THE ART AND SCIENCE OF STAYING DRY - P.6 Super Sauger Story inside page 8
To Find the Gobblers, Keep Track of the Hens OV Outdoor Times
For the most part, we lucked out this winter. We didn’t get many long stretches of extreme cold and it warmed up just often enough to keep the snow drifts at bay. Overall it seems like wildlife fared pretty By Ralph Scherder well this winter, too, Hunting Editor and it’s now time to turn our thoughts toward spring gobbler. It’s common to see gobblers strutting in a field with hens by mid March. All it takes is a nice warm day, and sometimes not even that, to get them feeling frisky even in February. The primary breeding season for turkeys, though, is late March through April. Like any other breeding window for any other species, there’s usually a buffer of a few weeks before and after that time when breeding can occur. I’ve seen gobblers breed hens from February clear through May, although they may not actually lay their eggs during that time. Hens are able to store sperm from
Ohio Valley
FR
EE!
Outdoor Times March 2016
males for up to eight weeks after breeding takes place. This delayed fertilization allows them time to wait until conditions are right before beginning the nesting process. Weather and habitat are the two primary factors that dictate nesting, which is why there can be a big difference from year to year as to when poults start showing up. When a hen finally decides to make her nest, she will lay one egg per day for eight to 20 days. The typical nest consists of 10-15 eggs. Throughout the process, she keeps close watch and stays nearby, although she won’t actually start to incubate the eggs until they’ve all been laid. The incubation process then takes about 28 days, during which time she will rarely leave the nest. At least half, and sometimes more, of the poults won’t live longer than one year due to predation by coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and avian predators. If they can survive their first year of life, though, turkeys are pretty much in the clear and will only occasionally get picked off by a predator. Their flocking nature helps keep them safe. By fall of their first year, young males leave the flock and create their own little bachelor groups, and these jakes hopefully make it to the following spring where they call out from their roosts in the early morning light. We don’t often think about the life cycle of a hen turkey, but in truth, the hens control everything in the turkey hunting world. Figure out what the hens are doing and you’ll likely have more success bagging that trophy gobbler.
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Ralph Scherder
If you want to know where the gobblers are, then find the hens, and that means finding the habitat where they will feel safe while nesting and rearing their brood.
It all starts with nesting habitat. If the area you’re hunting lacks quality nesting habitat, there simply won’t be any hens in the area. Nesting habitat consists of dense brush, thick grassy fields, and areas that have been timbered in the past few years. The key is that a hen needs to feel safe. During the 28-day incubation
period, hens and their nests are extremely vulnerable, and there has to be enough cover to conceal her from predators. If the area you’re hunting lacks good nesting habitat, it will also lack birds, plain and simple. No hens, no gobblers. Turn To Gobblers Page 4
14
PAGC
Special Rules in Place for Spring Walleye
on Display
15
The Art & Science of Staying Dry Outdoors
8
Grey D. Berrier II
Preliminary 201617 PA Hunting Seasons
16
Super Sauger of our Local Rivers
12
Jeff Knapp
PAGC
RBFF to Again Sponsor Top Family Fishing Contest
Study Measures Anglers’ & Hunters’ Awareness
13
The Associated Press
Catchable Trout Release Schedule ODNR
10
2015 PA Bear Harvest Ranks 3rd All-Time
OUTDOOR CALENDAR
3-D Archery Sunday Shoots - March 20, April 17 at East Palestine Sportsmen’s Club, Failer St., East Palestine, OH 44413. 30 targets; registration: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost $10 adults, cubs under 12 free. Call Gary Day at 330-457-2205/330-853-9941. Website: www.epsportsmensclub.org. 3-D Archery Shoots - April 2-3; May 1; June 4-5 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Rd., Washingtonville, OH. All ages and equipment welcome; McKenzie Targets, 30 targets, no rangefinders. Reg. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults $10, Youth (10 & under) free. Contact Chuck York at 330-978-3253 or 330-716-3964. Gun & Sporting Goods Show - April 2-3 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.) at Hidden Valley Sportsmen’s Club, 268 Gilkey Rd., West Middlesex, PA. Admission $5, 12 & under free with an adult. For info. call 724-528-2700. Gun Show by Mahoning Valley Gun Collectors - April 16-17; (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Lowellville Rod and Gun Club. Admission $4. GPS address 6225 Quarry Road, Lowellville, OH. Call Bill at 330-506-9194.
Ohio Valley
What were these guys thinking? It was late in the 2015 deer-gun season, in central Ohio. After the large group of hunters encountered a routine license inspection from a local Division of By Larry Claypool Wildlife Officer, the Editor group continued their planned deer drive. They didn’t think they’d see Officer Matt Teders again that day. They did, and a few of his friends. A seven-year DNR veteran, Teders kept his eyes and ears open as he visited with the group of hunters. Evidently none of the hunters had their ‘brains’ turned on. They did, however, turn on their two-way radios to communicate with each other as the deer drive was on. Teders reported most of the hunters had radios and he overheard others communicating with the group. After releasing the hunters Teders managed to dailin his two-way radio to the same channel the hunters were using. Conversations heard by the DNR officer led to two of the hunters earning citations for their actions — and not for their “big bucks”. The most recent “Field Reports” from the DNR reported this information about the group’s late season hunt at Deer Creek Wildlife Area, “after an investigation, it was determined that one hunter had killed a second deer before temporarily tagging the first deer. The investigation also revealed which hunter had spoken on the radio to let the other hunters know which way the deer was running. Radios can be used while hunting, but cannot be used to communicate deer movement. Two hunters were cited, one for harvesting a second deer before at-
taching a tag to the first, and the second for the use of a radio to communicate deer movements. The hunters paid $390 in fines and court costs. What were they thinking? And continuing in the ‘what were they thinking’ department, ODNR District Four Wildlife Officer Jerrod Allison managed to nab 11 (yes eleven!) hunters in one day for hunting without permission in southeastern Ohio. This multiple display of ignorance — or disrespect — led all 11 ‘hunters’ to be ordered to pay fines and court costs in Coshocton Municipal Court recently. The ODNR’s Field Reports said, “during the extra two days of the 2015 deer-gun hunting season, State Wildlife Officer Jerrod Allison observed two hunters on private property in Coshocton County. Officer Allison received complaints about people hunting without permission on this property, so he made contact with the two hunters. They did not have written permission to be on the property, and further investigation revealed two other individuals were hunting with them. Officer Allison met the hunters at their vehicle on the next road over. As Officer Allison drove to that location, he observed a second group of seven hunters on the same property. He made contact with those hunters, who also did not have written permission. All 11 hunters were issued tickets for hunting without permission and all were ordered to pay fines and court costs in Coshocton Municipal Court.” Disrespect for the law also extends to the fishing community. One Indiana man found himself in hot water, and an Ohio court, after he left several undersize dead fish near a campground near Lake Loramine (Shelby County). The man also lightened his wallet ($205 in court fines) for not having a nonresident fishing license.
