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GAME COMMISSION TO WEBCAST SEPTEMBER MEETING

GAME COMMISSION TO WEBCAST SEPTEMBER MEETING

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners meeting that was held on Sept. 24-25 in Franklin, Venango County, is being broadcast through the agency’s website to afford those unable to attend the meeting the opportunity to watch the staff reports and the Board’s voting session.

To view the meeting, go to Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), put your cursor over “Resources” in the menu bar, then put your cursor over “Video Library” in the drop-down menu listing and click on “Live Streaming Video.” (NOTE: As the agency uses a free webcasting service, pop-up ads will appear. The Game Commission derives no revenues from these ads, and has no control over the content of the ads.)

To view the broadcast, you will need to have “Flash Player” installed on your computer. For those who do not have Flash Player installed, please go to this link: http://adobe.com/software/flash/about/. Once Flash Player has been installed, you will be able to properly view the live feed. The download of Flash Player is free.

“The Game Commission has been conducting live webcasts of the Board’s meetings held in Harrisburg,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “However, when the Board goes ‘on the road,’ the ability to webcast the meeting is complicated from a technological standpoint.

“To provide those who missed the meeting a chance to see it, we will begin broadcasting a nearly three-hour loop of the meeting, which will ensure that anyone interested in viewing the meeting can do so for the next two weeks.”

Roe noted that the agency doesn’t have the website broadcast capabilities needed to provide “on-demand” viewing of the Board meeting, and is unable to maintain a library of previously videotaped Board meetings. However, all Board meeting agendas and minutes, dating back to January of 2006, are available for review on the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor on “Resources” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then putting your cursor over “Reports & Minutes” in the drop-down menu listing, and then clicking on “Commission Board Meeting Minutes.”

The Board’s first meeting of 2013 will be held Jan. 27-29, at the agency’s Harrisburg headquarters, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, just off the Progress Avenue exit of Interstate 81.

The Board of Game Commissioners is comprised of eight board members, but there presently is one vacancy. Each Game Commissioner is nominated by the Governor, and confirmed by majority vote of the state Senate. Title 34, the law that governs the Board, requires that each member be a citizen of the Commonwealth, and well informed about wildlife conservation and restoration. Game Commissioners are appointed from various geographical districts of the state to ensure uniform representation for all residents. These districts are not the same as Game Commission agency regions.

Game Commissioners individually hold office for terms of eight years, but may remain seated for an additional six months if no successor is named. Game Commissioners are volunteers and receive no compensation for their services, but may be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Game Commissioners function as a board of directors, establishing policy for the agency; they are not agency employees. Although they are selected by district, they represent all Pennsylvanians and the state’s 480 species of wild birds and mammals.

For a listing of the current Game Commissioners and their hometowns, as well as biographical information, go to the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) put your cursor on “About Us” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then click on “Commissioner’s Page” in the drop-down menu listing.

PYMATUNING CONTROLLED GOOSE HUNT SEMICENTENNIAL

PYMATUNING CONTROLLED GOOSE HUNT SEMICENTENNIAL

Special commemorative gift awaits participating hunters

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Game Commission is celebrating the semicentennial of its “Controlled Hunt” for Canada geese at the Pymatuning Wildlife Management Area in Crawford County this fall. To mark this half-century of “invitation-only” goose hunting, the agency will award a commemorative Canada goose leg band to every person – and his or her guests – selected in the drawing recently held to select participants.

Each drawn hunter may select up to three guests to join him or her in a blind in the Controlled Hunting Area at Pymatuning. Being selected is considered by many a wonderful opportunity to take part in an historic hunt, one that draws hunters from hundreds of miles away annually.

“When these hunts started 50 years ago in Crawford County, there were very few places Pennsylvanians could hunt Canada geese,” noted Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “The Chesapeake was still a great place to hunt Canadas, but it also was expensive for most Pennsylvanians to hunt there. So when the Pymatuning controlled hunt started, there was immediate and widespread interest from our hunters statewide.

