Scene from last year’s jump!

In Wired Outdoors fashion, when we get involved in something we are all in!  So we will be filming this event and we will be taking the plunge with many of our Wired Outdoors fans!  So all you Wired Outdoors fans, band together and we are asking you to join us and have a great time for a great cause as we take the plunge into the Allegheny River in Parker, Pennsylvania.

• Event: 4th Annual Parker Polar Bear Plunge – “Freezin’ For A Reason!”
• When: January 1, 2010
  Registration 11:00am-1:30pm
  Safety meeting, at 1:45pm
  Plunge at 2:00pm
• Where: Parker City Boat Launch (311 North River Avenue, Parker, PA 16049)
• Who: Parker Polar Bear Club
• Why: Benefits Hunt of A Lifetime and Parker Parks and Recreation
• Cost: $10 registration fee (free t-shirt to all participants)

Additional Information:

• $50 prize for “Most Unique Plunging Attire”
• Chinese auction for items donated by local business.
• 50/50 raffle.

While the cost is only $10 a person, we are encouraging folks to go out there and get sponsors and help us raise as much as possible for our kids who we will be sending on their “Hunt of A Lifetime”.  Questions or comments should be directed to Tony Davenport at 724.659.5114 and we look forward to seeing you all very soon!

An all-star lineup featuring Michael Waddell, Lee & Tiffany Lakosky, Stan Potts, Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo, Mark Menendez, Bob Clouser and many more will present seminars and meet those attending the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

“Our 2010 lineup of seminar speakers is like a who’s who of hunting and fishing. The amount of experience, knowledge and skill that will be shared with attendees will be huge. If you want to be a better hunter or angler, the Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show is a must,” says Chris O’Hara, Event Director, Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show.

Michael Waddell– Appearing February 11-14

Through his Outdoor Channel shows Bone Collectors, Realtree Roadtrips with Michael Waddell, Hunt Masters, and Turkey Call, Waddell has become one of the most popular and entertaining personalities in hunting world. Waddell drives over 20,000 miles each year to hunt, and his real-life experiences make him a favorite on the outdoor show circuit.

“Michael Waddell was a huge success at last year’s show and a valued member of our Whitetail Deer Panel. We are thrilled to have him back at the 2010 Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show. He is just as knowledgeable and entertaining in person as he is on his television shows. He takes the time to personally speak with everyone that comes to the booth to meet him, so the visitors to our Show love him.” says O’Hara.

Michael Waddell will share his deer hunting experiences and tips and tricks during daily seminars during his appearance days, as well as participate on the Whitetail Deer Panel with other deer hunting experts.

Lee & Tiffany Lakosky–Appearing February 6-14

Husband and wife hunters, Lee and Tiffany Lakosky, are best known as stars of Getting’ Close–one of the highest-rated shows in outdoor television–and their newest show, The Crush with Lee & Tiffany.

“What can I say… people just love Lee and Tiffany,” says O’Hara.

In addition to being celebrities, the Lakoskys are very accomplished hunters. They spend countless hours sharpening their hunting skills and actively managing their land for trophy whitetails in eastern Iowa.

Many hunters recognize the couple from the widespread use of many of their trophy photos and magazine articles which have appeared in dozens of high profile publications and catalogs over the past few seasons.

Stan Potts–Appearing February 6-8

In 40 years of hunting, Stan Potts has harvested numerous whitetail bucks with a bow, three of which scored over 200 inches. He also took another 200 incher with a TC muzzleloader.

Potts gives hunting seminars all across North America and has been the subject of many feature magazine articles. His hunting successes have been featured in North American Whitetail magazine and several other media sources. He has appeared in several hunting videos and television shows, including Realtree Outdoors and Hunter’s Specialties Prime Time series. He is a co-host of North American Whitetail Television on the Outdoor Channel. He is also featured on Whitetail Country on ESPN and Hunt Masters on the Outdoor Channel. Pots hunts 100% wild whitetails on public and private property and is well known for his expertise in treestand placement and patterning bigger, mature bucks.

