Hunt: A signature edition of West Branch Life

HUNT reaches THOUSANDS of households in Northcentral Pennsylvania and thousands more online via www.sungazette.com and ww.lockhaven.com.

Spring2023,Volume2,Issue1

PUBLISHER

BobRolley brolley@sungazette.com brolley@lockhaven.com

MANAGINGEDITOR

LorenaBeniquez lbeniquez@sungazette.com

CONTRIBUTORS

LorenaBeniquez,AnthonySegraves

PHOTOGRAPHERS

LorenaBeniquez,LindaStager

DESIGNEDITOR

TimothyR.WertzJr.

PRODUCTIONMANAGER

ChuckSmith

ADVERTISINGREPRESENTATIVES

AdvertisingDirector: SouthernTier:Lewisburg,Selinsgrove, Sunbury,Milton,Danville,Mifflinburg JohnLeeser,ext.2230 jleeser@sungazette.com

RetailAdvertisingManager: JordanMcCloskey,ext.2103 jmccloskey@sungazette.com

Newberry,LycomingCreekRoad: CherylJohnson,ext.2232 cjohnson@sungazette.com

DowntownWilliamsport,BasinStreet,EastThird Street,Hughesville,Muncy: ChrisJolin,ext.2239 cjolin@sungazette.com

JerseyShore/ClintonCounty: VickieBuckle,ext.2233 vbuckle@sungazette.com

GoldenStrip,Montoursville,LycomingMall,Pennsdale: BryceHoffman,ext.2237 bhoffman@sungazette.com

Newberry,LycomingCreekRd.,Williamsport, WashingtonBlvd.,FourMileDrive,Montgomery, S.Williamsport: MissyAdams,ext.2236 madams@sungazette.com

AdPromotionsSalesSupervisor: JessicaKowalchick,ext.2101 jkowalchick@sungazette.com

CIRCULATIONMANAGER

AnthonySegraves asegraves@sungazette.com

EDITORIALOFFICE (570)326-1551Ext.2229

E-MAIL westbranchlife@sungazette.com

2

6

8

13

HUNT is a print and online product of the West Branch Life magazine and is distributed to thousands of households and locations throughout Central Pennsylvania and beyond from at 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., 17701. West Branch Life is not responsible for unsolicited submissions.

Reproduction or use of editorial or graphic content without written permission by publisher is prohibited.

Copyright 2023 by Sun-Gazette LLC. All rights reserved.

Advertising rates and specifications are avail-

The spring strut will have hunters returning to the woods.

Opening day at Trout Run is a fishing spectacle and tradition.

able by contacting jleeser@sungazette.com.

HUNT was founded in 2022 and is a publication of the Williamsport Sun-Gazette and The (Lock Haven) Express community newspapers and websites.

LORENABENIQUEZ/HUNTMagazine HuntersfinishsightingtheirgunsatLittlePineStateParkinLycomingCounty.

LINDA STAGER/HUNT

PHOTO PROVIDED

Too early to plan your next deer hunt?

By ANTHONY SEGRAVES HUNT Magazine Columnist

It might seem too early to start thinking about doe and bucks but my friends, family and I have created a whole list of things to do so we are ready for the next deer season.

The first thing I decided to do was create a shooting regimen. Last year I missed a deer and made a poor shot on another. So, I decided to set time aside each month to take my hunting rifle, back up rifle and flintlock to the shooting range. I know that this is not an easy thing to do, since ammo is expensive and some of us struggled to find ammunition last season. However, I decided to make the investment. Hunters like you and I put in so much effort, time and money into each hunting season and those investments donʼt stop in the off season.

The second thing that we are going to do is make a list of all of our equipment that did not work properly for us during this past season. Make the list now before you forget. My boots have sprung a leak and my backpack has officially fallen apart. Then there is my daughterʼs crossbow scope, which now gives a kaleidoscope effect when looking through it. For my one hunting buddy, his hunting rifle was not holding a group last year and he thinks it is leading to misses during the season. He is sending his scope back to have it looked over by the manufacturer. Then, he will remount it to the rifle and see if the gun can shoot a consistent group. It is better to work on these kinds of things now rather than a week out from opening day.

