Outdoors

PFBC to recruit new class of Waterways Conservation Officer trainees

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is recruiting the 27th class of Waterways Conservation Officer trainees. The State Civil Service Commission will begin accepting applications now through February 3, 2025. The class of trainees will undergo a comprehensive training program at various training sites in the Commonwealth, including the PFBC’s H.R. Stackhouse School of Fishery Conservation and Watercraft Safety in Bellefonte, Centre County. Trainees will study law enforcement principles and practices, fish and boat laws, watercraft safety, environmental ...

Why do we hunt? For many, it’s simply for memories

One of the common questions I get from non-hunters and anglers is why? Why do I spend hours, even days at a time, on the water or in the woods? Why do I spend so much money on gear, license, and travel? What is it about hunting and fishing that makes it worth it? People say they hunt or fish for plenty of reasons, but are they the real reason? Some claim they do it for meat, but when you think about it, it is more of a product, not the actual reason. Very few sportsmen truly need the meat to feed themselves or their families. Even if they are, the cost of equipment, licenses, and ...

Ice fishing on Rose Valley Lake

Reflections in Nature: There are 2 types of jumping mice in PA

At the beginning of December, Mary Alice and I went to a Christmas tree farm to buy our tree. While waiting to pay for the tree we selected, a young couple ahead of us were paying for the tree they had just cut down. The young man told the owners of the tree farm that a bird’s nest was in their tree. The attendant told him that what they found was not a bird’s nest, but a kangaroo mouse nest. Although I did not say anything, I wanted to let them know that we do not have kangaroo mice in Pennsylvania. Many years ago I was asked whether we have kangaroo mice in Pennsylvania. After ...

Winter turkey sighting survey has begun

The Game Commission is asking for the public’s help finding turkey flocks to trap for ongoing projects. Pennsylvanians are encouraged to report the location of any turkey flocks they see across the state. Information is being collected online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey now through March 15. Among other things, visitors to that webpage are asked to provide the date of the sighting, the location, and the type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen. Game Commission crews will assess sites for the potential to trap turkeys. Just like the ...

Class A wild trout stocking considerations proposal brought up at meeting

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission held a meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 7, regarding a number of items. One of which was potential reviews to Policy 58 Pa. Code 57.8 which involves Class A wild trout streams and the consideration of requests for stocking. According to committee member ...