Outdoors calendar
VOLUNTEER TRAIL DAY
Saturday, August 4 at 9 a.m. – to 3 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park
124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470
Join with other Park Volunteers to complete much needed trail work in the park. Please bring gloves and something to eat. 蘑菇视频 Barbara Wallace at bawallace@pa.gov if you plan to participate.
KENTUCK/JONATHAN RUN HIKE
Sunday, August 5 at 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground 蘑菇视频 Station
124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470 – 724-329-8591
We will walk down the little known part of Kentuck trail that meets up with the Jonathan Run Trail. We have had several storms this year with heavy down pours. Two of the bridges that span Jonathan Run were swept away. We will talk about the power of water and ways to keep safe during a storm.
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL DAY CAMP
Monday, August 6 – Friday, August 10 – 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Mingo Creek Park – Shelter 3
Ages 8-12
$30.00/camper
This is a popular camp for 8 to 12-year-olds. Campers will learn basic survival skills including primitive fire building, shelter construction, water collection, basic action/reaction methods, camouflage and stalking, atlatl throwing, and more. Campers should dress for the weather and light hiking. Bring a lunch and a water bottle each day.
Pre-registration is required. Accepting registration beginning April 2. 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.
Information: Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation, 724-228-6867.
NIGHT HIKE
Friday, August 10 at 8:30 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground Amphitheater
124 Main St, Ohiopyle, Pa. 15470 – 724-329-8591
Many animals travel through the night without flashlights. Tonight we’re going to give it a try. We will go on a one-mile hike through the woods and use our senses to find our way and explore the forest.
MCCUNE TRAIL HIKE
Sunday, August 12 at 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, McCune Trailhead Parking Lot
124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 – 724-329-8591
This trail runs through an old homestead, where the remnants can still be seen in the beautiful high country of Ohiopyle. Be prepared to see a breathtaking view of the river gorge and some interesting rock formations. This is a 4 mile, moderate to difficult hike. Sturdy footwear is recommended.
EVENING PADDLE (KAYAKING)
Tuesday, August 21 — 6:30 p.m.
Ten Mile Creek Park — Park Office
Discover flat water kayaking on Ten Mile Creek with the Parks & Recreation Staff. Join us for an evening of outdoor recreation that is sure to be fun, invigorating, and relaxing, all while enjoying the outdoors in Washington County.
Pre-registration required; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Information: Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation, 724-228-6867.
NEW BEGINNINGS PADDLE (California to Belle Vernon)
Offered by Monongahela River Towns Program
Saturday, August 25
Check-in 9 a.m. at California Public Library, 100 Wood St., next to boat dock
Seven-mile flatwater float. Launch at 10:45 a.m., arrive Belle Vernon approximately 1:45 p.m.
Pre-registration required ($15/paddler). Online registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/preview?eid=47859526131
Participants asked to bring their own canoes or kayaks. Some kayaks available for rental at 724-320-2182
For questions or information call the National Road Heritage Corridor; 724-437-9877.
BACKPACKING BASICS
Sunday, August 26 at 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground Amphitheater
124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470 – 724-329-8591
Backpacking can be a fun, challenging, and rewarding way to explore the outdoors and visit places that may only be accessible on foot. Join us to learn the basics needed to get started. We’ll discuss gear, food, trip planning, and how to responsibly live and travel in the backcountry.
MON RIVER PARK-TO-PARK PADDLE (Point Marion to Greensboro)
Offered by Monongahela River Towns Program
Saturday, Sept. 1
Check-in 9 a.m. at Point Marion Community Park, Point Marion
Six-mile flatwater float. Launch at 10 a.m., arrive Greensboro between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Pre-registration required ($15/paddler). Online registration at www.eventbrite.com/edit?eid=47856123955
Participants asked to bring their own canoes or kayaks. Some kayaks available for rental at 724-320-2182
For questions or information call the National Road Heritage Corridor; 724-437-9877
3D ARCHERY COURSE
TNT Shooting Grounds
407 Morris Hollow Rd, Smock, Pa 15480
Course has 30 targets at $10 and sporting clays
Open 7 days a week
Call 724-677-2609 for information.