Third on the list is planning our new food plots, changes to current plots and we making lists of all the supplies we need. With the cost of everything on the rise, we know we have to plan and budget to get everything done in time for hunting season. We have already taken our soil samples and sent them to the lab. We are calling local businesses to get prices for fertilizer and seed. This helps all of us beat the end of hunting season doldrums and sure beats sitting in front of a television.

My final project on the list is to

build three new tree stands. My uncle has already done the designs and now we are collecting supplies, which includes palettes that will be repurposed. That might be my next story. So, stay tuned on that front.

As you are reading this, you might be thinking, “This guy is nuts. How can I get all of this done?” Tackle it by getting together with friends and do a little bit each week. You may be surprised at how much you can accomplish in the off season and youʼll be amazed at how much fun you can have doing it.

PHOTO PROVIDED HUNT Magazine columnist Anthony Segraves bagged this six point buck in Lycoming County in 2021.

Turkeys take flight just outside of Wellsboro.

PHOTO PROVIDED Roy Puller, 483 lbs, McKean County, 11/22/2022

PHOTO PROVIDED

12-year-old Holden Long, at right, poses with his father, Chris Long, for a photo with the 633-pound black bear that the teen scored while hunting in Clinton County in November.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Austin Wilson of Pittsburgh and Antes Fort native took this turkey with a bow in Beaver County in October.

PHOTO PROVIDED

Hunter Powers from Jersey Shore shot this buck in Lycoming County in October.

PHOTO PROVIDED Leah White of Jersey Shore poses with her trophy turkey that she shot in Lycoming County.

E l e c t r i c B i k e s f o r H u n t i n g a n d F i s h i n g

By LORENA BENIQUEZ HUNT Magazine

Electric bikes - also known as pedal-assist or e-bikesare changing the way we hunt and fish in Pennsylvaniaʼs backcountry. Want to go further and faster to that creek or patch of woods? Electric bikes can do that with their power and capacity to haul gear. Avid hunter and fisherman Rick DeVito knows quite a bit about the marriage of electric bikes and outdoor sports, since he owns The Bicycle Center in South Williamsport. “Now that we have e-bikes, it makes [hunting and fishing locales] more accessible because now I am not arriving tired and sweaty,” he says.

Those electric bikes now cater to sportsmenʼs specific needs. “There are racks built for carrying firearms and many of these are transferable from the ATV world. So, it is easy to pick up something that will attach. There are also hunting specific e-bikes and they have larger tires, which better navigate loose, wet mud and some have twowheel-drive,” says DeVito. He adds that camouflage ebikes are also available.

For those with a lot of gear, trailers now attach easily. “Many companies are making trailers that can attach to the back that donʼt require a lot of changes to handle the trailer,” explains DeVito. That makes carrying camping gear, fishing poles, guns and scopes that much easier.

With the rise of e-bikesʼ popularity, DeVito cautions buyers to first do their homework. “A lot of ebikes are not legal on forest lands because they are so remote and you can end up with an excessive amount of trail erosion,” he says.

According to the Pennsylvania Game Commissionʼs (PGC) website, “Under current regulation, it is unlawful to use or operate any type of e-bike on state game lands, unless used by individuals with mobility disabilities.” However, ac-

cording to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) website, Class 1 e-bikes are approved on mountain bike trails on property managed by DCNR. Class 2 and Class 3 ebikes are not allowed on trails or roads.

DCNR says e-bikes are permitted to travel trails already open to traditional bicycles as long as riders follow guidelines consistent with the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code that e-bikes weigh no more than 100 pounds, donʼt exceed 20 miles per hour using the motor, have motors that do not exceed 750 watts and have fully functional, operable pedals. For a full list of e-bike regulations, contact PGC or DCNR or visit their websites.

“Whether it is a state park or around your home on streets, bike paths or rail trails, the bottom line is - not all e-bikes

are appropriate for the aforementioned areas,” says DeVito.