To Advertise CALL 330-385-2243
Outdoor Times March 2016
What Were They Thinking? OV Outdoor Times
INSIDE THIS MONTH
5 Historic PA Bull Elk
6
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
2
VOL. 8, NO. 3
is published by Ohio Valley Outdoors Magazine©
Offices located at
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times
210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, OH 43920 Phone 330-385-2243, Fax 330-385-7114 ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Publisher/Editor, Larry Claypool lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Graphics Designer, Linda McKenzie lmckenzie@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Sales Consultant, Tracy Bissell tbissell@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
Contributing Editors
Ralph Scherder, Hunting Editor Jeff Knapp, Fishing Editor Brian Miller, Field Editor
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS
Ohio Valley Outdoor Times is all about its readers. We’d love to hear from you. Send us something at ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
3
Cabins
hunting • fishing • vacation
12x 20' A-Frame
$400 400 OFF F ANY 12' 12' WIDE DE OR L LARGER ARGER BUILDING OFFER CANNOT NOT BE COMBINED. COMBINED. EXPIRES 04/16/2016 /16/2016
16x24' Cottage
ph 330.359.5708 toll free 800.359.7522 1.5 miles West of Winesburg on US 62 • Monday-Friday 7:00-3:30 (Winter Hours)
www.alpinestructures.net
4 Ice Fishing From Page 1
A gobbler, after all, will only occupy an area if he feels there is a reasonable chance of encountering a receptive hen. By breeding season, hens are already gravitating toward good nesting areas, and by default so are the gobblers. When you think about it, it’s no different than hunting whitetails in the rut. Find the doe groups and you will surely find the bucks. One way to locate the hens is to scout food sources and look for fresh scratchings. Food sources bordering good nesting habitat are golden in the world of turkey hunting. Write them down or mark them on a map if you have to. They will be consistent places to hunt year after year. Of course, there’s another element that shouldn’t be overlooked and that is rearing habitat. Rearing habitat is often closely associated with food sources, and can be one in the same if those food sources meet certain requirements. For instance, once broods are hatched, the hen will quickly lead her chicks to rearing habitat, and the closer it is to the nesting site, the better. A shorter travel distance means greater poult survival rates.
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Rearing habitat consists of grasses or areas where there are lots of insects. Many times, these are little openings in the woods where the ground may be a little swampy or especially damp and be home to large populations of bugs for chicks to feed on. If you plant food plots for whitetails, consider planting a few native grasses preferred by turkeys as nesting and rearing habitat in the spring. Also, leave plenty of natural openings in your woods. Hearing a gobbler sound off from its roost on a cool spring morning is a magical thing. It’s also the easiest and most obvious way to locate a bird. However, not all birds gobble every morning – in fact, there are certain individuals that just don’t gobble at all – but you can still locate them if you know where to look. When you have success in the turkey woods, it’s easy to forget the big picture. It’s more natural to place emphasis on your decoying and calling abilities than it is to focus on why those birds were even in the area in the first place. If you want to know where the gobblers are, then find the hens, and that means finding the habitat where they will feel safe while nesting and rearing their brood.
March 2016
WVDNR Propose More Liberal Hunting Seasons
SOUTH CHARLESTON, WV (AP) — Wildlife officials in West Virginia have proposed regulations to allow hunters to kill more white-tailed deer, black bears and turkeys in the fall. The Charleston Gazette-Mail reports Division of Natural Resources biologists made the proposal recently in South Charleston during the quarterly meeting of the state Natural Resources Commission, a panel responsible for setting season lengths and bag limits. If approved, the proposal would allow hunters to kill more antlerless deer and more female bears to control deer and bear populations. Division of Natural Resources game
management supervisor Gary Foster says the changes were prescribed in the state’s management plans for the two species. “Our deer and bear operational plans give us guidance on the setting of the seasons,” Foster said. The proposal would make deer bag limits more liberal in 21 counties or parts of counties, more restrictive in two and would remain the same in 33. It would also set more liberal regulations to 13 counties for bears. Another proposal would open the entire state to turkey hunting in the fall. If approved, the regulation would allow at least one week of hunting in every county during the fall.
SALT LAKE CITY, UT (AP) — Legislation that would open special hunting permits for 12-year-olds has gotten approval from Utah lawmakers. The Deseret News reports that a bill that would let 12-year-olds apply for once-in-a-lifetime or limited-entry permits received approval from the Senate
late February. In Utah, 12-year-olds are allowed to hunt big game. The legislation would also let children that age accumulate points every time they enter a permit lottery but aren’t chosen. It now awaits action from the governor.
Utah May Allow 12-year-olds a Lifetime Permit
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Historic PA Bull Elk on Display
HARRISBURG, PA — Killed unlawfully in a 2014 poaching spree, one of the largest bull elk in state history is making its way back to Pennsylvania as part of a traveling display of exceptional bulls that was featured at the Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg in February. The bull was taken, alongside two others, in a night of poaching by three men in Karthaus Township (Clearfield County, PA) in September 2014. Wildlife Conservation Officer Mark Gritzer had been staking out the area where the giant 10- by 9-point bull had been hanging around and was quick to intercept the poachers after the shot rang out. The three men each pleaded guilty to their charges, and their sentences included time in jail and fines totaling almost $39,000. With the case resolved, the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation had a mount fashioned from elk’s cape and antlers. And following completion of this year’s Great Elk Tour, it will returned to the Game Commission’s ownership. With a Boone & Crockett gross score of 460 1/8 inches, the Historic Pennsyl-
vania Poaching bull is the largest among those on the tour this year. It’s the largest poached bull in state history, and among the largest ever. Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said the historic bull is a testament to the quality elk Pennsylvania produces. It exemplifies the reason people flock to the state’s elk range each fall to view elk, and why a growing number have submitted applications each year in hopes of hunting them. “While it’s a shame to lose an animal of this quality to a senseless, unlawful act, from a conservation perspective, this is case to be proud of,” Hough said. “It shows the dedication of our officers, who often work overnight and into the next morning to catch poachers in the act. It shows the resolve of our justice system to take these cases seriously. And it shows that, through the generosity of partner organizations like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, a trophy like this won’t entirely go to waste as it’s put on display for all to see.” Mark Holyoak, director of communication for the Rocky Mountain Elk
5 Foundation, said the impressive mount provides a unique teaching opportunity. “Featuring the Pennsylvania bull among the six Great Elk Tour mounts gives us the opportunity to talk about the importance of legal, ethical hunting and its vital link to conservation,” Holyoak said. “We are grateful to our partners at Pennsylvania Game Commission for their dedication and are excited to bring the tour back to Harrisburg.”
JOIN OVO ON THE NET:
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of PAGC
This bull elk was taken, alongside two others, in a night of poaching by three men in Karthaus Township (Clearfield County, PA) in September 2014. The mount will be used as an educational display piece for the PA Game Commission.
