Trout fishing seminar precedes agency meeting
HARRISBURG - The state Fish and Boat Commission will hold a trout fishing seminar in conjunction with its quarterly business meeting on Wednesday and Thursday at 1601 Elmerton Ave.
The seminar will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday in the Susquehanna Room.
Presentations will focus on fishing opportunities, techniques and strategies, as well as sharing tips for taking children trout fishing. Youth anglers are encouraged to attend. Several trout-related organizations will have displays and information available.
The program is free, but registration is required. Space is limited and registration will close on Monday. Visit the PFBC website at www.fishandboat.com to register and learn more.
As part of the commission's quarterly meeting, committees will meet at 12:40 p.m. Wednesday and at 8 a.m. Thursday. Formal consideration of the agenda by the full commission will begin at about 11:15 a.m. Thursday. All meetings are open to the public.
A complete copy of the meeting schedule and the full agenda for the meeting can be found at www.fishandboat.com/minutes.htm.
Discover winter birding in Ontario
Wayne Laubscher will present "Frosty Forests and Frozen Fields: Winter 'Birrrding' in Ontario" at the Wednesday meeting of the Lycoming Audubon Society. The meeting starts at 6 p.m. and the program begins at 6:30. Both will be held in the Lowry Room of the James V. Brown Library
The program highlights the various far northern specialty bird species that appear in Ontario and even the northeastern U.S. during certain winters. Irruptive species of raptors and finches, wintering northern species of waterfowl and gulls, and the occasional western vagrants will be covered. Also, Laubscher will tell attendees where and when to find them and why they show up so far south of their normal range. The emphasis of the program will be on southern and eastern Ontario and a few nearby areas in Quebec.
The program is free and open to the public. For more information, visit www.lycoming.org/audubon.
Schools should register for archery contest
UNIVERSITY PARK - State Game Commission officials are encouraging all schools participating in the National Archery in the Schools Program to register for Pennsylvania's 2013 NASP State Tournament, which will be held March 8 at the Penn State Multi-Sport Facility in Centre County.
While there is no fee to register, registration opens on Friday and closes on Feb. 8. Registration can be done through the NASP link in the "Education" tab at www.pgc.state.pa.us or directly through the NASP Tournament website, nasptournaments.org. Teams should register early as space is limited.
NASP helps school districts in Pennsylvania meet physical education curriculum requirements of the state Department of Education, while at the same time introducing them to the world of competitive archery.
Last year, 494 students from 23 school districts participated in the NASP state competition. This year, event organizers are expecting nearly 900 students from even more school districts.
Club to hold 2nd annual coyote hunt
GREENTOWN - The Promised Land Sportsmen's Association in Pike County will hold its second annual statewide coyote hunt from 12:01 a.m. Friday through noon Jan. 27. Animals may be hunted in any Pennsylvania county, but trapped or road-killed coyotes are not eligible.
Hunters must pay a registration fee by 8 p.m. Thursday to participate, and half of the fee will be added to the prize pot.
Official weigh-ins will be done from 3 to 6 p.m. Jan. 25-26 and 9 a.m. to noon Jan. 27 at the club pavillion on Route 390, 2 1/2 miles south of Interstate 84.
A $50 bounty reward will be paid for each coyote and a limit of three coyotes per hunter applies.
Prizes will be awarded based on the weight of the top three animals.
For more information, call Bob Larkin at 748-2415 or see www.promisedlandsportsmen.org for complete rules.
NWTF chapter sponsors turkey-calling contest
BLOOMSBURG - The Col-Mont Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Foundation will hold its first Youth Turkey Calling Contest at 3 p.m. Saturday at the Early Bird Sports Expo at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds.
All callers must be 14 years old or younger on the day of the calling contest.
The free contest is not sanctioned by the NWTF. Youth who have won an amateur contest or have won cash prizes in any other calling contest are not eligible.
Awards will be given to the top four place winners. Calls include cluck or purr, hen yelp, cutting and caller's choice.
Contestants must sign up at the Col-Mont Gobblers booth at the expo by 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
For more information, call Bill Satteson at 490-6362 or Matt Swartz at 490-2784.
Explore winter 'birrrding' at Montour Preserve
WASHINGTONVILLE - Ever consider going north in the winter to bird-watch? It sounds like a crazy idea, but you'd be surprised what there is to see. Get ready to plan your next trip north after you learn more at the "Frosty Forests and Frozen Fields" program from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at PPL's Montour Environmental Preserve.
The program highlights the various far northern specialty bird species that appear in Ontario and the northeastern U.S. during certain winters. We'll take a look at wintering species of raptors, finches, northern species of waterfowl and gulls and the occasional western vagrants. Also, we'll explore where and when to find these winter birds and discuss why they show up so far south of their normal range. The emphasis of the program will focus on southern and eastern Ontario and nearby areas in Quebec.
The free program will take place at the Environmental Education Center. For directions, visit www.pplpreserves.com and click on "Montour." For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.
