Outdoors

Muskrat population drop a mystery - 09/19/2010
It’s the perfect oxymoron: cleaner water in Pennsylvania streams, river, lakes and ponds might actually be harming a once-common aquatic furbearer.

Agency voices support for tax on shale drilling TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 09/19/2010
As an agency charged with managing and protecting Pennsylvania’s waterways and everything that swims in them, the state Fish and Boat Commission has a lot at risk when it comes to drilling for the Marcellus Shale.

Bulletin Board - 09/19/2010
will hold the second of three 3-D Archery shoots on the club grounds today from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The last shoot will be held Sunday, Sept. 26. This is a 30-target course through the woods featuring various degrees of difficulty, i ...

OUTDOORS NOTES - 09/19/2010
PFBC accepting ads for regs book: Businesses wanting to reach the more than 1 million licensed anglers in Pennsylvania should act now to reserve advertising space in the “2011 Fishing Summary Book.”

Bill to aid fight vs. poaching - 09/15/2010
The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s efforts to combat poaching received a boost on Tuesday with the passage of a bill that will protect wildlife by preventing those convicted of poaching in other states from being able to lawfully ...

Building a better habitat - 09/12/2010
FORKSTON TOWNSHIP - There is something unique about the newest food plot on State Game Lands 57.

Fall is crucial to survival of wildlife TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 09/12/2010
If people had an appetite like wildlife do in the fall, there wouldn’t be an all-you-can-eat buffet that could stay in business.

OUTDOORS NEWS - 09/12/2010
Last week, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners approved a resolution to support the efforts to implement a severance tax on Marcellus Shale gas extraction, and encouraged legislators to ensure that a portion of those fund ...

Bulletin Board - 09/12/2010
will hold the second of three 3-D Archery shoots on the club grounds Sunday, Sept. 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The last shoot will be held Sunday Sept. 26th. This is a 30-target course through the woods featuring various degrees of d ...

Range abuse irks PGC - 09/05/2010
Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Mark Rutkowski knew that many of the people who used the public shooting range on State Game Lands 127 in Monroe County weren’t the typical hunters sighting in their rifle ...

10 deputies join Wildlife Conservation Officer unit - 09/05/2010
The Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Region has 10 new Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officers to help combat poaching.

Turkey hunting way too popular to cut its season TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 09/05/2010
In no other state did hunters spend more days pursuing turkeys than in Pennsylvania.

Bulletin Board - 09/05/2010
A Wildlife Habitat Workshop will be held at the PPL Montour Preserve, 700 Preserve Road, Danville, on Sept. 18 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Outdoors news - 08/29/2010
Raymond Carl Kresge Sr., 66, of Gouldsboro, Wayne County was found guilty of unlawfully possessing a 600-pound male black bear, according to Pennsylvania Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer Jim McCarthy, who investigated ...

A passion for big bucks - 08/29/2010
Chris Denmon has been called obsessive and even addicted when it comes to getting ready for the archery deer season.

Club members test out Savage rifles - 08/29/2010
More than 40 members and guests of the Factoryville Sportsmen’s Club experienced a unique shooting opportunity on July 31 when manufacturer representatives from Savage Arms and Nikon Optics brought some of their latest products to ...

local bass tip - 08/29/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Hoping Nugent changes his tune as hunter TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 08/29/2010
Ted Nugent has the perfect name for a hunting show – “Spirit of the Wild.”

Dove numbers offer opportunity - 08/22/2010
There’s a saying that mourning doves are an ammunition manufacturers best friend.

Waterfowl seasons selected for 2010-11 OUTDOORS NEWS - 08/22/2010
Last week the Pennsylvania Game Commission made its selections for the 2010-11 migratory game bird hunting seasons and bag limits.

LOCAL BASS-CATCHING TIP: FLIPPING - 08/22/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Woodchucks targeted - 08/15/2010
The most important part of Miller Stella’s woodchuck hunts doesn’t occur in the field.

Hoping Friends answer the call to help forest TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 08/15/2010
In the wake of what seems like annual budget cuts, it’s no surprise that the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is relying more and more on revenue generated from Marcellus Shale drilling on state forests.

local bass Tip - 08/15/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Sweet reward fresh from the hive - 08/08/2010
LARKSVILLE – Bernie Okuniewski carefully lifted each wooden frame out of the beehive and delicately handed them to Gary Gronkowski. With a few gentle strokes of a paintbrush, Gronkowski removed the thousands of bees that clung to ...

‘Progress’ can wait; let’s savor our dirt roads TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 08/08/2010
Each step took me farther down what is becoming a relic of our rural landscape.