“Back then, it presented an opportunity similar to what our elk hunt offers today: a chance for a dream hunt without leaving Pennsylvania. Hunter interest was fantastic, because it represented a chance to hunt in a blind at Pymatuning, which is one of the Commonwealth’s great waterfowl destinations. But it also quickly became an honor just being selected in the drawing.”

That Canadas took to the Pymatuning Reservoir, which was built in the early 1930s, was no accident. The Game Commission leased wetland areas to manage a refuge for waterfowl. In 1936, the agency obtained, pinioned (wing-clipped) and released into the refuge 30 Canada geese. The birds seemed to take to the place, based upon observations. The agency added to Pymatuning’s resident Canada goose population in the early 1950s, and in 1960, it created the “Pymatuning Goose Management Area.” This effort dovetailed with the ongoing efforts to bolster Pymatuning’s goose population.

The Pymatuning Goose Management Area included a 625-acre propagation area, including a “captive flock pond” and plenty of safe feeding and loafing areas for geese. It also had more than 1,000 acres of cropland to provide waterfowl food. In 1962, the Game Commission began controlled goose hunting at Pymatuning.

In the late 1940s, it was estimated the peak Canada goose population at Pymatuning was about 5,000 geese and hunters took between 500 and 1,000 annually. By the early 1960s, the peak population was 11,000 to 12,000 and hunters were taking 2,000 to 2,500. In 1962, the first year a controlled hunt was held at Pymatuning, 1,296 geese were taken. Through the 1970s, the annual hunter take in the controlled hunt was 3,000 to 4,000 geese. Through the 1980s and ‘90s, the average annual harvest was 1,500 to 2,500. Hunters have taken an average of 1,000 annually since 2000.

“The appeal of participating in a Pymatuning controlled Canada goose hunt is still considerable 50 years later,” noted Keith Harbaugh, Game Commission Northwest Region director. “It really is a big deal for those selected, especially if they’ve been entering for years and years. The folks who come to hunt geese are genuinely excited, even if there’s a snowstorm heading this way, which happens sometimes way more than we’d like!

“The commemorative bands we’re giving to hunters this fall are just the Game Commission’s way of saying thanks for helping us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Pymatuning’s controlled goose hunt. The hunt itself is a product of progressive wildlife management and rewards Pennsylvania’s most giving conservationists, hunters. We truly hope they have great hunts this fall and enjoy their commemorative leg bands.”

The commemorative bands are made of heavy gauge aluminum – 0.55-inch by 2.5-inch, rolled into a leg band and stamped with the following script, “PA GAME COMMISSION, PYMATUNING WMA, 50 YEARS.”

These commemorative leg-bands will not be sold by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. They will be given only to those drawn for the controlled goose hunts at Pymatuning, and their guests. An individual who shows up for a chance at a no-show blind vacated by a drawn hunter also would receive a band. Drawn hunters who fail to attend the waterfowl briefing/or participate the controlled hunt will not receive the commemorative leg band.

“Congratulations, if you’ve been drawn by the Game Commission for a blind at Pymatuning this fall,” Harbaugh said. “If you’re going to be a guest of someone who was drawn, that’s great, too. If neither of those situations apply to you, there’s always a no-show possibility, but please understand that doing so comes with no guarantee.”

Flu Clinics

Creation Health Support Group

McKean Raceway "Fall Classic"

MCKEAN'S "FALL CLASSIC" TO FEATURE 2 COMPLETE FASTRAK NE TOURING EVENTS FRI & SAT FOR THE 1ST TIME
By Mike Leone

September 18, 2012 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(East Smethport, PA)…After the season's longest downtime, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Pace Performance FASTRAK Northeast Late Model Touring Series resumed action last Saturday at Sharon Speedway and is now set for the busy, big fall season of racing to wind down season down six. McKean County Raceway will host a doubleheader program this weekend as part of their seventh annual "Fall Classic". Friday and Saturday's races will mark events #21 and #22 as part of the record 25-event 2012 slate.

