Beaver County Sportsmen's Conservation League

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

Two vacancies filled on board of game commissioners

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Two lingering vacancies on the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners have been filled by Michael Mitrick, of York, and Stanley Knick Jr., of Dupont.

Mitrick was selected from Region 6, which includes Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lancaster, Lebanon, Mifflin, Perry, Snyder and York counties. This position was left vacant when former Game Commissioner Ronald Weaner’s term expired.

Knick was selected from Region 7, which includes Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties. This position was left vacant when former Game Commissioner Jay Delaney’s term expired.

Commissioners are selected from eight geographic areas of the Commonwealth to ensure uniform representation throughout Pennsylvania. Once appointed, however, commissioners represent all Pennsylvanians, not just those from their region.

Mitrick and Knick each will serve four-year terms on the Board of Game Commissioners.

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission  www.pgc.pa.gov

APPLY ELECTRONICALLY FOR GOOSE BLIND HUNTS

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Goose hunters in the 2017-18 license year must apply online or in person to enter the drawing to hunt from goose blinds at Middle Creek and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Areas.

An electronic goose blind application has replaced the paper application traditionally found within the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which no longer is provided to all license buyers.

Applicants can apply online by visiting the Goose Blind Application link on the Game Commission website.

Those who do not have internet access can fill out the electronic application in person in the locations found in this link.
06/26/2017
HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING
Read the full news release.

MORE FALCONERS HAVE CHANCE AT PEREGRINE PERMIT

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Board removes requirements that only master-class, resident falconers may apply.

 

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners in 2015 adopted a measure that allows the state’s falconers to apply for any permits the USFWS allocates for Pennsylvania.

 

Pennsylvania issued its first permit last year, and thus far has accepted permit applications only from master-class falconers who reside in Pennsylvania. That limits the pool of applicants, and eventually could create a situation where there are more permits than people eligible to apply for them, especially if the allocation continues to rise.

 

To address this issue, the Board of Commissioners today gave final approval to a measure that expands the eligibility requirements to include a greater range of falconers. Under the proposal, holders of general-class falconry permits would be eligible to apply for a peregrine permit. Nonresident general-class falconers could apply if they live in a state that allows Pennsylvania residents to take migrating Arctic peregrine falcons there.

06/26/2017 HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Read the full news release

Three Electronic Devices Could Be Approved for Huning

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THREE ELECTRONIC DEVICES COULD BE APPROVED FOR HUNTING

It’s unlawful to hunt with electronic devices unless they’re permitted by exception.

If the measure is adopted, hunters would be able to use electronic decoys in hunting waterfowl; electronically heated scent or lure dispensers; and electronic devices that distribute ozone gas for scent-control purposes.

The measure is scheduled to be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.​ The board indicated it will consider adding electronic mourning-dove decoys to the list when it’s brought up for a final vote.

06/26/2017 HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

National Hunting and Fishing Day September 23th

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National Hunting and Fishing DayTake someone hunting, fishing or target shooting and enter a chance to win NASCAR or Ultimate Outdoor Experience

Join Richard Childress, honorary chair for National Hunting and Fishing Day, in creating the next generation of conservationists

National Hunting and Fishing Day (NHF Day), an annual celebration of hunters and anglers, features a new twist this year. Richard Childress, NASCAR legend and honorary chair for NHF Day, is asking hunters and anglers to participate in the new NHF Day Challenge by taking someone hunting, fishing or target shooting. By pledging to introduce someone to the outdoors between now and NHF Day on Saturday, Sept. 23, participants will be eligible to win a Richard Childress Racing VIP race weekend package or the Ultimate Outdoor Experience in America’s Conservation Capital from Big Cedar Lodge and Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium.

“If you are a sportsman, sportswoman or an angler, you can make a difference and support National Hunting and Fishing Day by becoming a mentor,” said Childress. “Mentoring is critical to ensure our outdoor tradition lives on through future generations. Make the commitment to take someone outdoors and show them why you value hunting, fishing and target shooting.”

For millions of Americans, time spent hunting and fishing are treasured moments. Hunting and fishing brings friends and family together and provides one of the most immersive outdoor experiences possible.

“Today fewer people are connecting with nature through hunting and fishing,” said Childress. “As outdoorsmen and women, we are one of the keys to reversing this trend. Help a friend, family member, neighbor or co-worker learn how to hunt, fish or shoot. Introducing someone to the joys of the outdoors not only enriches their life, it creates a future conservationist.”

Each new hunter and angler created helps fund conservation. Every time someone buys a firearm, ammunition, archery equipment or fishing tackle, they contribute to habitat conservation and science-based wildlife management through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration (WSFR) program. The WSFR is the cornerstone of fish and wildlife conservation in North America because it brings funding from the sporting arms, archery and fishing industries and sportsmen and women back to state wildlife management agencies. These monies, in addition to hunting and fishing license fees, are critical for conserving fish and wildlife across our nation.