Thinking about buying an e-bike? DeVito advises, “The purchase of an electric bike should be thoroughly researched beyond your contact with a sales person.” Those words hold serious weight, since DeVito himself sells ebikes.

There are several factors to consider before buying but a few include knowing the terrain you will be traveling, what outdoor sports the e-bike will be used for and how much will be spent on the new purchase.

The Bicycle Centerʼs e-bikes range from $3,200 to $12,000. DeVito says, “Donʼt go wading into this thinking that any e-bike is appropriate based on your price point because you will be sorely disappointed.”

CHERYL JOHNSON/ HUNT Magazine

Rick DeVito is an avid hunter and fisherman who now uses an electric bike to enjoy outdoor sports. DeVito is also the owner of The Bicycle Center in South Williamsport.

1

By LORENA BENIQUEZ HUNT Magazine

Since 1967, The Original PA 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, Inc. in Trout Run has been holding sanctioned competitions of long range benchrest shooting. They are proud to be known as the birthplace of 1,000-yard

shooting and home to the 1,000 Yard World Open every July, which attracts the best shooters from around the globe. We caught up with Ryan Miller, Benchrest Club member, to find out more about the World Open.

HUNT: Why are people so dedicated to the sport?

MILLER: I think people i.e. my friends at least do it because it's hard. It's very competitive. It's a huge sense of accomplishment doing what we do and if you manage to do it well. If you were to see what we do, you'd be awestruck. Iʼm sure. It takes a lot of patience and practice to be good at long range target shooting of any kind. The 1,000 yard benchrest is arguably the hardest of all

1,,00000 0 Y Yaarrd d S Shho o o ottiinng g

B Boor r n i in n A Alllle e n nwwooood d

PHOTO PROVIDED

Taken in June 1968, the photo above shows the beginnings of the Original PA 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, Inc. in Trout Run.

long range shooting.

HUNT: Is the World Open the only one in the world?

MILLER: No, there are a few other long range tournaments in the United States. We, however, stand alone in exactly what we do. Williamsportʼs rules are known the world over and many [other 1,000 yard competitions] have rules similar to ours but our rules are just ours.

HUNT: Why is the World Open such a respected competition?

MILLER: This is a hard question to answer. Our World Open is a huge event. Back in the day we had 150 shooters. The price table was unmatched and people came from all over to show us how it's done. Sadly for most of the visitors, it was the locals doing the showing. We donʼt take home all the prizes though. So, everyone has a chance. If the Williamsport winds are in your favor, you can have a good day.

HUNT: What is competition like at the event?

MILLER: Our World Open, like any of our matches during the year, is very com-

petitive. Itʼs every man/woman for themselves and also a team event - both at the same time. The prizes at the end are for single place winners but we always have side team competitions as well. Everyone is more than willing to help anyone in need though. There are very few secrets in what we do. It's hard enough as it is. Telling you how I do what I do and with what I do it with doesn't guarantee you'll win. It takes patience and lots of practice to be good.

HUNT: Do people come from around the U.S. and the world for the event?

MILLER: Yes, we get shooters from all over that attend our World Open. It really depends on the year though. Covid put a hurt on the long distance shooters in recent years.

HUNT: What do you enjoy most about the event?

MILLER: I enjoy it all - the competition, the comaraderie, the time spent with my friends, who I've known for many years. Also winning. I do like to win.

For more information about the World Open and other competitions at the club, check out pa1000yard.com.

PHOTO PROVIDED The Original PA 1000 Yard Benchrest Club, Inc. holds its yearly 1,000 Yard World Open in July, which attracts competitors from around the world.

Hunters will be heading to the woods for spring gobbler. LINDA

By LORENA BENIQUEZ HUNT Magazine

With spring, the gobbler hunt kicks off in our neck of the woods. “They strut and they are gobbling and it gets your blood pumping,” says Lee Powers, owner of Triple Toe Calls in Lock Haven.