Ohio Valley Outdoors www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
The Art and Science of Staying Dry Outdoors
“What was the worst weather you ever experienced, while you were in the field?” This is one of the most frequent questions I receive when I tell people I was assigned to Fort By Col.(Ret.)Grey D. Berrier II Wainwright in FairFIN Pro Staff banks, Alaska from 1985-89. I’ve learned that what they’re really asking is, “What was the coldest temperature you ever encountered while you were in the field in Alaska?” My standard response is that we endured -82°F (that was the temperature, not the wind chill) during Joint Training Exercise Brim Frost ’89 out in the Tanana Flats, south of Fairbanks, in January 1989 as verified by a U.S. Air Force weather team sent out from nearby Eielson Air Force Base. If our discussion continues, I usually elaborate that from my personal experience, the worst weather to be out in the field for an extended period of time is 33° to 39°F with persistent rain. During those continuous cold, wet conditions, after a day or so, your clothing and sleeping gear both start to get damp and you begin to lose the ability to retain heat and dry out. This can quickly result in a very OV Outdoor Times
6
real hypothermic situation, where you may encounter an uncontrollable loss in body temperature and corresponding lifethreatening complications. The truth of the matter is that I’ve experience more extended periods of cold rains afield, here in Pennsylvania and Ohio, than I ever did in Alaska. With Spring just around the corner, outdoorsmen and women are starting to look ahead to fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and other eagerly anticipated outdoor activities. Frequently, our busy schedules force us to pick a day or several day period, well in advance, when we can head out; but often the weather does not cooperate when the time finally arrives. We’re forced to make a decision to either: drive on with our plans, in spite of the cold, wet weather, or with great disappointment, abandon the effort and just stay home. If you’re like me, you most likely are going to tough it out and continue to head afield in the rain to pursue your passion. That is when a little knowledge in the art and science of staying dry outdoors can make the difference between being comfortable in the midst of the rain or being absolutely miserable because of the rain. Human beings living in temperate environments, such as ours, have perpetually had to deal with periods of cold, wet Turn To Staying Dry Page 7
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo by Grey D. Berrier II
The author’s collection of rainy weather clothing that he depends on to keep him dry while hunting, fishing, hiking or kayaking.
March 2016
Staying Dry From Page 6
weather in the Spring, Fall, and Winter. Some agricultural, commercial, construction, and military occupations have always forced individuals to spend extended periods outdoors in these inhospitable conditions. Historically, some of the most important, yet often overlooked, technological developments that benefitted the common man were in wet weather gear. The simple vulcanized rubber poncho/ground cloth was a major step forward for soldiers in the American Civil War. The oil cloth slicker, refined by Filson and other manufacturers, has been a stalwart companion of farmers, ranchers, cowboys, and outdoorsmen for over a century. Staying dry and avoiding hypothermia is a persistent fight for those who are forced or simply choose to head outdoors in cold rain. When I was in elementary school in the late 1960’s and early 1970’s, I think every child had their standard yellow PVC raincoat they donned for the obligatory walk to school or the bus stop. I remember learning about “field expedient” rain gear from my maternal grandfather on the opening day of trout season, when I was only 11. My dad, uncle, and I were getting ready to head to the stream
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
shortly after sunrise, when the skies opened up and none of us had raingear. Not to be deterred by the inclement weather, Pop-Pop quickly pulled out three large garbage bags, cut out the necessary holes for our heads and arms, and sent us on our way. When it came time to head to Penn State as a freshman in August 1981, I can still recall my parents having a disagreement over the $55 (a lot of money back then) Woolrich raincoat I wanted, since I didn’t relish the thought of walking around campus toting an umbrella. Fortunately, Dad saw my point of view and made the purchase. I still occasionally remind my Mom, almost 35 years later, I still wear that Woolrich raincoat and it was a good investment that has stood the test of time. My biggest challenge with all raingear, and probably yours too, is I can sweat profusely when I’m active. The decision frequently comes down to how wet I am going to get on the outside (from the rain) vs. how soaked am I going to get on the inside (from perspiration). If you will be relatively stationary, there is nothing wrong with staying dry and warm in a cold rain with an unbreathable outer layer, such as rubber, PVC, coated nylon, or plastic tops and bottoms, or a poncho. However, if you are going to be
How to Contact US
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
• E-mail: lclaypool@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Write: “Dear OVTimes” at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920 • Please include your full name, address and phone number. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.
ADVERTISING
• E-mail: advertising@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com • Phone: 330-385-2243 • Fax: 330-385-7114 • Write: advertising at Ohio Valley Outdoor Times: 210 E. 4th Street, East Liverpool, Ohio 43920
conducting more strenuous activities, such as hiking, walking an extended distance to your hunting stand or fishing spot, chopping wood, or dragging a deer; you are probably going to want raingear made from one of the newer waterproofbreathable fabrics. Cost also becomes an issue, since high quality raingear can definitely become the most expensive clothing choice in your outdoor apparel arsenal. Rather interesting is that the recent rapid progression in rainwear technology somewhat parallels my military career. When I first started out as an Army ROTC Cadet at Penn State in 1981, our sole piece of wet weather gear was a standard issue military poncho. We folded it to specified dimensions and carried it on the back of our LBE (loadbearing equipment), everywhere we went. That way it was always available and easily donned when needed. To this day, a surplus military poncho is a good investment since it is compact to carry, permits some air circulation to dissipate perspiration, and makes an excellent field-expedient “poncho hooch” shelter when stretched between two trees. It wasn’t until I was commissioned and attending the Field Artillery Officer Basic Course at Fort Sill, OK in June 1985 that
7
we received the standard Army-issue OD green wet weather gear top and bottoms. We quickly found that while the dualcoated nylon material kept you dry from the rain, it did not breathe and you subsequently became sweat-soaked on the inside, if you were active. It was a substantial leap forward when the U.S. Army developed and began to issue Gore-Tex parkas and trousers as a component of their 1st Generation Extended Cold Weather Clothing System (ECWCS) in the late 1980’s. For the first time, we had an external clothing option that was waterproof on the outside, yet breathable from the inside. Remarkably, Gore-Tex fabric is made from polytetrofluorethylene (PTFE), the same material as the Teflon that lines your favorite cookware. However, Gore-Tex is a virtually weightless film, called expanded polytetrofluorethylene (ePTFE), that is rapidly stretched to form an extremely thin membrane containing billions of microscopic pores that are too small to permit water droplets (rain) to get in, but are large enough to allow water vapor (sweat/perspiration) to get out. Gore-Tex, patented and licensed by W.L. Gore & Associates of Newark, DE, is the “gold-standard” of the waterproofTurn To Staying Dry Page 9
8
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Super Sauger of our Local Rivers OV Outdoor Times
A recent spell of mild weather had unlocked the ice on the lower Allegheny River. We had drifted about a hundred yards downriver of the mouth of Buffalo Creek, near Freeport, when my By Jeff Knapp partner Dave Keith Fishing Editor exclaimed, “there’s one.” A couple minutes later a quality-sized sauger was securely in the net. The measuring board showed it to be 17.75 inches, a quarter-inch shy of the 18-inch requirement for citation-sized sauger in Pennsylvania. A closely related cousin of the walleye, the sauger, in my experience, can be an enigma of a species. At times they can be ridiculously plentiful and easy to catch; at others, as rare as a play without a yawn. Sauger are river fish, native to the Ohio River basin, of which the Allegheny is a large contributor. Members
of the Percidae family, they are considered the most migratory of the percids, which probably has a lot to do with their here today, gone tomorrow character. Other than to reintroduce the species to waters on the rebound, sauger are not stocked in Pennsylvania. Since the species is self-supporting, it is subject to the highs and lows of natural reproduction, the success of which is largely influenced by the conditions during spawning time, March and April around here. When conditions are good – stable water levels with gradually increasing water temperatures – strong year classes of sauger can occur. The fish grow quickly, often reaching the legal size of 12 inches by autumn of their second year. A price is paid for this rapid growth, though. They don’t live long, typically breaking down physically by their third or fourth year. Most of the sauger caught within Pennsylvania’s share of the Ohio River drainage average 11 to 13 inches or so. Few fish over 15 inches show up, and this is why. Most simply don’t live long enough to attain a
March 2016
Ohio Valley Outdoors–Photo by Jeff Knapp
Dave Keith displays a nice sauger taken from the Allegheny River in mid-February.
