Sentinel Fall Hunting Edition

2—Lewistown, PA

The Sentinel

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

FALL HUNTING

Archery deer hunting in October requires extra planning business hours. He may not be (CWD). The Pennsylvania When archery deer season stands often can be improved Game Commission devotes open at night or Sundays. opens Saturday, bowhunters with small modifications. A You may need to keep the just one paragraph to CWD will have two things in mind tree stand must be solid on the meat cold overnight or for an in the current “Hunting and besides shooting tree and not slide DAVID down or tip. If entire day. It can be done with Trapping Digest” that advises straight. One is bagged ice and one or more hunters to go online to www. the weather and THOMPSON the tree itself is a large plastic containers with pgc.pa.gov/cwd for informathe other is chronproblem, now is lids if refrigeration is unavail- tion. The digest is received ic wasting disease. Hunters the time to select a better one. able. It will be necessary to cut when a hunting license is purhave faced both problems be- Do not select a dead tree or a the carcass into quarters or cut chased. fore and can do so again. live one with a dead tree leanThe procedure for testing the meat from the bones.

Shooting straight, or accu- ing toward it. Dead branches In any case, a hunter must requires placing a head, mirately, suggests that hunters overhead are hazards to avoid. know in advance what to do nus a buck’s antlers, inside actually will shoot Saturday You might overlook these with a harvested deer to pre- two plastic bags with the tops or early in the season. Some problems until you actually vent venison from spoiling. tightly tied. The hunter’s deer bowhunters, however, will hunt from a tree stand.

If meat processing is done at harvest tag first must be atopt not to shoot even if a legal Besides wearing safety home, ice is needed as well as tached to an ear. The bag is deer is in shooting range. Why equipment, such as a fullfreezer wrapping paper and taken to a deer head collection not shoot? It is possible that a body harness, you must have freezer tape. A workplace is bin, where it is picked up by bigger buck is in the area and a heavy rope or chain to attach needed and can be set up now the commission and delivered he is worth waiting for. around the tree above your to make processing easier for testing. Locations of bins After all, the largest bucks head. The safety harness gets are included on the commiswhen the time comes. often are seen after deer rut- clipped or tied to the rope or Many bowhunters hunt sion’s website. ting season typically starts in chain. That way you will not Results of the test are sent deer in the evening. If a deer late October. It is a sure bet, fall to the ground if you inadis harvested, hunters may not to the hunter or the hunter can however, that a hunter who vertently step off the tree stand recover, field dress and bring get the results by telephoning sees an impressive buck on platform or you fall asleep and AP photo by Marcus Constance/U.S. Forestry Service it home until bedtime. The 1-800-CWDINFO or check opening day is apt to shoot. fall.

A hunter who has practiced A rope or chain at a per- If you want to bag a buck during archery deer season, it deer still needs to be skinned the test results hookup page at with his or her bow for weeks, manent tree stand can be left will probably require some extra planning and patience right away and either hung in the website.

I personally do not harvest the coolest place available or months or years wants to fi- attached to the tree throughout on your part. the meat be can quartered or a deer that acts or looks sick. If nally “take the test.” hunting season or until the A reason a hunter may wait tree stand is relocated or taken screw-in iron steps or nails, seen early in October will be- boned and put in bags placed a deer is harvested, it is tested for CWD. If the test is positive to harvest a deer is archery home. spikes and bolts. Trees in come more active weeks later. on ice.

As you can see, for the disease, I won’t eat the season stays open through One or more shooting lanes woods where deer are hunted Before harvesting a deer in Nov. 19 and includes Sunday, may need be opened early in are valuable and deserve to be October when temperates out- warm-weather bowhunting meat. So far, I have not enNov. 14. The season is a week the season at either a tree stand protected. doors are mild during the day, for deer requires prepara- countered any sick deer even longer than it used to be so or a ground stand. Cutting It is not uncommon to de- you must be prepared to pre- tion both in the woods and at though I hunt where infected that hunters feel less pressure branches and trees is illegal on cide to relocate a tree stand vent venison from spoiling. If home. Of course, experienced deer have been found. ¯¯¯ public land. The owner of pri- that deer avoid early in the you plan to hire a profession- hunters already know that. to score early.

