Turkey Hunting

Woman Charged in Illegally Killing Black Bear, Franklin Pa

NW Pa. woman charged with illegally killing black bear at her home

I always hate to read an article about poaching. If the charges are true this woman illegally killed a black bear, essentially stealing from every hunter who buys a hunting license and bear tag.

I have hunted black bear several times and unfortunately did not even see one. It's really disgusting to think that someone would illegally kill a bear or any game animal.

As a hunter I am disgusted by poachers and feel the $1500 penalty is not severe enough. What are your thoughts?

Sunday Hunting in Pa

Sunday hunting in PA: Pennsylvania Game Commission wants to legalize hunting on Sunday. - mcall.com

It looks like Sunday hunting in Pa is one step closer... I would love to hunt on a Sunday, what are your thoughts?

Use Of Deadly Force

Pa. Allows More Use Of Deadly Force For Self-Defense - Pittsburgh News Story - WTAE Pittsburgh

I am glad to see this become law, what are your thoughts?

Gummi Bears

Poconos bear candy shots: Poconos bear candy shots - mcall.com

As the old saying goes, it's as easy as taking candy from a baby! A 150 to 200 pound black bear tried to take the gummi bears off a two year old girl in northern Monroe County, near the Pocono Mountains.

Fortunately for the girl, a neighbor with a handgun was able to fire three shots to scare the wandering bear away. It's a stark reminder for individuals living in bear country, keep a close watch on small children and pets.

Ham and Bacon Shoot

Visit California Hill Gun Club website for directions

Morel Mushroom Hunting

When Mark and I would spring turkey hunt we would always be on the look out for morel's.... love fresh morels !

World Record Grizzly

Check out this great story of a local guy and his dream hunt of 2009 !

Hog Hunting

What a great video, fantastic job !

Nikon Pro Staff Rifle Scope

I recently ordered a Nikon 3-9x50 rifle scope in anticipation of taking a hunting trip later this fall. I am planning on going to Missouri to hunt whitetailed deer with Dreams Become Reality .

My weapon of choice in the past has always been a compound bow or a crossbow since my injury. I have not hunted with a rifle since the mid-1990s. I plan on mounting this Nikon Pro Staff scope on my Remington 270.

Since it has been quite a few years since I have shot a rifle, I am sure I need to practice and concentrate on the basics of marksmanship. This will require a few trips to the shooting range!

Chris Gillin the CEO of Dreams Become Reality had a very good suggestion the other evening over dinner. He suggested a sip and puff trigger-activator, that would possibly be more accurate than my current BMF type.

If I have the opportunity to take a mature Whitetail at 100 yards or more , I would like every advantage I can have, to make a clean and quick harvest.   This scope should provide a good opportunity even in lowlight conditions such as  dawn and dusk.

Keep checking back for a full review.  Any thoughts on optics?

Camo Cares

Tred Barta Bags 400lb Bear

Eagle County TV host bags a bear | VailDaily.com

Using his Action TrackChair and his long bow he was able to take a 400lb Black Bear in British Columbia.

My wheelchair will be here July 2nd, I can't wait to start exploring the outdoors again.  This Action TrackChair provides the Ultimate in mobility for everyone who loves the outdoors.

New Rules for Treestands and Blinds

New rules coming for treestands, blinds - Republican Herald

If you hunt on State Game Lands in Pa, you want to read this article... You can place your stand or blind only two weeks before the season and must remove it two weeks after.

Change to the Mentored Youth Hunting Program

Game Commission Praises General Assembly For Passing Measure To Open Mentored Youth Hunting Program To Antlerless Deer : The Outdoor Wire

It looks like we will soon be able to transfer a Doe tag to an unlicensed youth who is registered in the mentor program.

I think it's a great idea and provides an opportunity for a youngster to legally harvest an anterless deer. What are your thoughts regarding the mentor program and this change from the game commission?

Urban Bears

Black Bear Takes a Dip in Local Lake - Chartiers Valley, PA Patch

There is an estimated 18,000 black bears in Pennsylvania. This is the time of year when young cubs are breaking out away from their mothers. 

Despite the fact that Pennsylvania has almost 20,000 black bears , less than 20 people have been injured from bears in the last 10 years. 

It's also pretty amazing that biologists estimate the coyote population to be almost 50,000 animals.   As both of these populations increase, sightings in urban areas will become more common .  Have you spotted a bear or coyote in your area? 

Pa Doe License

I want to remind all Pa hunters that county treasurers will begin accepting antlerless deer license applications from resident hunters starting Monday, July 11 and from nonresidents beginning Monday, July 25.

Time to get that new license and get your bow tuned up, the season will be here before we know it.  I plan on shooting my crossbow a lot this year at Falcon Archers .  Its great to have a club like Falcon so close to me.  Where do you shoot?

Pennsylvania: Castle Doctrine Bill

Pennsylvania: Castle Doctrine Bill to be Heard in Senate Committee Tomorrow

Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY!

