Calendar of PA Hunting & Trapping Seasons

This online calendar has been provided for easy reference to Pennsylvania's 2013-14 hunting & trapping seasons. It is a brief summary of dates and should be used in conjunction with the 2013-14 PA Hunting & Trapping Digest. It is not the Game & Wildlife Code or its attendant regulations and should not be considered final on legal interpretation. Detailed information about seasons and regulations is available in the printed or online Digest.

Google Calendar:

1. Copy the URL https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/gamecommcalendar%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics
2. From your computer, click the down arrow beside "Other calendars" and select "Add by URL".
3. Paste the URL in the open field and click "Add Calendar." The PA Game Commission Seasons calendar events should appear in your calendar.
4. Please refresh the calendar periodically and always cross-reference the Digest.

If your Android phone doesn't automatically sync the PA Game Commission Seasons events from your Google Calendar:

1. Enter the Calendar App/Screen on your phone.
2. Tap Menu, then "Settings".
3. Select the Gmail account you used to add the PA Game Commission Seasons calendar.
4. Check "PA Game Commission Seasons" to sync.
5. Please refresh the calendar periodically and always cross-reference the Digest.

iPhone and iPad:

1. On the Home screen, tap "Settings".
2. Tap "Mail, Contacts, Calendars".
3. Tap "Add Account" and select "Other".
4. Choose either "Add CalDAV Account" or "Add Subscribed Calendar".
5. Enter the URL into the "Server" field https://www.google.com/calendar/ical/gamecommcalendar%40gmail.com/public/basic.ics
6. Tap "Next." The PA Game Commission Seasons calendar events should appear in your calendar.
7. Please refresh the calendar periodically and always cross-reference the Digest.

Practice Makes Perfect

They say " Practice Makes Perfect " I just like to shoot, so my brother and I went to the range yesterday with our crossbows.

He shoots a Parker Buck Buster 175 pound crossbow and I shoot a Tenpoint Maverick 175 pound crossbow.  We each shoot 20'' bolts with 100 grain tips.  We are both using Magnus Buzz cut broadheads this year for the first time. 

Last night we were shooting 30 yards and cutting the X every time.  Next time out I want to shoot 20 and 40 yard groups and even try a few 50 yard shots.  I am confident with the new gun mount and my shooting has never been better in a wheelchair. 

If I keep shooting this well, it's going to be a great archery season!  Get out to the range and practice, practice, practice. 

Doe License 2013

My doe license arrived in the mail on Friday for 2D.  Now I have to wait to purchase 2B over the counter on August 26th.  How many doe license's do you buy?

PSU Conferece

I just got back from a conference at Penn State University.  It was nice meeting with everyone and talking about adapted sports, hunting and fishing.  I had a great time and I'm looking forward to going again next year. 

Fishing Fairbank Rod and Gun Club

Today I went fishing with the Western Pa Wounded Warriors and Fairbank Rod and Gun club.  Although the weather was bad (rain) I had a great day!  Thank you to all the volunteers who came out to help.  The catfish were delicious and no where on earth are they fresher.  From water to plate in 10 minutes.

Everyone had fun and it was a great family event.  I can't wait until next year when we do it again!

Trail Camera

I am hoping to catch him walking by my ground blind in a few months.  This is the first year I have used cameras, and I really see the benefit.  This would be a 3 yard shot for me...

Crossman 1077

Specifications Overview

Model Number 1077

Velocity Up to 625 fps

Weight 3.69 lbs

Length 36.88 in

Mechanism Semi-Auto Repeater

Power Source 12g CO2

Caliber .177

Capacity 12 Shot clip

Barrel Rifled

Front Sight Fiber Optic

Rear Sight Fully adjustable

Safety Cross Bolt

Material Synthetic

My new air rifle just arrived, I had so much fun shooting with Ed I had to buy one.  It's a cheap little backyard plinker, nothing  like the Olympic air rifles he shoots, but I think it's a good start.  

I need to install the scope this weekend and sight it in.  It should improve my shooting form at a fraction of the cost of .270 or .30-06, 5.56 ammo.  

National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Good luck Ed and Tom as you compete today in Air Rifle at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Tampa Florida.  You guys are Gold medal shooters, bring home the gold again this year!

PSAA SOUTH WEST Regional Championship

2013 International Bowhunters World Championships

Top bow hunters from around the world will return to Seven Springs Mountain Resort Aug. 7-10 for the International Bowhunters World Championships. Local bow hunters are invited to compete in a related event, the Seven Springs Bowhunters Open held Aug. 9-10. The two-day, 40-target trophy shoot includes adult and youth classes. Click for registration information and details

Trail Cameras Out

Yesterday I put out a few Primos Truth Cameras,  I am hoping to capture a few nice buck walking through my hunting area.  It's way to early to pattern or plan a hunting scenario, but it would be nice to see when and what deer are moving.

Who knows, I may see turkey, fox, coyote or even a bear...  What are you seeing in your area ?

Pa DOE LICENSE UPDATES AVAILABLE ONLINE

 

Hunters who are anxious to know if they’ve been issued an antlerless deer license can track the status of their applications online.

 

Antlerless licenses for the 2013-14 season went on sale July 8, and as county treasurers process applications and allocate licenses, the information immediately is updated within the Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).

 

Hunters also can check the latest information on the number of licenses that have been allocated, and how many remain for sale in each wildlife-management unit.

 

To check on the status of an application, go to the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), and click on the blue “Buy a License” box in the upper right corner of the homepage.