David Thompson writes It is advisable to have the Bowhunters with an antler- vate woods, where you have season. Remember that the al meat processor to butcher, less deer license can harvest permission to hunt, won’t ap- original location was selected wrap and freeze the venison, head of a harvested deer test- about the outdoors for the an antlerless deer throughout preciate unauthorized cutting, for good reasons. If the place it is advisable to find out his ed for chronic wasting disease County Observer. the entire season. If they need either. has fresh signs of deer or a hisUnless you own the trees, tory of use by deer, don’t give venison, they may attempt to get it early in the season. That avoid damaging them with up on it too soon. Bucks not leaves the rest of the season to concentrate on finding a buck.

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The Sentinel

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

­Lewistown, PA—3

FALL HUNTING

Game Commission creating new mentored hunting opportunities HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners met in Harrisburg for the first time in more than a year last month and had plenty of news from its commissioners’ meeting.

Among the topics was regarding new mentored hunting opportunities being created.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners adopted new opportunities for mentored hunters, who soon will be able to pursue waterfowl and bears in addition to other select species.

Mentored hunters ages 7 and older will be able to purchase their own bear licenses. Those under age 7 must receive a valid bear license through transfer from an adult mentor.

All mentored hunters pursuing waterfowl will need a Pennsylvania migratory bird license, in addition to their mentored hunting permit. Those mentored hunters ages 16 and older also will need a federal duck stamp.

Though adopted by the board, these new opportunities for mentored hunters will not be-

come effective until they are published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, a process that typically takes about six to eight weeks.

The measure adopted by the board also enables mentored hunters ages 7 and older to buy their own special spring turkey licenses, and allows those licenses to be transferred from their original holders to a mentored hunter under age 7.

With the additional opportunities, mentored hunters will be able to hunt rabbits, hares, ruffed grouse, mourning doves, bobwhite quail, pheasants, crows, squirrels, porcupines, woodchucks, coyotes, deer, waterfowl, bears and wild turkeys in the coming seasons.

Two raptors up for status changes

One Pennsylvania raptor soon might be placed on the state’s endangered-species list, while another that’s presently classified as a threatened species could be upgraded.

The Pennsylvania Board of

Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to placing the northern goshawk on the state’s endangered-species list, and removing the peregrine falcon from the state’s threatened species list.

The measure will be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.

The proposed changes reflect the strikingly different population trends for goshawks and peregrines.

The northern goshawk, which in Pennsylvania is at the southern limits of its range in the Northeast, has experienced range contraction and a dramatic population decline in the past 20 years. Classifying the northern goshawk as an endangered species would further protect it by limiting or delaying certain activities within northern goshawk breeding habitat during courtship and nesting seasons.

The peregrine falcon, which was upgraded from endangeredto threatened-species status in 2019, has continued to see population increases. The rec-

ommendation for its upgrade is based on the Game Commission’s 2013-2022 Peregrine Falcon Management Plan, which establishes objectives for the species’ recovery that now have been achieved.

The proposed change signals a significant conservation victory after 40 years of recovery action in Pennsylvania and nationally, in which the Game Commission has played an active role.

Red tag program could be revamped

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave preliminary approval to a host of changes that will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Agricultural Deer Control Program, better known as the Red Tag Program, which helps farmers address crop-damage issues through the hunting of antlerless deer.

If adopted, the measure would become effective in July 2022.

The changes were recommended by those who use the

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program following a meeting with the Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section. Proposed changes include: ¯ An individual hunter no longer would be limited to obtaining one permit for a Red Tag property; they could get up to four. The higher limit is consistent with that used in the Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP), which also helps landowners meet deer-management goals through antlerless deer hunting. Hunters would be able to keep all deer they harvest. ¯ The summer period during which Red Tag hunting is closed (currently May 16-June 30) would be expanded to April 16July 31. Permits would be valid from Aug. 1 through Sept. 15, then from Feb. 1 through April 15. Permits would be issued for the license year that begins July 1 and runs through June 30. ¯ Landowners no longer would be required to report Red Tag harvests. Instead, similar to See PGC / Page 4

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The Sentinel

4—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

FALL HUNTING

PGC Continued from Page 3

DMAP, hunters would report for each permit regardless of harvest success. ¯ All licensed hunters, not just hunters who are Pennsylvania residents, would qualify for Red Tag permits. ¯ The red snap tags that are the namesake of the Red Tag Program, would be replaced with standard harvest tags issued through HuntFishPA. ¯ Landowners no longer would need to enroll in the Game Commission’s Hunter Access program before using the Red Tag program, and Red Tag properties no longer would need to be posted with signs.

