State agencies seek public input

The Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission seek public input related to the agencies’ draft 2025-2035 Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan.  This is a non-regulatory plan that encourages all Pennsylvanians to participate in fish and wildlife conservation.

The draft Plan and public comment form are available online at Wildlife Action Plan | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.  Comments may be submitted through September 19.

First developed in 2005, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan has been the Commonwealth’s blueprint “to conserve Pennsylvania’s native fish and wildlife, maintain resilient habitat, and protect and enhance Species of Greatest Conservation Need.”  As required by Congress, State Wildlife Action Plans must be revised no less than every 10 years.

Over the past decade, the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan and associated funding from State and Tribal Wildlife Grants have been crucial for protecting and recovering at-risk species and their habitats. A Wildlife Action Plan approved by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is required for states to receive State & Tribal Wildlife Grant Program funds, and the Pennsylvania Wildlife Action Plan is scheduled to be delivered to the USFWS by October 1.

Harvey’s Lake access closed for improvements

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission announced that the Harvey’s Lake Access, which provides fishing and boating access, will be temporarily closed August 24 and 25.

During this time, improvements will be made to the parking area.

John Bondura is ETO guest

John Bondura of Schuylkill Headwaters is the guest of Republican Herald outdoors editor Doyle Dietz on the Sunday, Aug. 23, edition of “Experience The Outdoors,” winner of the Pennsylvania Outdoor Writers Association and Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers Association awards for best outdoors radio program. Air times are: 7-7:30 a.m., AM 1410 WLSH; 8-8:30 a.m., Sunny 1100 WGPA; 9-9:30 a.m., Magic 105.5-FM.; and downloaded on wmgh.com.

Hunts

The United Bowhunters of Pennsylvania will be hosting the Annual 5C Doe Hunt, September 26-29. For three days only, UBP members have hunting access to private farmland in the 5C Wildlife Management Unit. These partnerships were formed to help local farmers manage deer populations that have caused significant crop damage.

UBP also has partnered with Pennsylvania’s Hunters Sharing the Harvest for those wanting to donate their deer. Archery black bear season is also open in 5C.

Base camp is Kutztown Campground, 1131 Saucony Road, Kutztown. Because of insurance regulations all participants must have a current UPB membership.

Participation fees for all three days are $25 for adults and $10 for youth. Meals are optional priced at $7 for adults Friday and $21 for adults at the Saturday pig roast. There is no charge either night for youth age 11 and younger,

Camping fees vary by site and are set by the campground. When arriving Wednesday hunters will be assigned property that best fits the size of your group and hunting style from the ground or tree stand.

Hikes

“Spirit of Tuscarora Trail”: Sunday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m., meets in upper beach parking lot, bring lunch for 4.5-mile moderately difficult; leashed dogs welcome.

“Magnificent Mahanoy Plane”: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2-3 p.m.; The world’s largest steam engine during the 1930’s was located just north of Frackville and hauled coal over steep Broad Mountain; Meets at Frackville Public Library, Lehigh Street; No Dogs; 2 miles, easy.

Education

Autumn Weekend Programs: Free weekend programs Saturdays and Sundays, plus Raptors Up Close, Labor Day; Hawk Mountain Sanctuary.

Pennsylvania Game Commission Hunter-Trapper Course: All first-time hunters, age 12 and older, is available online and for future schedules and registration for in-person classes go to www.pgc.pa.gov.

Shoots

Tune up for deer season 3-D shoot: Blue Ridge Rifles Muzzleloader Club, Saturday, Aug. 29, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., 30 targets, club grounds located off Route 183 South of Summit Station along Ridge Road, formally known as Coon Club Road; all types of archery tackle; for information call Larry Seaman at 570-640-8361.

This week’s events

Daily: Autumn Migration Hawkwatch, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, through December 15, trail fee for non-members.

Thursday: Trap, 5-6 p.m., youth; 6-9 p.m., adult, Orwigsburg Gun Club, Gun Club Road, off Route 443 East, Orwigsburg; email grsmmyminch@gmail.com for information.

-Compiled by Doyle Dietz