Ralph & Vicki Cianciarulo–Appearing February 6-9

Ralph and Vicki Cianciarulo, of Lanark, Illinois, are co-hosts of the award-winning Archer’s Choice and The Choice television shows.

Vicki Cianciarulo is credited with taking the largest wild white-tailed deer by a female on camera, with her Colorado buck scoring over 200 inches. She also has numerous black bear, caribou, moose, dall sheep, whitetail, mule deer, antelope, a turkey Grand Slam, and many different African species to her credit. Her history includes outfitting and guiding for both bear and deer, serving on conservation boards and editing and producing television shows.

Ralph Cianciarulo is a well-known international bowhunter, a noted videographer, a seminar speaker, and a TV personality for the Outdoor Channel.

“North America’s Favorite Hunting Couple,” the Cianciarulos have worked from the bottom up to earn a reputation that is second to none in the hunting industry.

Bob Clouser– Appearing February 12-13

Clouser’s love of the outdoors, especially fishing, led him into the fishing business. He continues to guide, teach and share his enjoyment with others. He will present casting demonstrations, using visual aids and casting weighted flies and lines, as well as lectures on “Fly Fishing for Smallmouth Bass” about catching smallmouth from top to bottom using flies and “Fly Fishing Adventures”, about various species that can be caught on fly rod and flies.

Clouser has received numerous awards for his strong conservation work including his induction into the national Fresh Water Fishing Hall of fame as Legendary Angler. In 2000, he was named National Angler of the Year by Fly Rod and Reel Magazine.

Mark Menendez– Appearing February 6-8

There are few bass fishing professionals on the national scene like Mark Menendez, who is currently ranked 17th in the world. On the water, the 44-year-old Paducah, Kentucky angler has spent the past 18 years earning the reputation of a warrior on tour. He finished fifth in the Angler-of-the-Year points, after winning the Lake Dardanelle tournament on the BASS Elite Series in 2009. His career earnings of more than $900,000 along with success in individual tournaments (three wins and 18 top-ten finishes) and season-long point standings are testament to his dedication and skill.

Menendez, who has fished the Bassmaster Tour since 1991, has held the record for the biggest bass, weighing 13-pounds, 9-ounces, ever caught in a bass tournament.

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.

Cost
$32.49 online

Product features

• Patented, precision-engineered, multi-angle flip-over knife clamp
• Sharpening hones on color-coated, finger-grooved safety holders
• One guide rod for each honing stone
• Specially formulated honing oil
• Extra long knife clamp screws
• Custom molded storage/carrying case to hold all system components
• Complete easy-to-follow multi-lingual instructions

Lansky sharpening angles

• 17 degree – A severe angle recommended for razor blades, X-Acto blades, scalpels or similar tools.  Provides an extremely sharp but delicate edge.
• 20 degree – A commonly used angle for higher quality blades and provides an excellent edge for kitchen cutlery and filet knives
• 25 degree – The recommended angle for most knives that need a durable, sharp edge.  Ideal for hunting and outdoor knives
• 30 degree – An outstanding angle for knives that see the heavy use of cutting cardboard, wire or carpets.  Recommended for heavy duty use.

Personal Assessment of product

Until coming across the Lansky Sharpening System, I was never able to put a sharp durable edge on my knives.  I’ve tried whetstones and though I could put a serviceable edge on my knife, it was never truly sharp.  I had friends, and family who were willing to sharpen my knives for me, but I was always bothered by not being able to do it myself.  I came across the Lansky Sharpening System from a co-worker.  He was telling me about his knife sharpening kit and offered to let me try one of my knives on it.  After receiving the kit and a few instructions from my friend, I gave it a shot.  I took the system home that evening and brought my dull hunting knife to a razor sharp edge on my first try.  This was the first time I was able to get a truly sharp edge on my hunting knife.  I was amazed at how easy this system was to use and purchased a Lansky that night.  After receiving my system in the mail, I had all my hunting knives honed and ready for the upcoming hunting season.  The great thing about this sharpening system is that it takes the “art” out of sharpening knives.  Just put your knife in the clamp, decide what angle you want on your blade, attach the rods to the hones, and use the slots built into the clamp to bring you knife to a razor sharp finish.  Though I already had an idea how to use the sharpening kit, the instructions were thorough and easy to follow.