The measure will be brought back to the September meeting for a final vote.

“The Agricultural Deer Control Program is designed to al-

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low farmers to manage the deer populations on their property,” said Game Commission Bureau of Wildlife Management director Matthew Schnupp. “The changes preliminarily approved by the Board today will make it easier for landowners to enroll and also making it more convenient for hunters to participate through the expanded season and increase in the number of tags they can use.”

Straight-walled cartridges approved for special regulations areas

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a regulatory change that allows the use of straightwalled centerfire cartridges within Special Regulation Areas.

This change will provide hunters within those areas more choices when selecting a firearm.

Straight-walled cartridges essentially are a short-range option for rifle shooters. They lose velocity quickly, but at their optimal ranges, they can be highly effective ammunition. In many states straight-walled cartridges have become an alternative in shotgun-only areas.

Their limited range is similar to a rifled shotgun, inside 200 yards, but they often provide better accuracy and considerably less recoil, making their use an attractive option for younger or female hunters.

No more.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners gave final approval to a measure that limits trap restrictions in those WMUs to the period when otter season is open. Once the season closes, beaver trappers can resume normal trap restrictions.

The Game Commission determined post-otter-season trap restrictions no longer are needed. The requirement was put in place to avoid accidental otter captures in the event otter season had to be extended.

In the overlap with otter trapping season, and for five days beyond, beaver trappers in Wildlife Management Units with open otter seasons had been limited to using no more than five traps or snares, no more than two of which could be body-gripping traps.

Commissioners agreed to a five-year, non-surface use oil and gas agreement with Chesapeake Appalachia LLC, of Oklahoma City, to develop about 600 acres under a portion of State Game Lands 66 in Colley Township, Sullivan County. Under the agreement, Chesapeake

Beaver trap restrictions relaxed

Board approves oil and gas agreements

will access the Commission’s oil and gas reserve by horizontal drilling from adjacent private lands where it holds leases, with no disturbance to the game lands surface.

The Game Commission will receive a bonus payment which will be deposited in the Game Fund. As additional compensation, Chesapeake will also convey a 0.39-acre interior parcel located on State Game Lands 285 in Darlington Township, Beaver County, to the Commission. Future rentals and royalties shall be directly deposited into the Game Fund.

Commissioners also approved a 25-year agreement allowing Britt Energies Inc. of Indiana, Pa., to deep mine and remove the Loyalhanna Limestone from beneath approximately 616 acres of State Game Lands 153. Under the agreement, Britt will develop an underground

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The Sentinel

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

­Lewistown, PA—5

FALL HUNTING

PGC Continued from Page 4

mine to access Commission-owned stone reserve through a mine portal and processing area located on the recently acquired 33-acre Stilley tract portion of State Game Lands 153. The Stilley tract was deeded to the Commission in February after surface coal mine operations were completed.

Commissioners agreed to allow RES Coal LLC of Armagh, Pa., to conduct surface coal mining on an additional 95 acres on State Game Lands 198 in Cresson Township, Blair County. An existing agreement, which dates to October 2003, allows for surface mining on 178 acres of the game lands.

The Commission does not own the coal rights on this property.

Acreage added to state game lands

Pennsylvania’s Board of Game Commissioners approved one land acquisition that adds to the state game lands system.

Commissioners acquired roughly 19.2 acres of land in Lehigh Township, Northampton County, adjoining State Game Lands 168. The price is $33,000, with money coming from the Game Fund’s restricted revenue account. Access to the parcel is through an existing portion of the game lands.

Comments to be accepted on draft Bobwhite Quail Management Plan

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners directed staff to release for public comment the agen-

cy’s draft Northern Bobwhite Quail Management Plan, which when adopted will guide efforts over the next 10 years to restore this native species, once common in Pennsylvania but missing from our landscape since the late 20th to early 21st century.

“The Pennsylvania Game Commission and partner organizations have taken great strides in recent years to create suitable habitat for bobwhite at our focus area, the Letterkenny Army Depot in Franklin County, and we are committed to re-establishing a wild population in the Commonwealth,” said Game Commission quail biologist Andrew Ward.

Increases in grassland songbirds and American woodcock have already been documented at Letterkenny, indicating that the habitat conditions are becoming more conducive to supporting a self-sustaining quail population.

