Pennsylvania Bowhunters Await Fall Deer Archery Season
September 16, 2008
HARRISBURG – There really isn’t much commotion in the days leading up to and for the start of Pennsylvania’s six-week fall archery deer season, which begins Oct. 4. According to the Pennsylvania Game Commission, if passersby didn’t see bowhunters entering or leaving the woods, most wouldn’t know whitetail hunting had begun in the Commonwealth.
“Hunting deer with a bow has always been a passion – or at least a favorite pastime – for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “On the first day of the season, thousands of hunters will take to the woods in order to start filling their freezers with venison. It also marks the time when bowhunters begin to be rewarded for all the time they’ve spent on ranges practicing, scouting and running trail cameras in recent months.
“The start of our archery deer season also represents the beginning of relief for some landowners who are sustaining crop and property damage from deer. This is especially true for people who live in Pennsylvania’s developed areas around Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, where deer populations remain exceedingly high.”
Bowhunters who have purchased and received antlerless deer licenses to hunt in Wildlife Management Units 2B, 5C and 5D will once again get an early start on the rest of the state. They may begin hunting for antlerless deer only in these WMUs beginning Sept. 20. There also are two late fall archery antlerless deer seasons in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D that run from Nov. 17-29, and Dec. 15-23.
Statewide, including WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, archers can hunt antlered or antlerless deer from Oct. 4 to Nov. 15, and the late statewide archery deer season runs from Dec. 26 to Jan. 10.
Pennsylvania’s deer archery season made its debut in 1951, and was developed to provide additional recreational opportunities to hunters. Today, it is an essential tool for deer managers in their never-ending efforts to reduce deer populations in suburbia near Philadelphia and Pittsburgh and other cities. In fact, bowhunting often represents the only way residents in many suburban communities can get low-cost relief from deer populations.
Of course, there’s quite a difference between hunting in the nooks and crannies of suburbia and the big woods of the state’s mountainous northern tier. One offers a backdrop of backyards and woodlots flanked by endless roads and serenaded by the drone of endless activity. The other provides a chance for a hunter to submerge himself or herself in all things wild.
Choosing a hunting location is really a matter of hunter preference and tolerance, and often is related to accessibility. If a hunter’s primary goal is to harvest a deer, he or she can do that in any county of the state. But if a hunter is looking for a huge buck, a large population of deer, or a wilderness experience, then the choices become more involved.
“The great thing about hunting, especially in the fall archery season, is that you have a lot of flexibility in deciding where you want to hunt and what you want to hunt for,” explained Calvin W. DuBrock, Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director. “If you’re interested in seeing sizeable numbers of deer, without spending a lot of time walking into a woodland interior, then hunting in suburbia may be to your liking. If you prefer wilderness settings and fewer hunters, the big woods should be your destination.”
The Game Commission encourages hunters to spend as much time as possible afield this fall prior to and during the hunting seasons to pattern deer movements and identify areas where fall foods are abundant. Hunt as often as you can, and scout every time you head afield. Try to figure out which food sources deer are using. And pay attention to prevailing wind direction. These adjustments really can make a difference.
There is no reason to believe that deer hunting will be any easier this fall, although drought-like conditions in some areas of the state may make it easier to pattern deer movements to food and water sources. An early leaf drop also may increase your ability to see deer at a distance. Gypsy moth caterpillar defoliation on hundreds of thousands of forestland acres again has limited acorn production in stands of oak.
“Hunters should expect to find deer populations similar to those they encountered last year,” said Dr. Christopher Rosenberry, who supervises the Game Commission’s Deer Management Section. “But they should keep in mind that fall is a time of transition and adjustment for deer, and that what they experienced afield last year or saw over summer may be different this autumn for a variety of reasons, including deer behavior, food availability and landscape changes.
“Don’t be surprised if a buck you have been watching all summer and fall ‘disappears’ in October. Based on our research in Pennsylvania, there is a good chance he’ll travel an average of three to five miles from your area, but the good news is there probably is another buck from some other place headed into your hunting area.”
