May 24, 2024 5 min read

By Dave Bates

For the Observer-Reporter

If you are interested in improving your rifleman skills, check out an Appleseed Project event this summer. Appleseed teaches marksmanship in tandem with American Revolutionary War history. There are a number of events on their summer calendar locally, including Beaver Falls, Finleyville and Slippery Rock. The website – https://appleseedinfo.org/schedule/?qstate=PA&state=Pennsylvania – will give more detailed information on how to prepare for a class and what to expect. I hope to attend one this year. Maybe I’ll see you there.

* Mountain biking – The time of year for mountain biking is upon us. If you haven’t gone out for a ride recently there are many great walking and riding venues in the tri-county region. The Greene River Trail runs from Fredericktown to Crucible and offers a stop for lunch or dinner at Greene Cove. Browns Run Trail in Masontown is a short but scenic piece of trail for a walk or ride. Ohiopyle to Confluence is a 17-mile, one-way excursion for those brave enough to pedal those miles. The Claysville National Pike Trail is another short but scenic offering. For other locations to bike or walk, check out the link: https://www.traillink.com/city/washington-pa-trails/

* With this Memorial Day holiday, let us take a moment to remember those who have gone before us, especially those who gave their lives in defense of our American way of life that so many take for granted. I have a special place in my heart for all those veterans who instructed me in the ways of the woods and all things outdoors. May you all rest in peace, knowing that your efforts are remembered and most appreciated.

* My apologies for dropping the ball on this one, but there was a recent event that did not receive the publicity it was due. A private water well owner workshop was held in Waynesburg by Penn State University Co-op Extension. Check out this link to receive details for similar, future events. https://extension.psu.edu/private-water-supply-education-and-water-testing-workshop

* A new executive director was recently appointed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Stephen Smith was appointed on May 1. He replaces Bryan Burhans, who resigned abruptly. Smith has been the deputy executive director of the Game Commission since February.

* Dr. Gary Alt, formerly a biologist with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and probably best known for his outstanding work with improving the Pennsylvania black bear population as well as the introduction of the quality deer management program to our state, received the John C. Oliver Wildlife Conservation Lifetime Achievement Award. Alt was presented the Award by the PA Game Commission, his former employer. Whether you are a fan of the quality deer management program, or not, I think we can reason that both bear populations and the overall deer herd are in much better shape as a result of Gary’s efforts. Congratulations Dr. Alt.

* Back in January I received a series of photos of a deer taken in Greene County by Mark Donaldson of Martin. The deer possessed a mane, unlike anything I had ever seen. Realizing that there are bearded hen turkeys, does possessing antlers and a host of other wildlife anomalies, this one caught me completely by surprise. Sure enough, this fellow had a visible mane, not unlike the type sported by zebras. There is definite debate as to just how rare this genetic deformity is. Some sources say that this phenomenon occurs in as few as one out of 10,000 deer while other sources claim it occurs in as few as one out of 200 deer. While I cannot claim to know a great deal about deer with manes, it sure is fascinating.

* I recently attended the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association annual conference in Wilkes-Barre. If you haven’t made it to the Wilkes-Barre area in your travels, put a pin on your map. What a treasure the area is with so much to do. My eyes were opened to the amazing hunting opportunities for elk, bear, deer, great fisheries on the Susquehanna River and so much more. The mountain landscape was indeed awesome. Although it is a five hour drive across the state, catty corner to the northeast, I will most assuredly return if afforded the opportunity.

* Part II of the POWA conference experience … I found myself sitting around the table on Saturday night with 25-30 of the most amazing individuals that I have had the pleasure to get to know. All were outdoors writers I have read. Many were far and away the best in their fields. A half dozen or so were men that I have read since my youth and I was truly in awe to be privileged with their company. A humbling experience, but it was truly one of the most enjoyable times of this writer’s career.

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