PD Sports

May 17, 2009

Next Saturday -- a great day for fishing

OUTDOORS WITH JAKE

By Don Jacobs
Times Leader Staff Writer

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.

The ideas behind these days are simple; it’s the perfect opportunity to take a kid fishing. You can also use it as a way of creating new fishing buddies by introducing a friend or relative to the lifelong sport of fishing. There’s no better way to enjoy Pennsylvania’s great outdoors than a day of fishing with the entire family.

Pennsylvania was one of the first states in the nation to set aside specific dates where anyone can fish for free. The first such day took place on September 22, 1984. After a great deal of discussion, it was decided to go with the Saturday of the Memorial Day weekend. Because fishing is considered a family oriented activity, Memorial Day seemed to be the perfect holiday since it is both a traditional time for families to get together and the unofficial "start" of summertime activities.

When you think about it, the possibilities are endless. The fish for free day means that you can spend next Saturday along the Susquehanna River or you can fish and picnic at Francis Slocum State Park Lake. There’s no more room for excuses. You can’t say that you didn’t know about it or that you don’t have a license. You can’t blame the lack of trying on the expense of it all either. Any way you look at it, “Next Saturday is a great day for fishing!”

The Crossbow Shuffle

The word is spreading across the hunting community. The Pennsylvania Game Commission has approved the use of crossbows during the regular archery season. Since the approval the regulations have changed a little. The originally banned the use of magnifying scopes. However, the Game Commissioners changed that during its last meeting when they gave final approval to a regulatory change that would allow hunters to use magnifying scopes on bows or crossbows during the archery deer and archery bear seasons.

The Commission also gave themselves an out in the event the crossbow approval turns out to be a bad idea for Pennsylvania wildlife. As approved in January, The Board approved an amendment in January to include a sunset date for the expanded crossbow use. This provision will require a future Board to consider the impact of expanded use of crossbows, if any, before June 30, 2012, and whether the privilege should continue into the future.

For the 2009-2010 seasons, a crossbow must have a peak drawn weight of at least 125 pounds, and a bolt must be equipped with a broadhead that has an outside diameter or width of at least 7/8 inches with at least two cutting edges on the same plane throughout the length of the cutting surface, and shall not exceed three inches in length. There is no maximum draw weight. Crossbows may only be used during the early and late muzzleloader season when they overlap with archery seasons and an archery license is required.

I must throw my opinion into the ring. I say that anything that gives Pennsylvania Sportsman another opportunity, a new challenge or another reason to stay involved in hunting is a good thing. Research has proven that crossbows are an effective and safe way to harvest animals. I’m all for it!

Changes in the Antlerless Deer Application Process

I want to give you a heads up on the changes you will see this July. The new hunting licenses go into effect on July 1st. There are a few changes in the way and dates for applying for an antlerless license. The application process begins about two weeks earlier than in the past. The following information is an outline of the application schedule for 2009.

2009 Antlerless Deer License Application Schedule

Monday, July 13: First day resident antlerless deer license applications accepted by County Treasurers (Mail Only)

Monday, July 27: First day nonresident antlerless deer license applications accepted by County Treasurers (Mail Only)

Monday, August 3: If antlerless deer licenses are still available, County Treasurers accept antlerless deer license applications from residents and nonresidents for unsold tags (Mail only – first round, one unsold tag per applicant)

There is also a change as to where you will mail in your application. Using the new Antlerless Deer License Envelope (pink in color, available through all issuing agents), hunters will mail their antlerless deer license applications directly to a County Treasurer of their choice, not the Game Commission. County Treasurers willissue antlerless deer licenses for any wildlife management unit (WMU), not just their county. You will also have to indicate your first, second and third WMU preference on the application. That way, if the first WMU of choice is sold out, the Treasurer can issue a license for the second or third WMU preference, based on license availability. It may sound complicated but I’m sure we will all get used to it. I will remind you when the application date gets nearer.

Outdoor Life

Be sure to join us tonight at 6:30 on WNEP-TV for a new episode of Pennsylvania Outdoor Life. This week we will look at the third way researchers used to trap deer in our area for research and then it’s off to Lycoming County for a stream map history lesson.

I have an announcement for you; old shows of Pennsylvania Outdoor Life can now be seen on WNEP-2 on most cable stations or over the air on 16-2. Be sure to check it out. Have a great day!

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