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Outdoors

Time of year for some hunter safety

By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter Punxsutawney Phil has called an early spring. We are at least moving in that direction and with spring comes the need for a hunter safety course. I am a hunter safety instructor with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the following contains some ...

By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter In this installment, I will commit outdoor column heresy. I will dismiss Jack O’Connor, George Block and legions of other .270 enthusiasts, instead preaching the gospel of my beloved .308 cartridge. There, I’ve said it. You’re probably ...

NRA is in trouble and could use our help

By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter I am not a politician nor do I enjoy politics. This installment, however, comes dangerously close to taking a political stance. If you are reading this outdoors column that is directed towards hunters, shooters, fishermen and the like, there’s a good ...

By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter newsroom@observer-reporter.com This week I’ve chosen to dispense wisdom. I know, this should be a real laugher. There is an old hunting adage that goes something like this: The grass is always greener under someone else’s stand. OK, there is no ...

By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter How would you like to become a master naturalist? If you’re like me, then you never heard of a master naturalist either. That is until Susie Moffett, the Southwest Program Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Master Naturalist program, contacted me. The ...

By Dave Bates For the Observer-Reporter The cold months are upon us. Duh, Dave. Like we didn’t know that from looking at the thermometer bottoming out the last week or two, listening to school delays and closings and generally reaching for a pair of long-handled underwear before daring to ...