Since most of Pennsylvania is comprised of private property and most hunters hunt on private property, it stands to reason that getting permission to hunt private property, particularly in urban/suburban areas, is important. But, in addition to securing good hunting territory, a hunter is reducing conflicts between deer and landowners. It is a chance for hunters to showcase the importance of hunting.
“Archers in Pennsylvania’s more developed areas can be ambassadors for ethical and effective deer management,” Rosenberry said. “They have opportunities to get into areas where gun hunters cannot because of the reduced 50-yard safety zone restriction. We encourage archers living in these areas to look into gaining access to help reduce deer impacts in these areas. But please respect landowners and their neighbors, because your actions can influence the future of hunting in your area.”
Other ways to increase your chances for success afield include heading into the interior of large tracts of public land open only to foot travel, or hunting on weekdays before work when fewer hunters are afield. The more time a hunter spends afield seeking fresh sign, the greater his or her chances will be. Hunting from a tree-stand can improve a hunter’s odds, as will hunting in multiple locations, and as undetectable as possible.
Many Game Commission field officers expect hunters in most WMUs to find favorable hunting opportunities afield this fall. But that doesn’t guarantee any hunter a deer, or suggest that hunters will do better or worse than last year. Deer numbers – as they always do – will vary from one WMU to the next, and even from township to township or within a township. There are areas with sizeable deer numbers and areas with limited numbers. Deer, however, can be found everywhere; they’re just not as abundant or as visible in some areas.
Antler restrictions, implemented in 2002, have led to a higher percentage of 2.5-year and older bucks being available to hunters each year. In recent years, about half of the bucks taken by hunters were 2.5 years old, or older. Typically, about 75 percent of the state’s overall buck harvest is taken in the concurrent rifle and flintlock muzzleloader seasons, but archers still manage to take their share.
The Game Commission urges bowhunters to take only responsible shots at deer to ensure a quick, clean kill. For most, that’s a shot of 20 yards or less at a deer broadside or quartering away. Bowhunters should shoot at only deer that are within their maximum effective shooting range - the furthest distance from which a hunter can consistently place arrows into a pie pan-sized target.
Archers also are reminded of regulatory changes in equipment requirements that took effect in 2002. All bows must have a peak draw weight of at least 35 pounds, and broadheads must have at least a 7/8th-inch outside diameter and no less than two cutting edges. Cutting edges must be in the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface.
Hunters may use illuminated nocks for arrows and bolts, which can be affixed at the aft end of an arrow or bolt and aid in tracking or locating the arrow or bolt after being launched. However, transmitter-tracking arrows still are illegal.
Tree-stands and climbing devices that cause damage to trees are unlawful to use or occupy unless the user has written permission from the landowner. Tree-stands - or tree steps - penetrating a tree’s cambium layer cause damage. It is unlawful to construct or occupy constructed tree-stands on State Game Lands, state forests or state parks.
Other safety tips bowhunters should consider before heading afield and while hunting include:
- Make sure someone knows where you’re hunting and when you expect to return home. Leave a note or topographic map with your family or a friend. Pack a cellular telephone for emergencies.
- Always use a fall-restraint device - preferably a full-body harness - when hunting from a tree-stand. Wear the device from the moment you leave the ground until you return. Don’t climb dead, wet or icy trees. Stay on the ground on blustery days.
- Get in good physical condition before the season starts. Fatigue can impact judgment, coordination and reaction time, as well as accuracy. Staying physically fit makes a difference.
- Always carry a whistle to signal passersby in the event you become immobile. A compass and matches or lighter and tinder also are essential survival gear items to have along. An extra flashlight bulb also can be helpful.
- Use a hoist rope to lift your bow and backpack to your tree-stand. Trying to climb with either will place you at unnecessary risk.
- Don’t sleep in a tree-stand! If you can’t stay awake, return to the ground.
- Always carry broadhead-tipped arrows in a protective quiver.
- If you use a mechanical release, always keep your index finger away from the trigger when drawing.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for all equipment and check your equipment before each use.
