Apr 19, 2024 4 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

newsroom@observer-reporter.com

Lots of news, information pieces, and other outdoor tidbits to share with you this week.

* The Pigeon Creek Watershed Association will hold its annual Pigeon Creek Clean Up Day on Saturday, April 27. The gathering point for the start of the day will be at Peno’s Plaza, 600 Park Avenue, Monongahela. Cleanup will take place from 9 a.m. until noon. Gloves and trash bags will be provided. Lunch to follow. The event is open to the public. Because of the exceptionally high water levels this spring, much trash and debris has washed downstream and accumulated in the Monongahela area. The association could really use help from volunteers throughout the area.

* According to the fishermen who I encountered along the streams the first morning of trout season, things were a bit slow because of the high water levels. From what folks are telling me, it’s getting better by the day, as water levels return to normal (even if only for a day or two as the rain seem to return again and again.) I made the acquaintance of our new fish warden on the opening morning of trout season, Officer Dorian Seibel. Welcome to the area Warden Seibel. He shared a couple of items at the recent meeting of the Washington County County Sportsmen’s and Conservation League. In no particular order:

The Northeast boat launch on Lake Erie will be open for public use on April 27.

A reminder that life preservers are required to be worn at all times while in a boat of 16 feet or less until the end of April.

* Game Warden Dan Sitler reported that the Pennsylvania deer harvest was 430,000 consisting of 171,600 bucks and 258,400 does. This was 2 percent greater than the previous season. The local statistics are as follows with the (numbers in parentheses are from the previous season.)

Wildlife Management Unit 2A: 10,000 antlered (8,700) 13,300 antlerless (11,000)

Total 23,300 (19,700).

Wildlife Management Unit 2B: 7,000 antlered (6,600) 16,000 antlerless (15,000). Total: 23,000 (21,600)

* Wild Bobwhite quail have been trapped and released at Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County.T he birds came from Virginia, Kentucky, and Florida. The PGC, along with Pheasants Forever, Quail Forever and the National Wild Turkey Federation, have been developing the habitat at this location for years in preparation for this stocking. Seventy-six birds have been stocked so far this year with one more release to go.

* Warden Sitler mentioned reports of bears in Fayette County coming out of hibernation and raiding garbage cans and bird feeders.

* A hunter safety course was held at the Mount Morris Sportsmen’s Club March 23.

A hunter safety course will be held at the McDonald Sportsmen’s Club today, April 20, from 8:00 until 3 p.m. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to check in. Lunch is provided. Register on the PGC website.

* A hunter safety course will be held at the Frazier-Simplex Rifle Club on June 23 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Lunch is provided and walk-ins are welcome. Register on the PGC website.

* A big thanks to all of our local sporting clubs for hosting these hunter safety events and for providing the noon meal for the kids. Your efforts are greatly appreciated. The acorns planted today will be tomorrow’s oak. Our kids are most assuredly our sporting future.

* The spring gobbler season opener is fast approaching. Opening day is May 4. The special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored hunters 16-and-under will be April 27. I have been hearing amazing things about the effectiveness of the .410 shotgun and the use of red dot sights and Tungsten heavy #9 shot. Who would have ever thought the little gun of our youth would one day be monikered “turkey slayer?”

* The spring wildflowers are really making their presence known. Each time I step out the door I notice another blooming wildflower that I hadn’t seen the day before; one of the benefits of the April showers we find ourselves complaining about. Our water well at our home is grateful, however.

Thanks to Chet Krcil of the Washington County Sportsmen’s and Conservation League for sharing their meeting notes.

The gun show was held last weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds. I was unable to attend but heard several patrons bragging of the good deals that they were able to secure at the show. The next show is June 22-23.

Lastly, thanks to the many readers who have shared their interests, concerns and suggestions for outdoor column content. I am working to include as many of your ideas as possible within the framework of my weekly message.

Dave Bates writes a weekly outdoors column for the Observer-Reporter. He can be reached at alphaomegashootingsolutions@gmail.com.