Beaver County Sportsmen's Conservation League

To promote and foster, the protection and conservation of our wildlife resources

A CALL TO ACTION, PA HB979 Strengthening Preemption PASSES the Senate. 

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A CALL TO ACTION, PA HB979 Strengthening Preemption PASSES the Senate. 

CONTACT GOVERNOR WOLF AND URGE HIM TO SIGN HB979 INTO LAW!

Last night, the Pennsylvania Senate passed HB979 (32 YEAS 17 NAYS). This legislation was first introduced in the House by Rep. Matt Dowling. We would like to thank all of the Representatives and Senators that have upheld the Constitution and recognized that Elected Officials should be held accountable if they violate Article 1 Section 21 of the PA Constitution and Title 18 Section 6120. We also would like to congratulate all the dedicated FOAC Members, gun owners, and concerned Citizens that contacted their Reps and Senators urging them to support this legislation. Although we view this as a victory, our work is not done.

We need everyone to Contact the Governor’s office and urge him to sign this legislation into law when it hits his desk. One important point to make, when communicating with Gov. Wolf, is that HB979 was not passed simply on “party” lines.

Democrats and Independents support this legislation!

Democratic Senators, Lisa Bascola, James Brewster, and Marty Flynn voted YEA for HB979. So did Independent Senator John Yudichak. As a matter of fact, Democratic Senator James Brewster joined others and stood up on the floor of the Senate and spoke out in support of this legislation.

Democratic Representatives, Frank Burns, Scott Conklin, Anthony DeLuca, Patrick Harkins, Anita Kulik, Mark Longietti, Brandon Markosek, Robert Matzie, Robert Merski, Gerald Mullery, Christopher Sainato, and Pam Snyder all voted YEA for HB979.

See the votes for yourself.

Senate Roll Call HB979 (32/17)

House Roll Call HB979 (124/79)

Contact Governor Wolf TODAY! Email, Call, and fax if you can. Even throw a letter in the mail!

Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf

Contact him via phone: 717-787-2500

Contact him via fax: 717-772-8284

Send him a letter with a stamp on it: 508 Main Capitol Bldg. Harrisburg, PA 17120

Contact him via his website contact form

Liberty should not be exclusive to any one party!

We are grateful that our Republican Representatives and Senators stood strong for Liberty in supporting this legislation; ALL Republicans EXCEPT Representative Todd Stephens. Rep. Stephens voted against HB979 AND in December of 2021, he voted against Constitutional Carry. It would seem that Rep. Todd Stephens likely believes that Government should CONTROL who can protect themselves, and that local elected officials should be able to operate above the law and not be held accountable if they violate the Rights and Liberties of Pennsylvanians.

Unlike Rep. Stephens, I know that YOU agree with those that voted YEA for HB979 and value Liberty! If you believe that if an elected official should be held accountable if they violates the Citizens Right to defend themselves and those that they love, then contact the Governor TODAY and urge him to sign HB979 Strengthening Preemption.

Yours In Liberty!

Klint Macro

2nd VP FOAC-ILLEA

[email protected]

www.foac-illea.org

FOAC Response to Gov. Tom Wolf’s Veto of SB565

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Governor Tom Wolf consistently empowers criminals while actively restricting law-abiding Pennsylvanians. His dedication to this doctrine exposes either his true incapacity for logic and reason or the implementation of a grand plan to stifle individual rights and personal choice.

Governor Wolf proudly and defiantly vetoed SB565, “Constitutional Carry”, which recently passed through both houses of the Pennsylvania legislature.

In a statement regarding the veto, Governor Wolf stated, “this bill would make gun violence worse and would put law enforcement officers at greater risk of harm.” My question to him is “greater risk of harm from whom?” Law-abiding Pennsylvanians do not commit criminal acts, nor do they pose a threat to law enforcement. Law-abiding Pennsylvanians are just that; law-abiding.

Signing SB565 into law would only empower law-abiding Pennsylvanians to protect themselves from criminals, by carrying their tools of self-defense concealed, without needing to seek the approval of “The Government”.

Tom Wolf consistently shows that he believes his branch of the Government is the one that knows best. If his time in office has shown us anything, it is that in Tom Wolf’s world he believes only HE knows best how to manage your safety, your health, your money, your livelihood, and the education of your children; dismissing the legislature, the courts, the needs of parents and the wants of individuals. By restricting the law-abiding, Tom Wolf has by default, empowered the criminals who, by definition, do not follow the law.