longer length. But more years than not conditions are not great for sauger production, which is typical of river situations. It’s common
for year classes to be missing. Perhaps it’s just a bit more evident with sauger, Turn To Super Sauger Page 9
March 2016
Super Sauger From Page 8
more of a cycle of boom or bust. Sauger fare better in turbid water, which explains why they do well in the lower reaches of the Allegheny River, as well as the Monongahela and Ohio Rivers. The water in these river stretches tends to be off color. In the case of the Allegheny, it’s common for sauger to outnumber walleye from, roughly, the Freeport area on down to the Pittsburgh. Upriver of Freeport, as the water clears, sauger become less numerous. Above East Brady, where the free-flowing portion of the Allegheny starts (and the river is much clearer), sauger are rare, but walleyes flourish. I’ve read that where both walleye and sauger exist, it’s common to catch sauger in deeper water, given their preference for darker settings. But I’ve not found this to be the case. When sauger populations are strong I’ve taken them right alongside walleyes, from deep water and shallow. Sauger and walleye cross breed, at times in a natural setting, but much more commonly in a hatchery environment. The saugeye, as the hybrid is called, is an important component of some state’s fish management program. They do well in
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Ohio reservoirs, which tend to be silty and turbid. Saugeyes were tried in Pennsylvania, but didn’t seem to fare well, with a high degree of escapement from the reservoirs where they were planted. Back in the 1980s and 90s Dave Keith and I caught many saugeyes from the Allegheny, in an around the mouth of the Kiskiminetas River, fish most likely stocked in Loyalhanna Lake originally. Loyalhanna Creek and the Connemaugh River form the Kiskiminetas River in Saltsburg. And the Kiski River is about 27 miles long. So those fish traveled some ways to get to the Allegheny. Even though sauger don’t attain the size of walleyes, when their numbers are up they provide some great fishing.
Subscribe to OVO
A great gift
1-yr subscription $14.95 2-yrs for $25.00 Call 330-385-2243
Staying Dry From Page 7
breathable fabrics industry. Gore-Tex fabric employs precision three-layer technology. The outer layer or face fabric is the color/camouflage pattern you see on the clothing rack and it is treated with a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish. The middle layer, the “heart and soul” of Gore-Tex fabric, is the ePTFE membrane that is treated with a protective coating to repel contaminants that could retard breathability, such as sunscreen residue, body oil, and sweat. The inner layer is the soft, silk-like lining you feel against your skin. On a positive note, besides being waterproof, Gore-Tex is windproof, so it also helps protect against wind chill. However, one knock against Gore-Tex is that while it is breathable to enable water vapor to escape, it does not permit hot air (body heat) to escape, so Gore-Tex garments typically have pit zips that you can open to vent hot air or you can partially unzip your jacket. Most of the major outdoor clothing and footwear manufacturers, that we’re all familiar with, are licensees of W.L. Gore & Associates in order to utilize well-known and highly-respected Gore-Tex fabric in their products. However, because of the
9 lucrative market for waterproof- breathable fabrics in the billion-dollar-a-year outdoor apparel industry, various competitors to Gore-Tex are on the market. They include OmniDry by Columbia, NeoShell by Polartec, and eVent by BHA Group. (It is claimed that eVent can allow hot air to escape through pores in the membrane, while still remaining impervious to external wind currents.) Other well-known options include North Face’s HyVent, Patagonia’s H2NO, Marmot’s MemBrain. Frogg Toggs uniquely employ a Tyvek bio suit material by DuPont and are very reasonably priced. Don’t let a cold rain stop you from passionately pursuing your favorite outdoor activity. Use some common sense when it comes to the best raingear options that will keep you warm and dry, based on your activity level and your budget. There is an old Norwegian saying, “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing choices.” Make the right clothing decision the next time you head afield in cold, rainy weather. You’ll be glad you still went outdoors and you’ll be very content with the simple things in life, like staying warm and dry!
10
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
2015 PA Bear Harvest Ranks Third All-time
HARRISBURG, PA — With the total now official, the top eight Pennsylvania bear harvests in state history all have occurred in the past decade. It was a large harvest, and a heavy one. Pennsylvania hunters harvested a total of 3,748 bears in 2015, the third-highest tally in state history, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reported today. And a whopping 68 of those bears topped the 500-pound mark. The harvest total represents an increase compared to 2014, when 3,371 bears were taken. With 2015 total now official, the eight largest bear harvests all have occurred in the past decade. The all-time high was recorded in 2011, when 4,350 bears were harvested. Hunters harvested 4,164 in 2005 and 3,510 bears in 2013. Hunters in 2015 harvested bears in 57 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, an increase compared to 2014, when bears were taken in 56 counties. Bears were taken in 20 of the state’s 23 Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), and each of the Game Commission’s six regions saw a larger harvest in 2015 compared to the previous year. The 68 bears harvested weighing 500
pounds or more represents a sharp increase from 2014, when 41 bears taken by hunters reached or exceeded the 500-pound mark. And 18 bears in the 2015 harvest topped 600 pounds. Two bears tied for heaviest in the harvest, each weighing an estimated 713 pounds. The first was taken on the Nov. 21 statewide opener in Blair Township, Blair County, by Richard A. Watt, of Gallitzin, Pa. The second was taken Nov. 23 in Granville Township, Mifflin County, by Gregory A. Wilson, of Lewistown. Rounding out the 2015 list of the top 10 heaviest bears were an estimated 685pound male taken Nov. 21 in Letterkenny Township, Franklin County by Dustin J. Foust, of Orrstown, Pa.; a 652-pound male taken in Todd Township, Fulton County, on the Nov. 16 opener of the statewide bear archery season by Garry E. Miller Jr., of McConnellsburg, Pa.; a 649-pound male taken in Limestone Township, Warren County, by Matthew B. Stanga, of Tarentum, Pa.; a 648-pound male taken in Brush Creek Township, Fulton County, by Andrew D. Fischer, of Crystal Spring, Pa.; a 640-pound male taken in Weatherly TownTurn To PA Bear Page 11
March 2016
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of PAGC
Paul S. Mahon, of Montoursville, Pa., poses with the 561-pound male bear he harvested in Plunketts Creek Township (Lycoming County, PA), during the statewide archery bear season. Mahon is one of 68 Pennsylvania hunters in 2015 to harvest a bear weighing more than 500 pounds.
