Mar 17, 2023 5 min read

There is so much good information to share this week but not directed at any one topic, so I thought I’d throw out a shotgun blast of related tidbits. Many thanks to Chet Krcil of the Washington County Sportsmen’s and Conservation League for sharing a number of items and events that are newsworthy and on the horizon or just beyond it.

• Marianna Outdoorsmen Association is having a shotgun shoot on today (Saturday). Call Bud for information at 724-377-0219.
• Pennsylvania Mentored youth fishing day is Saturday, March 25. Adults will not need a fishing license to mentor a youngster if the adult does not fish. Mentors may bait hooks and take fish off the line but no casting or reeling in fish for the kids. Fishing begins at 8 a.m. Fish for free days will also be held May 28 and July 4. For more information on fishing opportunities in Pennsylvania, check out the Fish and Boat Commission site at https://www.fishandboat.com/Fish/FishingRegulations/Pages/FishForFreeDay.aspx
• Also being held on Saturday, the 25th, is a Pennsylvania Game Commission hunter safety course (HTE) Hunter Trapper Education course which will be held at the Mt. Morris Sportsmen’s Club. Register online for this and other classes at the Pennsylvania Game Commission web address: https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/Hunter-TrapperEducation/Pages
• The Washington County Sportsmen’s and Conservation League is busy making preparations for the upcoming Sports Show being held Saturday, April 15. Some of the items and events planned are a trout pond, BB gun range, dog show, antler measurement and much more. Make plans to attend the show. It looks to be a great day of activities for the entire family.
• The Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen’s club is organizing a trap team for youths 12 years and older. Jim Locke says he welcomes kids even younger if they are really interested. If you know of any youth that might be interested, have them email the club at: dmlclays@gmail.com.
• There are a couple of items worth taking a look at that may affect sportsmen and women across the state, legislatively. The first involves possible legislation amending the Pennsylvania Game Code to remove the current antler restrictions for senior hunters. Specifically, the change would allow senior license holders statewide to harvest antlered deer with at least two points on one side, or a spike antler at least three inches in length. If you have opinions on this, you may want to reach out to your state representatives sooner than later.

A second political issue currently being considered at the Pennsylvania state level of government is the possible introduction of legislation to permanently move the opening day of Pennsylvania deer rifle season back to the Monday after Thanksgiving. As with the aforementioned item, we can only make our wishes known by reaching out to those that represent us. By all means, reach out to those government officials that ultimately render these decisions. If we don’t make our petitions known as a constituency, we will not be considered in the decision making process. That is, in my humble estimation, what makes America great.

• • Bald eagle sightings are starting to occur more frequently around the area. I am seeing a juvenile bird and less frequently, a mature bald eagle in our area. He/she doesn’t seem to like being viewed with my binoculars as he sits in his perch atop the dead snag in our meadow and disappears about the time I get good and focused with my field glasses. It is an awesome sight to see, one that I never thought I’d see in our area.
• The Marianna Field & Stream Club will host a meat shoot Sunday, March 19. Shoot begins at 1 p.m.
• Trap shooting will be held at the Fayette Gun Club, 1435 Gun Club Road, Uniontown, every Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Wednesday from 3 to 6 p.m. Cost is $5 per round. For more information, call Terry at 724-366-1831.

A young couple stopped by the farm the other day to ask if they could pick up a shed antler they saw lying next to the road in our field. They seemed to be pretty excited about finding shed antlers and admitted that their endeavors have risen to obsession level. I figure it is time well spent by anyone so enthralled with locating sheds in the great outdoors. I thanked them for stopping to ask permission and they mentioned that they had spoken with my wife previously in the week but wanted to make sure it was OK. I have to say it made me smile to see such responsibility as well as their passion displayed.

Spring is springing… buds are appearing, daffodils and forsythia are everywhere. I saw my first red winged black bird several weeks ago. It won’t be long until the first day of turkey season, Saturday, April 29 and the first day of trout season, Saturday, April 1, are upon us. Until then, I hope you are out there in it.