Those who pledge to take someone hunting, target shooting or fishing will be entered for a chance to win two amazing prize packages. The first grand prize is two HOT passes to a future NASCAR race, which includes pit and garage passes, garage and team hauler tours, and an opportunity to meet team owner Richard Childress. The second grand prize package is a trip to America’s Conservation Capital: Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. A passion of Bass Pro Shops founder and Ozarks native Johnny Morris, the destination spans multiple properties and thousands of unspoiled acres, making it the ultimate destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. The package includes a two-night stay in a log cabin at Big Cedar Lodge, America’s premier wilderness resort, and nature-based excursions including guided bass fishing on 43,000-acre Table Rock Lake; Adventure Passes for the Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail and Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum at Top of the Rock; shotgun sports at Bass Pro Shops’ Outdoor Shooting Academy; and passes to Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium, the largest, most immersive wildlife attraction in the world, opening Sept, 21, 2017.

To get involved in the NHF Day Challenge, visit NHFDay.org or call 417 225-1162.

 

THREE ENERGY DEALS APPROVED

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THREE ENERGY DEALS APPROVED

Board approves projects in Bradford, Indiana and Lycoming counties.

 

Amerikohl Mining Inc., of Butler, Pa., was approved to remove an estimated 15,840 tons of Lower Kittaning coal under about 13 acres on State Game Lands 276 in Burrell Township, Indiana County

 

The board also approved an agreement with Chief Oil & Gas LLC, of Dallas, Texas, to develop the Game Commission’s oil and gas rights under about 499 acres of State Game Lands 36 in Franklin and Monroe townships, Bradford County.

 

The board also approved a five-year option to enter into an agreement with Seneca Resources, of Pittsburgh, to develop the Game Commission’s oil and gas rights under about 2,151 acres of State Game Lands 133 in Gamble, Lewis and Cascade townships, Lycoming County. Seneca also has the ability to develop the reserve without any surface disturbance to the game lands.

06/26/2017  HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

APPLY ELECTRONICALLY FOR GOOSE BLIND HUNTS

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06/27/2017

APPLY ELECTRONICALLY FOR GOOSE BLIND HUNTS

Goose hunters in the 2017-18 license year must apply online or in person to enter the drawing to hunt from goose blinds at Middle Creek and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Areas.

An electronic goose blind application has replaced the paper application traditionally found within the Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest, which no longer is provided to all license buyers.

Applicants can apply online by visiting the Goose Blind Application link on the Game Commission website.

Those who do not have internet access can fill out the electronic application in person in the locations found in this link.   

06/26/2017  HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

 

DEER-BAITING PERMITS TO CONTINUE IN SOUTHEASTERN COUNTIES

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Board votes to keep baiting as an option in Southeast Special Regulations Area.

 

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today ensured deer hunters in the Southeast Special Regulations Area will continue to have the option to apply for permits to use mechanical feeders to dispense bait at hunting locations on private property.

 

The board first voted to create deer-attractant permits in 2014, but attached to the measure a sunset clause that would force the board to revisit the issue in 2017. The board today gave final approval to a measure that removes the sunset clause to allow the permits to continue being issued.

06/26/2017  HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

AMENDMENT ADDRESSES SPECIAL REGULATIONS AREAS FOR AIR GUNS AND SOME SEMIAUTOMATIC RIFLES

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Air guns, some semiautomatic rifles could become lawful hunting arms within Special Regulations Areas.

 

When the Pennsylvania Game Commission in April approved the use of semiautomatic rifles and air guns for hunting small game and furbearers, the provision could not be extended to the state’s Special Regulations Areas, which are covered under a separate section of the law.

 

But a measure preliminarily approved today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners would allow hunters and trappers within Special Regulations Areas also to use semiautomatic rifles and air guns. If the measure is adopted at the Sept. 26 meeting, it likely would take effect sometime in November or December.

06/26/2017  HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission

THREE ELECTRONIC DEVICES COULD BE APPROVED FOR HUNTING

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It’s unlawful to hunt with electronic devices unless they’re permitted by exception.

 

If the measure is adopted, hunters would be able to use electronic decoys in hunting waterfowl; electronically heated scent or lure dispensers; and electronic devices that distribute ozone gas for scent-control purposes.

 

The measure is scheduled to be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.​ The board indicated it will consider adding electronic mourning-dove decoys to the list when it’s brought up for a final vote.

06/26/2017  HIGHLIGHTS FROM TODAY’S COMMISSIONERS MEETING

Courtesy of Pennsylvania Game Commission