- Practice climbing with your tree-stand before dawn on the opening day of the season. Consider placing non-slip material on the deck of your tree-stand if it’s not already there.
Related posts
Cleanup Finished on Popular Blatz Pavilion Lagoon in Milwaukee
August 29, 2008
MILWAUKEE – The popular Blatz Pavilion lagoon in Milwaukee’s Lincoln Park has reopened for boating and fishing after mud containing PCBs was removed from it as part of a collaborative project between the Department of Natural Resources and Milwaukee County. Planning continues for a larger effort to clean up the adjacent Lincoln Park Lagoon and channel.
“We’re very pleased to complete this important first step in restoring recreational opportunities in Lincoln Park,” says DNR Secretary Matt Frank. “The park has long been an important recreational spot for the local community, and this work allows people to enjoy it again.”
Contact with Milwaukee River water is no longer a problem for people boating in the lagoon as a result of the project. People fishing from 1-acre lagoon who want to eat their catch should follow the fish consumption advice for that stretch of the Milwaukee River.
Frank says that the $1.3 million project was possible because of state Great Lakes Program Funds that Gov. Jim Doyle and the Wisconsin Legislature provided to address the significant sources of toxic chemicals that have contaminated fish in Wisconsin’s major tributaries to the Great Lakes.
“This project, like the Kinnickinnic River cleanup announced last week, demonstrates Governor Doyle’s commitment to providing the resources to successfully address the contaminated sediment sites in the state and restore our natural resources for people to enjoy,” Frank says.
On July 20, Doyle announced a $24.4 million project to clean contaminated sediment from the Kinnickinnic River in Milwaukee. The state is leveraging about $7.7 million of state funds, earmarked in the current state budget, to secure $14 million in federal funds for the cleanup. The city of Milwaukee also is contributing money.
The Blatz Pavilion site was identified as a priority cleanup site by the DNR and the local community following a 2005 report on PCBs in the Estabrook Impoundment in Lincoln Park in Milwaukee, according to Ted Bosch, project engineer from the DNR Southeast Region. The risks posed by the site included skin contact and potential water ingestion by park users, and the consumption of too many contaminated fish from the river. Infants and children of women who have eaten a lot of PCB-contaminated fish may have lower birth weights and delayed physical and learning development. PCBs also may affect reproductive function and the immune system and are also associated with cancer risk.
The department conducted an environmental investigation of the river but was not able to determine a source that was responsible for the PCB contamination.
The Blatz project removed an estimated 300 pounds of PCBs in nearly 4,000 cubic yards of mud from the lagoon bottom. About 2,000 tons of the mud with higher concentrations of PCBs were shipped out of state to a chemical waste landfill. About 3,500 tons of low level sediment were disposed in a local solid waste landfill, Bosch says.
The lagoon bottom was restored with sand and gravel and improvements were made to the lagoon waterfront, Bosch says. The DNR, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Milwaukee County, and the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sanitary District all provided supervision for the contractor performing the work.
The experience DNR staff gained on other sediment remediation projects, including the Lower Fox River project, resulted in the success of the Blatz Pavilion lagoon project, according to Greg Hill who leads the DNR’s statewide contaminated sediment management program.
That expertise will be important as the DNR and Milwaukee County tackle the larger clean up project the must be done in the adjacent Lincoln Park Lagoon and channel. The DNR is developing a project plan with Milwaukee County to design and implement this next project.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Greg Hill - (608) 267-9352
Related posts
Regulations For ATV’s, UTV”s, Motorcycles Clarified in Idaho
August 19, 2008
![Regulations For ATV's, UTV"s, Motorcycles Clarified in Idaho](http://www.outdoorcentral.com/articles/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/20080818042.jpg "Regulations For ATV\'s, UTV\\"s, Motorcycles Clarified in Idaho")
The growing popularity of a new generation of four-wheel-drive off-highway vehicle, known as utility type vehicle - or UTV - has raised questions and concerns about off-highway vehicle use on public lands in Idaho.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game recognize the growing popularity of motorized recreation and desire by motorized vehicle users for appropriate recreational opportunities.