March 2016
PA Bear From Page 10
ship, Carbon County, by Kenneth J. Mehlig, of Weatherly, Pa.; a 632-pound male taken Nov. 24 in Worth Township, Centre County by Chad A. Seeger of Port Matilda, Pa.; a 631-pound male taken Nov. 25 in Hillsgrove Township, Sullivan County by Skyler M. Hubler, of Dushore, Pa.; and a 629-pound male taken Nov. 24 in Greene Township, Pike County by John Gilpin, of Newfoundland, Pa. Lycoming County, perennially among the top counties for bear harvests again led the way with 312 harvests in 2014, up from 286 the previous year. Among other top counties for bear harvests in 2015 were: Clinton, 265 (179 in 2014); Tioga 196 (275); Pike 180 (111); and Centre, 162 (117). The four-day general season again set the pace for the overall harvest, with 2,724 bears being taken during that season. But the extended seasons and the archery bear season also contributed to the totals. Statewide, 803 bears were harvested in extended seasons while 209 were taken during the archery bear season. Pike County claimed the highest harvest in extended seasons, with 56 bears taken after the close of the general statewide bear season. Other top counties, and their harvest totals during the extended seasons, were: Wayne, 52; Tioga, 51; Lycoming,
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
50; Luzerne, 49; and Bradford, 46. The Game Commission handled and tagged more than 900 bears statewide in Pennsylvania last year, and the percentage of those bears harvested by hunters suggests the state’s bear population grew between 2014 and 2015, said agency bear biologist Mark Ternent. The state’s bear population had held stable at about 18,000 from 2008 to 2014. But in 2014, harsh weather greeted bear hunters in much of the state during the general bear season opener, and this fact likely contributes to the bear population bumping to an estimated 20,000 animals, Ternent said. The last time the population bumped after several years of a stable population trend, it also did so after a year after harsh weather during bear season, Ternent said. A record number of bear licenses – 175,314 – were sold in 2015, as well, continuing a trend of an increasing number of bear hunters. Game Commission Executive Director R. Matthew Hough said the growing interest in bear hunting isn’t surprising given the recent string of top harvests, and the future for bear hunting looks as bright as ever. “It might sound like a broken record, but, truly, there has never been a better time to hunt bears in Pennsylvania,” Hough said. “Each year, another top har-
Split Firearms Deer Seasons Up for Approval
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners adopted a slate of deer seasons for 2016-17, proposing to retain a split, five-day antlered deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 2) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 5-10) in 18 Wildlife Management Units. Hunters with Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) antlerless deer permits may use the permits on the lands for which they were issued during any established deer season, and will continue to be permitted to harvest antlerless deer from Nov. 30- Dec. 10 in 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3D 3C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E. The board retained antler restrictions in place for adult and senior license holders since the 2011-12 seasons. It remains the “three-up” on one side, not counting a brow tine.
11
Walleye Madness Tournament Slate Set
PENINSULA, OH — Walleye Madness Tournaments (WMT) have announced its 2016 tournament schedule with four Ohio events scheduled. Registration for the events are now open. WMT is operated by their officially sanctioned Walleye Federation club - Walleye Team 6 (WT6). The 2016 WMT schedule includes four Hot Bite events: April 24 at Mosquito Lake (South State Ramp); May 8 at Berlin Lake (Bonner Road Ramp); May 28 at Lake Erie, Lorain (Black River Ramp) blow day, May 29 and June 25 at Lake Erie, Geneva (Geneva State Ramp), blow day June 26. Inland events will have a 40-boat maximum limit and Lake Erie events will have 50-boat limit. Organizers expect all events to sell out. Entry fee is $150. Visit their website: www.walleyemadness.net for entry deadlines and registration forms or contact WT6 at: info@walleyeteamsix.com or call club president Adam Momirov at: 330-904-6446. WT6 is the largest Walleye Federation Club in Ohio. Membership to the club is now open. Members get a lot of perks, including discounted tackle and gear. The title sponsors of Walleye Madness Tournaments are: Lund Boats, Mercury Marine and Buckeye Sports Center. Events will feature $700 in contingency bonuses: $200 No Pay Buckeye Sports Center Big Fish; $300 Lund Boats bonus and $200 Mercury Marine bonus. All WMT tournaments are National Team Championship Side Pot events. vest is added to the record books, and the largest one yet very possibly might be around the corner.” What a decade for bear hunting. The 2015 Pennsylvania bear harvest, the third-largest in state history, joined other recent seasons near the top of the record
books. With the totals now official, the eight of the top 10 harvests all have occurred in the last decade. Here’s a look: 1. 4,350 – 2011; 2. 4,164 – 2005; 3. 3,748 – 2015; 4. 3,623 – 2012; 5. 3,512 – 2009; 6. 3,510 – 2013; 7. 3,458 – 2008 and 8. 3,366 – 2014.
12
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Study Measures Anglers’ & Hunters’ Awareness of Conservation
ALEXANDRIA, VA — A new survey released by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Council to Advance Hunting and the Shooting Sports (CAHSS), reveals detailed information on anglers’, boaters’, hunters’ and recreational shooters’ current awareness of the connection between conservation and licenses. This first-time study, which was conducted by Colle + McVoy and Carbonview Research, and fielded between September 29 and October 28, 2015, surveyed a total of 1540 respondents (788 anglers and boaters; 752 hunters and shooting sport participants). The study benchmarked participants’ awareness of conservation, knowledge of how licenses and excise taxes fund conservation, and messages that targeted audience groups are most likely to respond to. Overall, the study revealed approximately 75 percent of respondents are aware of the connection between licensing and conservation, and over 90 percent like the idea that their license fees fund conservation efforts. However, conservation is not the primary reason they partic-
ipate. In addition, eight in 10 respondents reported the main reason for purchasing a license is not conservation but rather widespread awareness that it is required and the “right thing to do.” “Supporting conservation by increasing participation is fundamental to our mission,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “With this new study, we have a window on how much anglers and boaters actually know about the role of licenses in funding conservation efforts, and how we can tailor messages to increase their understanding and engagement.” “We were surprised to find that most hunters and shooters (over 80%) were aware that license funds go towards conservation through the hands of state fish and wildlife agencies” noted CAHSS President and CEO, John Frampton.
• Outdoor Enthusiasts, Avid Anglers and Boaters are more aware of the connection between license fees and conservation than their counterparts (Family Outdoors, Beginner/Intermediate Anglers and non-Boaters). • Outdoor Enthusiasts, Avid Anglers and Boaters are all significantly more likely to purchase a license both because they are “passionate” about their sport and because fees go towards conservation. • Almost all anglers and boaters (96%) care about healthy fish populations and our waterways. • The two highest conservation messages detail out that 100% of fishing licensing fees are invested back into ensuring healthy fish populations. • Anglers with less experience were, on the whole, less aware of the ties between license purchases and conservation. • Among the study’s anglers, almost two-thirds own their own boat, and most use their boat to fish.
Hunters participate in outdoor activities at least once a month. • The two highest conservation messages detail out that 100% of hunting licensing fees are invested back into ensuring healthy wildlife populations. • Only 30% of hunters and 41% of shooting sports participants are aware that manufacturers pay excise taxes on the sale of firearms, ammunition, and archery equipment that go towards conservation efforts. • Shooters actively participate more often than Hunters, who typically hunt between 1-4 times per year. • Typical demographics of hunting and shooting sports enthusiasts: 47% female to 53% male; age — 18-34 year olds hold 41% and 35-44 hold 25%.
About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation.
GUN & SPORTING GOODS SHOW KEY FISHING & BOATING FINDINGS: • Participants boat and fish because they appreciate the outdoors and time spent with family or in the solitude of nature.