Product Limitations

There are only a couple of things I could mention as “limitations” when using the Lansky Knife Sharpening Systems.  This system is used by running a hone over the knife as the fixed surface, as compared to running a knife over a whetstone as the fixed surface.  A little more care is needed when using the Lansky Sharpening System. The same friend, who introduced me to this kit, also cut himself bad when the hone slipped off the blade and ran his finger into the knife edge.  This is completely avoidable ,and the system is safe to use, but always use care when dealing with knives.  Also when doing large knives (above 6-7 inches) it is recommended to do ½ of the knife at a time.  When trying to sharpen the whole knife at once, the angle changes too much and the rods might not be long enough.  I have done our chef’s kitchen knife ½ at a time, and though it took a little longer, the end result was great.

Recommendation

The Lansky Sharpening System is easy to use and has brought out razor sharp edges on knives I have never been able to get sharp before.  The process of sharpening my knives before owning the Lansky Sharpening System had been frustrating and often times impossible.  After using this system, I believe this product would work great in any outdoorsmen’s home.

I would also like to tell everyone a very special story that happened to us a few days ago at the Clarion County Youth Field Day banquet.  Each year, Randy Culberson of Sportsman Outfitters and one of the organizers of the Clarion County Youth Field Day invites us to the annual event.  Initially I was not going to be able to attend the event due to a scheduled hunt that we were filming.  A phone call from the guide earlier in the week said he wanted to hold off that the birds just weren’t here yet.  So a phone call later and I was off to Clarion County for the banquet.

Our buddy Sawyer – He is WIRED!

Some More Wired Fans!

At the banquet each year, Kyle Schwabenbauer, Co-Host Wired Outdoors, presents the highlight Youth Field Day video to all the guests.  This year, Randy asked if we could also show our Hunt of A Lifetime videos that we did the past year.  Once Kyle was done showing the highlight video I would be showing the Arianna video and Michael Ciarlone clip. (You can see both those videos at the bottom of this story)  Before showing the videos Randy informed me that since we weren’t quite ready to begin our fund raising for this year’s Hunt of A Lifetime kids, he had come up with an idea just hours before.  He purchased a small Christmas tree about three feet high and hung lottery tickets and a couple of gift certificates on the tree for decorations. He informed me that he was going to sell raffle tickets for the tree and donate all the money for our “Hunt Of A Lifetime” kids.  I was very thankful and expressed my gratitude because any money we can raise is always appreciated it, but really didn’t know what to expect.

Amy Shoup from Strattanville, PA won the Hunt of a Lifetime raffle. It was a live Christmas tree filled with lottery tickets, $100 gift cert, $50 savings bond and a Traditions muzzleloader. Congrats Amy!!

After showing the Arianna video and the Michael Ciarlone clips there were a lot of folks who I could tell were really touched by our work.  Shortly after the presentation, I had to get on the road as I had a 4 hour car ride and had to be at the airport the following morning to fly out to Illinois.  About an hour down the road, I get a text from Kyle saying, “An anonymous donor just said they would match any money raised for the Hunt of A Lifetime kids.” About another hour down the road I get a call from Kyle saying, “How much money do you think they just raised for our kids?”, I replied, “I have no idea, maybe $500?”  Kyle said, “Try $3600.00!”  I was floored.  There are not many times in my life where I don’t have something to say, I was truly speechless.  In a year, when the economy is so bad to have folks open their hearts and wallets like that was truly humbling.

Clarion County Sportsmen for Youth raised over $3600 for Hunt of a Lifetime in less than two hours at their banquet. CCSFY President, Eric Black, presents Kyle with the money!! Thanks guys for everything!!!

I have so many things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and they just keep rolling in.  I would like to thank all the folks from the banquet who purchased tickets, to the anonymous donor, Randy Culberson and all the CCSFY committee members and the list goes on. Thank you again, I can’t say it enough and I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving!!!

For those who haven’t seen the Arianna video and Michael Ciarlone clip, you can click on the videos below.  They both will make you truly thankful for all you have.

