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Outdoors

Buying a used jon boat, and what to ask

Jon boats are one of the most popular models found on Pennsylvania waters. They are small, easy to trailer and cost far less than fiberglass models. If you have every thought about adding a jon boat to your fishing experience now is a perfect time – owners are upgrading before summer so some good deals can be had. But how do you know if you are getting a good deal or the next Titanic? How much can you spend? As with most big purchases, it is important to set a spending limit in advance. Here are some questions to ask yourself when determining your personal limit. • Will you be ...

Shapiro admin completes $3.4M project to upgrade Point State Park

PITTSBURGH — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources completed the first phase of improvements at Point State Park, finishing well ahead of the original spring 2026 timeline. The upgrades enhance safety, functionality, and the visitor experience as the park prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors for major events in 2026. DCNR addressed long-standing maintenance needs and completed improvements to the park’s iconic fountain, walkways, utilities, and lighting. In April 2026, Pittsburgh will host the NFL Draft at Point State Park. Gov. Josh ...

Reflections in Nature: Hunters understand fulfillment of day in pursuit of game

During this past hunting season, hunters have harvested many big bucks carrying large sets of antlers. Through the years, I have received many requests from hunters to score their antlers for the Boone and Crocket Club’s record book. One of the club’s requirements is that the hunter signs a sworn statement that he or she killed their trophy in fair chase. In 1893, Theodore Roosevelt set the credo of fair chase which stated that nothing be killed by any method other than fair chase or still hunting. Civilized humans have lost the need, but not the urge, for the chase, the stalk and ...

DCNR hosts First Day Hikes across public lands on Jan. 1

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is inviting residents and visitors to begin the new year outdoors by participating in more than 60 free, guided First Day Hikes taking place across Pennsylvania on New Year’s Day on Thursday as part of the nationwide First Day Hike initiative. The hikes will be held in 49 state parks and three forest districts, offering participants an easy and healthy way to kick off the new year while exploring Pennsylvania’s public lands. Most guided hikes range from one to two miles, with some longer options depending on terrain ...

Reflections in Nature: The beaver helped settle North America through pelts

Beaver trapping season opened on Dec. 20 and will close on March 31, 2026. A trapper will be allowed to take up to 125 beavers if trapping in several wildlife units. They may use up to 20 traps and snares statewide. The regulations on trapping beaver have greatly increased in the past few years. When I was working as a wildlife officer, a trapper was only allowed to tend ten traps and catch three beavers. The beaver or the pelt had to be tagged by an officer after the season closed. Beaver trappers were restricted because the population was low. The reason for the low population was ...

Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Club safety course offered

The Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Club’s youth Pennsylvania snowmobile safety course is scheduled to be conducted on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Hyner Mountain Snowmobile Club lodge. It’s located approximately six miles north of Haneyville and directly across Route 44 from Pat Reeder’s Tavern in Clinton County. Parents are to accompany their children to registration so that the required forms may be completed. Registration begins at 8:30 a.., class starts promptly at 9 a.m. and will end no latter than 3 p.m. Class participants qualify for their certificate by completing their workbooks ...