Outdoors calendar
SUGARLOAF TRAIL HIKE
Sunday, June 12 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Baughman Rock Overlook Parking Lot 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Exact Location – Sugarloaf Road
We will begin our hike at the Baughman Rock Overlook and then descend the mountain into the town of Ohiopyle. This is a moderately difficult trail so please wear sturdy shoes. It is about 2.5 miles long. Driver’s shuttle will be provided.
HOMESCHOOL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: ORIENTEERING ADVENTURES
Thursday, June 16
Mingo Creek Park, Shelter 6
NO FEE
Session 1- 10:00 a.m.
Session II – 1:00 p.m. (Ages 5-11)
Learn to navigate your way in Mingo Creek Park using a map and compass. Discover the basics of orienteering. After some instruction, we will strike off and complete a basic orienteering course. Maps and compasses will be provided. Dress for the weather and moderate hiking.
Pre-registration is required; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Call the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation at 724-228-6867 for more information.
CAMPFIRE JAM NIGHT
Thursday, June 16, 7:00 p.m.
Mingo Creek Park, Shelter 4
NO FEE
Join the park staff around the campfire for an evening of acoustic music in Mingo Creek Park. Musicians who play an instrument are encouraged to share their talent. Don’t play an instrument? No problem, we welcome listeners. Bring lawn chair or a blanket. Light refreshments will be served.
Pre-registration required; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Call the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation at 724-228-6867 for more information.
ARCHERY
Friday, June 17 at 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Sugarloaf Sledding Area Warming Hut 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 techniques and safety rules of this reliable device. This program is for ages 8 to 80. All equipment will be provided.
FERNCLIFF HISTORY HIKE
Sunday, June 19 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Train Station 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
From the Train Station we will hike across the low bridge and onto the Ferncliff Peninsula. Along the way we will talk about what makes Ferncliff such a special place. We’ll also stop by the fabulous Ferncliff Hotel and talk about Ohiopyle at the turn of the century. Join us for this easy one and half mile hike.
INSECT SAFARI DAY CAMP
Mingo Creek Park, Shelter 3
Monday, June 20 – Thursday, June 23
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Ages 6-10)
Children ages 6 through 10 will be going buggy as they discover the unique world of insects during this day camp. A variety of educational insect activities will be offered and will include the exploration of leaf litter critters, pond life, creek macro invertebrates, and winged insects. Campers should dress for the weather and light hiking, and bring a lunch and water bottle each day.
Make your reservations early; space is limited.
Pre-registration is required. Accepting registration beginning April 1. Payment in full at time of registration, cash or check. Registration is limited to one family per registrant with a maximum of 2 day camps per child.
FEE: $25.00/camper
Call the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation at 724-228-6867 for more information.
KAYAKS ON CRANBERRY
Saturday, June 18 at 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Visitors Center 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
If you would like to give kayaking a try, this is a good time to get your feet wet. We will meet at the Visitors Center and caravan to Cranberry Lake. We will talk about the technics and safety guidelines for this relaxing sport. Life jackets and kayaks will be provided. Cranberry Lake is about 30 minutes away. You must pre-register for this free event by emailing Rose Bando: rbando@pa.gov. Space is limited.
FIREFLY CAMPFIRE
Mingo Creek Park, Shelter 2
Friday, June 24 at 8 p.m.
NO FEE
We just can’t think of a better way to celebrate the start of summer! Join us for an evening of catching fireflies, roasting marshmallows, and relaxing around a campfire. Collection containers will be available and marshmallows will be provided, but you may want to bring along a chair or blanket and a drink.
Pre-registration required; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Call the Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation at 724-228-6867 for more information.
FROG HUNT
Friday, June 24 at 8:45 p.m. – 10:15 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground Amphitheater 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Join us for one of our most fun and popular programs. We’ll meet at the amphitheater to discuss our plan of attack. Then we’ll head to the infamous frog pond where we will try and catch some of our elusive green buddies.
YOUGHIOGHENY RIVER SYMPOSIUM
Friday, June 24 at 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Penn State, Fayette Campus
Exact location — Magerko Hall
Panels to discuss the Youghiogheny’s recovering fishery, the river’s positive impact on the region’s economy and quality of life, ongoing restoration work, and threats to the resource. Speakers include DCNR Secretary, Cyndy Adams Dunn; Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau CEO, Renee Seifert; and Fish and Boat Commission regional biologist, Rick Lorson. Catered lunch with $20.00 registration. Post-event celebration with presentations by professional Youghiogheny fishing guides to follow off-site. Register at www.chestnutridgetu.org. For information call 724-880-4313.
“COME DOWN TO THE YOUGH”
Saturday, June 25 at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Youghiogheny Lake Tailrace, Confluence.
Follow-up to the Youghiogheny River Synmposium. Hot dogs, soft drinks courtesy of Chestnut Ridge, Trout Unlimited. Tour Trout Unlimited’s “Cage-culture” trout nursery, operated in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that furnishes trout for public fishing throughout the Laurel Highlands region. Talk fishing and wet a line in the river.
SECOND ANNUAL M.O.A CATFISH DERBY
1724 Main Street, Marianna, Pa. 15345
Saturday, July 16, 2016, 4 – 9 p.m.
Pre-Register: Register in advance by filling out the form below and sending to the marked address. You will still need to check-in the day of the derby between 2 – 3:45 p.m.
Race Day Check-In: Pre derby registration will take place from 2 – 3:45pm the day of the derby at the Ten Mile Creek Access area at the above address along Main Street in Marianna.
COST (MOA Members): $15 COST (Non-Members): $25
— $5 per additional pole (2 pole max)
Cash and Gift Prizes: Largest catfish and most fish caught
This is a catch and release tournament.
BBQ, vendors, crafters, and flea market tables will be at the derby registration from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Vendors, crafter, or flea market table registration $20 per 10’x10′ space.
For more information: call 724-986-5708
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.
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, June 11, 2016 9 a.m. -5 p.m.
Location: Gander Mountain
1500 West Chestnut St, Washington 15301
Class limit: 50
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ(s): Rich Joyce 724-238-9523
WASHINGTON COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Sunday, July 10, 2016 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Charleroi Gun Club
79 Gun Club Road, Charleroi 15022
Class limit: 40
WESTMORELAND COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Saturday, June 25, 2016 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Kingston Vets and Sportsmen’s Club
138 Kingston Club Road, Latrobe 15650
Class limit: 55
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ(s): Jeff Uschak 724-420-4494
Saturday, June 25 8 a.m – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Murrysville Gun Club
3751 Gun Club Road, Murrysville 15668
Class limit: 55
Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ(s): Dale Emerick 412-580-1642
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.