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.

I won’t be redundant in the thanks to everyone involved with the September 19, 2009 3-D Benefit shoot. But as we know if it weren’t for those people that see the good in all people and the importance of God in our daily lives the world we live would be in worse condition.   Without our sponsors and those of you who want to make a difference none of this would of been possible.

The preparation for the day was very time consuming. Once you see the outcome and the day comes to an end you can feel the relief and sensation of a task well done.

Once again there were many firsts as are with the great outdoors we all cherish so much.  New friends, old acquaintances, first time shooters, young and old combating the same passion united as one, and smiles that will last a lifetime.  Being blessed with the presence of Tina Pattison, Hunt of a Lifetime Founder, Arianna Evans one of our Hunt of a Lifetime children. Allowing the unknown person to experience the wow factor.

As I listened to so many people comment about the day and ask how to “Get WIRED”.  They are pumped and now hopefully they ARE “WIRED”.

To those that weren’t able to attend you can still be apart of our wonderful family. Get involved, get “WIRED”, and continue your support.  Thank you all for your kindness.

Take time to take a friend, loved one or a first timer and introduce them to our wonderful sport.

Above, Pat Gonsman, United Bow Hunters of PA

Sportsman Portal Field Staff, (from left to right), Don Ott, Teresa Patterson, Kyle Schwabenbauer and Andy Traister with Arianna Evans in the center. Arianna was presented with a plaque made by Joanie Haidel, Joanie’s Beard Busting Calls.

Buying raffle tickets for prizes.

The “running deer crew”, Jimmy Patterson (Teresa’s son) and his good friend Nick Eberhardt.

Rex Fahr (right) Teresa’s dad organized the 3-D shoot, and Brenda Martz, President of the Loop Sportsman Club.

Tina Pattison’s son, Jaimie and his daughter shooting her bow.

The running deer target group effort

Arianna driving her chariot.

Wendy and Mark Blystone some of our “Wired Fans” from Facebook and My Space came out to join us for the shoot that day.

Rex, Jr. (Teresa’s brother) and his wife, Larissa Fahr enjoy the concession.

Thanks to all our sponsors.

Jimmy Young and crew came out to support the cause.

Is he milking that deer???

East Coast Archery Manager talking with John Ott.

The “gut gang”

Tanner enjoying the ride.

Ben Fahr (Teresa’s brother) and John Lubert out for the shoot.

Nice Sportsman Portal fan truck!

Roe noted that the Game Commission is supporting House Bill 460, sponsored by Rep. Neil Goodman (D-Schuylkill), which proposes to remove the statutory requirement that licenses be displayed, and thereby allow hunters to place their hunting license in their wallet with other ID.

Roe said, when the agency was drafting the digest, it was believed that the HB 460 may be enacted before the start of the license year on July 1. So, to avoid potentially conflicting information, a decision was made to modify the wording about the requirement that licenses must be displayed.

“License buyers do need to remember that the digest is not the ‘Game & Wildlife Code’ or its attendant regulations, and should not be considered final on legal interpretation,” Roe said. “In printing the digest, the agency simply summarizes the more important and frequently misunderstood hunting and trapping regulations.”

Gray squirrels continue to be found across Pennsylvania in sizeable numbers, and the black-phase gray squirrel isn’t hard to find north of Interstate-80 and east of the Ohio line all the way into the state’s northcentral counties. Fox squirrels also are becoming increasingly available as they continue to push east of the Allegheny Front and north through Pennsylvania’s ridges and valleys. Fox squirrels can be found as far east as the Susquehanna River.

Squirrel populations have been enjoying the benefits of declining hunting pressure and the maturation of habitat instate for some time. These factors have spurred fox squirrel range expansion and recovery. Game Commission field officers believe squirrel hunting will be good to excellent in many of the state’s forests and woodlots.

For county-specific details on game populations, habitat conditions and where-to-go hunting information, visit the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Reports filed by Wildlife Conservation Officers, Land Managers and foresters are available from every county. To access them, just click on the “Field Officer Game Forecasts” link found on the homepage.

“Gray squirrels are our most abundant game species and are found throughout Pennsylvania,” said Tom Hardisky, Pennsylvania Game Commission biologist. “Look for mast-producing trees such as walnut, butternut, oak and hickory when searching for the best hunting areas. In agricultural areas, woodlots in the vicinity of standing cornfields often support large numbers of squirrels. They can be found throughout deep woods areas. The black squirrel is actually a color phase of the gray squirrel. In general, black squirrels can be found in the northern half of Pennsylvania. Squirrels with this black color variation often occur in local concentrations scattered about their northern Pennsylvania range.

“Fox squirrels are up to 50 percent larger than gray squirrels and weigh about two pounds,” Hardisky explained. “Fox squirrels have been expanding their range eastward in recent years and now inhabit much of the western half of Pennsylvania. They prefer more open areas than gray squirrels and are not found in the deep woods. Fox squirrels favor open fields and pastures with large trees nearby. Small woodlots and forest edges are typical fox squirrel haunts. Although some gray squirrels may possess orange coloration along their sides and tails, fox and gray squirrels do not interbreed, nor do gray and red squirrels. Each squirrel species has some color variation, even within local populations. However, this color variation largely results from genetic differences. Local diet, habitat, and climate differences also may contribute to color variation.”

When hunting squirrels, look for large-trunked trees near a food source. Larger trees offer better protection from predators and are favorite den sites. Gray squirrels are most active during the early morning and evening, while fox squirrels often travel during mid-day.