SHOOTING, RIFLE, ARCHERY
Rostraver Sportsman and Conservation Association trap shoots every Thursday from 10 a.m. until last shooter and every Saturday from noon until last shooter.
Public welcome.
Located at 559 Cedar Creek Rd. Belle Vernon, Pa. Club meetings are the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
FAIRBANK ROD AND GUN CLUB SPORTING CLAYS
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Find us on Facebook for more information.
TRAP SHOOTING
Nixon Gun Club
Open to public. Sundays 6-10 p.m.
Information: 724-785-2311.
SPORTING CLAYS AND FIVE-STAND
California Hill Gun Club
Open to the public 9 a.m.-noon Sundays.
Information: 724-938-3480
HUNTER-TRAPPER EDUCATION COURSES
Saturday, August 4 — 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Mingo Rod & Gun Club
100 Mingo Circle Drive
Finleyville, Pa. 15332
Saturday, August 11 — 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Connellsville Sportsman’s Association
2490 Moyer Road
Connellsville, Pa. 15425
Instructor: Helen Bittorf 724-497-3079
Saturday, August 18 — 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Mountain Lodge Rod & Gun Club
2308 Springhill Furnace Road
Smithfield, Pa. 15478
Saturday, August 25 — 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
South Connellsville Rod & Gun Club
1st Street
Connellsville, Pa. 15425
Instructor: Ronald L. Brooks — 724-628-4091
Sunday, August 26 — 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Ellsworth Sportsmen’s Club
20 Ten Mile Lane
Scenery Hill, PA 15360
Instructor: Richard W. Joyce, WCO — 724-945-5275
Saturday, September 1 — 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fairhope Rod and Gun Club
1397 Fayette Ave.
Belle Vernon, PA 15012
Back Room
Instructor: William R. Curcio — 724-989-4678
HUNTER-TRAPPER INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSE
NOTE: Must be 11 years old to register. Students must attend the two- to three-hour class to be tested and certified. Students must study entire course content on own online, taking about 8-10 hours to complete.
SUCCESSFUL TURKEY HUNTING
NOTE: Online registration only; must be at least age 11 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 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday) to request a printed version of our “Successful Turkey Hunting Student Manual.”
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 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday)to request a printed version of the manual.
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 bowhunter education.
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.
2018-19 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
These are the seasons and bag limits for most hunting and trapping seasons from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth – Sept. 29-Oct. 13 (6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 13-Nov. 24; Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (6 daily, 18 possession).
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 13-Nov. 24 and Dec. 10-24 (2 daily, 6 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail) Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license: Sept. 29-Oct. 13 (4 daily, 12 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 13-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (4 daily, 12 possession).
PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 6-13 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 4E and 5A. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs. There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
PHEASANT: Oct. 20-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 4E and 5A. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 13-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (8 daily, 24 possession).
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, in all WMUs (1 daily, 3 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except on Sundays and during the regular firearms deer seasons. No limit.
CROWS: July 1-April 14, 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. 27-Nov. 3; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and Nov. 22-24; WMUs 1A, 2A, 4A and 4B, – Oct. 27-Nov. 3 and Nov. 22-24; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E- Oct. 27-Nov. 10 and Nov. 22-24; WMU 2C – Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and Nov. 22-24; WMU 5A – Nov. 1-3; WMU 5B – Oct. 30-Nov. 1; WMUs 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 20, 2019. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 27-May 31, 2019. 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 27-May 11, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 13-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide) Archery: Oct. 29-Nov. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 17-21. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D): Nov. 26-Dec. 1. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D): Nov. 26-Dec. 8. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 1B, 2C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A): Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) archery: Sept. 15-Nov. 24. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMU 5B) archery: Sept. 29-Nov. 10. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) muzzleloader: Oct. 13-20. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) special firearms: Oct. 18-20, 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): Nov. 5-10. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
ELK, EXTENDED (Antlered and Antlerless): Nov. 12-17. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. Eligible elk license recipients who haven’t harvested an elk by Nov. 10, in designated areas.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 15- Nov. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 26, 2018. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Sept. 29-Nov. 12 and Dec. 26-Jan. 12. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Nov. 26-Dec. 8. 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, 4E, 5A and 5B: Nov. 26-30. 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, 4E, 5A and 5B: Dec. 1-8. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide): Oct. 18-20. 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. 13-20. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 12. 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. 26. 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. 26. 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.