 

That click will take you to The Outdoor Shop, where the first option on the page begins “Purchase Fishing and/or Hunting License Permit and or Application.” Click on that option, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and click “Start Here.”

 

You then will need to enter identifying information, and click “Continue.” Next, verify whether you are a resident or nonresident, then scroll to the end of your personal information and choose “Check on the status of an Antlerless Deer or Elk Application.” Click “Continue,” and any licenses that have been allocated to you will appear.

 

Many hunters report they appreciate the ability to check the status of antlerless licenses online. Before the updates were available electronically through PALS, hunters curious about an application’s status needed to contact their banks to see if checks were cashed by a county treasurer.

 

Hunters also can use PALS to verify their applications for the elk-license drawing are recorded accurately. The hunters whose names are drawn also can see their status information online.

 

The application period for antlerless deer licenses started July 8, when county treasurers began accepting applications from residents. Nonresident applications for regular antlerless deer licenses will be accepted beginning on July 29. After that, residents and nonresidents may apply for the first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 5, then a second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 19. 

 

Beginning Aug. 5, for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D only, there is no limit to the number of unsold antlerless deer license applications an individual can submit until the allocations are exhausted. This must be done by mail only, and there is a limit of three applications per pink envelope.

 

Beginning Aug. 26, county treasurers will accept applications over-the-counter for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, and may immediately issue antlerless deer licenses. Hunters may apply over-the-counter to county treasurers for any other WMU with antlerless licenses for sale on Oct. 7.

 

Updated allocation totals for antlerless deer licenses also are available at the Game Commission’s website. Select “Doe License Update” from the “Quick Clicks” box along the right side of the homepage. This update provides a real-time status of antlerless license allocations and availability by WMU, and helps license applicants to determine which WMUs to list as their first, second and third preferences when they submit applications.

Flashlight For Emergencies

Last night the power was out for several hours because of the storm.  I do not use candles because of the fire risk, I use this great little energizer flashlight.  It clips to my backpack until I need it, then it acts as a lantern in an emergency.  $15.00 well spent if you ask me.

3 Inside a Quarter

It's been awhile since I shot tight groups like 3 crossbow bolts inside a quarter at 30 yards, but yesterday it all came together.  The new Gun Mount is so steady I was driving bolts home with every shot.

I forgot that shooting at the same bulls eye can get expensive,  I trashed two bolts and a third nock.  If you are shooting a Tenpoint crossbow, make sure you shoot one bolt at a target.  Sending three down range at the same bulls eye will just cost you money. 

But after 14 years of shooting 3-4'' groups, it was money well spent seeing my bolts touching.  With the right mount and great archery equipment, even I can shoot tight groups again.

Tenpoint Crossbows

Tenpoint Crossbows has the best customer service going!

 

Thank you for the great customer service ! I called late Tuesday for a new cable slide for my Maverick crossbow and it came today with a new hat! You guys are the best.

 

 

Doe License 2013

Time to send in our Pa doe license for 2013.  County Treasurers start pulling applications this Monday morning.  I am trying to get a doe license in 2B and 2D this year.

I plan on using Magnus Buzz Cut Broadheads, 4 blade, 100 grain this year.  I hope to try these heads on a few mature doe before going after monster buck in Illinois this fall. What is your plan to put meat in the freezer?

Happy July 4th America

Falcon Archer's July 3D Shoot

Falcon Archer's monthly 3D shoot is this Sunday (July 7).

This is our regular 3D shoot and prices will be $10.00 for adults and $6.00 for Seniors (62+) and youth.  Come out and shoot with me and support a great archery club !

DOE LICENSES TO GO ON SALE MONDAY

 

Applying early boosts chances for hunters seeking antlerless tags.

 

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania deer hunters who want to better their chances of obtaining an antlerless license will want to send in applications during the first round of sales set to kick off on Monday, July 8.

 

During the first three weeks applications are accepted, only Pennsylvania residents may apply. Nonresidents may apply beginning Monday, July 29. Then beginning on Monday, Aug. 5, residents and nonresidents alike may apply for any unsold licenses that remain. The second round of unsold license sales is set to begin on Monday, Aug. 19.

Air Rifle

I had the chance to shoot my friend Ed's air rifle this week and it was so much fun.  Ed won a gold medal at the Veteran Games here in Pittsburgh with this rifle and I can see why.  The accuracy was amazing, I was shooting tight groups and cutting holes at 33 feet.  Thanks for letting me shoot your weapon Ed !

Pa Free Fishing Day

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Families and friends visiting Pennsylvania's popular outdoor spots over the July 4 holiday can enjoy a day of free fishing, thanks to the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC).

Independence Day - Thursday, July 4 - marks the second of two free fishing days in the Commonwealth. Fish-for-Free Days allow anyone - residents and non-residents - to legally fish in Pennsylvania. From 12:01 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on both days, no fishing license is needed to fish in Pennsylvania's waterways. All other fishing regulations apply. The first Fish-for-Free day was Memorial Day.

"Fish-for-Free days are an easy way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing," said PFBC Executive Director John Arway. "Many families spend the day at lakes and parks throughout the state. Now they can try fishing at no cost. We know that once people try it, particularly kids, they will see that fishing is a great recreational activity and they will want to do it more."

More information is available on the PFBC website at: http://www.fishandboat.com/FishForFree.htm

Team DBR

I have been friends with Tina and Chris Gillin for several years.  They started a charity Dreams Become Reality in 2009 or Team DBR as it's known now.  They take Veterans and PWD's on free hunts.  DBR has a new website, www.teamdbr.com please go over and check them out !