This will be the first time ever back-to-back Northeast Touring Series events have been contested at McKean! In years past at the "Fall Classic", Friday night was reserved for the Tour and a Weekly Series event was held on Saturday. Sharon Speedway held a similar doubleheader program back on Memorial Day Weekend, which was swept by Max Blair.

"We're really excited to be part of both days at the Fall Classic," expressed the sixth year Northeast Co-Director Vicki Emig. "McKean has been part of FASTRAK Northeast since day and has hosted more Tour events than any other facility. For our racers to be able to compete at one of the region's biggest events both days is awesome! We have to thank MCR's promotional team of Rich Yeager, Ken Leet, Tom Gleason, and Rod Biehler for making this possible."

McKean has been the site of a record 15 Northeast Touring Series events with an amazing 11 different winners! Max Blair leads the way with three victories, while Mike Pegher, Jr. and John Lacki are the only other racers to repeat to date, Todd Andrews, Kyle Drum, Butch Lambert, Robbie Blair, Steve Dixon, Josh Holtgraver, Wayne Robertson, and Ryan Montgomery have recorded single victories.

Blair is closing in on his fourth championship in five years. The 22-year-old Centerville, Pa. racer has a record nine wins this year and enters the weekend with a 100-point lead on Pegher. Pegher has two victories this season and has finished second in points to Blair each of the past two seasons. Chad Ruhlman, a winner this season at Pittsburgh, is six points behind Pegher in third. June 16 MCR winner, Ryan Montgomery, is fourth ahead of Dan Angelicchio, who has finished runner-up at the past two Tour events at McKean this season.

After his best career Tour finish of second last Saturday at Sharon, John Over is just 12 points out of the top five in his first full season on the Tour. Will Thomas III, Butch Lambert, and Pace Performance "Futures Cup" competitor, Shane Weaver, complete the top 10.

The battle for spots 11-15 is hot and heavy. With his first career Tour win last Saturday at Sharon, Chad Wright advanced three spots from 14th to 11th. Wright though is only up two points on Brad Kling, five on Lauren Longbrake, and 14 on Joe Martin. In his first season Touring, Bobby Rohrer is ahead of Jamie Brown by just two points for the 15th points paying spot.

The "Wheelman" Bonus Event Challenge Series for non-qualifiers will be held in addition. Jason Genco (two), Craig Dean (two), Louie Krushansky, Bob Dorman, Junior Peters, Kyle Wiser, Joel Prosser, Jamie Brown, Bobby Pifer, and Nico Dabecco have picked up the non-qualifier wins to date, while W.L. Stile leads the points. An amazing 25 different drivers have scored victories in the 32 races run all-time.

Of course all of the great contingency programs will be in full force. Besides the K&N "Cold Air Induction Dash", the Brake Man "Tough Brake of the Night", Genesis Shocks "Top Dog of the Night", Precise Racing Products "Pedal Down" Hard Charger, and the Utsinger's Towing Hoosier Tire Giveaway will also take place.

There have been 93 Northeast Touring Series races contested with 35 different winners all-time. Max Blair leads nemesis Mike Pegher, Jr. 21 to 15 followed by Dick Barton, Bobby Powell, John Lacki, and David Scott with four, Steve Dixon, Josh Holtgraver and Joe Martin at three, Alan Dellinger, Dan Angelicchio, Robbie Blair, Ryan Montgomery, Will Thomas III, and Wayne Robertson with two, and Todd Andrews, Kyle Drum, Frank Guidace, Butch Lambert, Carl McKinney, Dennis Lunger, Jr., Tom Snyder, Jr., Chris Meadows, Jim Frank, Mike Blose, Jonathan Davenport, Gary Knollinger, Dusty Hamrick, Bud Watson, Russell King, George Kowatic, Chad Ruhlman, Matt Latta, & Sammy Stile, and Chad Wright with one victory.

Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC Northeast Touring Series Driver Points (must be Touring member to receive points): 1. Max Blair 661 2. Mike Pegher, Jr. 561 3. Chad Ruhlman 555 4. Ryan Montgomery 500 5. Dan Angelicchio 484 6. John Over 472 7. Will Thomas III 423 8. Butch Lambert 421 9. Matt Latta 401 10. Shane Weaver 369 11. Chad Wright 314 12. Brad Kling 310 13. Lauren Longbrake 309 14. Joe Martin 300 15. Bobby Rohrer 281 16. Jamie Brown 279 17. Josh Holtgraver 233 18. Steve Dixon 226. 19. Justin Tatlow 216 20. Andrew Wylie 197 21. Nolan Dalton 163 22. Eric Wilson 161 23. Wayne Robertson 143 24. Andrew Satterlee 130 25. Junior Peters 128 26. Jason Knowles 106 27. Brian Booher 101 28. Ricky Meglaye, Damian Bidwell & Bryce Davis 99 31. Adam Sixt 91 32. George Kowatic 88 33. Shane Bambarger 86 34. Mike Laughard 66 35. Billy Henry, Jr. 65 36. Rick Singleton 52 37. Tim Sears, Jr. 48 38. Billy Stile III. 44 39. John Lacki 43 40. Pat Willar 39 41. Jon Lichy 38 42. Steve Beatty 36 43. David Scott & Doug Horton 33 45. Jorden Peters 32 46. Jason Stetson 30 47. Shane Hitt 21 48. Matt Harvey 15 49. Robbie Blair 11 50. Scott Smith, Cody Dawson & Jason Longwell 10.

Friday's A Feature Payoff: 1. $1,200 2. $650 3. $450 4. $350 5. $325 6. $300 7. $275 8. $260 9. $255 10. $250 11. $225 12. $210 13. $200 14. $175 15. $165 16. $160 17. $155 18-24. $150.

Friday's Non-Qualifier B Feature Payoff: 1. $125 2. $100 3. $90 4. $85 5. $80 6. $75 7. $70 8. $65 9. $60 10-24. $55. $50 to any driver failing to start either feature.

Saturday's A Feature Payoff: 1. $1,500 2. $800 3. $500 4. $400 5. $370 6. $335 7. $315 8. $300 9. $280 10. $275 11. $250 12. $240 13. $225 14. $200 15.$190 16. $185 17. $180 18-24. $175.

Saturday's Non-Qualifier B Feature Payoff: 1. $150 2. $125 3. $115 4. $110 5. $105 6. $100 7. $95 8. $90 9. $85 10-24. $80. $75 to any driver failing to start either feature.

Be sure to stop by the FASTRAK Northeast Apparel Trailer and Travel Boutique for all of the latest apparel, merchandise, and novelties. The 2012 Fan Guide & Driver Handbook will also be on sale.

There is a $50 entry fee on Friday and $75 on Saturday. RACEceivers are required. Transponders (red or yellow) are required. They will be available to rent for $10 per day.

Teams will be permitted to practice on Thursday during the opening night of the Fall Classic, which begins at 7 p.m. On Friday, pits open at 4 p.m. with racing at 7 then on Saturday pits open at 3 p.m. with racing at 6. Pit passes are $25 on Thursday, $30 on Friday, and $35 on Saturday.

McKean County Raceway is a 1/3-mile dirt track located at the McKean County Fairgrounds in East Smethport, Pa. at the intersections of Route 6 and 46. For more information on McKean County Raceway, check out their website at www.mckeancountyraceway.com or call 814-362-6909. The track number on race day is 814-887-2600.

2012 FASTRAK Northeast marketing partners include Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, Pace Performance, Hoosier Tires, Original Pizza Logs, K&N Filters, The Brake Man, Utsinger's Towing, Precise Racing Products, Genesis Shocks, VP Fuels, Beyea Custom Headers, H&H Racing Equipment, High Gear Speed Shop, Hyperco, Jake's Golf Carts, Lincoln Electric, Wrisco Aluminum, and Wylie Race Cars.