APRIL 2 (9
AM
- 4PM)
KEY HUNTING & SHOOTING SPORTS FINDINGS: • Participants enjoy hunting and the shooting sports because it gives them time to spend outdoors and to build relationships with family and friends. • The majority of Shooters and
• APRIL 3 (9
AM
Buy - Sell - Trade - Browse
- 2PM)
Free Parking • $5 Admission
(children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult)
Hidden Valley Sportsmen’s Club 268 Gilkey Road, West Middlesex, PA • 724-528-2700 (an IRS approved 501(c) non-profit organization)
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Catchable Trout Release Schedule Announced
COLUMBUS, OH — Just over 100,000 rainbow trout are expected to be released this spring in 64 Ohio public lakes and ponds, creating excellent fishing opportunities for anglers all across Ohio, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). The first rainbow trout release was slated for release on March 11 at Adams Lake in Adams County. Rainbow trout releases will take place across Ohio through May 7 as long as areas are ice-free and accessible to anglers. Information about the trout releases, including updates to the schedule due to weather and stocking locations, is available at wildohio.gov or by calling 1-800-WILDLIFE (945-3543). Stocking these areas across the state are expected to create opportunities for anglers of all ages to get out and enjoy quality spring trout fishing in a family friendly environment. Many stocked locations will feature special angler events, including youth-only fishing on the day of the trout release. Rainbow trout are raised at state fish hatcheries and measure 10-13 inches be-
fore they are released by the ODNR Division of Wildlife. The daily catch limit for inland lakes is five trout. Anglers age 16 and older must have an Ohio fishing license to fish in state public waters. The 2016-2017 fishing license is now available, and is valid through Feb. 28, 2017. An annual resident fishing license costs $19. A one-day fishing license costs $11 for residents and nonresidents. The one-day license may also be redeemed for credit toward the purchase of an annual fishing license. Licenses and permits can be purchased online at wildohio.gov and at participating agents throughout the state. A complete list of participating license sales agents can be found at wildohio.gov. Sales of fishing licenses along with the Federal Sport Fish Restoration (SFR) program continue to fund the operation of the ODNR Division of Wildlife’s fish hatcheries. No state tax dollars are used for this activity. This is strictly a userpay, user-benefit program. The SFR program is a partnership be-
Ohio Valley Outdoors– Photo courtesy of ODNR
The Ohio DNR annually release about 100K rainbow trout each spring in 64 locations throughout the Buckeye State.
Stocking these areas are expected to create opportunities for anglers of all ages to get out and enjoy quality spring trout fishing in a family friendly environment.
tween federal and state government, industry, anglers and boaters. When anglers purchase rods, reels, fishing tackle, fish finders and motor boat fuel, they pay an excise tax. The federal government collects these taxes, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service administers and disburses these funds to state fish and wildlife agencies. These funds are used to acquire habitat, produce and stock fish, conduct research and surveys, provide aquatic education to youth and secure and develop boat accesses. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
13
14
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Deadline Nears for Recreational Trails Program Grants
COLUMBUS, OH — The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is still accepting applications through April 1 for the Clean Ohio Trails Fund (COTF) and the Recreational Trails Program (RTP). The application deadline for both grants has traditionally been Feb. 1. However, in an effort to encourage more communities to pursue this opportunity, the 2016 application deadline for both trail grants has been changed to April 1. “This extension of the application deadline is a rare opportunity that will allow communities to further develop their local and regional trail projects expanding recreational trails to new neighborhoods,” said ODNR Office of Real Estate Chief Paul R. Baldridge. “We want to encourage more communities to take advantage of this extension to help improve outdoor recreational access for their residents.” The COTF and RTP are reimbursement grant programs that help fund recreational trails throughout the state. After this year, ODNR intends to return to the traditional Feb. 1 application deadline for these two trail grant pro-
grams. Studies show recreational trails are extremely popular with Ohioans and offer a great way to exercise, enjoy fresh air, and experience Ohio’s flora and fauna. In an effort to further facilitate trail development in Ohio, ODNR will be offering a higher grant award level through the COTF in 2016. Traditionally, the maximum funding amount through this program has been $500,000. The COTF is one component of the Clean Ohio Fund, which restores, protects and connects Ohio’s natural and urban places. Ohioans approved the establishment of the $400 million bond program in 2000. Ten rounds of funding have been awarded through the COTF. Eligible projects include: acquisition of land corridors for trails, trail development, trailheads in combination with trail development and associated engineering design. The application and complete submission guidelines can be found at http://realestate.ohiodnr.gov/outdoorrecreation-facility-grants. Visit the ODNR website at ohiodnr.gov.
March 2016
Ohio Bank Closes Gun Auctioneer’s Accounts
The Associated Press MEDINA, OH — A gun auctioneer recently had his accounts with FirstMerit Bank terminated due to potentially “risky” business practices despite the fact that his business is legal. “Apparently this is a pretty common thing,” Russ Farnsworth said. “I got a certified letter in the mail on Saturday (Feb. 20) letting me know that my accounts were being terminated, but it didn’t give a reason, and when I went into a branch, they didn’t know either. It wasn’t until I called in that I got an answer.” Farnsworth said the people he spoke with on the phone told him the fact that he sells firearms through online auctions is considered a risky business practice, and as such, they reserved the right to terminate their accounts with him. Farnsworth said he mainly auctions used guns, usually hunting or basic shotguns “not anything that would raise a red flag” online and out of his home on Bear Swamp Road, in Medina County. “I got a call from the president of the bank,” he said. “He explained to me that since I had all of the legal paperwork, like my federal and state licenses, and seemed to be on the up and up they
could reinstate my account if I wanted to.” Farnsworth said he was planning to switch his accounts to another bank but doesn’t have a chip on his shoulder with Akron-based FirstMerit. Farnsworth said when he spoke with state Rep. Stephen Hambley, RBrunswick, about the incident he was informed of the U.S. Department of Justice’s “Operation Choke Point,” which was initiated in 2013 and made it legal for any bank to sever ties with risky businesses. Rob Townsend, who works with FirstMerit’s media relations department, said the bank does not discuss its relationships with specific customers but outlined the bank’s policies in regards to Operation Choke Point. “There are certain things that fall outside of what we’re comfortable dealing with,” Townsend said. “For example, we usually try to avoid dealing with payday loans. And things that might be legal in other states but aren’t here, like the selling of marijuana or medical marijuana.” Townsend said the bank deals with many licensed firearms salesmen like Farnsworth, but it’s the online part of gun sales that are risky.
