Vacation

I have been on vacation but have some exciting news coming out next week, check back in to learn about a new shooting brace for people with disabilities here at Accessible Hunter !

Zippo Outdoor's "Day On The Bay" Contest

To Win a $2,500 fishing trip with Doug Yohe in Willow Bay, PA

Daydreaming about a fishing trip to one of the hottest fishing lakes in the country? Wake up and enter! Zippo Outdoor is giving you a chance to win an all-expense-paid fishing trip for two to Willow Bay in Bradford, PA with Zippo Fishing Pro Doug Yohe.

 The winner will receive:
 Round trip air transportation for two from the winner's home address
 Transportation from and to Buffalo Niagara Airport
 2 nights of hotel accommodations
 $250 cash
 A $100 Zippo/Case museum and store gift certificate
 2 Pennsylvania fishing licenses
 A day fishing trip with Doug Yohe in Willow Bay

Willow Bay is located in the Allegheny Mountains and offers world-class fishing for walleye, northern pike, muskie, bass and more. It is located in the Kinzua Reservoir, which is 24 miles long and covers 21,180 acres. State record walleye and northern pike were both caught here.

Doug Yohe is a veteran contender on the Cabela's Masters Walleye Circuit and is also a member of the Zippo Outdoor Pro Staff.

The Zippo Manufacturing Company is also located in Bradford PA. While Zippo is most known for their iconic lighters, they have also launched an innovative line of outdoor gear. From an award-winning Handwarmer, to the 4-1 Woodsman multi-purpose camping tool, Zippo Outdoor has everything you need to make every camping experience the best it can be.

The sweepstakes begins at 8:01 am on Friday May 31st, 2013 and ends at 11:59pm on Wednesday June 26th. The entry form is on the Zippo Outdoor website at www.zippooutdoor.com/day-on-the-bay

Fallen Pennsylvania Game Commission Officers

The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C. contains the names of more than 19,000 men and women who were killed in the line of duty. Seven of those officers served with the Pennsylvania Game Commission at the time of their deaths. They are: • L. Seeley Houk, fatally shot in Lawrence County in 1906 • Joseph McHugh, fatally shot in Carbon County in 1915 • Joseph H. Kalbfus, died in Warren County crash in 1919 • Elias W. "Woody" Kelly, died in Warren County crash in 1919 • John B. Ross, drowned during McKean County rescue attempt in 1942 • Woodrow E. Portzline, suffered heart attack during 1973 investigation • David L. Grove, fatally shot in Adams County in 2010 Thank you all for your dedication and sacrifice's you and your families have made to our great state.

Thanks WPA Wounded Warriors

SHOOTING-RANGE PERMIT A FAKE, PENALTY TOPS $1,000

A Pittsburgh man has been fined $1,100 after he presented a wildlife conservation officer with a phony shooting-range permit he could have bought legitimately for $30.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission views the case as a timely reminder for those who take target practice at ranges on state game lands, where most participants who do not possess valid hunting or furtaker licenses must hold permits to use the range. Both hunting licenses and shooting-range permits for 2013-14 go on sale soon.

Hunting licenses go on sale June 10, three weeks before the start of the new license year. Those needing shooting-range permits for 2013-14 must wait until July 1 to buy them. The permits that are on sale now are valid until June 30. The next permit period runs from July 1 to June 30, 2014.

Those who will need licenses and permits in the coming months might be able to save themselves some trouble by buying them soon after they go on sale.

The Game Commission in 2011 began requiring permits for range shooters without hunting licenses as a way to make sure all who use the agency’s firearms ranges contribute to the cost of their upkeep. Licensed hunters and furtakers are required to carry their licenses with them while using the ranges.

The range at which the counterfeit permit was presented is part of State Game Lands 203 in Allegheny County.  Wildlife Conservation Officer Dan Puhala said the range sees heavy use and he often patrols there.

While at the range on March 13, Puhala observed a target shooter fire a series of about 10 shots, which he said was in violation of range rules that dictate a three-shot limit. Puhala asked to see the man’s shooting-range permit, and while the man presented a permit to the officer, it turned out to be counterfeit.

While shooting-range permits can be purchased online and printed at home, they have distinguishing markings that identify them as authentic, Puhala said.

The man was charged for the range violation and for possessing the counterfeit permit, and he pleaded guilty on Thursday to both counts. All told, the man was fined $1,100 and he faces a possible five-year revocation of his shooting-range permit and hunting-license privileges. 

Shooting-range permits cost $30 per year for residents and nonresidents. Those 15 years of age and younger do not need a permit if they are properly accompanied by a licensed or permitted person 18 years of age or older. Additionally, each licensed hunter or range permit holder can bring along one unpermitted or unlicensed guest.

Like hunting licenses, shooting-range permits are valid from July 1 to June 30 each year. The permits can be purchased online at “The Outdoor Shop” on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us). Following the purchase, which requires payment by credit or debit cards, a downloadable permit is provided and can be printed on a home computer. The agency sells the permits through its Harrisburg headquarters and six region offices. However, since the purchase will be processed through “The Outdoor Shop,” only credit and debit cards are used for payment.

Hunting licenses also can be purchased online through the Game Commission’s website, and are available through a host of issuing agents. Countywide lists of issuing agents also are available at the commission’s website.

Spring Turkey Is a Bust

30 May was the last chance for me to fill my Spring turkey tag and I did not get it done.  Adam and I hunted hard yesterday in the 85 degree temperatures but could not get a bird to come into our decoy set.

After several hours I could not take the heat any longer and had to pack it in.  On the way out of the ground blind location we seen four Jakes in a yard close to a guys front porch.... Yes we were thrilled at that.  That's why it's called hunting folks.

Almost Out of Time

The last day of Spring Turkey is 31 May, it's getting down to hours left to hunt.  I plan on going out later today and hopefully catch a Tom coming into roost, wish me luck.  Otherwise it's tag soup for me and I hate soup.

How did you do this Turkey season?

IBO Qualifier 3D Shoot at Falcon Archers

ARCHERS:   Don't forget, the IBO Qualifier 3D Shoot at Falcon Archers in Canonsburg, PA is this weekend on June 1 & 2.

Don't miss out if you need this qualifier to go to the IBO Worlds in August. 

It's $20.00 to qualify; $10.00 for the local shoot. Shoot a second time on Sunday for $5.00 (for qualifiers and regular shooters).

If a qualifier shoots a second score on Sunday, we'll submit your best of the two scores to IBO for the qualifier.

Thank You Veteran's !

Not Much Time Left