Outdoors calendar
TROUT UNLIMITED MEETING
The Chestnut Ridge Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its next meeting at the Hampton Inn & Suites in the California Technology Park on Wednesday, April 13 at 7 p.m.
Chestnut Ridge is the local TU chapter for Fayette, Greene and Washington counties. It has received regional and national recognition for its work in coldwater conservation, protection and restoration.
Wednesday night’s agenda will include an update on watershed activities in Washington County, presented by Donna Riggle of the Buffalo Creek Watershed Association, and a presentation by Jason White, president of the Marianna Outdoorsmen Association on their upcoming canoe race and fly-tying demonstration. The tying demonstration is planned in anticipation of this summer’s coming cicada hatch, anticipated to provide great fishing across the region.
LEARN TO SHOOT PISTOL CLASS
The Rostraver Sportmen’s and Conservation Club will be holding a pistol class with Augie Malekovich, an NRA certified instructor, a military veteran and second-place winner on the History Channel’s Top Shot.
The class will be held on Sat., April 23 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the club.
Send a $20 deposit (to hold your spot) to: The Rostraver Sportmen’s and Conservation Club, 559 Cedar Creek Rd. Belle Vernon, Pa. 15012 or call 724-929-4399.
PRYFF FISHING FESTIVAL
Cal U and the California community again will collaborate to present the 21st annual Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival, set for 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. April 23 at Rotary Park, off Route 88 (Third Street) in California.
The free event is open to boys and girls ages 15 and younger. A parent, guardian or other responsible adult must accompany children younger than 13.
Registration begins at 7 a.m.
SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE
Saturday, April 23 at 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Cucmber Falls Parking Lot 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Exact Location — Great Gorge Trail
The Great Gorge Trail is alive with nature’s adornment after a long winter sleep. Many plants and flowers bloom to mark the beginning of spring. We will identify them and talk about their many uses according to various folklore.
THE 10TH ANNUAL MARIANNA CANOE RACE
The 10th annual Marianna Canoe Race and Anything that Floats will be held Saturday, April 30, at 11 a.m.
Pre-race registration is April 20 from 6-9 p.m. and April 27 from 6-9 p.m. at the Marianna Volunteer Fire Hall.
Pre-race registration price is $25 for member and $30 for non-members. Race day registration is $30 for members and $35 for non-members. Prizes will be awarded.
For more information visit mariannaoutdoors.com or Marianna Canoe Race on Facebook.
VOLUNTEER TRAIL DAY
Saturday, May 7 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, 180 Main Street 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Meet with other park volunteers to clear trails and other projects within the park. Please bring appropriate clothing, lunch and drinking water. Register to participate by emailing bawallace@pa.gov
SHOOTING, RIFLE, ARCHERY
Meet at the Rostraver Sportmen’s and Conservation Club every third Monday at 7:30 p.m.
For more information call 724-872-4399 or rscal1973@yahoo.com.
FAIRBANK ROD AND GUN CLUB SPORTING CLAYS
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. beginning April 19.
Find us on Facebook for more info.
FLY TYING CLASSES
Dunbar Sportsmen’s Club is hosting beginner fly tying classes. The classes begin at 6 pm. and started Monday, Feb. 22, and will run for several weeks.
Costs are minimal.
All necessary materials are provided.
For more information call Pete at 724-439-2507 or John at 724-277-4258 after 5 p.m.
MUD ON THE MOUNTAIN
Mud on the Mountain, to be held at Seven Springs Resort on Saturday May 7, offers athletes a chance to get down and dirty atop the beautiful Laurel Highlands.
The seven mile mud run course winds its way up, down and through some of the most challenging terrain in Pennsylvania. You must be at least 18 years of age to participate.
Event Registration closes May 5, or when all spots are filled.
We suggest early registration.
There will be NO on-site event registration the day of the event. There are heats that go out every 15 minutes beginning at 8 a.m. There are 300 people in each heat. A limited number of time slots are available. Be sure to register early to ensure your spot.
When you register you pick the time you wish to run.
People have asked about being in the same heat with their friends. We recommend registering early and together. There are no prizes, just bragging rights and camaraderie with the runners in your heat.
Each participant receives a wicking shirt and medal when they finish. For more information please check our FAQs page. After pushing your body to its limits, you will need to celebrate your accomplishments and unwind.
Stick around after the event for the Recovery Party at the Foggy Goggle! Trade battle stories with your comrades, show off your battle wounds and enjoy the cold beverages, the Recovery Buffet, and live entertainment.
Website: mudonthemountain.com
BIRD HIKE
Saturday, May 14 at 8 to 10 a.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground 蘑菇视频 Station 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Exact Location — Kentuck Road
These amazing creatures have adapted to life in the air. Learn about their Natural History and why Ohiopyle State Park has been designated as an Important Migratory Birding Area.
The varied habitats of the Sproul Fields and the Beech Loop provide great birding opportunities. These hikes are roughly two hours over rolling terrain.