Both agencies want to clarify where and when OHV use is legal and appropriate, and to inform OHV users of a new state law which has prompted some upcoming changes in OHV management.
A variety of opportunities are available on public land for OHV use, including the larger UTVs. OHV owners should consult the appropriate land management agency for travel restrictions in the area they plan to ride. Each agency has its own guidelines or regulations for travel.
Some trails on the Caribou-Targhee National Forest are open to two wheeled motorized travel, and some limit vehicles to a maximum width of 50 inches. All vehicles wider than 50 inches are limited to roads open to motorized travel and subject to licensing requirements.
In the past, many UTV owners thought they could register their vehicle with an OHV sticker and legally operate on the road. It was confusing for just about everybody, but a new law passed during the 2008 legislative session will remedy this situation.
Beginning January 1, 2009, a restricted use license plate will be available to all OHVs, including UTVs. This new plate, in combination with the OHV registration sticker, will allow all OHVs to operate on Forest Service roads unless the land manager specifically prohibits such use.
On Bureau of Land Management lands some motorized routes and areas, such as the St. Anthony sand dunes, are open to UTVs with a current OHV registration sticker. Other motorized routes are limited to 48 inches in width. Roads on BLM lands are similar to Forest Service roads and require a license plate.
After January 1, 2009, the new restricted-use license plate will allow use on roads unless specifically prohibited.
It is the operator’s responsibility to know before they go. On federal land it is important for all OHV users to check with their local land managers to identify the legal areas of operation. In most areas maps are available to assist in the identification of legal routes.
The new restricted-use license plate will also allow OHVs legal access to city and county roads. These local jurisdictions may prohibit certain roads from OHV use after a public meeting and an ordinance passed. The new law does not allow OHVs to operate on any state or federal highways.
In addition to vehicle type trail designations, some roads and trails may also be limited by seasonal restrictions. For example, some land managers may close roads or trails to any motorized travel during various times of the year to control big game vulnerability during the hunting season, to benefit wintering wildlife or to protect the trail surface during wet conditions. Most seasonal closures can be identified on the land managers travel map.
Idaho Fish and Game generally limits the use of OHVs on its wildlife management areas to established open roads - exceptions are Andrus and Craig Mountain WMAs - and also restrict the use of OHVs as an aid to hunting in certain game management units.
Parks and Recreation and Fish and Game suggest OHV recreationists not keep their OHVs parked in their driveways, but make sure they know the rules for enjoying them legally. Check with the appropriate land management agencies; acquire travel maps geared for off-road recreation, and pay attention to signage on public lands. Or contact the nearest Idaho Parks and Recreation office for information on OHV recreation in Idaho.
Permission is always necessary from a land owner for travel on private property.
Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho’s New OHV Law
Q. I am an Idaho resident and heard that license plates are going to be required on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV. Is this true?
A. Yes. Beginning on January 1, 2009, owners of off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs will be required to buy a restricted use plate for $3 if they will be operating those machines on public land or on public roads. They are not allowed on state and federal highways or federal interstates. The plate is valid for seven years. Exemptions exist for motorcycles with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.
Q. How big is the restricted use plate?
A. The plate will be the same size and material as the current plate used on motorcycles. The plate will be white with black lettering and must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.
Q. What happened to the $10 OHV sticker?
A. The OHV sticker will now be smaller and must be affixed to the restricted use plate on the rear of the vehicle. The sticker will be valid for one year.
Q. Do I need both a “restricted use” plate and an off-highway vehicle sticker?
A. Yes. Exemptions include motorcycles with a displacement of 50cc or less and vehicles used exclusively for agricultural or snow removal purposes.
Q. Where can I ride with my restricted use plate and OHV sticker?
A. All state or federal roads, excluding state and federal highways and interstates, will be open to off-highway motorcycles, ATVs and UTVs with a restricted use plate and current year OHV sticker unless a local ordinance is adopted to close a road to such use or otherwise determined closed by a federal land manager. Designated OHV riding areas, areas open to cross-country motorized travel and designated motorized trail systems on public land will require both the restricted use plate and the OHV sticker.