In a press release on the Governor’s website it was said that, “From 2019 to 2020, the number of gun homicides in Pennsylvania increased by 48 percent.“ This statement is meant to mislead people into believing that the problem of violence stems from an increase of law-abiding citizens, purchasing record numbers of firearms. The fact remains, he does not acknowledge, while under his watch, his Attorney General, Democratic controlled local governments, and county district attorneys across the Commonwealth have failed to uphold the law. These “government officials” have a habit of releasing criminals into the public, “dealing” away weapons charges, restricting and defunding police, and failing to impose mandatory minimum sentences for violent offenders. Tom Wolf would rather hold law-abiding citizens to the standard of “the criminal” instead of holding “the criminal” to the standard of the law.

The Governor can celebrate all he wants. His veto was expected. The true victory of SB565 is Pennsylvanians now have a record of who is for and who is against an individual’s unrestricted right to self-defense. We now know which Democrat and Republican legislators voted against Constitutional Carry. We now know unequivocally which elected officials believe that it is better for “The Government” to have final say on who is allowed to protect themselves and their family.

Now, the only place these elected officials should fear law-abiding Pennsylvanians is at the polls on election day.

If an elected official is for the restriction of ANY individual’s right to defend themselves and those that they love, then that elect official does not deserve your vote!

PA Governor Tom Wolf

717-787-2500

717-787-5825

412-565-5700  Pittsburgh

 

Governor’s Correspondence Office

508 Main Capitol Building

Harrisburg, PA 17120

 

 

Constitutional Carry SB 565 Passed Call governor Wolf to have him sign the bill.

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In 2011, FOAC pioneered the writing and introduction of Constitutional Carry to the Pennsylvania legislature (as we have done with many bills) with the intent of making Pennsylvania a more constitutionally free and safer society! One of our board members, Rep. Aaron Bernstine, introduced Constitutional Carry in the House of Representatives last session and this session (HB 659) and was joined this session by Sen. Cris Dush (SB 565).

As I’m sure you know, SB 565 passed the Pennsylvania Senate and House of Representatives, in bipartisan fashion in both bodies. To see how your legislators voted, check out the links below:

House Vote on Final Passage: (11/16/2021)

Senate Vote on Final Passage: (11/9/2021)

SB 565 was presented to the governor on November 22.

Now, just ‘one man’ stands between a safer society and the restoration of a freedom that was taken away from Pennsylvanians 90 years ago in 1931, JUST ONE MAN! The Gov. has three ways he can deal with this legislation; he can sign the legislation into law, he can ignore the legislation and after 10 days it becomes law, or he can veto the bill.

I’m NOT going to kid you, while the odds for this bill becoming law are against us, considering how the current Gov. favors the anti-gun groups and their wealth of lies against the lawful use of firearms and personal self-defense, that does not mean that we should stay silent and NOT exercise every legal option we have to put pressure on the governor for him to realize that every day Pennsylvanians are deeply in support of bringing this measure to Pennsylvania and that he represents ALL citizens. All of us know that you can’t win every battle but we are gauged by our willingness to fight to the last breath, tradition/reputation that Americans have throughout the world! So, if you haven’t communicated to the governor your support for this legislation yet, I strongly encourage you to use the contact info below to register your opinion and position:

Governor Tom Wolf:

Phone: (717) 787-2500      or (412) 565-5700

Fax: (717) 772-8284

508 Main Capitol Building Harrisburg, PA 17120

Website Contact Form: https://www.governor.pa.gov/contact/

Website: https://www.governor.pa.gov/

https://www.facebook.com/governorwolf

IF you would like draft responses to consider for your contacts to the Governor, click the link below that you can use to start your comments by copying and pasting into the Governor’s form:

P-SB-0565-Constitutional-Carry-Draft-LTEs-1-6.pdf

(*You can also use the drafts above to send into your local newspaper too, if you would like!)

The anti-gun groups and many Democrats continue to froth at the mouth about this becoming law, just like they were doing in 1988 with the License to Carry legislation then and with FOAC’s Castle Doctrine for 8 years. Their track record of lies and misinformation continues even though CeaseFire PA and Mom’s Demand Action have been shown, repeatedly, to be well-funded liars with all their dogmatic claims!