The management plan outlines strategies to maintain and expand these habitat improvements, translocate wild quail to Letterkenny following established best practices, and monitor populations and habitats post-reintroduction. The plan will also guide work to inform and educate the public, carry out cooperative projects with partners, and extend the restoration effort to other suitable areas in the vicinity of Letterkenny.

Board adopts resolutions on Sunday hunting, federal legislation

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners adopted two resolutions.

One supports the expansion of Sunday hunting as

AP file photo

Dominick Cerminaro, left, leads his sons, Paul Cerminaro, center left, Santo Cerminaro, center right, and his father, Santo Cerminaro, right, into the woods to go deer hunting on the first day of regular firearms deer hunting season in Zelienople in 2018.

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The other supports adop-

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The Sentinel

6—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

FALL HUNTING

Pennsylvania’s deer harvest increased again last season HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania hunters followed up the 2019-20 hunting season’s highest overall deer harvest in 15 years by topping it when they took an estimated 435,180 deer in the 202021 hunting seasons, which closed in January, the Pennsylvania Game Commission reports.

The 2020-21 estimated deer harvest topped the previous license year’s harvest of 389,431 by about 12%. Since 1993, Pennsylvania hunters have harvested more than 400,000 deer in a license year 10 times.

Twice during that period, deer harvests exceeded 500,000, first in 2000 and then again in 2002, when the state’s record overall deer harvest of 517,529 was set.

Locally, in WMU 4D, which includes most of Mifflin County, northeast Juniata County, western Snyder County and northern Huntingdon County, saw an increase of 400 antlered deer and 1,345 antlerless deer taken.

In WMU 4B, which includes most of Juniata County, southwest Mifflin County and Perry County, there was actually a decrease of 700 antlered deer taken, but an increase of 2,315 antlerless deer harvested.

The statewide buck harvest — 174,780 — set a new record for buck harvest in the antler restrictions era. The buck harvest also increased 7% over the previous license year’s buck harvest of 163,240.

In the 2018-19 license year, 147,750 bucks were harvested.

“About a quarter of the state’s deer hunters took a buck in the 2020-21

deer seasons,” said David Stainbrook, the Game Commission’s Deer and Elk Section supervisor.

“It’s a trend that hunters have maintained over the past three license years.

The fact that we can maintain such high success rates on bucks year after year demonstrates the sustainability of the deer population in Pennsylvania.”

The antlerless deer harvest for the 2020-21 seasons was 260,400. It exceeded the 2019-20 antlerless deer harvest — 226,191 — by 15%.

The 2018-19 harvest was 226,940. The last time the antlerless deer harvest exceeded 2020-21’s was in the 2004-05 license year, when 284,910 antlerless deer were taken.

In the 2020-21 deer seasons, the Game Commission set the antlerless allocations at levels to reduce the deer population in Wildlife Management Units (WMUs) where chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been documented, as part of its ongoing effort to limit the

spread of the disease, and the antlerless harvest increased in these WMUs as intended.

“Obtaining an adequate deer harvest is essential in the WMUs in and surrounding the state’s Disease Management Areas (DMAs),” said Andrea Korman, CWD biologist.

“Deer hunters remain the first line of defense in Pennsylvania’s continuing efforts to manage CWD. The harvest illustrates the cooperation we hoped hunters would provide to help where CWD threats are at their greatest in Penn’s Woods.”

Unlike in 2019-20, when antlerless harvests decreased in almost half of the state’s WMUs, in 2020-21, antlerless harvests either increased or were similar to the previous year in all but one WMU — WMU 3B. This decrease was expected as the allocation was reduced in 2020-21.

WMUs posting the largest antlerless deer harvest increases were the western Pennsylvania WMUs of 1A, 1B, and 2B. In WMUs

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1A and 1B, the antlered harvest increased substantially as well.

Buck harvest estimates increased by more than 1,000 deer in six WMUs: 2A, 2F, 3A, 3B, 3C, and 4E. The largest increases in antlered deer harvest were in WMU 1A and WMU 1B, where the buck harvest increased by about 3,000 deer in each WMU. The percentage of older bucks in the 2020-21 deer harvest remained high.

About 64% of the bucks taken by hunters were at least 2 1/2 years old.

The remainder were 1 1/2 years old.