Q. I converted my off-highway motorcycle to a regular motorcycle and already have a red, white and blue motorcycle plate on it from ITD. Does this mean I now need two plates on my bike?
A. No. Only one plate is necessary. To ride on trails, you will still need the $10 OHV sticker and must affix it to your existing motorcycle license plate. This is in addition to the current motorcycle license plate registration sticker provided by Idaho Transportation Department with the motorcycle plate.
Q. How does this new law affect non-residents?
A. Nothing was changed to the non-resident registration requirements. Non-residents are not required to register in Idaho unless they have operated within the state for more than 30 days.
Q. Does this law allow children to ride on roads?
A. No. When traveling on roads, operators of an off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV must have a valid driver’s license, carry liability insurance and have a vehicle equipped with the required equipment to do so.
Q. What required equipment must I have on my off-highway motorcycle, ATV or UTV to travel on a road?
A. The required equipment is still being determined. Current code requires a number of items including a mirror, a working brake light, and a horn audible at 200 feet.
Q. Where do I get plates and stickers in 2009?
A. On January 1, 2009, you must buy the restricted use plate and OHV sticker from the Idaho Transportation Department. Specifically your county assessor’s automobile licensing office.
Q. What do I need to take with me to obtain both plates and stickers?
A. You will need to have your vehicle identification number with you if it is currently titled in Idaho. If your vehicle isn’t titled in Idaho, you will need to contact your county assessor’s automobile licensing office and begin the titling process with ITD.
Q. Where do I go to renew my OHV sticker in 2010?
A. All Idaho Parks and Recreation registration vendors, including county assessor automobile licensing offices, OHV dealers and other businesses that sell OHV registration stickers, will be able to issue the OHV renewal stickers.
For additional information please call your county assessor’s automobile licensing office or the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation in Boise at 208-334-4199, in Coeur d’Alene at 208-769-1511, and in Idaho Falls at 208-525-7121.
For additional information contact Troy Elmore of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation at 208-514-2411 or Mark Gamblin of Idaho Fish and Game at 208-232-4703.
Related posts
2008-09 Sporting License Sales Open August 18 in New York
August 15, 2008
Deer Management Permits, Hunting, Fishing, Trapping Licenses Available
New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Pete Grannis announced that 2008-09 hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses and Deer Management Permits (DMPs) may be purchased beginning Monday, Aug. 18. Licenses and permits can be purchased at one of DEC’s 1,500 license sales outlets statewide.
“New York State is committed to helping provide outdoor enthusiasts with numerous recreational opportunities to enjoy the beauty of our state throughout the year,” said Grannis. “Hunting, trapping, and fishing opportunities in New York are among the best in the Northeast. As DEC kicks off another license year, we are pleased to offer new big game hunting opportunities to 14 and 15 year olds. We will continue to help meet the needs of sportsmen and sportswomen by making improvements to better serve the public and protect our natural resources.”
All sporting licenses are valid beginning Oct. 1, 2008, through Sept. 30, 2009. Prices for New York residents range from as little as $5 for a Junior Hunting license to $76 for a Conservation Legacy license that allows a full range of hunting and fishing privileges and includes specialty items such as a subscription to the Conservationist magazine and a Habitat/Access Stamp.
Sporting licenses can also be ordered by mail or phone. Previous DEC Automated Licensing System (DECALS) customers can purchase licenses via DEC’s website at www.dec.ny.gov
(look for the “Purchase a Sporting License” button on the home page). License applications may also be downloaded from the website and submitted by mail to the address listed on the application. For questions regarding license purchases, please call our DECALS Call Center at (1-866-933-2257). Hours of operation for the Call Center are 7 am to 7 pm, Mon. through Sat. from Aug. 18 to Oct. 13, 2008. Regular weekday hours of 8 am to 5 pm will resume on Oct. 14.