Our history is replete with examples of individuals taking a stand when it appeared hopeless such as the Texas fight at the Alamo amongst many others. In each case, history has shown how these courageous stands have led to ultimate victory and the fight over this legislation is just as important!

We are asking you to continue to honor our Founding Fathers and the historical tradition of ‘standing our ground’ to ensure that elected officials do the ‘right thing’. I get told all the time that politicians don’t ‘DO’ anything, well now the House and Senate have and it is time for US to shrug off all the excuses and apathy and stand up and be counted by telling Governor Wolf to recognize the duty he has to ALL the people of Pennsylvania.

For more information go to    www.foac-pac.org

 

Statewide Regular Firearms Deer Season Begins Saturday, Nov. 27

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Pennsylvania’s 2021 statewide regular firearms deer season begins this Saturday, Nov. 27 and runs through Saturday, Dec. 11.

The statewide, 14-day concurrent antlered and antlerless firearms season is intended to simplify regulations and provide increased opportunity, especially for younger hunters.

Don’t forget, hunters who harvest a deer, (and/or bear, elk or turkey), must properly fill out and tag their harvest before the carcass is moved.  Additionally, this year, hunters will have to notch the date of the harvest on the new, green tags.  Details about how to properly tag big game can be found on page 22 of the 2021-22 Hunting and Trapping Digest or online at www.pgc.pa.gov. 

Don’t forget, those who hunt on private land are required to carry written permission from the landowner when hunting on Sunday, Nov. 28, 2021.  Click here for more details about Sunday Hunting in Pennsylvania.

Hunt PA Link for Deer Season

NEWLY DETECTED CWD-POSITIVE LEADS TO DMA3 EXPANSION AND A NEW DMA

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HARRISBURG, PA – A CWD-positive deer recently detected in Jefferson County has led to new regulations to reduce the risk of the disease spreading.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission today announced the expansion of Disease Management Area 3 (DMA 3) and the creation of a new DMA (DMA 6).

Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a road-killed deer on the northern boundary of DMA3 prompted these changes. The adult male was collected as part of ongoing CWD surveillance efforts.

CWD affects deer, elk, and other members of the deer family. The disease is fatal to any deer or elk infected with it, and CWD has no treatment or cure.

When a new CWD-positive is detected in either a wild or captive deer or elk in Pennsylvania, a Disease Management Area (DMA) is established. DMAs are created to reduce risk of human-assisted spread of CWD.

This new CWD detection is within 2 miles of Pennsylvania’s elk management area. The short distance to the elk management area required creating DMA 6 within the elk management area. DMA 6 will prevent high-risk parts from the entirety of DMA 3 being moved into the elk management area.

“If a CWD-positive animal is found within any elk hunt zone, all elk hunt zones will become a DMA due to the behavior and longer distance movements of elk,” said Andrea Korman, Game Commission CWD wildlife biologist. “If this were to occur, the impact on deer and elk populations, hunters, and the public will be significant. Although this has not occurred yet, this newly found positive deer shows how close it is.”

DMA 6 was created to restrict movement of high-risk parts into the elk management area and to restrict human activities known to increase disease risk.

Within all DMAs, it is unlawful to:

 

  • Remove or export any deer or elk high-risk parts (e.g., head, spinal column, and spleen) from a DMA. This also prevents movement of high-risk parts between adjacent DMAs
  • Use or possess deer or elk urine-based attractants
  • Directly or indirectly feed wild, free-ranging deer. It is already illegal to feed elk regardless of DMA location
  • Rehabilitate wild, free-ranging deer or elk

To increase surveillance around the detection, a new DMAP Unit (#4760) was also created. Over 1,300 permits have been made available for this unit and allow hunters to take up to two additional antlerless deer. Hunters can get DMAP permits by providing the unit number (4760) online or at license-issuing agents.

In conjunction with the additional hunting opportunities, hunters are asked to provide samples for CWD testing. Submitting harvested deer heads for CWD testing helps determine the extent of CWD infection.