“The Commonwealth’s antler restrictions have succeeded in providing more older bucks for

Pennsylvania’s deer hunters,” said Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans. “In place since 2002, they have transformed the smaller bucks that once dominated our deer harvests into a buck population that is the envy of deer hunters everywhere.”

“Anyone who hunted deer before antler restrictions can see the results.

But it’s important to recognize that these bucks are a product of a well-managed deer herd and their existence hinged on the willingness of deer hunters to support antler restrictions.”

About 68% of the antlerless deer harvest was adult females; button-bucks

comprised 17% and doe fawns made up 15%. The previous license year’s breakdown is similar.

Bowhunters accounted for over a third of Pennsylvania’s 2020-21 overall deer harvest taking 160,480 deer (80,130 bucks and 80,350 antlerless deer) with either bows or crossbows. The 201920 archery harvest was 145,908 (74,190 bucks and 71,718 antlerless deer).

The estimated muzzleloader harvest — 28,260 — was down slightly from the previous year’s harvest of 29,604. The 202021 muzzleloader harvest included 1,140 antlered bucks compared to 1,260 bucks in 2019-20.

The Sentinel

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

­Lewistown, PA—7

FALL HUNTING

Exploring Pennsylvania’s elk range can be quite the treat During the next sev- work before heading north eral weeks, thousands of might help avoid possible visitors armed with bin- frustration and disappointment with the oculars, spotWALT experience. ting scopes or The websites cameras will YOUNG for several of travel to the north-central Pennsylva- the tourist and visitor ornia to view the wild elk ganizations in north-central Pennsylvania are great living there.

Currently, about 1,000 sources of information for elk inhabit Pennsylvania’s those planning a trip to elk elk range, which compris- country, especially firstes parts of Elk, McKean, time visitors.

The Great Outdoors Cameron, Clinton, Potter, Clearfield and Centre Visitors Bureau (www.viscounties north of Interstate itpago.com) is the official 80. The peak of the mating tourist promotion agenseason for our Pennsylva- cy for Cameron, Clarion, nia elk herd, commonly Elk, Forest and Jefferson called the “rut,” occurs counties. The Pennsylvafrom mid-September nia Wilds website (pawilds.com) is another good through early October.

Elk are a spectacular source of elk info. The Elk sight any time of year, Country Visitor Center but these impressive ani- located at 950 Winslow mals are especially com- Hill Road in Benezette is pelling this time of year. the centerpiece for visitors Mature bulls can weigh to the region. During Sepnearly 1,000 pounds, and tember and October, the some will be displaying a facility is open seven days grand set of antlers. Bulls a week from 8 a.m. to 8 employ their headgear to p.m. Check out its website impress potential mates or (elkcountryvisitorcenter. as weapons to fend off ri- com) for a wealth of inforval males. Bulls also bugle mation on elk watching in to advertise their presence the region.

Most folks will want to to potential mates and to further assert their domi- make a visit to the area around Winslow Hill a part nance for mating rights.

The bugle is a high- of their initial foray to elk pitched, nasal squeal that country. Located just off at first seems out of place Rt. 555 a few miles from as the call of such a large the town of Benezette, this and magnificent animal. area harbors a good conBut haunting sound of a centration of elk and ambull elk bugling on a crisp, ple viewing opportunities, fall morning soon becomes so on any given day chanctruly special for those who es of seeing some elk there appreciate the natural are good. The downside world. All of these factors to the Benezette/Winslow draw wildlife watchers to the elk range to observe this grand natural spectacle firsthand.

For those folks who are not familiar with the Penn717-248-6741 sylvania elk range, taking time to do a little home-

Hill area is it sometimes gets crowded this time of year.

Traffic jams are common on the narrow back roads there, as drivers by the dozen pull over and park any way they can to view and elk in a field or nearby woodlot. Always remember to be respectful of private property and the animals themselves. While the elk in some locations are somewhat accustomed to humans stopping to watch them, they are still wild animals, and the elk range isn’t a just big theme park. Feeding wild elk is also unlawful in Pennsylvania.

Visitors in the Benezette area may now tune into the Game Commission’s Northcentral Elk Viewing Area Information Radio Station, WRBR385, broadcasting on 1620AM. The radio station provides a guided tour of the heart of the elk management area. In addition to regular seasonal messages and safe elk viewing tips, the station broadcasts important notices about upcoming events and emer-

gencies. The broadcasts are brought to you in partnership with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

For those who can’t make the trip north to view elk in person, the Game Commission has again installed a camera to provide a live video feed of a field on State Game Lands 311 in Elk County.

