Pa Buck Season 2014

Tomorrow starts the season opener of the 2014 bucks season here in Pennsylvania. I hope everyone has a great opening day. I was fortunate enough to take my eight point buck in archery season along with two nice doe.

If you have the opportunity to donate a deer to Hunter's sharing the harvest, please do so.  Remember, one deer can potentially  feed 200 people. Be safe and shoot straight, good luck!

PRELIMINARY BEAR HARVEST RESULTS 2014

The first day of Pennsylvania’s statewide bear season resulted in a harvest of  1,623 black bears, according to preliminary totals released Monday by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Archery and other early bear season harvest data still is being entered into the GameCommission’s database, and is not available at this time.Bears have been harvested in 52 counties during the statewide season so far.

The top 10 bears processed at check stations by Monday were either estimated or confirmed to have live weights of 540 pounds or more.

The largest of those bears – a male estimated at 677 pounds – was taken in Pittsfield Township, Warren County, by James M. Hultberg, of  Pittsfield, Pa.

Other large bears include: a 623-pound male taken in West Buffalo Township, Union County, by Fred F. Stoltzfus, of Lewisburg, Pa.; a 598-pound male taken in Muddy Creek Township, Butler County, by Jeffrey L. McClymonds, of Slippery Rock, Pa.; a 574-pound male taken in Tyrone Township, Blair County, by Ray E. Golden, of Tyrone, Pa.; a 560-pound male taken in Black Township, Somerset County, by Derek J. Wheeler, of Uniontown; a 559-pound male taken in Delmar Township, Tioga County, by K.L. Sarangoulis, of Reading, Pa.; a 558-pound male taken in West Branch Township, Potter County, by Colton P. Group, of Landisburg, Pa.; a 557-pound male taken in Portage Township, Cambria County, by Brett A. Robine, of Irwin, Pa.; a 552-pound male taken in Bradys Bend Township, Armstrong County, by Travis J. Crawford, of  Kittanning, Pa.; and a 540-pound male taken in Leidy Township, Clinton County, by Thomas E. Fahringer, of Landisburg, Pa.

PRELIMINARY Day-Two BEAR HARVEST RESULTS

Hunters harvested 417 bears during the second day of Pennsylvania’s statewide bear season, increasing the total harvest to 2,040 over the season’s first two days, according to preliminary totals released Tuesday by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

Archery and other early bear season harvest data still is being entered into the Game Commission’s database, and is not available at this time.  Bears have been harvested in 53 counties during the statewide season so far.

The top 10 bears processed at check stations by Tuesday were either estimated or confirmed to have live weights of 552 pounds or more.

The largest of those bears – a male estimated at 677 pounds – was taken in Pittsfield Township, Warren County by James M. Hultberg, of  Pittsfield, Pa.

Pa Bear Season 2014

Today is the opener of the Pa rifle Bear Season.  I hope everyone has a great day hunting black bear.  Last year hunters harvested some really big mature bears, I'm hoping for another great year.  Shoot straight and be safe. You can check the County harvested, Age and Weight of all bears taken in 2013 by clicking here

Pittsburgh Post Gazette Article

The Pittsburgh Post Gazette Article came out today and I think it was great.  It did miss a few things though. The local Western Pa Wounded Warriors in 84 is the group I belong to. My friend Ed Leeper made my hunting brace and bite trigger for my shotgun (pheasants). I  use a BMF Trigger Activator on my crossbow and rifle.

Also I mentioned other group's in the area that help hunters with disabilities. Team DBR and Whitetail Management of Greater Pittsburgh do great work in our area with veterans and people with disabilities.

Hunting in Texas with Mike Stroff

I met Mike Stroff from Savage Outdoors in September at the Field and Stream in Washington Pa.  He was there for the grand opening and gave a great talk.  I spoke with him afterwards and he was so nice.

As it turns out, I will be speaking with him again soon.  I am going hunting with him at his ranch in south Texas! THANK YOU FIELD and STREAM The hunt will take place in December, stay tuned for lots more.

John's 10 Point Buck

Congratulation's go out to my brother John for harvesting this big ten point buck this morning.  He passed up a few smaller bucks this year with his crossbow before taking this buck.  He made a great shot with his Parker Buck Buster and 100 grain Rage broadhead.

 

The buck was shot at ten yards and only traveled another 20 yards.  It's great to watch your buck go down from your tree stand.  Way to go brother!

.243 Shooting and Venison on The Smoker

 

 

Yesterday I took advantage of the great 70 degree weather to finish sighting in my .243 at the Western Pa Wounded Warriors range.  I get frustrated with my shooting groups these days.  I use to be able to have my shots touching, but as the song goes "I'm doing all right for the shape I'm in".  I have to be satisfied with 1 inch groups.  I am glad its sighted in and ready for my next hunting adventure.

 

In the afternoon we put some venison, pork, a turkey breast and a few pieces of salmon on my weber smoker.  I like to use mesquite wood for my smoke and Kingsford charcoal.  We used a dry rub from A1 this time on the meat and it turned out great.

While the meat was smoking we cleaned the hide from the 8 point rack.  I bought a mounting plaque for it and hope to have it finished soon. I can't wait to see it on my wall.  It was a great hunt and it's a great trophy for my memories.

Prize Pack TEOTWAWKI Blog

A big thank you goes out to TEOTWAWKI blog for sending me this great prize pack.  They had a contest last month and I was one of the winners!  I can't wait to wear the shirt and put the patches on my backpack.

PSAA SW Region Fundraiser

Falcon Archers in Canonsburg, PA is hosting a Fundraiser Shoot on December 14, 2014, for the PSAA SW Region. This is a one day-one line shoot to help raise funds for the treasury of the SW Region to help send delegates to the State Board Meeting in Mechanicsburg, PA two times per year. Gas and toll expenses are ever increasing making it difficult to meet the expenses of the trip. We are hoping this shoot will help bolster our funds for our delegates' trips. Even if you are not a member of the PSAA, or are in a different region, please consider attending this shoot. Contact Greg McBride at 724-344-6099 for info and reservations.

Falcon Archers is located at 47 Papp Road in Canonsburg, PA. That address in a GPS will get you right to the driveway. Directions can also be found on our website: https://falconarchers.hypermart.net/

Thanks,

Darrell Shipley

PSAA SW Region Secretary

Congratulations Ed

Congratulations Ed on harvesting this nice six point with a Tenpoint Crossbow today.  Your Rage broadhead sure did it's job on this buck!  Thanks go out to Glenn and Rich from Whitetail Disabled Hunting and Associates for taking this veteran out today.

Mike's Crossbow Buck

Congratulations Mike on taking this young buck on 11/5/14 with Whitetail Disabled Hunting and Associates. Your a great shot with your Tenpoint crossbow, way to go!

Glens 8 Point Buck 11/3/2014

Glen Lackey took this great 8 point buck with his Tenpoint crossbow Monday November 3rd.  He was using his favorite Broadheads Rage 100 grains.  They sure did a number on this big mature eight.  Congratulations Glenn on another great trophy buck.

Trail Camera Coyote

Glen from Whitetail Disabled Hunting and Associates just sent me trail camera pictures from the very spot I shot my 8 point buck from this week.  I want to go back and try to take a turkey with  my crossbow before this coyote gets them all.  He is right behind this deer, coyotes have to go!