The Game Commission offers free CWD testing within the DMAs. Hunters should deposit the heads of deer they harvest with properly filled out and legible harvest tags in one of the head-collection containers the Game Commission provides within DMAs. Locations of head-collection containers can be found at http://bit.ly/PGC-CWDMapOpens In A New Window. Antlers should be removed from bucks before the double-bagged head is placed in a collection container. Hunters can check for their test results online or by calling the CWD hotline (1-833-INFOCWD).

For deer hunters in DMAs – especially those who live outside the DMA – it’s important to plan their hunt and know ahead of time what they will do with any deer harvested. Since high-risk cervid parts can’t be removed from any DMA, even if they share a boundary like DMAs 3 and 6, successful hunters cannot transport whole deer outside the DMA.

Hunters can take deer they harvest to a processor within the DMA or on the list of approved processors for the DMA where they harvested the deer. The list of approved processors and taxidermists is available at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD. Approved processors properly dispose of the high-risk parts. Hunters can also dispose of high-risk parts in trash that is destined for a landfill or quarter the animal and leave the high-risk parts at the kill site. The meat, antlers (free of brain material) and other low-risk parts then can be transported outside the DMA.

Deer hunters getting taxidermy mounts also must take their harvests to a taxidermist within the DMA or on the list of approved processors and taxidermists for the DMA in which they harvested the deer available at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD.

Although CWD has not been documented in humans, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends never eating the meat of a CWD-positive deer.

Much more information on CWD is available at www.pgc.pa.gov/CWD.

DMA 3 boundary has been expanded and is as follows:

Beginning at the southernmost point at the intersection of State Highway 403 and State Highway 286 in the town of Clymer, proceed east on State Highway 286 for 4.9 miles to State Highway 240. Follow in State Highway 240 east for 8.5 miles to the intersection of US Highway 219. Follow US Highway 219 north for 2.4 miles to Sylvis Road. Follow Sylvis Road east for 5.8 miles to the intersection of State Highway 36. Follow State Highway 36 east for 8.8 miles to the intersection of La Jose Road (SR-3016) in Newburg. Follow La Jose Road east for 3.6 miles becoming Cherry Corner Road (SR-3005) for another .3 mile to the intersection of Marron Road (SR-3016). Turn left onto Marron Road and follow northeast for 2.7 miles to the intersection of State Road 729. Follow State Road 729 east for .9 miles to the intersection of Old Station Road. Follow Old Station Road (SR-2012) east for 2.4 miles to the intersection of Douglas Road (SR-3007). Continue east on Douglas Road for .3 miles to the intersection of Zion Road (SR-2012) near New Millport. Follow Zion Road east for 4.5 miles to the intersection of Faunce Road (SR-2012). Turn right and follow Faunce Road east for 3.1 miles becoming Sanborn Road (SR-2012) in Woodward Township. Continue east on Sanborn Road for 2.5 miles to the intersection of State Highway 153. Follow State Highway 153 north for 5 miles to the intersection of Valley Road (SR-2027). Follow Valley Road north for 2.1 miles becoming Hogback Hill Road (SR-2027). Continue north on Hogback Hill Road for 1 mile to the intersection of Main Street in Mineral Springs. Turn right on Main Street for .2 miles to the intersection of Bigler Cutoff Road. Turn left on Bigler Cutoff Road for .1 miles to the intersection of US Highway 322. Follow US Highway 322 east for .7 miles to the intersection of State Highway 970. Follow State Highway 970 north for 1.5 miles to the intersection of Interstate Highway 80. Follow I-80 west for 26.4 miles to the exit for State Highway 219 north. Follow State Highway 219 north for 21.2 miles to Boot Jack becoming State Route 948. Follow State Route 948 for 4.2 miles to the Clarion River in Ridgway. Follow the Clarion River for 28.3 miles to Bridge Road. Continue south on Bridge Road for 0.05 mile to the intersection of State Highway 949. Turn right on State Highway 949 and continue west for 16.3 miles to the intersection of US Highway 322 in Corsica. Follow US Highway 322 east for 0.3 miles to the intersection of State Highway 949. Follow State Highway 949 south for 4.2 miles to the intersection of State Highway 28. Follow State Highway 28 south for 13.2 miles to the intersection of State Highway 839 in New Bethlehem. Follow State Highway 839 south for 21 miles to State Highway 85. Follow State Highway 85 south for 11.7 miles to the intersection of US Highway 119 in the town of Home. Turn left on US Highway 119 and follow 3.4 miles to the intersection of State Highway 403 in Marion Center. Follow State Highway 403 south for 8.5 miles to Clymer at the place of beginning.