The 2009 first-day preliminary harvest compares with 1,725 in 2008; 1,005 in 2007; 1,461 in 2006; 2,026 in 2005; 1,573 in 2004; 1,454 in 2003;1,348 2002; 1,812 in 2001; and 1,691 in 2000.

The top 10 bears processed at check stations on Monday all had estimated live weights that exceeded 550 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.

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.; a 644-pound male (actual live weight) taken in Todd Township, Fulton County, by Travis L. Crouse, of Chambersburg, at 9:06 a.m.; 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.; a 607-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Lehman Township, Pike County, by Arthur Garris Jr. of Bushkill, at 7:30 a.m.; 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.; a 570-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Larimer Township, Somerset County, by Richard M. Smith, of Meyersdale, at 7:30 a.m.; a 557-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Lincoln Township, Somerset County, by Kevin W. Ankney, of Somerset, at 3:30 p.m.; a 553-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Upper Mt. Bethel Township, Northampton County, by Dawn S. Jackson, of Bangor, at 7 a.m.; and a 552-pound male (estimated live weight) taken in Decatur Township, Mifflin County, by Ethan M. Fultz, of Milroy, at 12:30 p.m.

The preliminary first-day bear harvest by Wildlife Management Unit was as follows: WMU 1A, 4 (14 in 2008); WMU 1B, 16 (40); WMU 2C, 150 (145); WMU 2D, 62 (97); WMU 2E, 50 (63); WMU 2F, 174 (152); WMU 2G, 562 (363); WMU 3A, 149 (169); WMU 3B, 139 (186); WMU 3C, 42 (42); WMU 3D, 172 (123); WMU 4A, 78 (85); WMU 4B, 26 (20); WMU 4C, 62 (41); WMU 4D, 190 (174); and WMU 4E, 21 (9).

The top bear harvest county in the state after the first day of season was Lycoming with 153 (135 in 2008), followed by Clinton, 152 (55); Tioga, 142 (124); Cameron, 115 (26); and Potter, with 95 (152).

County harvests by region for the opening day, followed by the opening day 2008 preliminary harvest in parentheses, are:

Northwest: Warren, 71 (34); Forest, 38 (38); Jefferson, 33 (33); Clarion, 28 (36); Venango, 15 (44); Butler, 7 (5); Mercer, 2 (3); and Crawford, 1 (19).

Southwest: Somerset, 47 (64); Fayette, 41 (28); Westmoreland, 38 (30); Armstrong, 22 (37); Indiana, 18 (37); and Cambria, 4 (20).

Northcentral: Lycoming, 153 (135); Clinton, 152 (55); Tioga, 142 (124); Cameron, 115 (26); Potter, 95 (152); Clearfield, 78 (67); Elk, 77 (48); McKean, 77 (95); Centre, 52 (47); and Union, 21 (22).

Southcentral: Huntingdon, 63 (67); Mifflin, 38 (27); Bedford, 32 (52); Blair, 23 (11); Juniata, 19 (11); Snyder, 14 (17); Fulton, 10 (8); Perry, 6 (4); and Franklin, 2 (0).

Northeast: Pike, 78 (45); Monroe, 46 (37); Carbon, 42 (14); Sullivan, 30 (56); Bradford, 27 (33); Wayne, 27 (32); Luzerne, 23 (30); Susquehanna, 19 (11); Lackawanna, 14 (19); Wyoming, 12 (18); Columbia, 11 (6); and Northumberland, 2 (1).

Southeast: Schuylkill, 12 (18); Dauphin, 9 (5); Berks, 6 (1); Northampton, 3 (2); and Lebanon, 2 (0).

- Only one bear may be harvested per license year from all seasons combined.

- A hunter who harvests a bear must complete all information on his or her bear harvest tag and attach it to the ear of the animal immediately after harvest and before the carcass is moved. In addition, within 24 hours, hunters who kill a bear must take it, along with their general hunting and bear licenses, to a Game Commission check station for examination. Bear check stations are maintained at the agency’s six regional offices and at other locations listed on page 36 in the 2009-10 Hunting and Trapping Digest.