Elk, as well as deer, turkeys and other wildlife, tend to frequent this area during the bugling season.

According to Game Commission sources, the top time to see elk on the elk cam is in late afternoon.

Access the elk cam on the Game Commission website, www.pgc.pa.gov, by going about halfway down the left side of the homepage to the “Quick Clicks” box. In that box, click on the “LIVE Elk Cam” link.

Along with the live video stream, there is a wealth of other useful information for elk country visitors.

Of course, a small contingent of folks come to the Pennsylvania elk range every fall to do more than

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look at the animals. Since 2001, the Pennsylvania Game Commission has conducted a tightly regulated elk hunt each year to manage the numbers of elk and prevent them from expanding into areas that would create undue conflicts with farmers and other landowners.

A limited number of elk licenses are issued via a random drawing, giving those hunters drawn the opportunity to harvest a Pennsylvania elk during three separate hunting sea-

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sons. This year, 14 licenses for antlered elk and 15 licenses for antlerless elk were issued for the archery elk season that ran from Sept. 11-25; 32 antlered licenses and 77 antlerless were issued for the general elk season that runs from Nov. 1-6; and 10 antlered licenses and 39 antlerless licenses were issued for the late season that runs from Jan. 1-8, 2022. ¯¯¯ Walt Young writes about the outdoors for the Altoona Mirror.

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The Sentinel

8—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

FALL HUNTING

Final stage of 2021-22 antlerless deer license sale is underway HARRISBURG — While 2021-22 antlerless deer licenses are sold out in many of the state’s Wildlife Management Units (WMUs), licenses remain available in some WMUs. Hunters looking to pick up additional antlerless licenses need to know a couple things: ¯ First, over-the-counter antlerless license sales are handled only by county treasurers, and county treasurers’ offices in some counties presently are closed to the public, so there will be no option to purchase licenses in-person in these counties. ¯ And second, while this round of antlerless license application continues to be called the “over-the-counter sales” round, applications during this round now are accepted by mail,

as well.

Those mailing in applications in the round that began on Sept. 13 follow a procedure that’s similar to earlier mail-in rounds.

License applications for any WMU may be sent in an official pink envelope to any participating county treasurer, a list of which is found on Page 29 of the 2021-22 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest.

What’s different is a hunter can make multiple applications during this round, and may mail up to three applications in the same envelope.

Here’s how it works.

Each hunter now may hold up to six active antlerless licenses at a time. So hunters who applied for and received a license in each the initial round of sales,

and the first and second “unsold license” rounds, will have three when overthe-counter sales begin.

That’s the most any hunter can have before Sept. 13.

Those hunters can purchase three more on or after Sept. 13 to reach their personal limit. Then, as they harvest deer and report the harvests through HuntFishPA, they can purchase additional licenses (if licenses remain available) to get back to their personal limit of six.

Hunters who received fewer than three antlerless licenses during the initial mail-in rounds can purchase more than three when over-the-counter sales begin. A hunter who has yet to obtain an antlerless license, for instance, can purchase six beginning Sept. 13. Just understand

that licenses only are available for certain WMUs — the ones that haven’t yet sold out the total number allocated by the Game Commission.

To check the availability of antlerless licenses, go online to https://huntfish. pa.gov, or click on the Antlerless Deer Licenses link on the homepage at www.

pgc.pa.gov. From there, find the Antlerless Application Availability link on the right-hand side of the page to access the remaining numbers.

Hunters considering purchasing antlerless deer licenses in-person during the over-the-counter sales round are urged to check ahead of time to make sure

a county treasurer’s office is open to the public.

Those making application by mail might need to pick up additional official pink envelopes from a license-issuing agent. Blank applications are available on the Antlerless Deer Licenses page at www.pgc. pa.gov or in the Hunting & Trapping Digest.

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Hunters in Pennsylvania may hold up to six antlerless deer licenses at one time for the 2021-22 season.