Even though spring gobbler is much anticipated, it can be quite a challenge. Edgar Willits, Sr. of Antes Fort knows a bit about that. The longtime hunter recalls one gobbler hunt in English Center. After spying a flock, he got a big surprise after firing off a round. “I had a broken arm but was still hunting. I shot one handed with the gun on a log and I had a turkey almost land on the barrel of the gun. He looked at me and chirped but he finally flew away,” says Willits. Luckily, he did manage to get an 18-pound gobbler with that shot but carrying the bird out was impossible due to his broken arm. Instead, he just dragged it out.

According to Willits, turkeys can be one of the most difficult game to hunt. “They are harder than other things to hunt because they have telescopic eyes and they hear real good. When you call in high winds, they can still pick out a call. You might not hear them call back though but they hear you,” explains Willits.

When employing a turkey call, the key is to not overuse them. “I like to hear a bird gobble as much as anybody but there is a time when you have to stop calling and let him come and find you,” says Russ Wagner, co-owner with Frank Sutliff of Top Calls in Renovo. “You have to try to feel the bird out. You feel if they are hot on the call.”

Top Calls make their own calls, which include calls for turkey, deer, waterfowl and predators. “Our turkey calls have different layers of latex, different cuts and different sounds,” says Wagner of his mouth calls. In addition, Top Calls also makes slate, glass and box calls.

“You never know what they will respond to. So, you have to have different types of calls,” says Powers. Triple Toe Calls makes turkey, duck and goose calls. “Friction calls are the majority of what we do with slate, copper, aluminum and crystal,” he adds.

“Turkey calls are like musical instruments. The more you use them the more efficient you become and you can practice year round,” says Wagner. “Cadence is crucial.” He concedes that he has made his share of mistakes calling but capitalized on those mistakes to become a better hunter.

When facing any of the numerous challenges that arise during spring gobbler, Wagner offers this, “Patience kills more turkeys than anything else. If I had one thing to say, the best quality a hunter can have is patience.”

Jeremy Crissman, owner of Grayʼs Run Bait and Tackle in Trout Run, shows off a rainbow trout.

PHOTO PROVIDED

By LORENA BENIQUEZ HUNT Magazine

With a name like Trout Run, itʼs no surprise the opening day of trout season is a big deal. “The back roads are busy and roads and bridges are lined with people. Itʼs like Times Square on New Years Eve in New York for us. Everybody is screwing around and trying to get that next big fish,” says Jeremy Crissman, a local fisherman and owner of Grayʼs Run Bait and Tackle in Trout Run.

“Iʼve been fishing for trout since I could walk. So, around 40 years,” says Crissman, who grew up in Trout Run. “We donʼt have any secret spots here because anywhere around here on a creek is great.”

Thanks to the state and the Lycoming Creek Anglers Club (LCAC) those waters are well stocked through-

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Top, Crissman hooks another trout. Bottom, the turnout of anglers on the opening day of trout season is overwhelming in Trout Run. Opposite page, the Lycoming Creek Anglers Club (LCAC) spends up to $5,000 on prizes for kids who compete in the LCACʼs fishing derby held in June.

out the season. According to Samuel Caldwell, the anglers club raises thousands of rainbow, brown and palomino trout for stocking in Trout Run and streams throughout Lycoming County. “We have a 190-foot raceway where we raise trout and we raise them until May. The fish are raised for the PA Fish and Boat Commission,” says Caldwell, who is the clubʼs nursery manager. “They are my 11,000 kids,” he says with a laugh.

The non-profit LCAC is made up of 560 club members and was established in 1976. In addition to stocking, the club also holds a fishing derby for kids near Trout Run on the first Saturday in June. “The big private clubs and gas companies donate to us. We spend $4,000 to $5,000 dollars on prizes. I am trying to get our next generation to do something besides sitting in the house,” says Caldwell.