Tomorrow, House Bill 40, NRA-backed castle doctrine legislation, will be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 11:30 a.m. This bill passed in the state House by a 164 to 37 vote on April 12.

Introduced by state Representative Scott Perry (R-92), HB 40 would permit law-abiding citizens to use force, including deadly force, against an attacker in their home and any place outside of their home where they have a legal right to be. If enacted into law, it would also protect individuals from civil lawsuits by the attacker or the attacker’s family when force is used.

Please contact members of the Senate Judiciary Committee TODAY and respectfully urge them to support HB 40 with no anti-gun amendments.

Bow Bash Dreams Become Reality

Here is a great opportunity to help individuals with disabilities and have a great day of family fun as well.  Come out to Rogersville PA to the Rogersville Park on Saturday, August 20, 2011 for the Dreams Become Reality , Bow Bash.

From Noon to 8 PM prizes will be drawn every 15 minutes.  A 3-D archery shoot with prizes as well !   Donation is $20.00 ,  come out for food and live entertainment to benefit individuals with disabilities.    Tickets can be purchased that day  or contact (724) 499-5535.

Matt Stutzman

newtondailynews.com | A foot above

Read a great article about Matt Stutzman making it on to the US Para Olympic Archery team. Oh yeah, Matt uses his feet....

Visit his Website

Day of Fishing Fun and Memorial Bike Run

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend the Day of Fishing and Memorial Bike Run sponsored by the Western Pennsylvania Wounded Warriors .The event was held at the American Legion in West Brownsville Pennsylvania.  It's a beautiful location and everything except the weather was fantastic.

I'm not much of a fisherman so I did not go out on the pontoon boats with the other people but I understand several fish were landed.   I enjoyed talking with everyone, the great food and cold beverages inside the American Legion. 

The Memorial bike run honors Bud West, the founder of the organization.  It was a charity event and the money raised will be put to good use,  enabling individuals with disabilities to pursue their outdoor dreams.    I'm already looking forward to next year's event ! 

 

Deer Study

Here is an interesting Study on the movements of white-tailed deer, what are your thoughts?

Sunday Hunting Debate

The Daily American has coverage of last night's debate regarding hunting on Sundays here in Pennsylvania.  I for one am very much in favor of Sunday hunting...

Many other states allow Sunday hunting and I think Pennsylvania should as well.  In today's economy many hunters work long hours during the week and are unable to take off Monday through Friday in order to hunt.  

In my case, I rely on others for assistance to get me out into the woods .    By allowing Sunday hunting, it would give me an additional day where someone could assist me without taking a vacation day  . What are your thoughts on Sunday hunting? 

Stop Feeding the Bears

The Pocono Record has a good article about the tragedy that can happen when individuals start feeding bears.

It always turns out as a death sentence for the bear... If you are an avid hunter or outdoors person like me, I know you love to see animals thrive.

If you see or hear about individuals feeding bears, talk to them, let them know how much harm they are actually doing!

You can always contact the Pa Game Commission to report any issue or concern.

Pa Hero Walk

Consider making a donation

Pa hunting License

2011-12 Hunting/Furtaker Licenses to Go on Sale June 13 -- HARRISBURG, Pa., June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --

FYI, it's time to get your new license... The good new's, no new fee's !

Rabid Beavers

Rabid beavers turning up in state - Washington Greene PA Sports - www.observer-reporter.com

No big surprise, Phiadelphia has rabid beavers....lol. You can't make this stuff up. One more reason to avoid that city.

Action TrackChair at Full Speed

As you can see the chair is no speed demon but it gets the job done going across this field. The camera does not show the angle of the field but it is probably a 30° slope.

The tracks provided a very smooth ride across the field and I'm told it's even smoother on snow.

Action TrackChair Test Drive

I had the pleasure of test driving the Action Trackchair yesterday afternoon.  How would I describe it or review it for you?

1.  It's absolutely the best all-terrain wheelchair I have ever seen . 

2. In My opinion,  it appears to go almost anywhere ( within reason) at least anywhere I would want to  go bow hunting .

3. For  a tank, it drives and rides extremely smooth, although a little slow.

 In all honesty I was very impressed with this wheelchair to say the least.   It absolutely opens up the outdoors for individuals with disabilities.   The only negative is, it will require a trailer to take to my hunting locations  because it is to wide for my van ramp (37 inches) . 

The wheelchair will require some customization for my seating purposes.  I need to add a chest strap or harness, remove the padded seat and install a seat plate for my cushion (Roho Quatro).  I also need a strap on my knees to keep my legs together.

There is no debate on whether or not I want to purchase this wheelchair, the only question is how to come up with the purchase price.

Test Drive Action Trackchair

Today I will be test driving the Action Trackchair , the dealer will be bringing it down from New York. I am really looking forward to putting this wheelchair through its paces and seeing if it is what I need for this fall.

I should have a video up in a few days and a comprehensive review, check back and let me know your opinions as well.