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The Sentinel

­Lewistown, PA—9

FALL HUNTING

Backyard targets help bowhunters develop their skills The simple archery the only type of bow I have shooting range in my back- ever used since buying my yard consists of one bale of first one five decades ago. straw setting on a bench. By now I should be an expert archer, but The target atDAVID I’m not. I need tached to the bale is a square THOMPSON all the practice I can get. It’s cut from a cardboard box. If the bale is frustrating when arrows kept covered for protection don’t hit that cardboard from rain and snow, it will target every time.

Other types of bows that last long enough to more bowhunters use are comthan pay for itself.

And if the approaching pound bows and crossarchery deer season pro- bows. My preference is the duces a deer, the bale will traditional bow such as a have helped to put meat in recurve bow or a straight the freezer. Obtaining ven- bow. The latter two bows ison is not the only reason have no mechanical devicI hunt deer with a bow, but es and are not equipped it definitely is one reason. with sights so that the arYou can buy baled cher uses what is called instraw from a farmer or a stinctive shooting.

Not all archers are feed store. Sporting goods stores carry styrofoam tar- bowhunters who hunt big gets that last for years in game and sometimes small the backyard. These targets game. In the recent Olymare square or represent an pics held in Tokyo, archers entire deer or other game. competed for high scores A full-body deer target is and medals. Archers who a good investment, but so shoot in competition are is a cheaper bale of straw. not necessarily bowhuntIt is about one month ers even though they shoot until the Oct. 2 opening well enough to hunt.

Hunting from a tree of archery deer season, and for anyone who plans stand or on the ground for to hunt opening day or deer in all kinds of weather soon afterward, it is time early in the morning or at to practice shoot with the sunset is not the same as shooting in competition at bow as often as possible.

Some bowhunters al- an indoor or outdoor range. ready have been shooting Both types of shooting are for weeks. Others shoot challenging and shooting year around because doing well takes plenty of pracso is a favorite pastime. tice.You can become an That much practice should archer who shoots only at pay off when a deer shows a straw bale or also be a up within shooting range bowhunter who seeks deer of their tree stand in the and other game.

In hunting, there is a woods.

My hunting bow is tendency to emphasize as simple as my bale of shooting longer distancstraw. It’s a recurve bow, es at targets that can be

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hit consistently. The key word is consistently. Hitting a target occasionally or most of the time isn’t good enough. A bowhunter wants to shoot accurately all the time or close to it. To do so, he or she may need to shoot only at close targets.

Shooters do not all have perfect vision for shooting, and some shooters have other physical limitations.

Archers and hunters also deal with psychological challenges that prevent consistent, accurate shooting.

An example is the inability to always draw arrows to the same “anchor” before aiming and releasing arrows. A commonly used anchor, when the arrow is at full draw, is the corner of your mouth.

The same anchor must be used all the time. Yet some shooters are mentally unable to do what they know they should do. Correcting this anchor problem isn’t easy.

Try standing close to the target when shooting, and also try drawing the bowstring to the anchor repeatedly just for practice.

Bringing the bowstring to full draw can be done with or without an arrow in the bow. Drawing an arrow is better, however. The idea is to train to always draw the bowstring and arrow to the anchor and hold the arrow there for a few seconds for practice.

Keep in mind that when a bow is drawn without having an arrow, the bowstring should not be released. Instead, let the bowstring relax slowly to prevent damaging the bow.

To correct shooting problems, archers can stand just five yards back from the target when practicing. At that distance, it is much easier to hit the target. Gradually shoot from longer distances. At some point, arrows will begin to miss the small target and the question is why? Possibly the bow was tilted when arrows were released. Possibly the archer failed to follow through with his shots by too quickly moving his head, hands or arms.

A hunter who can shoot accurately a longer distance will have more shooting opportunities in

the woods. The only way to know how far you can shoot accurately is shoot at a target before hunting season opens. A hunter can limit himself to close shots in the woods unless he is confident of making farther shots.

It is common for bowhunters to have deer approach within 15 yards or less. If that distance is still too far, a hunter can wait for an even closer shot and also can shoot more often for practice.

Because many deer hunters hunt from tree stands, some practice shooting should be from a tree stand or other elevated platform. I place the bale of straw out from the tool shed and shoot from

its roof. I’m careful not to fall.

As soon as a bowhunter shoots well when standing in font of the target, it’s time to also shoot from different angles on the left and right. Game can show up from any direction and sometimes can even be too close.

Practice shooting can continue until, during and after bowhunting season.