Class focuses on gardening activities
A class on square foot gardening, urban (city) gardening and seed starting will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, courtesy of the Clinton County Master Gardener program. The location of the classes was not announced. Contact Master Gardener Coordinator Quentin Stocum at 726-0022, ext. 3828, or qbs5000@ag.psu.edu for more information.
Registration is required in advance and the fee is $5. To register, mail your name, address, phone number and email with payment to Penn State Extension, 47 Cooperation Lane, Mill Hall PA 17751 or stop at the office. Checks should be made payable to PSCE-Master Gardener.
Game commissioners schedule January meeting
HARRISBURG - Pennsylvania's Board of Game Commissioners will hold a quarterly meeting Jan. 27-29 in its headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave., just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Dauphin County.
A copy of the agenda for the upcoming meeting will be posted online at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
At 1 p.m. Jan. 27, the board will hear public recommendations for 2013-14 hunting and furtaking seasons and bag limits. Doors open at noon. Individuals interested in offering public testimony, limited to five minutes, may register at noon.
At 8:30 a.m. Jan. 28, the board will gather public comments and hear Game Commission staff reports. Doors open at 7:45 a.m. Registration for those interested in offering public testimony will begin at that time.
At the same time on Jan. 29, the Game Commission board will take up its prepared agenda to give preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for 2013-14 and establish other meeting dates for the coming year, among other things.
Antlerless deer license allocations for the 2013-14 seasons will be presented for the board to consider at its meeting in April. Harvest results from the 2012-13 deer seasons will be announced in mid-March.
NWTF Hunting Heritage banquet planned
DANVILLE - The Col-Mont Gobblers chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation will hold its annual Hunting Heritage banquet on Feb. 9 at the Elk's Club, north of Danville on Route 11. It is open to the public.
To purchase tickets, call Matt Swartz at 490-2784 before Feb. 1.
In addition, the chapter is looking for volunteers willing to help with habitat projects, youth field days, outdoor show events and seminars and the banquet.
The chapter covers Columbia and Montour counties and is based out of the North Montour Sportsman's Club near Washingtonville.
Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show nears
HARRISBURG - The 58th Eastern Sports & Outdoor Show, featuring hundreds of new exhibitors, features and celebrities, will be held Feb. 2-10 at the State Farm Show Complex.
More than 200 new exhibitors showcasing guns, archery, fishing and boating, along with many new products, show specials and a new Tactical Gun and Accessories Section highlight this year's event. In addition, the show has made it easier to navigate the floor with color-coded halls, an online pre-show mapping program, and an easy-to-use mobile app.
Returning by popular demand will be the "Sportsman's Shop Gun Alley" featuring more gun manufacturers, gun representatives and gun retailers than ever before.
For information, visit www.easternsportshow.com.
Learn how to safely operate a boat
PENNSDALE - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Williamsport, Flotilla 15-01, will offer a safe boating course from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 9 at Gander Mountain in the Lycoming Mall.
Participants will receive a USCGA Boating Certificate and will qualify for the Pennsylvania Boating Certificate upon successful completion of the course. Those who wish to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski) or those born after Jan. 1, 1982, who operate a boat with a 25-horsepower or larger motor are required by law to have completed a recognized boating course.
A fee will cover the cost of the book and advance registration is necessary.
For more information or to register, contact Joseph Kustanbauter at jbkusty@verizon.net or 435-2193.
Sportsman's Show & Flea Market planned
LEESPORT - The Sportsman's Show & Flea Market returns to the Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Gernants Church Road, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 9.
Admission is $8 from 8 to 9 a.m. and $4 after 9. Children are free.
For more information, visit www.ralphsfishing.com.
Free fishing classes offered
WATERVILLE - McConnell's Country Store & Fly Shop, 10853 North Route 44, will hold the following free fishing classes:
Feb. 9 - Introduction to fly fishing, 10 a.m. to noon
Feb. 9 - Introduction to fly fishing and fly tying, women only, 6 to 8 p.m.
Feb. 16 - Tips and techniques for fishing mayflies and their life cycles, 10 a.m. to noon
March 2 - Tips & techniques for fishing caddis and stone flies and their life cycles, 10 a.m. to noon
March 16 - Fly casting for beginners, 10 a.m. to noon
March 30 - Fly casting tune-up, not for beginners, 10 a.m. to noon
Club plans coyote hunt
SINNEMAHONING - The eighth annual Sinnemahoning Sportsmen's Association's Coyote Hunt will be held Feb. 15-17.
The hunting area is throughout the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia.
Trapping is not allowed, but calls and dogs may be used.
A registration fee applies and all hunters must be members of the association. Membership dues may be paid upon registration.
Hunters must register prior to Feb. 15. On-site registrations will be accepted at club grounds, 15 Club Road, on Jan. 12, 19 and 26 and Feb. 2, 9 and 14.
Registration also may be done by mail, but envelopes must be postmarked by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 2.