OUTDOORS NEWS - 08/08/2010
A Wildlife Habitat Workshop will be held Sept. 18 at the PPL Montour Preserve Environmental Education Center from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is hosted by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, the PA Chapter of the Wildlife Society, ...

outdoors news - 08/01/2010
Trout Unlimited and its Pennsylvania Council have initiated a new program to train Pa. volunteers to use stream surveillance activities that monitor the impact of Marcellus Shale development on streams where gas drilling is occurr ...

A talk that could save lives - 08/01/2010
Franklin Klock wants to help people regain something that has been lost in today’s fast-paced, high-tech society.

Aching to prove that bass bite on a hot day TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 08/01/2010
After a few hundred casts and four hours floating on a pond in a jon boat that felt more like a frying pan, I began to believe everyone who warned me that it was too hot for even the bass to bite.

Weekly bass tip: Carolina Rig - 08/01/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Berry-good eating options - 07/25/2010
Lush blackberries so ripe they seemed ready to burst with juicy flavor hung on a thorny branch waiting to be picked.

Benefits endless if Pa. can produce a quail comeback TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 07/25/2010
There is something missing from the almost 200,000 acres of grasslands and farm fields in the Central Susquehanna area.

Bulletin Board - 07/25/2010
Fishing for a Cause will host the 10th annual Adult/Child St. Joe’s Children Benefit Tournament on Aug. 1 at the state boat launch on Lake Winola. All proceeds from the bass tournament benefit the St. Josep ...

Weekly bass tip: Tube fishing - 07/25/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Rebirth of a game bird - 07/18/2010
WASHINGTONVILLE - A joint project by the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pheasants Forever is coming close to re-creating history in one part of the state.

Law right on target in war versus poachers TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 07/18/2010
It’s not too often that there is anything positive to say about poaching.

Bulletin Board - 07/18/2010
Fishing for a Cause will host the 10th annual Adult/Child St. Joe’s Children Benefit Tournament on Aug. 1 at the state boat launch on Lake Winola. All proceeds from the bass tournament benefit the St. Josep ...

Weekly Bass Tip: Crankbait - 07/18/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Weekly Bass Tip: Topwater technique - 07/11/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Birder ‘tuned in’ to add species to list - 07/11/2010
Forgive Kevin Ripka if he is only half-listening when you talk to him. He’s not being rude.

Bulletin Board - 07/11/2010
Frances Slocum State Park will be the site of a Family Paddling Program instructed by the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission on Saturday, July 17. The program will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This progra ...

Outdoors news - 07/11/2010
Legislation drafted by state Rep. Ed Staback, D-Archbald, that increases the fines and penalties for poaching convictions passed the state Senate last week.

This Week’s Bass Tip: Drop shot and power fishing - 07/04/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Fungus targets bats, ecosystem - 07/04/2010
In nature, it doesn’t take much to throw an entire ecosystem out of whack.

Casting praise to a special fish who got away TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 07/04/2010
The golden rainbow trout glowed in the bottom of the deep, clear pool like a gold bar resting on the gravel bottom.

Outdoors news - 07/04/2010
The highlights from the Pennsylvania Game Commission Board of Commissioners meeting held last week:

Bulletin Board - 07/04/2010
The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission will hold a Family Fishing Program at the Luzerne County River Common on Wednesday. The program will be held from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. This program is being offered in ...

Weekly Bass Fishing Tip: Senko and flickworm - 06/27/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Outdoors news - 06/27/2010
The Pennsylvania Game Commission Board of Commissioners will meet Monday and Tuesday in the auditorium of the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters at 2001 Elmerton Ave., off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81 in Harrisburg (a ...

Bruins’ travels eyed - 06/27/2010
As the black bear biologist for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Mark Ternent obviously has a special liking for the state’s bruins.

Hoping Gavlick is back soon as NEPA’s voice TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 06/27/2010
Six months is a long time not to have a voice.

Bulletin Board - 06/27/2010
The Factoryville Sportsmen’s Club will hold its regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, at 7:30 p.m. in the clubhouse. At the conclusion of the meeting, a drawing will be held to select the winner of the Buff ...

Bass fishing club for teens catches on at Hanover Area - 06/20/2010
This isn’t your ordinary high school sports team.

Harveys Lake cormorants an overrated threat TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 06/20/2010
Bobbing harmlessly on the surface of Harveys Lake, the double-crested cormorant seemed oblivious to my gaze and the handful of bass boats floating nearby.