You’ll find out in October and November how much more practice you may need. If you are “good to go” now, congratulations on having honed your shooting skills. ¯¯¯ David Thompson writes about the outdoors for the County Observer.

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The Sentinel

10—Lewistown, PA

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

FALL HUNTING

PGC: No evidence humans can get COVID from deer HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Game Commission responded recently to reports about the connection between COVID-19 and deer, pointing out there’s no evidence deer can spread the virus to humans or that humans are at risk of contracting the virus from consuming venison.

As always, however, hunters heading afield in the 2021-22 hunting seasons should take usual precautions when handling their harvests.

“COVID-19 has affected all of us, and it’s not surprising the recent research that shows deer can develop COVID antibodies has generated interest,” Game Commission Executive Director Bryan Burhans said. “But at the same time, there’s nothing to suggest deer hunters or other Pennsylvanians are at risk of contracting COVID from exposure to deer. By taking ordinary precautions when hunting and handling deer, hunters help to reduce any disease risk.”

There always are risks associated with handling wildlife. Generally, the Game Commission recommends people avoid approaching or coming into contact with wildlife.

Hunters and trappers also are advised to follow these simple safety guidelines: ¯ Do not harvest or attempt to harvest any wildlife that appears sick. ¯ Keep game meat clean and cool it down as soon after harvest as possible. ¯ Avoid the backbone and spinal tissue while field dressing and do not

consume brain tissue. ¯ Wear rubber or disposale gloves and do not eat, drink, or smoke while handing and dressing game. ¯ Always wash your hands and equipment thoroughly after handling and dressing game. Following cleaning with soap and water, further disinfection of equipment can be done by applying a 10% household bleach solution and allowing 10 minutes of contact time. Equipment can then be rinsed with clean water and allowed to air dry. ¯ Cook all game meat to the appropriate internal temperature as outlined by food safety officials. ¯ Do not consume raw game meat or blood of wild animals.

These longstanding safety recommendations have worked for years to help keep hunters safe. And with Pennsylvania’s first deer seasons already underway, hunters soon will be employing them again.

Recent reports about the connection between deer and COVID-19 stem from recent research by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The research demonstrated that wild white-tailed deer in Pennsylvania and three other states tested positive for the antibodies to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, meaning that at some point over the past year, these deer were exposed to the COVID-19 virus and formed antibodies as an immune response. But there’s no evidence deer can spread the virus to humans.

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Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

­Lewistown, PA—11

FALL HUNTING

Pennsylvania now allows hunters to carry digital licenses HARRISBURG — Effective at the beginning of the squirrel season earlier this month, Pennsylvania hunters now may carry digital versions of their licenses, in place of paper licenses.

Unlike Pennsylvania’s former hunting and furtaker licensing system, the new system, HuntFishPA, is equipped to issue digital licenses. The Pennsylvania Game Commission earlier this year authorized hunters and trappers to carry digital licenses and permits, though paper harvest tags still must be carried and used in any season where harvests must be tagged.

Hunters and trappers who already have purchased their 2021-22 licenses can download PDF copies of their licenses and permits by logging in to their profile on HuntFishPA

(https://huntfish.pa.gov) and accessing their purchase history.

Those who buy licenses now and in the future will be emailed a PDF version of their licenses, so long as they provide an email address in their profile. This applies whether they buy licenses online or at an issuing agent.

All documents will be emailed, except for harvest tags.

Deer, bear and turkey hunters, and those hunting or trapping in any other season where harvests must be tagged, must continue to carry paper harvest tags afield. No electronic harvest tags are being issued or authorized for use. And all paper licenses and permits that are carried afield must be signed.

Those who plan on hunting big game or bobcats, or trap-

ping fishers or otters must plan ahead of time to be sure that they are in possession of their harvest tags prior to hunting or trapping those species. All harvest tags will be mailed to those who purchase their licenses online.

But for many hunting and trapping opportunities, a digital license is all that’s required.

“The ability to issue digital licenses is just one advantage offered by the new HuntFishPA system,” said Deana Vance, director of the Game Commission’s Bureau of Automated Technology Services.

“Downloading your digital licenses and permits to your mobile device guarantees you’ll never leave them at home.

It’s a convenient option that’s available to hunters in the sea- Hunters can now purchase and carry digital hunting and trapping licenses by sons that are about to begin.” visiting huntfish.pa.gov and creating a profile.

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Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021

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