Squirrel season opens on Oct. 17, and runs through Nov. 28. The season reopens on Dec. 14-23, and Dec. 26-Feb. 6. The daily limit is six.

Pennsylvania’s youth squirrel hunt will be held Oct. 10-16 and is open to youths 12 to 16 years of age who have successfully completed a hunter-trapper education course and are properly accompanied by an adult. A hunting license is not required to participate.

Hunters also are reminded that squirrels are listed as a game animal that can be pursued by youngsters participating in the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, which permits those under the age of 12 to hunt under the guidance of a mentor. For more information about this new program, visit the Game Commission’s website and click on Mentored Youth FAQs in the “Quick Clicks” box in the upper right-hand corner of the homepage.
Information on both of these youth hunting programs also can be found on page 13 of the 2009-10 Pennsylvania Digest of Hunting and Trapping Regulations, which is provided to each license buyer.

Squirrel hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing, visible 360 degrees, at all times. The daily bag limit for squirrels is six.

The opening day of the state’s three-part grouse season is Saturday, Oct. 17, and runs through Nov. 28. The season reopens Dec. 14 to 23, and then again from Dec. 26 to Jan. 23. Participating hunters must have a valid Pennsylvania hunting license and follow the regulations that govern this rugged sport of brush-busting and mountain-scampering.

“Pennsylvania’s 2008-09 grouse season was a pretty good one, at least by recent standards,” said Ian Gregg, Game Commission grouse biologist. “However, observations of both broods and total grouse were down from last year, and below the long-term average. Much of this is the result of the weather conditions that impacted nesting and brooding success, which will consequently impact what hunters will encounter in Penn’s Woods this fall.

“Grouse populations and flushing rates may vary, as is always the norm, and there certainly will be pockets of higher than average grouse numbers, and other sections where grouse may seem sparse.”

Last year, grouse flushing rates increased in five of the state’s six geographic regions when compared to 2007-08 flushing rates, with the only decline recorded in the Southcentral Region. Those regional rates essentially equaled the statewide long-term average of 1.42 grouse flushed per hour.

Flushing rate information and other grouse data is reported by participants of the Game Commission’s “Grouse Cooperator Survey,” which uses information recorded in hunting logs by volunteers. Hunters interested in participating in the Game Commission’s annual Grouse Cooperator Survey can obtain reporting forms, as well as gather other grouse information, through the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by selecting on “Hunting,” then clicking on the photo of the ruffed grouse.

According to the agency’s Game Take Survey, an estimated 102,100 hunters took 108,700 grouse during the 2008-2009 seasons, during 581,700 hunting days. Numbers of hunters pursuing grouse in Pennsylvania increased six percent compared to 2007, but still remain well below peak numbers of the mid-1980’s when Pennsylvania had more than 400,000 grouse hunters.

The Northeast Game Bird Technical Committee, comprised of state game bird biologists throughout the Northeastern United States, reported that overall ruffed grouse populations have declined along with the amount of early-successional forests. Populations relative to hunted habitats fluctuate over the years, providing years of good hunting (reflected by high hunter grouse flushing rates) despite the negative trend in total grouse numbers. The 2008 statewide flushing rate of 1.42 was similar to the long-term average of 1.41 flushes per hour. Over the past 44 years, rates have ranged from a low of 0.95 flushes per hour in 2004 to 1.74 in 1995. Pennsylvania’s huntable grouse populations hit high levels during each decade from the 1960s through the 1990s, with the successive highs generally increasing for the northern tier of the state and, by and large, decreasing for the southern tier.

Over the past 40 years, Pennsylvania has lost half of its early successional forest habitat, which is important to grouse and many other species of birds dependent on this declining habitat type. The Game Commission, along with other agencies and conservation partners, is attempting to reverse this decline through aggressive habitat management. The agency is drafting a Ruffed Grouse Management Plan, which is anticipated to be available for public comment next year. The plan will provide strategies and habitat goals for increasing grouse habitat in the state.

Grouse hunters are reminded to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange clothing on the head, chest and back combined at all times; limit hunting parties to no more than six individuals; and plug shotguns to three-shell capacity (magazine and chamber combined).

• голова болит секс

To view these field forecasts offered by Game Commission officers, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and click on the “Field Officer Forecasts,” select the region of interest in the map, and then choose the WCO district of interest from the map. For LMGS or forester reports, select the link to the LMGS Group or forester link of interest within that region.

“Our field officers and foresters provide wildlife forecasts for small game, furbearers, wild turkey, bear and deer within their respective districts,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “These forecasts are based on sightings field officers have had in the months leading up to the 2009-10 seasons, and some offer comparisons to previous wildlife forecasts. Some WCOs and LMGSs include anecdotal information, as well as hunting and trapping leads in their districts.

“The Game Commission offers this information to hunters and trappers to help them in making plans for the upcoming seasons. Many WCO, LMGS and forester reports offer information on where to hunt or trap within their districts, as well as guidance on where to get more information, particularly for trapping certain furbearers, such as beaver and coyotes.”

порно баннер

Roe noted the Game Commission divides the state’s 67 counties into six regions, and then each region is divided into WCO districts comprised of about 300 square miles each. There are 136 WCO districts statewide. Each of the 29 LMGS groups is comprised of a number of counties or portions of counties within each region, and seeks to equally distribute the amount of State Game Lands and public access lands within the region. The number of foresters ranges per region, from four to nine.