After fishing for 70 years, Caldwell will be sitting out opening day this year. He has retired from the sport and now dedicates his free time to the nursery. As for Crissman, he wonʼt be fishing on opening day either. His bait and tackle store will be packed that day with folks looking for gear but he will still be a part of the opening dayʼs festivities by helping new and experienced anglers. He says, “More and more you see men bringing their wives and daughters. A lot of it is tradition up here.”

By ALANA JAJKO Susquehanna Greenway Partnership

“All trails end in beer” is a growing sentiment among todayʼs outdoor enthusiasts. Whether youʼve embarked on a long bike ride, scenic run, exhilarating hike, or Susquehanna River paddle, thereʼs nothing better than stepping off a trail and gathering around a delicious local brew and regional grub to build camaraderie amongst your fellow outdoor adventurers.

Itʼs that little bit of incentive that makes a day in the great outdoors that much greater and tastier.

Luckily, land and water trails across the country are seeing more of our ʻsudsy friendsʼ (re)locating their operations to reap the rewards of this symbiotic relationship with local recreators.

Reflecting this shift, many trails within the Susquehanna Greenway are just a stoneʼs throw from some of Pennsylvaniaʼs top breweries. Check out the list of locations below to explore some of the areaʼs trails that never fail to end in beer.

L O C K H AV E N

Overlooking the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Lock Haven is

a steep hike known as the Bald Eagle Mountain Trail. At 9 miles, it is one of the more difficult hikes on this list, but the views of the West Branch Susquehanna River and an iconic boulder field are well worth the climb. For the more leisurely adventurers, you can also hop on Lock Havenʼs Levee Trail for a scenic 2.25-mile stroll along the river or the 6.4-mile Bald Eagle Valley Trail. Following your excursion, reward yourself with a cold one at the Broken Axe Brew House in downtown Lock Haven. While they do not brew their own, Broken Axe showcases the largest selection of local PA beers in the area, and their taps rotate daily. As you step inside, youʼll also experience themes

J E R S E Y S H O R E

The Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Jersey Shore marks the terminus for one of the most popular rail trails in the state—the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail. This iconic route meanders through the Tiadaghton State Forest and the PA Grand Canyon before ending in Jersey Shore along the banks of the West Branch.

After you walk, bike, fish, or hike, stop by Bald Birds Brewing Company in Jersey Shore for some post-adventure down time. Grab a brew in their com-

tied to the areaʼs local history as a logging hub.

After getting out on a bike, water or hiking trail, there are plenty of local brew pubs to visit to celebrate whatever journey youʼve just completed.

fortable industrial-inspired hangout and enjoy an assortment of board games, corn hole, darts, free-play arcade games and great food.

W I L L I A M S P O R T

Another Susquehanna Greenway River Town, Williamsport serves as a hub to both a network of trails and a conglomerate of breweries. Whether you explore the Montoursville Bikeway, Loyalsock Bikeway, Susquehanna River

Walk & Timber Trail, Lycoming Creek Bikeway, Susquehanna State Park, or all five, thereʼs no better end to the day than to hit the local breweries. Williamsport is host to numerous breweries. New Trail Brewing Company offers a cool warehouse vibe with plenty of indoor and outdoor seating and food trucks for a tasty bite with your brew. Or you can hop on over to Bullfrog Brewery for puns galore at this cozy frogthemed haunt in Williamsportʼs downtown. Boom City Brewing Company speaks to the lumber history of the

area with timber cut décor and brews like “The Last Raft” alongside tasty eats, while Riepstineʼs Pub & Brewery shows thereʼs nothing like a fresh local brew and traditional pub comfort food to satisfy your palate after a long day outdoors.

L E W I S B U R G

The Buffalo Valley Rail Trail is a 9mile rail trail that has a terminus in the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Lewisburg. This scenic trail offers a mix

PHOTOS PROVIDED

of paved and gravel surfaces on a level route set amidst some of PAʼs most idyllic farmland scenery.

A unique feature of this trail is that itʼs bookended by two fantastic breweries. On the Lewisburg end, you can stop by Jackass Brewing Company, where the names on the beer and food menu will have you laughing your you-know-what off. On the Mifflinburg end, you can wind down at the Rusty Rail Brewing Company, which offers a variety of iconic brews in a beautifully repurposed factory setting.