Special Rules in Place for Spring Walleye
The Associated Press TOLEDO, OH — When hundreds of thousands of walleyes go through their annual ritual and leave Lake Erie to charge up the Maumee and Sandusky rivers each spring, their spawning run works as if a superpowered magnet and draws an equally impressive number of anglers into those waterways. The walleyes that take part in this mass migration — the largest such walleye run east of the Mississippi River — are triggered to move by an intricate combination of water temperature, river flow and the photoperiod (length of daylight). Mother Nature tells these fish that it is time to travel up the rivers and perpetuate the species. The fishermen make their move for one very simple reason — the fish. For anglers without access to a boat that would allow them to tap into Lake Erie’s wealth of walleyes, this is their one real golden opportunity to catch this freshwater filet mignon. The spring spawning run of Lake Erie walleyes occurs sometime between March 1 and April 30 — a few wayward souls show up early and a few wander in late, but the overwhelming majority sticks to the schedule. It is such a unique phenomenon, with such an unusual concentration of a highly coveted gamefish, that it requires its own special set of rules. Before any angler is truly “Ready for the Run,” they must be very familiar with those guidelines. Ignorance of the law gets you no free pass during the river run. The Ten Commandments of spring walleye fishing apply to the Maumee, Sandusky, Portage and Mahoning rivers, but most of the attention is on the Maumee and the Sandusky. These special regulations are in place from March 1 through April 30. Single hooks: Anglers are allowed to use only a single hook — no double or treble hooks — and the hook may not be larger than one-half inch from shank to point. Fishing hours: Fishing is permitted only from sunrise to sunset in the same closely defined areas on the Portage and Mahoning rivers. No fishing: Throughout the March 1 — April 30 time frame, no fishing is allowed on the Sandusky River from the Ballville Turn To Rules Page 16
March 2016
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Preliminary 2016-17 PA Hunting Seasons Approved
HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners recently gave preliminary approval to hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2016-17 license year. Modifications proposed for the 201617 seasons include: opening the squirrel and rabbit seasons on the same day; making the length of the snowshoe-hare season consistent statewide; decreasing the length of the fall-turkey season in Wildlife Management Units 1A, 1B, 2A and 4C; adding an extended, four-day season for black bears in WMU 1B; eliminating the extended season for black bears in WMU 3A; and doubling to 12 days the length of the fisher trapping season in the 13 WMUs with fisher seasons. The public may offer comments on all proposed 2016-17 seasons and bag limits, as well as other board actions, between now and the board’s next meeting, April 4 and 5, at which time the board is scheduled to finalize seasons and bag limits for 2016-17. Also, the board will receive at its April meeting staff recommendations for
antlerless deer license allocations for each of the 23 WMUs. Deer harvest estimates for the 2015-16 seasons will be available in mid-March. Following are several articles on meeting highlights.
Fall Turkey Season Changes Move Forward The Commissioners gave preliminary approval to fall turkey seasons for 2016 and spring gobbler dates for 2017. The slate of turkey seasons tentatively approved represents a reduction in the length of the fall seasons in four Wildlife Management Units – WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A and 4C. Those four WMUs all have shown indications of declining turkey population trends. The recommendation to reduce season lengths in those WMUs is in accordance with guidelines in the Game Commission’s Wild Turkey Management Plan. If the preliminary vote is given final approval, the fall season in WMUs 1A and 2A would be reduced to one week (Oct. 29-Nov. 5), plus a three-day
COLUMBUS, OH — The Sportsmen’s Alliance announced on February 26 that the U.S. House of Representatives passed the bipartisan Sportsmen’s Heritage and Recreational Enhancement (SHARE) Act. “The House has yet again passed these critically important measures by a wide, bi-partisan margin,” said Evan Heusinkveld. “These items now join the Bipartisan Sportsmen’s Act in the Senate. Sportsmen and women should cal their Senators today and urge quick passage of these pro-sportsman measures.” While the bill contains many provisions important to hunters, anglers, trappers and recreational shooters, the Open Until Closed portion of the bill has been an important goal of the Sportsmen’s Alliance, and one in which we have played an instrumental role. Highlights of the bill include: Open Until Closed: Requiring lands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and U.S. Forest Service (USFS) be open for hunting, fishing, and recreational shooting unless specifically closed for cause. This action helps to prevent lawsuits by national anti-hunting
groups attempting to use the courts to stop hunting opportunities on public land. Removal the gray wolf from the protections of the Endangered Species Act in the Great Lakes states of Michigan, Minnesota and Wisconsin, where population levels have exploded past stated recovery goals. Preventing the EPA or other federal agencies other than the Fish and Wildlife Service from regulating the use of lead in ammunition or fishing weights and sinkers. This action is necessary to stop anti-hunting and -fishing groups from using the courts to force the EPA to ban traditional ammunition and fishing tackle. Language allowing for archery equipment to be transported across National Park Service lands. Increasing state wildlife management authority to use Pittman-Robertson funding for acquiring land for shooting ranges, and providing liability protection to public ranges. The bill now heads for the U.S. Senate where it joins S. 556 and S. 659 awaiting action by the full Senate.
SHARE Act Passes House
Thanksgiving season (Nov. 24-26). In WMU 1B, the season would be remain one week (Oct. 29-Nov.5), but the Thanksgiving season would be eliminated. And in WMU 4C, the season would be reduced to two weeks (Oct. 29-Nov. 12), plus the three-day Thanksgiving season (Nov.24-26). The tentative fall season dates for 2016, as approved by the board today, are: WMU 1B, Oct. 29-Nov.5; WMU 2B (shotgun and bow only), Oct. 29Nov. 18 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 1A and 2A, Oct. 29-Nov. 5 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D; Oct. 29-Nov. 12 and Nov. 24-26; WMUs 2C and 4E, Oct. 29-Nov. 18, and Nov. 24-26; and WMU 5A, Nov. 3-5. WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D will remain closed for the fall seasons. For the 2017 spring gobbler season, which is proposed to run from April 29May 31, the board continued with legal hunting hours to reflect the following: from April 29-May 13, legal shooting hours will be one-half hour before sunrise until noon timeframe; and from May 15-31, hunters may hunt all day, from one-half hour before sunrise until onehalf hour after sunset. The board proposed holding the oneday Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt on April
15
22, 2017, which will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. All junior license holders and Mentored Youth Hunting Program permit holders can participate in this special half-day hunt, as well as the other spring season dates.
Other Modifications Explained Regarding the black bear seasons to be held in the 2016-17 license year, the only change proposed – the addition of a four-day extended season in WMU 1B – was given preliminary approval by the board. If given final approval, this season would run concurrent Wednesday through Saturday of the first week of firearms deer season in WMU 1B (Nov. 30-Dec.3). This season was recommended to prevent further expansion of bears into the western portion of WMU 1B, where the potential for bear-human conflicts is high.
