Outdoors calendar
PRIMITIVE FIRE MAKING
Thursday, September 29, 6:30 p.m.
NO FEE
Mingo Creek Park, Shelter 6
Learn how to make fire using flint and steel. Participants will have the opportunity to kindle their own flame using flint and steel.
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.
MEADOW RUN HIKE
Sunday, October 2 at 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Meadow Run Trailhead Parking Lot 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
The Meadow Run Trail has many geological features that create the back drop for its beauty. From large rock formations to water falls to majestic hemlocks, this trail is a must. The loop is about a 1.5 miles long. Please wear sturdy shoes.
VOLUNTEER TRAIL DAY
Saturday, October 15 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Meadow Run House 124 Main St., Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Exact Location — Main Street across from the Slides Parking Lot
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.go.
HOMESCHOOL OUTDOOR CLASSROOM: LEAF IT UP TO ME
Thursday, October 6, 1 p.m.
FEE: $1
Mingo Creek Park, Shelter 6
What do you know about leaves? Why are they changing colors? We are “leafing” it up to you to find out! We will hike to find the brightest, most colorful leaves to use for a special craft! Dress appropriately for the weather.
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.
BECOMING A BACKPACKER FOR VETERANS
Saturday, October 8
Laurel Ridge State Park 1117 Jim Mountain Road, Rockwood, Pa. 15557
A two-day, one night backpacking trip on the Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail. This program is designed as an introduction to modern backpacking techniques. The trip will begin at Laurel Summit State Park and end at Seven Springs Resort.
We will be staying at the Rt. 31 Shelter Area overnight.
This trip includes guides, equipment, overnight accommodations, shuttle and meals.
nnRegistration is required by October 1, 2016nn
To register, please contact:
Kimberly Peck — 814-352-8649 — kipeck@pa.gov
ANNUAL YOUTH DAY
Saturday, October 8
Fairbank Rod and Gun Club
Youths will shoot sporting clays rifles and hunt pheasants. To be eligible youths must be between 12 and 15 years of age and have a valid hunting license. They must wear a blaze orange hat and vest or jacket bring their own shotgun. Shells will be provided. Breakfast will start about 6 a.m. To register call Rich 724-984-9641.
TROUT STOCKING DAY
The Marianna Outdoorsmen Association (MOA) is holding its annual trout stocking and veterans fishing day on Oct. 15. Veterans and disabled people can attend the stocking, which begins in Ten Mile Creek in Marianna at 9 a.m. and go fishing. Food is being served at the MOA headquarters, 17 Magnolia Ave., until 1 p.m. The event is free.
TROUT FISHING DERBY
The Marianna Outdoorsmen Association (MOA) is hosting a catch and release trout fishing derby and a pancake and sausage breakfast on Oct. 16. Derby registration is from 7:30-9:15 a.m. at the MOA headquarters, 17 Magnolia Ave., and the derby starts at 9:30 a.m. in Ten Mile Creek. Registration fees are different for MOA members and non-members. First, second and third place prizes will be awarded for the most fish caught in the 16 and under and 17 and over age groups. The breakfast is from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MOA. More information is available from the MOA at 724-986-5708.
FALL FOLIAGE HIKE
Sunday, October 16 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Sugarloaf Sledding Area Parking Lot 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470
Red, yellow, orange and brown, with a little green mixed in. Join us as we walk along the ridge of the Great Gorge to view the beautiful display of colors that autumn reveals. We will hike to our famous Baughman Rock Scenic Overlook.
CACHE ME IF YOU CAN
Saturday, November 12, 10:00 a.m.
NO FEE
Mingo Creek Park, Park Office
This is a great opportunity to discover Geocaching and learn the basics of this fun, recreational activity. Join us as we search for hidden treasures (caches) in Mingo Creek Park using a handheld Global Positioning Device (GPS). We will have a limited number of GPS units to utilize, but if you have a handheld device in which you can enter latitude and longitude coordinates or an equipped smartphone, feel free to bring it along with you.
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.
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.
