Jan 19, 2024 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

I haven’t put out a news blast in a while so I thought I’d share some interesting tidbits that have come across my desk.

* The gun show last weekend at the Washington County Fairgrounds was well-attended and I found a goodly number of items to catch the attention of right-minded sporting folk, but in case my Mrs. is reading this, I bought relatively nothing.

Most eye-catching to me was the number of side-by-side shotguns (numerous L.C. Smiths) and Winchester 30-.30 lever guns. Quite a few vendors were on hand. Additionally, I saw more reloading dies for sale than I’ve ever seen in my life. If you’re looking for a set for that pet rifle, now is the time. For whatever reason inventory was plentiful. Already looking forward to the show in April.

* The Pennsylvania Game Commission Board of Directors meets on Jan. 27. Stay tuned to see what’s new for next season as the commissioners take action during the winter months.

* Sportsmen and women are asked to report the location of any flocks of turkey seen. Information can be given online at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/TurkeyBroodSurvey. You’ll be asked to report the date of the sighting, location, and type of land (public, private or unknown) where birds are seen. The reporting period started Jan. 15 and runs through March 15. This data will be used in the ongoing large-scale turkey study and to monitor local populations.

* Game Warden Dan Sitler reports that wardens have been extremely busy around the area. He is currently involved in a case involving a couple of poachers accused of killing 21 deer in one night. If you have information on poaching, contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission via Operation Game Thief. The toll-free hotline is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The number to call is 1-888-PGC-8001, or file an online report at https://pgcdatacollection.pa.gov/operationgamethief

Being law enforcement myself, I find this particular fact particularly alarming: There are currently 40 warden vacancies around the state. The current cadet class is scheduled to graduate 12 officers. That, in and of itself, should be mind-boggling to the average hunter. Consider the consequences of not having an adequate law enforcement entity on hand to patrol and protect our wildlife resources. I would challenge any young folks entertaining the idea of a career in law enforcement to seriously consider a career with the Pennsylvania Game Commission. You can reach me at my email and I will help you connect with one of our local officers who can give you the ins and outs of such a challenging and fulfilling career path.

* I am wanting to do some features on local sportsman’s clubs in the Washington and Greene area. If you have particular events taking place at your club throughout the year, please let me know and I will do my best to shine a little light on your organization’s positive efforts. Ultimately, I’d like to visit every sportsmans club and outdoor organization in our region. It’s a big agenda but I only have about a year left in my teaching career and then I can get to work on familiarizing with our local sporting community.

Any history of your club would be of great help when I set pen to paper. A summary of the event that is forthcoming is always a big assist as well. Any information you can provide that helps me in getting the word out about what makes your club or organization special is my goal. My intent is to highlight the good things that you are doing for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation in our area.

* Shooting Ranges – Time to try out that new firearm that you got for Christmas? Where to go? Head out to one of the Pennsylvania Game Commission shooting ranges in the area. There are two ranges located in Greene County. One on the eastern side, State Game Lands 223 and one in western Greene County on Game Lands 179. Washington County has a shooting range on State Game Lands 245.

There are some important items to know before visiting a range, Shooters must have a range permit or a valid Pennsylvania hunting or furtaking license. Each licensed hunter or range-permit holder may have one guest in attendance. Unless posted otherwise, ranges are open year-round, from 8 a.m.until sunset, Monday through Saturday, and noon to sunset on Sundays. Contact your PGC region office to check the daily status of ranges you wish to visit. Shooters under the age of 16 must be accompanied by someone 18 years of age or older.

Range permits and hunting or furtaker licenses do not need to be displayed while using a state game lands public shooting range, but must be in possession, as well as a secondary form of identification.

A complete list of range rules are posted on site. More information can also be found on the Pennsylvania Game Commision webpage.

* Special thanks to Chet Krcil for sharing his notes of this month’s meeting of the Washington County Sportsmen’s and Conservation League.

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