Rubber worm technique effective for landing a bass - 06/20/2010
Bass fishing on the Susquehanna River and area lakes and ponds is rising in popularity, and so is the number of ways to catch them. Each week local bass angler George Bowers will explain one of the numerous techniques used to catc ...

Bulletin Board - 06/20/2010
will hold a Susquehanna River Bass Tournament on Saturday at the boat launch on state Route 11 between Hunlock and Shickshinny. The tournament will run from 6 a.m. to noon and registration begins at 5 a.m. Failure to weigh-in by n ...

Passion for musky - 06/13/2010
As a dental hygienist, Jackie Kearns has a reverence for teeth.

Anglers toss out good ideas at bass issue TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 06/13/2010
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission got what it was looking for when it came to town on Wednesday night.

Bulletin Board - 06/13/2010
will host the following Family Fishing and Family Paddling programs in Luzerne County this summer (for information, visit www.fishandboat.com):

Outdoors notes - 06/13/2010
Pennsylvania Game Commission executive director Carl G. Roe is reminding hunting clubs to begin making plans to host an organized junior pheasant hunt.

North Branch has abundance of trout - 06/06/2010
If you want to catch a trophy smallmouth bass out of the Susquehanna River, your chances may be better in the Harrisburg area. But if you want to catch a lot of fish, the northeast is the place to go.

Trout could use a little cold water TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 06/06/2010
The small school of trout wafted lazily beneath the slow current of Wapwallopen Creek.

Meeting will examine bass issues - 06/06/2010
Rob Rosencrans and Greg Smith have something more in common than the anticipation they share for the June 12 opener of bass season.

Bulletin Board - 06/06/2010
The Stanley Cooper Sr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual Youth Fly Fishing Camp on Saturday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Bowman’s Creek.

OUTDOORS NEWS - 06/06/2010
In an effort to better inform anglers, boaters, and other interested individuals, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is making it easier to find information about fishing, boating and aquatic resources. Visitors to the comm ...

Oil could endanger ducks - 05/30/2010
Wyoming resident Mike Podwicka had no idea of the monstrocity that loomed in front of him.

Bulletin Board - 05/30/2010
The Stanley Cooper Sr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual Youth Fly Fishing Camp on Saturday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Bowman’s Creek.

OUTDOORS NEWS - 05/30/2010
A youth scholastic clay shooting team sponsored by the Factoryville Sportsmen’s Club placed in the top five in three categories during a shoot held in York County on May 8.

Female guides finding way in Adirondacks - 05/23/2010
KEENE, N.Y. — In the male-dominated sport of rock climbing, very few women are working as professional guides.

Adventures on canvas - 05/23/2010
Most people strap on a backpack or head out onto the highway to embark on an adventure.

Humane Society on target with poaching reward - TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 05/23/2010
It doesn’t really surprise me that the Humane Society of the United States and hunters alike expressed outrage that a 675-pound bear was killed illegally in Nescopeck State Park earlier this month.

Bulletin Board - 05/23/2010
The Stanley Cooper Sr. Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual Youth Fly Fishing Camp on Saturday, June 12, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Bowman’s Creek.

Biologists’ quest: Data on bears - 05/16/2010
FAIRVIEW TWP. — To some residents in Wilkes-Barre Township, the 259-pound female bear that likely made a habit of raiding garbage cans and bird feeders is considered a nuisance.

For Ternent, keeping bruins safe a priority TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 05/16/2010
With a 259-pound black bear sitting several yards away, Mark Ternent calmly packed his gear into his vehicle.

Bulletin Board - 05/16/2010
The Factoryville Sportsmen’s Club will hold a benefit shoot for the youth shooting team, the FSC Clay Busters. The team is comprised of school-age local shooters, and has successfully competed in statewide ...

OUTDOOR NEWS - 05/16/2010
The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual or individuals responsible for illegal ...

PGC explains hunting season changes - 05/09/2010
The changes to the fall turkey season were proposed in an amendment from PGC commissioner Ralph Martone of New Castle. The following are Martone’s reasons behind the season changes, along with his thoughts on the expansion of all- ...

Poaching pains PGC - 05/08/2010
Chances are the 675-pound bear would’ve weighed close to 900 pounds this fall. There’s also a good possibility that, if it were shot legally by a hunter, the monster bruin would’ve qualified for the record books.

Future seasons hurt gobblers, turkey hunters TOM VENESKY OUTDOORS - 05/08/2010
Not everybody benefited from the sweeping changes the Pennsylvania Game Commission board made at its meeting last month when it set the seasons and bag limits for the upcoming hunting season.