Visit our website: ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
16
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
RBFF to Again Sponsor Top Family Fishing and Boating Contest
ALEXANDRIA, VA — The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) recently announced the return of its popular America’s Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots Instant Win and Sweepstakes. Consumers are being asked to vote for their favorite family-friendly fishing and boating spots across the country and will be entered to win an instant prize of a Take Me Fishing™ backpack and one lucky grand prize winner will receive their own memory-making experience from Take Me Fishing™: a three-night, four-day stay for four at the Walt Disney World ® Resort, including a Guided Fishing Excursion. The Sweepstakes, back for its third consecutive year includes new features, such as a Spanishlanguage version, mobile-friendly components and a broadened list of locations to vote for. As part of RBFF’s Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns, the Sweepstakes ultimate goal is to increase awareness of the great familyfriendly places across the country and get more families out on the water fishing and boating. “Fishing and boating are continually
ranked among America’s most popular outdoors activities. This data, along with the successes we’ve seen since our Sweepstakes’ inception, led us to add new features this year that will allow for even more people across the country to participate,” said RBFF President and CEO, Frank Peterson. “Adding accessibility to a wide-reaching audience is especially important this year, as it is the National Park Service Centennial. The Centennial provides us with an expanded opportunity and responsibility to remind and educate everyone about the positive experiences fishing and boating provide, as well as the conservation benefits they have on our nation’s waterways, from local, hidden gems to the country’s most beautiful National Parks.” This year’s Sweepstakes includes several National Parks like the Everglades, which ranked No. 1 on the 2015 Top Places list . Offering more than 310 preselected family-friendly parks from across the U.S., entrants can vote daily for the three parks they feel offer the best fishing and boating experience based on family amenities, location and the likeli-
ness to catch a fish or enjoy a day on the water. The Sweepstakes voting duration is six weeks-long, ending on March 27, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. EST. The parks with the most votes will make the list of the 2016 America’s Top 100 Family Fishing and Boating Spots, which will be released during National Fishing and Boating Week from June 4 - 12, 2016 and promoted throughout the summer. In order to assist stakeholders in promoting their favorite fishing and boating locations, as well as participation in general, RBFF has provided various resources, including banner advertisements, draft social media posts and a press release template. All materials are available to RBFF stakeholders in the RBFF Resource Center. To learn more about the sweepstakes and to vote for your favorite parks, visit America’s Top Family Fishing and Boating Spots Instant Win and Sweepstakes. About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns to create awareness around boat-
March 2016
ing, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. Rules From Page 14
Dam downstream to where the Toledo Edison power line crosses the river at the southeast corner of Rodger Young Park in Fremont. This stretch of the river is closed to all fishing for this two-month period. Snagging rule: The illegal snagging of fish is a high priority law enforcement issue during the walleye run since the fish, as well as the anglers, can be present in significant numbers. Licenses: A 2016 license is required to fish (March 1, 2016). An Ohio resident license costs $19, while a senior/resident license for those age 66 and older who have been Ohio residents for the past six months are $10. A nonresident season license is $40, while a three-day, nonresident license is $19. Limits: The walleye daily limit from March 1 through April 30 is four fish, with a minimum size of 15 inches.
March 2016
Mark Lowers grouse Hancock County, WV
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
17
PHOTO SHOWCASE SPONSORED BY
Jansen McCloy fox WV
Luke Wells 10 pt., 154 (est.) bow Jefferson County, OH
Joshua Toms 10-pt., 180 green score, bow Fairfield County, OH
Justin McCloy 7-pt., buck WV
Send Us Your Photos
Jeremy McCloy 8-pt., buck WV
Jerod McCloy 7-pt., buck WV
Jansen McCloy 8-pt., bow WV
We’ll print your hunting, fishing or trapping photos in the next issue of OV Times or Ohio Valley Outdoors magazine. Send photos via mail, email or Facebook.
Email to: ohvod@ohiovalleyoutdoors.com Mail to: Photo Showcase 210 East Fourth St., East Liverpool, OH 43920
18
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Regional Events
Tri-State 3-D Archery Shoots - Runs March 12 - September 25. Schedule through May - March 12 at Colliers Sportsmen (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Contact Shawn at 304-670-8428; March 13 at Toronto Rod & Gun (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Contact Gary at 740-537-1615; March 20 at Mingo Sportsmen (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Contact the Club at 740-733-7812 and March 26-27 at Paris Sportsmen (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Contact Max at 304-670-8982. April 2 at Colliers Sportsmen; April 3 at Toronto Rod & Gun; April 9 at Wyandot Bowmen (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Contact Larry at 304-387-1519; April 10 at Mingo Sportsmen; April 17 at Sherwood Archery (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.). Contact Carl at 740-2824612 and April 23-24 at Paris Sportsmen. Tuscarawas County, OH Events
Ohio State Trappers Association Fur Auction - March 12, 2016 at Wallicks Auction House, 965 N. Wooster Ave., Strasburg, OH, 44680. Starts at 9 a.m. Call-ins for lot numbers (for all three auctions) will be taken on Jan. 2 only from noon - 9 p.m. Call Steve Hiller at 937-2061934. For info. contact Hiller, OSTA Fur
OHIO VALLEY OUTDOOR TIMES
Auction Coordinator via email: SH10@outdrs.net. Visit the OSTA website at: www.ohiostatetrapper.org. Columbiana County, OH Events
3-D Archery Sunday Shoots - March 20, April 17, June 19, July 17, Aug 21 at East Palestine Sportsmen’s Club, Failer St., East Palestine, OH 44413. 30 targets; registration: 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Cost $10 adults, cubs under 12 free; 15-target Mini-Shoots June 15 - Aug. 31 (Weds. evenings 6 p.m.). For information call Gary Day at 330-4572205/330-853-9941. Website: www.epsportsmensclub.org.
Old Fashion Style Turkey Shoot - Each Sunday thru March 2016 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Road, Washingtonville, OH. Field stock guns, .680 choke max., scopes permitted, meat and money rounds, $3 per round, 1 p.m. start time. For info. contact Tom Brunner 330-692-6577 or email:tbrunner1020@gmail.com.
3-D Archery Shoots - April 2-3; May 1; June 4-5; July 3; Aug. 6-7; Sept. 4 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Rd., Washingtonville, OH. All ages and equipment welcome; McKenzie Targets, 30 targets, no rangefinders. Reg. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m. Adults
$10, Youth (10 & under) free. Contact Chuck York at 330-978-3253 or 330-7163964. Scores posted weekly on Facebook.
Indoor Pistol Shooting - Every Fri. (7-10 p.m.) thru Apr. 29, 2016. Open to public; all calibers except mag. loads. At Columbiana County Fish & Game Association, 45716 Middle Beaver Rd, Lisbon, OH. Visit website: www.columbianacountyfishandgame.com.
Indoor .22/Air Rifle Shooting - Range open to public each Tues, thru April 26, 2016 (6-9 p.m.). Offhand at 50ft., closest to bull and best group. At Columbiana County Fish and Game Association; 45716 Middle Beaver Rd, Lisbon, OH 44432. Visit website: columbianacountyfishandgame.com.
Gun Show - May 21-22, 2016 at Beaver Creek Sportsman Club, 14480 Washingtonville Rd., Washingtonville, OH. Sat. hours 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Sun. hours 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Admission $5. 12 & under free. Tables $15 per day (before April 30). Contact Phil Brown at 330-482-5125 or 330-5028429. Mercer County, PA Events
Gun & Sporting Goods Show April 2-3 (9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and 9 a.m. - 2
www.ohiovalleyoutdoors.com
March 2016
p.m.) at Hidden Valley Sportsmen’s Club, 268 Gilkey Rd., West Middlesex, PA. Admission $5, 12 & under free with an adult. For info. call 724-528-2700. Mahoning County, OH Events
3D Archery Shoots - Mar. 26-27; Apr. 2324; May 21-22; 28-29. (Schedule runs through Sept.) Lake Milton Fish & Game Club. Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m., Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m.. Cost $10, cubs $5. Crossbows permitted, no rangefinders. Contact Dennis Dabney at 330-414-5795.
Gun Show by Mahoning Valley Gun Collectors - April 16-17; (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) at Lowellville Rod and Gun Club. Admission $4. GPS address 6225 Quarry Road, Lowellville, OH. Call Bill at 330-506-9194. Trumbull County, OH Events
Trader’s Day Swap Meet & Gun Show May 14 at Trumbull County Rod & Gun Club. Buy, sell, trade your hunting and fishing equipment, firearms, other outdoor sports gear, and more. 50/50 & Gun Raffles. Tables (indoor or outdoor) – $15. Food and Drink will be available. For information contact: Jason Chamberlain at 330-307-0522.
Ohio Valley Outdoors