You can reach co-directors Vicki Emig and Mike Leone at the FASTRAK Northeast office at 724-964-9300. E-mail to info@fastraknortheast.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. The office is open daily late mornings and after 1:30 p.m. For more information, check out the FASTRAK Northeast website at www.fastraknortheast.com. Become our fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/fastraknortheast.

ives run

9-15 Horseshoe Tournament

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ADVICE ON AVOIDING BEAR CONFLICTS

GAME COMMISSION OFFERS ADVICE ON AVOIDING BEAR CONFLICTS

HARRISBURG – With summer quickly slipping by, many Pennsylvanians may have forgotten about problems caused by black bears in the spring, when nuisance bear activity typically peaks. However, black bear activity also tends to increase during the fall, which is just around the corner, and Pennsylvania Game Commission officials remind homeowners that steps taken now can minimize problems with bears during the next few weeks and months.

Mark Ternent, Game Commission black bear biologist, noted that, as fall progresses, bears will begin to increase their food intake to prepare for the upcoming denning season, which begins in mid- to late-November. For some bears, the search for food may lead them closer to people or homes.

Ternent offered suggestions on how to reduce the likelihood that your property will attract bruins and how to best react when a bear is encountered.

“Bear activity can increase during the fall as bears try to consume as many calories as possible from any source they can find in preparation for denning,” Ternent said. “As a result, sightings of bears can increase, particularly if natural nut and berry crops are below average.

“While Pennsylvania bears are mostly timid animals that would sooner run than confront people, residents should know a few things about how to react if they encounter a bear, or better yet, how to avoid an encounter altogether by reducing the likelihood of attracting bears in the first place.”

Ternent stressed there are no known records of a free-ranging Pennsylvania black bear killing a human, and there have been fewer than 25 reported injuries resulting from black bear encounters during the past 10 years in the state. However, deaths caused by black bears have occurred elsewhere in North America. Pennsylvania’s bear population currently is estimated at 18,000 animals, and reports of problems with bears near residential areas, which could have been avoided through better elimination of attractants, are not uncommon.

“When bears become habituated to getting food from people, it can lead to conflicts, property damage and the possibility of injury or eventual destruction of the bear,” Ternent said. “Feeding wildlife, whether the activity is intended for birds or deer, can draw bears into an area. Once bears become habituated to an area where they find food, they will continue to return, which is when the bear can become a real problem for homeowners and neighbors.

“Even more disturbing are the reports we receive about people intentionally feeding bears to make them more visible for viewing or photographing.”

Since 2003, it has been illegal to intentionally feed bears in Pennsylvania. Unintentional feeding of bears which results in nuisance bear activity also can result in a written warning that, if ignored, may lead to a citation and fine.

“We recognize that people enjoy viewing wildlife, and we are not attempting to impact that activity,” Ternent said. “But, all too often, complaints about bears can be traced back to intentional or unintentional feeding. To protect the public, as well as bears, we need to avoid the dangers of conditioning bears to finding food around homes. It would be irresponsible to do otherwise.”

Ternent listed five recommendations to reduce the chances of having a close encounter with a black bear on a homeowner’s property:

Play it smart. Do not feed wildlife. Food placed outside for wildlife, such as corn for squirrels or deer, may attract bears. Reconsider putting squash, pumpkins, corn stalks or other Halloween or holiday decorations outside that also may attract bears. Even bird feeders can become “bear magnets.” Tips for how to safely feed birds for those in prime bear areas include: restrict feeding season to when bears hibernate, which is primarily from late November through late March; avoid foods that are particularly attractive for bears, such as sunflower seeds, hummingbird nectar mixes or suet; bring feeders inside at night or suspend them from high crosswires; and temporarily remove feeders for two weeks if visited by a bear. Encourage your neighbors to do the same.

Keep it clean. Don’t place garbage outside until pick-up day; don’t throw table scraps out back for animals to eat; don't add fruit or vegetable wastes to your compost pile; and clean your barbecue grill regularly. If you feed pets outdoors, consider placing food dishes inside overnight.