DMA 6 is in portions of Clearfield, Elk, and Jefferson Counties and its exact boundary is as follows:

Beginning at the northeast corner at the intersection of Chicken Hill Road and State Route 948 in the town of Kersey, proceed south on Chicken Hill Road for 0.9 mile becoming South Kersey Road. Follow South Kersey Road south for 1.4 miles. Continue straight onto Boone Mountain Road for 6.5 miles to the intersection with State Route 153. Turn left onto State Route 153 and continue south 4.9 miles to State Route 255. Turn right on State Route 255 and continue south for 9.5 miles to Interstate Highway 80. Turn right on Interstate Highway 80 and continue west 4.4 miles to State Highway 219. Turn right on State Highway 219 and continue north 21.1 miles to State Route 948. Turn right on State Route 948 and proceed east for 5.3 miles to Kersey at the place of beginning.

https://www.media.pa.gov/Pages/game-commission-details.aspx?newsid=513

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

OPERATION GAME THIEF PROTECTS PENNSYLVANIA WILDLIFE

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HARRISBURG, PA – Poachers are thieves. Help us catch them. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Operation Game Thief (OGT) program protects wild birds and wild mammals by encouraging those with information related to wildlife crimes to report it as soon as possible. Wildlife crimes affect everyone and reporting illegal wildlife activity helps to protect wildlife for current and future generations.

To confidentially report information, call the Operation Game Thief’s toll-free hotline – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year – at 1-888-PGC-8001 or fill out an online form at http://bit.ly/PGCOGTOpens In A New Window. Follow the “Operation Game Thief, Pennsylvania Game Commission” Facebook pageOpens In A New Window for current cases.

“Whether you’re a hunter, a trapper, a bird watcher or someone who enjoys walking in the woods, wildlife crimes affect us all,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “If you saw someone breaking into your neighbor’s house or witnessed someone shoplifting at a store, you would likely report it to the appropriate authorities. Reporting poaching incidents should be no different, as it is theft of a natural resource.”

With more than 1,500 submissions per year, Pennsylvania’s OGT program is the third-busiest in the nation behind Texas and Florida. The Game Commission averages a less than 20-minute turnaround from when an OGT tip comes in until an officer is dispatched to the incident

The illegal shooting or taking of big game or protected, endangered or threatened species, or any crime against those species should be reported through OGT. Other violations should be reported to the Game Commission region office serving the county in which the violation took place as quickly as possible.

To make an OGT report, share as many details as possible, including: a description of what was seen and the species involved; the date and time of the occurrence; the county, township and/or address of where the event occurred; a description of the person(s) height, weight, hair color, eye color, approximate age, tattoo or other distinguishing features, clothing, sporting arm, etc.; and a description of a vehicle(s) color, make, model, dents, decals, bumper stickers, license plate number and state, road/route and/or direction of travel.

If the suspected violation involves the killing of big game animals, or threatened or endangered species, an additional $500 penalty may be added to fines levied upon those found guilty of Game and Wildlife Code violations. The $500 enhanced penalty goes into a special fund from which half the amount ($250) may be paid to the individual who provided the information that led to the conviction. The remainder is used to offset the costs of the OGT program. Conservation Officers of Pennsylvania (COPA) also fully support the OGT program. COPA also supplies rewards in many incidents that lead to the successful prosecution of many Game and Wildlife code violations.

“Poaching is not hunting,” said Burhans. “Ethical hunters are conservationists who follow hunting rules, laws, season and bag limits when legally harvesting game. Poachers selfishly ignore the rules and illegally take wildlife from the landscape. Unfortunately, an increase in OGT reports usually occurs during the fall and winter months which is why we’re reminding the public about the program now.”

The Game Commission manages 136 districts across Pennsylvania’s more than 46,000 square miles. Currently 116 full-time state game wardens are assigned to those districts statewide. The eyes and ears of the public are crucial to wildlife protection efforts across the state.