The DECALS System is New York’s program for issuing sporting licenses and tracking license sales and revenues. DECALS may also be used for donations to the Habitat Access Stamp Program, Venison Donation Coalition, Conservation Fund, and the Trail Maintenance Program. The Department continues to improve DECALS to better meet the needs of sportsmen and women. Beginning August 18, 2008, individuals will be able to purchase 2008-09 sporting licenses and permits through DECALS at all license issuing outlets across the state, including during the 2008 New York State Fair in Syracuse.
License buyers should have the following items ready when applying: complete name and address information, customer ID number if you have it, proof of residency information (driver’s license number or non-driver’s ID number to qualify), and, if purchasing by phone, credit card and card expiration date. Hunting license purchases require individuals to provide proof of hunting education certification or a copy of a previous license, or this information must already be contained in their DECALS file.
Deer Management Permits (DMPs), for antlerless deer only, will be available at all license issuing outlets and by phone, internet or mail, from Aug. 18 through close of business Oct. 1. DMPs are issued through a random selection process at the point of sale; therefore customers who are selected for DMPs will receive their permits immediately. The probabilities for DMP selection in each Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) are determined by the number of applications expected for each WMU and the number of DMPs the DEC must issue to effectively manage the deer herd. An applicant’s selection is also affected by the customer’s residency, number of preference points, land ownership, or disabled veteran’s status. Chances of selection in each WMU are listed in this year’s Hunting and Trapping Regulations Guide, available at License Issuing Agent locations, and at www.dec.ny.gov/permits/30409.html /website/dfwmr/license/dmpchances.html . Chances of getting a DMP remain the same throughout the application period from Aug. 18 through Oct. 1, 2008.
DEC plans to issue approximately 530,000 DMPs this year, about 13% more than last year’s target DMP issuance. The boost in DMP targets for 2008 reflects increases in deer abundance in many parts of the state and the DEC’s intent to manage deer populations toward levels suggested by Citizen Task Forces for each WMU. Applicants are reminded that DMPs are only valid for use in the WMU specified on the permit.
If a significant number of DMPs are still available in a WMU after Oct. 1, leftover DMP sales will commence on Nov. 1, 2008 and will continue on a first-come/first-serve basis until the end of the hunting season or until all DMPs have been issued. Hunters who were accustomed to applying for leftover DMPs in archery-only units 4J and 8C are advised that these units will not be open during the first-come/first-serve application period this year, but Bonus DMPs will be available in these units. For information about Bonus DMPs in WMUs 1C, 3S, 4J and 8C see www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/10001.html .
Hunters and trappers are reminded that Governor David Paterson signed a new law creating a junior hunter and trapper mentoring program. This new law allows 14-15 year olds to hunt big game with a firearm while accompanied and supervised by an experienced adult hunter. The law also allows unlicensed youth less than 12 years of age to accompany and assist a licensed trapper who is at least 18 years of age and has at least three years of trapping experience. More details about the new opportunities are available in this year’s Hunting and Trapping Laws and Regulations Guide.
Sales of all sporting licenses are deposited into the Conservation Fund which is used for the management of New York’s fish and wildlife populations and for protection and management of the habitats these animals rely upon. Via DECALS, donations to the Conservation Fund may be made in addition to or in lieu of purchasing a sporting license or Habitat/ Access Stamp.
For specific boundaries of the WMUs mentioned in this announcement and for all current hunting, fishing and trapping regulations, access the DEC website at www.dec.ny.gov .
Related posts
Salem Forest Trail Opens In Leonardtown
July 28, 2008
New Addition to St. Mary’s River State Park Offers Recreational Opportunities to Community
Leonardtown — Salem Forest Trail, a new route of St. Mary’s River State Park’s trail system in Leonardtown, is now open to the public. The project includes two trails that are located on the newly acquired Salem State Forest that borders the Park to the north.
“These trails provide increased public access and recreational opportunities for hikers, hunters, mountain bikers and horseback riders in Leonardtown’s native forest,” said David Gailey, Maryland Department of Natural Resources Regional Forester.