B L O O M S B U R G

For walkers, peddlers or paddlers, the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Bloomsburg is another hub for outdoor recreation on and along the river. For onwater adventurers, river access is available at the PFBC Bloomsburg Boat Launch. Berwick to Bloomsburg or Bloomsburg to Danville are both great kayaking itineraries on this stretch of river. For land dwellers, explore Bloomsburg Town Park or hop on the Bloomsburg Rail Trail for a pleasant stroll.

Following your outdoor excursions, head to town to experience two great brewpubs. Marleyʼs Brewery & Grille is host to a variety of brews and great eats in a warm and trendy bar setting, while the Turkey Hill Brewing Company also boasts beer and pub food in a cozy reclaimed barn atmosphere.

D A N V I L L E

With strong ties to its railroad heritage, the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Danville is home to the very first rail

From Bloomsburg to Lock Haven and Williamsport to Sunbury, the region has a range of trails and ales to please outdoor and beer lovers.

Hotpoint

T R A I L S & A L E S

trail in the United States—the J. Manley Robbins Trail. Adventurers can explore further within Hess Recreation Area, at Danville Riverfront Park, along the North Branch Canal Trail, or even try mountain biking at Hopewell Park or the Geisinger Stewardship Forest.

No matter which adventure you choose, there are plenty of opportunities in downtown Danville for your post-recreation brews. Rock God Brewing Company offers music-themed beers and rock & roll décor with a rotating slate of food trucks, while Old Forge Brewing Company showcases house made beers alongside creative pub food in a rustic brewpub setting.

N O R T H U M B E R L A N D

At the confluence of the Susquehanna River lies Shikellamy State Park and Marina. Its 132 acres feature a nature trail and overlook with stunning views of the West and North Branch confluence, as well as boating, walking, and biking opportunities at the parkʼs marina on Packers Island.

Whether you choose to walk, bike, paddle or simply enjoy the view, a fitting end to a day on or along the Susquehanna can be found at Northumberlandʼs Pineknotter Brewing Company. Pair one of their craft brews with a tasty “On A Roll” sandwich as you sit back in the rustic taproom and peruse historic photos of Northumberlandʼs fascinating history.

S U N B U R RY Y

Not far from Shikellamy State Park is also the Sunbury Riverfront Park, which features a one-mile walking trail alongside the Susquehanna River. In the summer, you will also have views of Lake Augusta—a seasonal lake that forms with the inflation of the Adam T. Bower Memorial Dam.

Following your riverside stroll or day of fishing, head to downtown Sunbury to Eclipse Craft Brewing Company. These local brewers make their moon-themed beer on site alongside specialty pizzas showcasing fresh, local ingredients.

S E L I N S G R O V E

Along the banks of the river in the Susquehanna Greenway River Town of Selinsgrove, lies the Isle of Que—a 5.5-mile-long peninsula that hosts a quaint neighborhood and beautiful waterfront popular with walkers, bikers, runners and boaters alike. The boat launch here is also a perfect starting point for paddling adventures.

After your riverfront wanderings, downtown Selinsgrove sports great breweries to top off the day. Selinʼs Grove Brewing Company resides within the 1816 home of former governor Simon Snyder, a building listed on the National Historic Register. Sip your brew in this historic tavern or take a short walk to Isle of Que Brewing Company for a likewise cozy atmosphere complete with rustic canoe décor. You can also paddle up to Pennʼs Tavern on the other side of the river, a 1700ʼs historic restaurant that serves food and local craft brews right on the waterfront.

Now, get your tail on the trail. Whether you adventure by land or by water, the Susquehanna Greenway is brimming with trails and ales to provide the “hop on top” of your next outdoor adventure.

NOTE: Please drink responsibly. Do not bike or boat under the influence. Do not drink and drive. Please have a designated driver if you choose to drink beyond the limit designated for safe driving in Pennsylvania.