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Reflections in Nature: Plenty of words and sayings are associated with firearms

Sportsmen clubs have been holding shooting contests to prepare the hunters for the hunting season. These shooting contests are referred to as turkey shoots because prizes for the top shooters could be a turkey, however, other prizes are also given. These shoots are not new. Many years ago, I read in an Early American Life Magazine that back in colonial times people gathered for social events, which often included contests such as horse racing and shooting events. These shooting events, which always drew large crowds, were put on by frontier store owners. An entrance fee was paid ...

Outdoors community calendar for week of Oct. 15

NATIONAL HIKING DAY WHERE: Rider Park WHEN: Thursday, Oct. 17 from 9-11 a.m. NOTES: Join Rider Park manager Sara Street for a hike to the new vista for National Hiking Day. It’s a special day dedicated to celebrating the great outdoors and promoting the activity of hiking. It provides an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature, explore scenic trails and reap the numerous physical and mental health benefits that hiking has to offer. This annual observance aims to raise awareness about the importance of outdoor activities and encourage people of all ages to embrace the ...

DCNR is accepting nominations for 2025 Trail of the Year

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources secretary Cindy Adams Dunn announced that Pennsylvanians now have the opportunity to nominate their favorite trail for the 2025 Trail of the Year. “If Pennsylvanians know of a trail that provides unique opportunities, encourages and celebrates diverse user groups, or enhances their community they should submit a nomination,” Dunn said. “Trails are an important part of what makes Pennsylvania a special place for outdoor recreation, and I am excited for the competition and seeing which trail will come out ...

National Hiking Day at Rider Park will offer beautiful views

There are numerous beautiful views and scenery throughout trails in Lycoming County and its surrounding counties. It doesn’t take a far drive to find a great trail to walk. On Thursday, Oct. 17, that drive can be to Rider Park as the park will be partaking in National Hiking Day from 9-11 ...

New PA sportsman license plates unveiled

Just in time for the fall hunting and fishing seasons, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are excited to announce the offering of the new PA Sportsman license plate. The specialty plate, available now through the Pennsylvania Department of ...

Reflections in Nature: It’s hard to predict when leaves will change their colors

The leaves have been rapidly changing colors and, with the help of the wind, many trees are already shedding their leaves. Through the years, I held a state game lands tour on one Sunday during the fall, which I tried to coincide with the leaves at their peak of color. This year in Bradford County, I think the leaves will peak during the second week of October. Predicting when leaf color will peak is a challenge because not all leaves change color at the same time. For example, the walnut tree is one of the last trees to produce their leaves in the spring and one of the first trees ...