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, September 10, 2016 — 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Fairbank Rod and Gun Club
Fairbank-Herbert Road, Fairbank 15435
Class Limit: 50
蘑菇视频(s): Helen Bittorf 724-497-3079
Saturday, September 17, 2016 — 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Izaak Walton Park
Route 381 North
Farmington, PA 15437
蘑菇视频(s): Shawn Barron
Saturday, September 24, 2016 — 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Star Junction
Gun Club Road, Star Junction 15482
Class Limit: 40
蘑菇视频(s): Helen Bittorf 724-497-3079
WASHINGTON COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Saturday, September 24, 2016 — 8 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Centerville American Legion Post 705
1101 Old National Pike, Fredericktown 15333
Class limit: 60
蘑菇视频(s): Chris Bergman 724-238-9523
WESTMORELAND COUNTY – ON LINE REGISTRATION ONLY
Saturday, September 24, 2016 — 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: Rostraver’s Sportsmen’s
559 Cedar Creek Rd., Belle Vernon 15012
Class limit: 35
蘑菇视频(s): Michael Tetteris 724-684-4219
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
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth – Oct. 1-15 (6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 15-Nov. 26; Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (6 daily, 18 possession).
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 15-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 21 (2 daily, 6 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail) Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license: Oct. 1-15 (4 daily, 12 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 15-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (4 daily, 12 possession).
PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 8-15 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs.
There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.
PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs – Oct. 22-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (2 daily, 6 in possession).
There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 22-Nov. 26 (4 daily, 12 possession). (Closed in 5A, open in all other WMUs.)
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26-31, in all WMUs (1 daily, 3 possession).
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 1-April 9, 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.
WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): WMU 1B – Oct. 29-Nov. 5; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 1A and 2A – Oct. 29-Nov. 5 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D – Oct. 29-Nov. 12 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2C and 4E- Oct. 29-Nov. 18 and Nov. 24-26; WMU 5A – Nov. 3-5; WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth – April 22, 2017. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 29-May 31, 2017.
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 29-May 13, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 15-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide) Archery: Nov. 14-18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 19-23. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3B, 3C and 3D): Nov. 28-Dec. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D): Nov. 28-Dec. 10. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 1B, 2C, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) archery: Sept. 17-Nov. 18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMU 5B) archery: Oct. 1-Nov. 18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) muzzleloader: Oct. 15-22. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) special firearms: Oct. 20-22, for junior and senior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active duty military.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Oct. 31-Nov. 5. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
ELK, EXTENDED (Antlered and Antlerless): Nov. 7-12. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. Eligible elk license recipients who haven’t harvested an elk by Nov. 5, in designated areas.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 17- Nov. 26 and Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2017. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Oct. 1-Nov. 12 and Dec. 26-Jan. 14. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Nov. 28-Dec. 10. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: Nov. 28-Dec. 2. One antlered deer per hunting license year. (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period.)
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: Dec. 3-10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 20-22. Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Youth Permit Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 15-22. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 14. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 28. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS: (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties): Dec. 26-Jan. 28. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
2016-17 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.
RACCOONS and FOXES: Oct. 22-Feb. 18, unlimited.
OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays. No limits.
BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 14-Feb. 8. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
2016-17 TRAPPING SEASONS
MINKS and MUSKRATS: Nov. 19-Jan. 8. Unlimited.
COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 23-Feb. 19. No limit.
COYOTES and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Dec. 26-Feb. 19. No limit. Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
BEAVERS (Statewide): Dec. 26-March 31 (Limits vary depending on WMU).
BOBCATS (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 8.
One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
FISHERS (WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-28. One fisher per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
RIVER OTTERS (WMUs 3C and 3D): Feb. 18-25, 2017. One river otter per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
2016-17 FALCONRY SEASONS
SQUIRRELS (combined), BOBWHITE QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, Sept. 1-March 31, 2017.
SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARES, RINGNECK PHEASANTS (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 31. Daily and Field Possession limits vary. (Migratory game bird seasons and bag limits for falconers will be set in accordance with federal regulations at a later date.)