Pennsylvania residents will have another chance to enjoy wildlife habitats from the comfort of their vehicles this fall, as state game commission officials again host driving tours at state game lands beginning Sept. 20.
“These driving tours provide an overview of what’s available on our state game lands, while showcasing how the agency’s habitat work benefits various species of wildlife,” Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Steve Smith said. “For hunters, these tours highlight potential opportunities for the upcoming seasons, and, for non-hunters, the beautiful Pennsylvania fall landscapes are second to none.”
Tours will take place in the following locations:
• State Game Lands 111 in Somerset County, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 4. The 7-mile self-guided tour highlights mountainous terrain and fall foliage in the Laurel Highlands. Habitat crews, biologists, foresters and game wardens will be on hand to answer questions. The tour leaves from Augustine Road and ends where the game lands meet Jersey Hollow Road.
• State Game Lands 108 in Cambria County, Sept. 20 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The 7.5-mile, self-guided, one-way driving tour will highlight mountainous terrain and early fall foliage. The game lands consist of nearly 24,000 acres of woodlands. Items of interest include a rehabilitated strip-
mining area that has been converted into small-game habitat. Game commission officials regularly release pheasants in the area, which also serves as a study area for grassland-nesting birds and black bears. The tour will begin at the game lands entrance on Route 53 in White Township, and will conclude on Route 865 in Reade Township.
• State Game Lands 16 in Elk County, Oct. 16 from 2-6 p.m. The 3.5-mile self-guided tour provides a look at Pennsylvania’s elk range. It will begin at the Winslow Hill Viewing Area in Benezette, entering the game lands at the bottom of Dewey Road. Game commission staff will be posted along the route, and the tour will showcase elk habitat management, including the planting of forage plots, the use of prescribed burns, grassland bird management and more. This tour is only open to PennDOT-registered vehicles. No ATVs or UTVs are permitted
• Farther away, additional tours will take place Sept. 26 at State Game Lands 57 in Luzerne and Wyoming counties; Oct. 11 at State Game Lands 26 in Bedford County as well as at State Game Lands 110 in Berks County; and Oct. 18 at State Game Lands 67 in Huntingdon County and State Game Lands 211 in Dauphin County.