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Latest Columns by Don Jacobs

October 31, 2009

Hunt went from wet to wild

“Wet to Wild” are the only words to describe my most recent days in the field hunting deer. Let’s start with the wet. Last Saturday, October 24, was the last day of a week-long muzzleloader hunt. A muzzleloader is any gun that is loaded by putting the powder and slug down the barrel. It is not as easy as loading a conventional firearm; however it’s not that hard once you learn the proper formula for you gun. I prefer two Pyrodex pellets (gunpowder) and a 290 grain sabot (bullet slug). The actual ignition of the powder occurs when the trigger is pulled and a small firing cap is exploded. These guns are very accurate and effective for harvesting deer.

October 3, 2009

Grab your knife; we’re going hunting

That’s right, a knife. You don’t need a bow and arrow or shotgun or rifle and get this: you don’t even need a license. The only equipment required for this hunting trip is a knife and a basket.

September 19, 2009

Fall hunting seasons are upon us

Tuesday is the first day of fall. This means different things too different people. It could mean shorter days and driving home from work in the dark. It could mean that we need furnaces not air conditioners. It could mean it’s time to close up the back yard pools go for fall hikes. I’m sure many of us can smell football in the air while watching the leaves turn color.

August 22, 2009

It’s summer mushroom and blueberry time

Perhaps the best way to begin today’s story is with a personal definition. I would define myself as a husband, a father, a hard worker and provider. The provider part could be broken down into several categories including hunter/gatherer. I believe the hunter part is self explanatory. I hunt for deer, turkeys, rabbits and other animals as a means of enjoyment as well as food for the table. Fishing would be considered part of the hunter definition. The gatherer part is completely different.

August 1, 2009

Susquehanna Smallies are calling

It calls my name every time I cross it. It seems to lure unsuspecting anglers to it’s’ banks without rhyme or reason. In case you haven’t figured it out yet, the “it” I am referring to is the Susquehanna River. River fishermen have been waiting for the river to get low enough for some good old fashion bass fishing and the time has finally arrived.

July 18, 2009

Go Joe XII is coming to town!

Newswatch 16’s Morning Meteorologist, Joe Snedeker, will be at it again starting tomorrow morning. Once again he will be bike riding to raise money for St. Joseph’s Center, Dunmore. While Joe wants to thank you for supporting the Charity Bike Ride for the last 11 years, he is hoping to build on the more than $1 million he has already raised. All of the money goes towards helping the severely mentally and physically challenged children and young adults of St. Joe’s. Though the exact route may alter as he travels, we do have a list of towns he will be stopping at and the routes he plans on taking throughout the week. You’ll know Joe is coming when you see the decorated RV carrying the Go Joe Logo. The RV will be in the town just before Joe, so come out, give a cheer and if possible, a donation towards the bike ride.

February 21, 2009

Deer trapping for research is underway

Most of us can’t wait to see the end of bitter temperatures and snowy weather. We’ve had all we can stand of snow shoveling and cars that won’t start. Scraping windshields is becoming very old at this point and so are the outrageous heating bills. I can’t wait for the warmer temperatures, the smells of spring and the disappearance of snow piles. While I believe I am speaking for the majority of people in Northeastern Pennsylvania, I know the same can’t be said for the deer research team in Susquehanna County. They are hoping the cold weather continues for a few more weeks.

February 7, 2009

Fatal bat disease spreading into Pennsylvania

Bats are dying and biologists are trying to figure how and why.

December 27, 2008

What will 2009 hold for outdoorsmen

It is hard to believe that 2008 is almost over. It seems like yesterday we were getting ready for the trout seasons; scouting spring gobblers and watching spring unfold from the harsh winter. The change of the calendar to 2009 probably won’t make me feel any older; I certainly don’t need any help in that department. It just means that on paper we are all another year older. Perhaps the Vietnamese say it best. They believe that the change of year is simply proof of yet another trip around the sun.

December 13, 2008

Deer season and the holidays

Before I share a few thoughts about the deer season with you, I want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas. My next article is scheduled for the Sunday between Christmas and New Years. Be prepared for a few New Year’s resolutions. May your holidays be filled with family, fun and food.

Latest Articles by Don Jacobs

November 14, 2009

The animal-less production season

I have said it many times before, “I love my job!” I get to meet interesting people with interesting stories to tell. My bosses allow me to schedule my own stories and to adjust my personal schedule accordingly. The main focus of Pennsylvania Outdoor Life is to inform and educate the audience while entertaining them enough to return week after week. When it all works as planned it comes together smoothly and we believe we have accomplished our mission. But when it doesn’t work out, the rush to fill a half hour of television could be nerve racking to say the least.

September 5, 2009

Labor Day traditions and summer thoughts

The on again/off again summer has been an interesting one. Just when the river got right for fishing, the storms came and so did the high water. It seems the time flew by over the past few months. Schools are back and so are the long traffic lines behind the school busses. Friday night school football is back with home heating bills are soon to follow. This is of course Labor Day weekend when we should be out enjoying what’s left of summer because the official start of autumn is two weeks away.

June 27, 2009

There’s a new trail, thank you Joe

Joe Healey of the Keystone Trail Association (KTA) invited me to witness first hand the incredible effort his club was making on behalf of hikers everywhere. His work force includes eight retired citizens who volunteer on a trail work crew.

June 13, 2009

Good things are happening on the river

Mark your calendars, get out your kayaks and canoes, put on your swimsuits and get ready for RiverFest 2009. The Susquehanna River is certainly one of our area’s greatest natural resources and once again the Wyoming Valley will celebrate it in style. For the past ten years, people from all over have gathered on this weekend to enjoy what the river has to offer. Organizers of the event tell me that this year’s festivities promise to be bigger and better than ever.

May 16, 2009

Next Saturday -- a great day for fishing

Each year the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Executive Director designates two “Fish for Free Days”. Next Saturday, May 23, is the first. The other day is Sunday, June 7. The “Fish for Free Days” allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish in Pennsylvania without a fishing license, but remember all other fishing rules and regulations still apply.

March 21, 2009

The POL Expo is fun for the whole family

I can’t believe that it’s time again. It seemed like the last one just wrapped up yesterday and yet, here I am two years later, again inviting you to the Pennsylvania Outdoor Life Expo. An every other year event The Pennsylvania Outdoor Life Expo 2009 begins this Thursday, March 26, and closes on Sunday, March 29 at the Columbia Mall near Bloomsburg in the former Ames department store and in the halls of the mall.