters traveling to the following states must abide by the importation restrictions: Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York (CWD containment area only), Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, West Virginia (Hampshire County only), Wisconsin and Wyoming; as well as the Canadian provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Specific carcass parts prohibited from being imported into Pennsylvania by hunters are: head (including brain, tonsils, eyes and lymph nodes); spinal cord/backbone; spleen; skull plate with attached antlers, if visible brain or spinal cord material is present; cape, if visible brain or spinal cord material is present; upper canine teeth, if root structure or other soft material is present; any object or article containing visible brain or spinal cord material; and brain-tanned hides.

The order does not limit the importation of the following animal parts originating from any cervid in the quarantined states, provinces or area: meat, without the backbone; skull plate with attached antlers, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present; tanned hide or raw hide with no visible brain or spinal cord material present; cape, if no visible brain or spinal cord material is present; upper canine teeth, if no root structure or other soft material is present; and taxidermy mounts.

To learn more about CWD, visit the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on the “CWD Update” section in the “Quick Clicks” box in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.

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PA Game Commission Prepares To Collect Samples For CWD Testing

Pennsylvania Game Commission

HARRISBURG, PA - Two days of bear hunting have produced a preliminary harvest of 2,709 bears, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission reports.

Last year, 2,518 bears were brought to Game Commission check stations after two days of hunting. In 2007, 1,638 bears passed through check stations the first two days and, in 2006, biologists inspected 2,185 bears after two days. In 2005, when the state record bear harvest was set, agency personnel processed 2,875 bears through the first two days of season; followed by 2,262 in 2004; 2,299 in 2003; and 2,022 in 2002.

The top 10 bears processed at check stations on the two days all had actual or estimated live weights that exceeded 570 pounds. Terence J. Burkhardt, of Jim Thorpe, harvested the largest bear, which was a male that weighed in at 654 pounds (actual live weight). The bear was taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, at 4:35 p.m. on Nov. 23.

Other large bears included: a 654-pound male (estimated live weight) also taken in Penn Forest Township, Carbon County, by Michael J. Wimmer Jr., of Jim Thorpe, at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 23; a 644-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Todd Township, Fulton County, by Travis L. Crouse, of Chambersburg, at 9:06 a.m. on Nov. 23; a 610-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Middle Paxton Township, Dauphin County, by David T. Frey, of Harrisburg, at 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 23; a 607-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Lehman Township, Pike County, by Arthur Garris Jr. of Bushkill, at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 23; a 588-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Fannett Township, Franklin County, by Arthur G. Clayton, of Amberson, at 2:30 p.m. on Nov. 23; a 586-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Porter Township, Pike County, by John T. Waters Jr., of Spring City, at 9:30 a.m. on Nov. 23; a 581-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in McNett Township, Lycoming County, by Matthew J. Wells, of Gillett, at 9 .m. on Nov. 24; a 576-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Sergeant, McKean County, by Cody C. Cogan, of Weedville, at 2:35 p.m. on Nov. 24; and a 570-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Larimer Township, Somerset County, by Richard M. Smith, of Meyersdale, at 7:30 a.m. on Nov. 23.

The preliminary two-day bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows: WMU 1A, 7 (14 in 2008); WMU 1B, 28 (57); WMU 2C, 204 (184); WMU 2D, 99 (123); WMU 2E, 68 (93); WMU 2F, 250 (213); WMU 2G, 857 (598); WMU 3A, 224 (279); WMU 3B, 179 (255); WMU 3C, 65 (55); WMU 3D, 246 (168); WMU 4A, 105 (118); WMU 4B, 36 (34); WMU 4C, 81 (52); WMU 4D, 234 (256); WMU 4E, 25 (17); and WMU 5B, 1 (0).

The top bear harvest county in the state after the second day of season was Clinton with 219 (91 in 2008), followed by Lycoming, 201 (195); Tioga, 198 (205); Cameron, 196 (61); and Potter, with 154 (256).

County harvests by region for the first two days, followed by the two-day 2008 preliminary harvests in parentheses, are:

• Northwest: Warren, 90 (47); Forest, 53 (53); Jefferson, 52 (48); Clarion, 39 (46); Venango, 27 (52); Butler, 8 (6); Crawford, 7 (29); and Mercer, 3 (4).
• Southwest: Somerset, 61 (83); Fayette, 56 (35); Westmoreland, 56 (32); Armstrong, 34 (44); Indiana, 23 (51); and Cambria, 12 (26).
• Northcentral: Clinton, 219 (91); Lycoming, 201 (195); Tioga, 198 (205); Cameron, 196 (61); Potter 154 (256); McKean, 124 (126); Clearfield, 119 (98); Elk, 108 (79); Centre, 79 (74); and Union, 23 (36).
• Southcentral: Huntingdon, 75 (96); Bedford, 49 (69); Mifflin, 45 (35); Blair, 32 (23); Juniata, 23 (17); Snyder, 15 (24); Fulton, 12 (9); Perry, 7 (11); and Franklin, 3 (0).
• Northeast: Pike, 103 (63); Monroe, 70 (48); Carbon, 50 (20); Wayne, 45 (46); Sullivan, 37 (76); Bradford, 36 (49); Luzerne, 31 (35); Lackawanna, 28 (27); Susquehanna, 25 (14); Wyoming, 22 (28); Columbia, 13 (9); and Northumberland, 2 (2).
• Southeast: Schuylkill, 21 (21); Dauphin, 10 (7); Berks, 6 (1); Northampton, 4 (2); and Lebanon 3 (0).

Hunters with an unfilled bear license may participate in extended bear seasons that run concurrent with all or portions of the first week of the firearms deer season. For details about those areas open to extended bear hunting and the dates, please see pages 34 and 35 of the 2009-10 Digest. Bear check stations opened during the extended bear seasons can be found on page 36 of the 2009-10 Digest.

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Pennsylvania Two-Day Bear Harvest Remains In Second Place