2018-19 Furbearer Hunting seasons and bag limits
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. 20-Feb. 16, 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. 12-Feb. 6. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
PORCUPINES: Sept. 1-March 30, 2019. (3 daily, season limit of 10).
2018-19 Trapping seasons and bag limits
MINKS and MUSKRATS: Nov. 17-Jan. 6. Unlimited.
COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 21-Feb. 17. No limit.
COYOTES and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Dec. 26-Feb. 17. 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. 15-Jan. 6.
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, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 15-26. One fisher per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
RIVER OTTERS (WMUs 3C and 3D): Feb. 16-23, 2019. One river otter per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
2018-19 Falconry seasons and bag limits
SQUIRRELS (combined) Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (6 daily, 18 possession)
BOBWHITE QUAIL Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (8 daily, 24 possession)
RUFFED GROUSE Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (2 daily, 6 possession)
COTTONTAIL RABBITS Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (4 daily, 12 possession)
SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARES Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (1 daily, 3 possession)
RINGNECK PHEASANTS (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (6 daily, 18 possession)
Waterfowl & Migratory Game Birds
DUCKS, SEA DUCKS, COOTS and MERGANSERS Lake Erie Zone – Oct. 29-Jan. 5; Northwest Zone – Oct. 6-Dec. 8 and Dec. 27-Jan. 1; North Zone – Oct. 6-Nov. 17 and Dec. 18-Jan. 12; South Zone – Oct. 13-20 and Nov. 20-Jan. 19. Ducks & Sea Ducks – 6 daily, 18 in possession. Coots – 15 daily, 45 in possession. Mergansers – 5 daily, 15 in possession.
CANADA GEESE Southern James Bay Population Zone – Sept. 1-25 (In western Crawford County, the season runs from Sept. 1-15) (1 daily, 3 possession); Oct. 6-Nov. 24 and Dec. 11-Jan. 19 (3 daily, 9 possession). Resident Population Zone – Sept. 1-25 (8 daily, 24 possession); Oct. 27-Nov. 24, Dec. 17-Jan. 19 and Jan. 26-Feb. 23 (5 daily, 15 possession). Atlantic Population Zone – Sept. 1-25 (8 daily, 24 possession); Nov. 15-24 and Dec. 15-Jan. 31 (3 daily, 9 possession).
LIGHT GEESE Southern James Bay Population Zone – Regular Season Oct. 1-Jan. 19 and Conservation Season Jan. 21-April 19. Resident Population Zone – Regular Season Oct. 23-Feb. 23 and Conservation Season Feb. 25-April 19. Atlantic Population Zone – Regular Season Oct. 1- Jan. 31 and Conservation Season Feb. 1-April 19. (25 daily, no possession limit).
BRANT All goose zones Oct. 13-Dec. 21 (2 daily, 6 possession)
WOODCOCK Statewide Oct. 13-Nov. 24 and Dec. 10-18 (3 daily, 9 possession)
GALLINULES Statewide Sept. 1-Nov. 21 (3 daily, 9 possession)
COMMON SNIPE Statewide Oct. 13-Nov. 24 and Dec. 10-18 (8 daily, 24 possession)
DOVES Statewide Sept. 1-Nov. 24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 5 (15 daily, 45 possession)
VIRGINIA and SORA RAILS Statewide Sept. 1-Nov. 21 (3 daily, 9 possession)
YOUTH WATERFOWL DAYS Statewide Sept. 15. North Zone – Jan. 19. Northwest Zone – Dec. 15. Lake Erie Zone – Oct. 20. South Zone – Jan. 26.
No open season on other wild birds or mammals.
Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons and bag limits