The agency’s podcast “Call of the Outdoors,” featured OGT program managers in Episode 21: Operation Game Thief Protects Pennsylvania WildlifeOpens In A New Window. Podcast episodes are available on www.calloftheoutdoorspgc.comOpens In A New Window, Apple Podcasts, Google Play Store, iHeartRadio, Spotify and Stitcher.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is the state’s wildlife agency which manages and protects wildlife and their habitats, while promoting hunting and trapping, for current and future generations. More information about OGT and the agency is available online at www.pgc.pa.gov.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

Hunters Sharing The Harvest

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Since 1991, Hunters Sharing the Harvest venison donation program has coordinated the processing and distribution of donated deer meat and wild game from hunters and municipal herd reduction resources to hungry people throughout Pennsylvania.  An average-sized deer will provide enough high protein, low fat meat for 200 meals.

This hunter-inspired community service outreach effectively channels hunter donated venison through a network of approved deer processors, food banks and some local charitable provider organizations throughout Pennsylvania’s urban and rural communities.  Visit www.sharedeer.org or call 866-474-2142 for more information.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

 

Hunt Safely, Wear A Harness!

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In an effort to reduce the number of tree stand related injuries this hunting season, tree stand users are reminded to wear a harness while hunting.

Wearing a fall arrest system or full-body harness is the best way to prevent hitting the ground and being seriously hurt if you should fall.  Always wear a harness and keep it attached to the tree when hunting from, hanging, or taking down a tree stand.

Transitions in and out of the stand are most dangerous.  Using a harness anytime your feet leave the ground can help prevent falls when getting in and out of the stand.

Remember: Hunt safely.  Wear a harness.

More tree hunting safety tips can be found here.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

UPCOMING SUNDAY HUNTING OPPORTUNITIES

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In an effort to expand hunting opportunities for Pennsylvania hunters, it is legal to hunt on three select Sundays this November.  Sunday hunting has long been permitted for foxes, coyotes and crows during open seasons.

The expanded Sunday hunting opportunities are only open on the following dates for the following species:

  1. Sunday, Nov. 14 – Deer (archery), Bear (archery in WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D only), Squirrel, Pheasant, Rabbit, Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Woodchuck, Crow, Raccoon, Fox, Coyote, Opossum, Striped Skunk, Weasel and Porcupine.
  2. Sunday, Nov. 21 – Bear, Deer (archery in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D only), Squirrel, Pheasant, Rabbit, Grouse, Bobwhite Quail, Woodchuck, Crow, Raccoon, Fox, Coyote, Opossum, Striped Skunk, Weasel and Porcupine. Coyote hunters, during any big-game season, must follow big-game orange requirements.
  3. Sunday, Nov. 28 – Deer, Bear, Raccoon, Fox and Coyote. Raccoons and foxes must be hunted only after legal hunting hours for deer.  Coyote hunters, during any big-game season, must follow big-game orange requirements.  Crows may not be hunted during the Regular Deer Firearms season.

*Turkeys and migratory game birds may not be hunted on any of these three Sundays.  Other game that’s in season may be hunted on these three Sundays.

On these three Sundays, hunters on private land are required to carry written permission from the landowner.  The permission slip should be signed by the landowner, and should include the hunter’s name, address and CID license number, and the landowner’s name, address and phone number.  Providing contact information for the landowner is the quickest and easiest way for a game warden to verify a landowner has granted permission to a hunter.  A sample permission slip is available on page 5 of the Pennsylvania Hunting and Trapping Digest or online at www.pgc.pa.gov, or save and print the digital slip below.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

NORTHWEST REGION BEAR CHECK STATION CHANGES LOCATION

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The Pennsylvania Game Commission bear check station to be operated in Forest County during the four-day firearms bear season, Nov. 20-23, is changing locations.

The check station will be held at the Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Company, 6785 State Route 36, Leeper, PA 16233.

The fire company is in Clarion County at the intersection of state Routes 36 and 66, about 11 miles southwest of Marienville, where the check station originally was to operate. The change was necessary due to COVID-19 protocols.

All hunters harvesting bears during the four-day firearms season are required within 24 hours to have their bears checked at a Game Commission check station. All check stations will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 20, Sunday, Nov. 21 and Monday, Nov. 22, and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Check station locations are provided online and published in the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest. Due to the change, however, hunters planning to head to the Forest County check station should go to the Farmington Township Volunteer Fire Company instead of the location printed in the digest.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission