Two actions taken by the Pennsylvania Game Commission board of game commissioners at its January quarterly meeting affect Wildlife Management Unit 5C, including one that effects any urban area where the deer population is out of control. Effecting 5C in particular is preliminary approval being given to remove the sunset provision that allows the baiting of deer for hunting on private land in the Special Regulations Area of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties.
HARRISBURG – Neither the proponents nor the opponents of the Pennsylvania Game Commission's ongoing Deer Management Plan knew for certain what the findings of the long-awaited research project conducted by the Wildlife Management Institute.
Titled "The Deer Management Program of the Pennsylvania Game Commission, A Comprehensive Review and Evaluation," which – if no other reason – is why the study is simply referred to as the "deer audit."
HARRISBURG – According to some almanacs, there is at least one more major winter storm in our future, but for those who chose to take a more optimistic outlook, the "muddy month of March" usually brings the first extended days of spring-like weather.
Approval of a $100,000 federal State Wildlife Grant to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History in support of the "Second Pennsylvania Breeding Bird Atlas" analysis project has been given by the Pennsylvania Game Commission board of game commissioners.
One of the sure signs of spring each year is the annual migration south by area anglers who fish for shad in the Delaware River. With the sound of snow blowers filling the air, spring may seem a long way off, but now is the time for some shad anglers to begin preparation for the season.
HARRISBURG As productive as 2009 was for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the agency has its sights set on accomplishing even more – if, and when, it gets the financial support it needs in the form of the state legislators approving a license increase.
That was the message of the PGC this week in its annual report to the General Assembly and the one executive director Carl Roe delivered to the House Game and Fisheries Committee. When the agency gets approval for a license increase, however, remains uncertain.
A chance to advance to the statewide Casting Kids Championship and win cash and prizes will be at stake when the Capital City Bassmasters conducts its 16th annual Casting Kids Event, Sunday, Feb. 7, at the Eastern Sports and Outdoor at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg.
Competition will be held for age groups 7-10, 11-13 and 14-17 in the seminar area located off of the Main Exhibition Hall next to the Chevrolet truck display. This year's event is sponsored by the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show, and the age groups have been modified to allow more youth to participate.
RIVER OF PONDS, Newfoundland When it comes to hunting, few animals put the "big" in "big game" like the moose, the biggest member of the deer family and the second largest land animal in North America. The animal, which can weigh well over 1,200 pounds, is sought after not only for its antlers, which can grow to 50 inches or more, but also for the challenges associated with hunting it and the incredible beauty of the regions it calls home.
SIDNEY, Maine – In scenes showing Ted Nugent target shooting with fully automatic firearms on his "Spirit of the Wild" television program, he always reminds viewers: "You can't do this in France."
For the thousands of Pennsylvanians who annually book black bear hunts in Canada, those who enjoy the challenge of taking big game with a handgun have to use an alternate firearm. Because, government regulations are clear that when it comes to hunting with handguns: "You can't do that in Canada."
This year's first quarterly meeting of the Pennsylvania Game Commission board of game commissioners will be Sunday-Tuesday, Jan. 24-26, at agency headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81, Harrisburg.
Sunday, Jan. 24, beginning at 1 p.m., the board will hear public recommendations for the 2010-11 hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits. Doors will open at noon, and individuals interested in offering public testimony, which is limited to five minutes, may begin to register at noon on a first-come, first-to-speak basis.