Keep your distance. If a bear shows up in your backyard, stay calm. From a safe distance, shout at it like you would to chase an unwanted dog. If the bear won't leave, slowly retreat and call the nearest Game Commission regional office or local police department for assistance. Children should understand not to run, approach or hide from a bear that wanders into the yard, but, instead, to walk slowly back to the house.

Eliminate temptation. Bears that visit your area are often drawn there. Neighbors need to work together to reduce an area's appeal to bears. Ask area businesses to keep dumpsters closed and bear-proofed (chained or locked shut).

Check please! If your dog is barking, or cat is clawing at the door to get in, try to determine what has alarmed your pet. But do it cautiously, using outside lights to full advantage and from a safe position, such as a porch or an upstairs window. All unrecognizable outside noises and disturbances should be checked, but don't do it on foot with a flashlight. Black bears blend in too well with nighttime surroundings providing the chance for a close encounter. If bears have been sighted near your home, it is a good practice to turn on a light and check the backyard before taking pets out at night.

“Ideally, we want bears to pass by residential areas without finding a food reward that would cause them to return and become a problem,” Ternent said. “Capturing and moving bears that have become habituated to humans is costly and sometimes ineffective because they can return or continue the same unwanted behavior where released. That is why wildlife agencies tell people that a ‘fed bear is a dead bear.’”

Ternent noted that although bears are no strangers to Pennsylvanians, bears are misunderstood by many.

“Bears should not be feared, nor should they be dismissed as harmless, but they do need to be respected,” Ternent said. He also advised:

Stay Calm. If you see a bear and it hasn’t seen you, leave the area calmly. Talk to the bear while moving away to help it discover your presence. Choose a route that will not intersect with the bear if it is moving.

Get Back. If you have surprised a bear, slowly back away while quietly talking. Face the bear, but avoid direct eye contact. Do not turn and run; rapid movement may be perceived as danger to a bear that is already feeling threatened. Avoid blocking the bear’s only escape route and try to move away from any cubs you see or hear. Do not attempt to climb a tree. A female bear can falsely interpret this as an attempt to get at her cubs, even though the cubs may be in a different tree.

Pay Attention. If a bear is displaying signs of nervousness or discomfort with your presence, such as pacing, swinging its head, or popping its jaws, leave the area. Some bears may bluff charge to within a few feet. If this occurs, stand your ground, wave your arms wildly, and shout at the bear. Turning and running could elicit a chase and you cannot outrun a bear. Bears that appear to be stalking should be confronted and made aware of your willingness to defend by waving your arms and yelling while you continue to back away.

Fight Back. If a bear attacks, fight back as you continue to leave the area. Bears have been driven away with rocks, sticks, binoculars, car keys, or even bare hands.

“Learning about bears and being aware of their habits is a responsibility that comes with living in rural Pennsylvania or recreating in the outdoors,” Ternent said.

Intelligent and curious, black bears are heavy and have short, powerful legs. Adults usually weigh from 200 to 600 pounds, with rare individuals weighing up to 800 pounds. An adult male normally weighs more than an adult female, sometimes twice as much.

Bears may be on the move at anytime, but they're usually most active during evening and morning hours. Bears are omnivorous, eating almost anything from berries, corn, acorns, beechnuts, or even grass to table scraps, carrion, honey and insects.

More information on black bears is available on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us) by putting your cursor over “Hunt/Trap” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then clicking on “Hunting” from the drop-down menu listing and then clicking on the “Black Bear” in the “Big Game” listing. Also, a brochure on living with black bears can be obtained by putting your cursor over “Self-Help” in the menu bar at the top of the homepage, then putting your cursor on “Your Property and Wildlife” from the drop-down menu listing and then clicking on “Living with Black Bear” in next drop-down menu listing.

9-29 OV "Library Bike A Thon"

5th Annual Ives Run Trail Challenge

9-15 West End Trail Blazers Chicken BBQ

9-15 Equine Dice Run