- Once a hunter has used his or her bear harvest tag, it is unlawful to possess it in the field. Also, hunters are reminded to remove old licenses from their holder before placing a new one in it. If you keep an old license in the holder, you may accidentally use it to tag big game and unintentionally violate the law.

- It is unlawful to kill a bear in a den; use a radio to locate a bear that has a radio transmitter attached to it; hunt in areas where artificial or natural bait, hay, grain, fruit, nuts, salt, chemicals, minerals, including residue or other foods are used, or have been used, as an enticement to lure wildlife within the past 30 days; use scents or lures; pursue bears with dogs; or to hunt bears in a party of more than 25 persons.

- During the regular and extended bear seasons, hunters are required to wear at all times 250 square inches of fluorescent orange on their head, chest and back combined, visible 360 degrees, while hunting in either of the black bear firearms seasons. In WMUs where the archery bear season and fall wild turkey season run concurrently, bowhunters when moving are required to wear a hat containing 100 square inches of solid fluorescent orange. The hat may be removed when the hunter is stationary or on stand. Those WMUs affected by this requirement are 2G, 3A and 4D.

- Bears may be hunted with: manually-operated center-fire rifles, handguns and shotguns with an all-lead bullet or ball, or a bullet designed to expand on impact – buckshot is illegal; muzzle-loading long guns 44-caliber or larger; long, recurve or compound bows or crossbows with broadheads of cutting-edge design. Crossbows must have a minimum draw weight of 125 pounds.

- It is unlawful to intentionally lay or place food, fruit, hay, grain, chemicals, salt or other minerals that may cause bears to congregate or habituate in an area.

“Signs to look for while scouting include droppings; bedding areas, which are scratched out depressions, usually at the base of a tree or log; and active trails with tracks,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist. “In beech stands, look for fresh claw marks on tree trunks indicating that bears are feeding in the area, and in oak stands look for fresh droppings that are almost completely composed of acorns bits. Either of these signs suggests bears are feeding nearby and, if food conditions are right, they will likely still be there come hunting season. A good time to scout is early November, so you can assess local mast conditions.”

Other bear hunting tips include:

- Look for bears in the thickest cover you can find, such as: swamps and bogs, mountain laurel/rhododendron thickets, north-facing slopes, regenerating timber-harvest areas, wind-blown areas with lots of downed trees, and remote sections of river bottoms. Bigger bears are notorious for holding in thick cover, even when hunters pass nearby.

- Organized drives are effective. Hunters working together often increase their odds of taking bears, especially those bears holding out in thick cover. Develop plans to safely drive likely bear hideouts and follow them to the letter. A minor slip-up by a driver, flanker or stander is all a bear needs to elude even the best-planned drive. Regulations limit the size of organized drives to 25 people or less.

- Hunting on-stand early and late in the day gives hunters a great chance to catch bears traveling to and from feeding and bedding areas. Hunt areas that provide cover to traveling bears and ensure there is either a good supply of mast or cornfields or cover near where you plan to hunt.

- Use the wind to your advantage. If a bear gets a whiff of you, you’re busted as a hunter. Bears have an outstanding sense of smell. They often let their noses guide the way as they travel. Always place yourself downwind of expected travel lanes when hunting on-stand or driving. Bears are cagey enough without giving them more advantages.

- Stay focused and assume nothing. Black bears blend in well in forest settings at dawn and as dusk approaches. Spend too much time looking one way and you can miss a bear. Even though bears are quite heavy, they often are surprisingly quiet moving through the forest. You may see a bear before you hear it coming. Staying alert and remaining vigilant are critical.

Hunters who take bears to check stations during the extended season will find that some stations that were open for the three-day season are no longer open, or have different hours of operation. To ensure they’re heading in the right direction at the right time, hunters must consult page 36 of the 2009-10 Digest.

“Our field officers spend a tremendous amount of time afield, often in areas hunters and trappers are eager to learn more about,” said Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe. “Their observations have value to hunters and trappers so we decided to make them accessible to anyone who enjoys hunting and trapping in Pennsylvania – resident or nonresident.