With an $8,200 grant from the State Highway Administration, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources refurbished the entrance roads and existing trail that was previously severely eroded. DNR also built a new trail, linking to the existing trail to create a loop on the property and connecting with the park’s trail system. In addition, a new trail head, security gates, gravel parking area and an information kiosk were constructed off of Indian Bridge Road to improve public access.
“The trails enhance our existing trail system, extending into over 800 acres,” said Christy Bright, Park Manager for St. Mary’s River and Point Lookout State Parks. “We are looking forward to more people coming out to enjoy all that our beautiful parks have to offer.”
Situated at the northern end of the St. Mary’s River watershed, the park has a wide range of habitats, from wooded acres and fields to swamps and small streams. For directions and more information about other recreational opportunities that St. Mary’s River State Park has to offer, visit www.dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/southern/stmarysriver.html.
On July 17, Leonardtown was honored as “Capital for a Day” by Governor Martin O’Malley.
During the day-long celebration, Governor O’Malley presented a check for $743,720 in Waterway Improvement funds to St. Mary’s, including an additional investment of $200,000 to continue renovations of the Leonardtown Wharf. Governor O’Malley made the presentation at a gathering of local elected officials and community leaders to celebrate the great progress, partnership, and state investment made to renovate the Leonardtown Wharf in St. Mary’s County.
Related posts
16,500 Pheasants Set Aside For Youth Pheasant Hunt
July 18, 2008
Clubs hosting mentored youth pheasant hunts have until Aug. 15 to apply for pheasants
HARRISBURG - Hunting clubs interested in hosting a youth pheasant hunt this fall are encouraged to begin making plans now, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe.
The Game Commission will release 15,000 ring-necked pheasants statewide prior to the opening of this special youth season, which was developed to provide young Pennsylvanians more opportunities to be successful afield. To encourage more hunting clubs to get involved, Roe has pledged to provide an extra 1,500 birds for clubs that host a youth pheasant hunt.
“The future of hunting is directly related to the continuing participation of young Pennsylvanians,” Roe noted. “Our goal is to make hunting a priority among all the other activities and recreational opportunities that vie for a teenager’s time. It’s truly a challenge for the Game Commission, as well as Pennsylvania’s one million hunters.
“To maximize this opportunity for young hunters, and to ensure we pass along the ethics and ideals of our hunting heritage, the Game Commission and Pheasants Forever urge local clubs to consider hosting a youth pheasant hunt for the young people in their community.”
Those clubs interested in hosting a youth pheasant hunt are encouraged to use the planning guide prepared by the Game Commission and the Pennsylvania State Chapter of Pheasants Forever. The booklet offers a step-by-step guide on how to develop an organized youth pheasant hunt, and includes: a sample timeline; suggested committees and assignments; general event planning considerations; and several sample forms and news releases. It also includes event evaluation guides so clubs and organizations may consider changes for future youth pheasant hunts.
The manual can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on “Forms & Programs,” and then selecting “Youth Pheasant Hunt Planning Guide.” In addition to the planning guide, the 2008-09 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations will feature a listing of all locations the Game Commission plans to stock for the youth pheasant hunt.
To participate in the youth pheasant hunt, youngsters must be 12 to 16 years of age, and must have successfully completed a Hunter-Trapper Education course. As required by law, an adult must accompany the young hunters. Participating hunters do not need to purchase a junior hunting license to take part in the youth pheasant hunt, but all participants must wear the mandatory 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on head, chest and back combined, visible from 360 degrees.
The 1,500 pheasants the agency will provide for club-sponsored youth pheasant hunts will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
“While the agency’s financial situation remains a concern, providing pheasants to clubs sponsoring youth pheasant hunts is a wise investment,” Roe said.
To qualify, clubs and organizations that will host a youth pheasant hunt must submit an application to the Game Commission Region Office serving their county by Aug. 15. Applications already submitted to the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters will be processed.
The only two stipulations for clubs to be eligible to receive Game Commission birds are that these hunts must have registration open to the public and must be held on public lands or private lands enrolled in one of the Game Commission’s Cooperative Public Access Programs.