For an application, call 814-263-4418 or 570-923-2188 weekdays, 814-546-2835 weekends, visit www.sinnemahoning-sportsmen.org or write to SSA, 15 Club Road, P.O. Box 102, Snnemahoning, PA 15861-0102.
Official weigh-ins will be done at the club at the following times:
3-7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16
8 a.m.-noon Feb. 17.
Prizes will be awarded after weigh-ins.
Hats and shirts commemmorating the coyote hunt will be available for purchase at the club.
Whitetails Unlimited plans Sullivan County event
MUNCY VALLEY - Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the Sullivan County Hunters' Night Out on Feb. 23 at the Muncy Valley Fire Hall on Route 42. The event features a buffet dinner, auction and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, hunting and outdoor equipment, artwork and collectibles only available at WTU events.
The social hour begins at 4 p.m., with dinner at 6.
Tickets may be purchased individually, per couple or for juniors ages 15 and younger. The deadline to order tickets is Feb. 16. They will not be sold at the door, and seating is limited.
To order tickets, call Nancy Craft at 482-4364 or WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471, or go to www.whitetailsunlimited.com.
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization that strives to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Gun raffle, wild game meal planned
MILL HALL - The Lock Haven University baseball team will hold a gun raffle and wild game meal fundraiser at 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at Haywood's on the Green.
Tickets may be purchased by contacting Marchal Rote at mrote@lhup.edu or 484-2002. Wild game meat donations also are welcome.
Blade group plans 25th annual knife show
LEWISBURG - The Keystone Blade Association will hold its 25th annual knife show at the Country Cupboard Inn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24.
The show will feature new, old, factory, custom, military and related items.
For more information, contact Skip at 387-4955 or Marlyn at 584-4835 or stetson718@gmail.com.
Baltimore Boat Show sails into Maryland
BALTIMORE, Md. - The 2013 Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show cruises into the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., on Feb. 28 through March 3, making a splash with sales on the newest boats and accessories, plus new fun and educational activities for boaters of all ages and experience levels.
Boaters, sailors, fisherman and families can climb aboard and compare hundreds of boats for all budgets and lifestyles, from luxury cruisers and fishing boats to family runabouts and pontoons, plus shop deals on the latest marine gadgets and gear.
Other attractions include the new Swampmaster Gator Show - in which visitors can take a photo holding a baby gator and watch as expert alligator handler Jeff Quattrocchi catches an 8-foot, 200-pound alligator.
Capt. Dave Marciano from National Geographic Channel's "Wicked Tuna" will be on hand March 1-3 to meet visitors and share his stories on the open seas. And, experienced and beginner boaters can put their boating skills to the test with the Power Boat Docking Challenge.
Boaters and fisherman hoping to add new tricks to their trade can head to the hands-on clinics, see demonstrations and get one-on-one advice at Fred's Shed DIY Interactive Learning Center and Fishing the Chesapeake seminar series. And, there's no shortage of fun for the kids with a chance to build their own boat at the Kids' Create-a-Boat.
The show is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 2; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3.
Tickets are $12 for adults and free for children 15 and under when accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased at www.baltimoreboatshow.com.
Whitetails Unlimited plans fundraising event
Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the West Branch Whitetails Hunters' Night Out on March 16 at the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St. The event will feature a two-meat buffet, auction and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting- and outdoor-related equipment, artwork and collectibles only available at WTU events.
Proceeds will benefit archery programs in local schools, youth programs and habitat improvement equipment.
Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6:30.
Tickets may be purchased individually, per couple or for juniors ages 15 and younger. The deadline to order tickets is March 11. They will not be sold at the door.
To order tickets, call Dave "Huffy" Huffman at 772-0312 in the evenings or WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471, or go online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets also are available by calling Gene Cahn at 447-6541 or Dave Ellison at 435-5525.
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization that strives to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Outdoor events sought
Do you have a meeting or outdoor event you'd like to publicize in the Sun-Gazette?
Announcements must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the event, preferably earlier.
Information and news releases may be:
Mailed to Outdoor editor, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport PA 17701
Emailed to outdoors@sungazette.com
Dropped off at the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport
Submitted through the Outdoor section of the Virtual Newsroom on the paper's website, www.sungazette.com.
All submissions must contain the name, telephone number and, if available, email address of a contact person.
Photographs by area residents of trophy fish or game animals or other interesting outdoor occurrences also will be considered. Digital photos may be sent by email.
Hard-copy glossy prints, negatives or slides may be dropped off or mailed. Polaroid prints typically cannot be reprinted in the newspaper.
Only photos sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be returned.
Announcements published in the "Outdoor Briefs" section will print in chronological order as space permits.
The Outdoors section is published weekly on Sundays, but it goes to print early on Wednesday mornings.
Therefore, all information for publication on any given Sunday must be submitted by noon on the Monday prior.
For more help, call 326-1551, ext. 3116.