ARCHERY
Sunday, May 22 at 1 – 2:30 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Sugarloaf Sledding Area Parking Lot 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Exact Location — Sugarloaf Road
Throughout history humans have relied on the bow and arrow for protection and to gather food. This weapon is still widely used today. Join us for this introductory lesson to learn the basic technics and safety rules of this reliable device.
This program is for ages 8 to 80. All equipment will be provided.
WHITEWATER
Friday, May 27 at 7 – 8:30 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground Amphitheater 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Exact Location — Kentuck Road
Ohiopyle State Park has long been known for it’s great white water boating opportunities.
Join us to talk about what whitewater activities are available and how to do them safely. We will also have some great videos to watch.
TREE ID HIKE
Saturday, May 28 at 10 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Ferncliff Parking Lot 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470-0105
Did you ever wonder as you were walking through Ohiopyle’s fabulous forest which trees were which? Join us to hike along and learn how to identify many of the trees in Ohiopyle. We’ll also tell you which tree you shouldn’t use for a marshmallow stick and which one is best used to kill vampires.
TRAP SHOOTING
Nixon Gun Club
Open to public. Wednesdays 6-10 p.m.
Call 724-632-6810 for more info.
SPORTING CLAYS AND FIVE-STAND
California Hill Gun Club
Open to the public Sundays 9 a.m. – 12 noon
Call 724-938-3480 for info.
SUCCESSFUL TURKEY HUNTING
NOTE: Online registration only; must be at least 11 years old to register. Prior to attending, you should complete the independent study part of this program online.
If you don’t want to study online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (M-F from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to request a printed version of our Successful Turkey Hunting!
Student Manual. The independent-study part of the training will take about 6 to 8 hours to complete.
SUCCESSFUL FURTAKING
Prior to attending the one-day class, all students must complete the independent study part of the training by clicking on the link “Successful Furtaking!
Student Manual” on the website at www.pgc.state.pa.us. If not online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at (717) 787-7015 (M-F, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) to request a printed version of the manual.
The independent study portion of the course takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete.
SUCCESSFUL BOWHUNTER-ED CLASSES
NOTE: All the online Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course must be completed before registering for Successful Bowhunting.
The online bowhunter education course (Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course) and Successful Bowhunting field day to complete the requirements for Pennsylvania bowhunter education.
Online registration only.
HUNTER-TRAPPER INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSE
NOTE: Must be 11 years old to register. Students must attend the 2-3 hour class to be tested and certified. Students must study entire course content on own online, taking about 8-10 hours to complete.
HUNTER-TRAPPER ED CLASSES
NOTE: All hunter-trapper education students must now register online. To register go to the Game Commission’s website at http://www.pgc.state.pa.us and look for Hunter-Trapper Education.
Click on the photo and it will open the link to the registration page. The instructions on how to register are easy to follow.
Must be 11 years old to attend class.
FAYETTE COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Saturday, March 26 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: South Connellsville Rod and Gun Club
First Street, Connellsville 15425
Class limit: 65
蘑菇视频(s): Andrew Harvey 724-238-9523
Saturday, April 2 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Fairhope Rod and Gun Club
1397 Fayette Avenue, Belle Vernon 15012
Class limit: 50
蘑菇视频(s): William Curcio 724-989-4678
WASHINGTON COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Saturday, April 23, 2016 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Location: Long Branch Sportsman’s Club
45 Sphar Road, Long Branch 15423
Class limit: 30
蘑菇视频(s): Chris Bergman 724-238-9523
WESTMORELAND COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Saturday, March 19, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: White Oak Rod & Gun Club
600 Skellytown Road, N Huntingdon 15642
Class limit: 50
蘑菇视频(s): Dennis Marcelli 724-523-5552
Saturday, April 2, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Rostraver Sportsmen’s
559 Cedar Creek Road, Belle Vernon 15012
Class limit: 35
蘑菇视频(s): Michael Tetteris 724-238-9523
Saturday, April 2, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Mount Pleasant Armory
2239 School Street, Mt. Pleasant 15666
Class limit: 60
蘑菇视频(s): Matt Thomas 724-244-0127
Sunday, April 3, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Irwin Sportsmen
Sandy Hill Road, Irwin 15642
Class limit: 40
蘑菇视频(s): Joseph Kelly 724-744-1730
SUCCESSFUL FURTAKING
Prior to attending the one-day class, all students must complete the independent study part of the training by clicking on the link “Successful Furtaking! Student Manual” on the website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
If not online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at (717) 787-7015 (M-F, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) to request a printed version of the manual. The independent study portion of the course takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete.
HUNTING SEASONS
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except on Sundays and during the regular firearms deer seasons.
No limit.
PORCUPINES: Sept. 1-March 31, except during overlap with the regular firearms deer season. (3 daily, season limit of 10).
CROWS: July 3-April 10, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the antlered and antlerless deer season.
No limit.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth – April 23, 2016. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 30-May 31, 2016. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.)
From April 30-May 14, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 16-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
2015-16 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS
COYOTES: No closed season. Unlimited. Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange.
During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.
OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays. No limits.