Applications are available as part of the Youth Pheasant Hunting Planning Guide, or by going to the “Forms & Programs” section of the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and clicking on “Youth Pheasant Hunt Application.”
Additionally, to maximize potential participation, the Game Commission will post on its website all club-sponsored youth pheasant hunts.
“Holding concurrent youth seasons for squirrels and ring-necked pheasants will offer variety to youths who participate in these small game-hunting opportunities,” Roe said. “The state’s long-standing two-pheasant daily bag limit will apply to junior hunters participating in the season. In addition, depending on the area they are hunting, juniors will be required to comply with restrictions on hunting male or female pheasants.”
Roe emphasized that the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which enables youth who are younger than 12 years of age to hunt under the close supervisor of a mentor, does not include pheasant hunting opportunities. The Mentored Youth Hunting Program allows participating youth to harvest squirrels, woodchucks (groundhogs), spring gobbler and antlered deer during established seasons, including the special youth-only squirrel and spring gobbler hunts. For more information on the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, please visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) and click on “Mentored Youth FAQs” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
Other recent Game Commission initiatives to promote youth hunting opportunities include an expanded youth squirrel hunt; a youth spring gobbler hunt; expanded youth waterfowl hunts; special antlerless deer hunts; and youth field day events.
Facts from the Pennsylvania Game Commission: Pheasants Forever is a national non-profit habitat conservation organization with a system of hard working local chapter volunteers dedicated to the protection and enhancement of pheasants and other wildlife populations. Pheasants Forever emphasizes habitat improvement, public awareness and education, and land management policies that benefit private landowners and wildlife alike. For more information, visit its website at www.pheasantsforever.org.
Related posts
Marylands’ Historic Octoraro Creek Trail Reopens To The Public
July 7, 2008
CONOWINGO — The newest addition to the Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway, Octoraro Creek Trail, is now open to the public. The trail, a half-mile walking path through wooded land that begins at the Octoraro Creek Bridge on Route 222 and ends at the Susquehanna River, provides greater opportunities for kayaking, canoeing and hiking, and opens previously inaccessible fishing locations along the Susquehanna.
The trail was built on land owned by Exelon Corp., owner of the nearby Conowingo Dam. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Exelon have been working together since 2004 to enhance recreational opportunities in the area. The trail is the first of many projects that will grow out of that partnership.
“The reopening of Octoraro Creek is a huge accomplishment, and could not have been possible without Exelon’s generosity and receptiveness,” said Tom O’Connell, assistant director of DNR’s Fisheries Service. “This new recreational opportunity grew out of an open process that included Exelon, DNR and input from local anglers and outdoor enthusiasts.”
“Exelon feels it has a responsibility to open recreational opportunities for people to enjoy the Susquehanna River. The trail provides access to great fishing spots and endless opportunities for the public to appreciate our natural world,” said Vicky Will, Exelon Vice President of Regulatory, Environmental and Safety.
“The Octoraro Creek Trail is a great idea, and an exceptional opportunity for those who love fishing and boating, or who just love the outdoors,” said Leon Senft, representative for the Susquehanna Shad Club. “Exelon was very cooperative and should be commended for their efforts. There are some very happy anglers along the Susquehanna.”
Local anglers are encouraged to participate in DNR’s 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge. Designed to promote recreational fishing in Maryland, recognize angler efforts and inspire environmental stewardship, the 2008 Maryland Fishing Challenge began April 12 and will run through Labor Day, Sept. 1. Any angler who catches a citation-qualifying fish and enters the challenge may win one of the official grand prizes. To date, more than 1,000 anglers have qualified to win one of the grand prizes, including a 2008 Toyota Tundra 4×4 pickup truck from Central Atlantic Toyota, a boat and trailer package from Bass Pro Shops and $5,000 in fishing gear from Bill’s Outdoor Center.
For the full rules, list of qualifying fish, qualified entrants thus far, and other 2008 Maryland