RUSH Pro Mods Added To Family of Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks.

SWEENEY RUSH PRO MODS READIES FOR INAUGURAL SEASON AT STATELINE SPEEDWAY;  DIVERSIFIED GROUP OF RACERS TO MAKE-UP CHARTER SEASON April 6, 2016(By Doug Kennedy) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)...In December it was announced that for the third straight year, the Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC  RUSH Racing Series powered by Pace Performance would be adding a new division, the RUSH Pro Mods,  to their growing racing family, one that already consisted of Late Models, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks.
 

The RUSH Pro Mods, an E-Mod style car, will feature the GM 604 and GM 602 engine package, as do all of the other RUSH divisions, along with the mandated sealed spec $135 Bilstein shock package and the RUSH 91 pump gas type product.  The Series will offer $15,050 in Weekly Series point fund money with $3,500 going to the champion all the way down to $300 for the 20th place finisher.  There will also be a $600 "Futures Cup" program, as well as "Manufacturers Night" to be held at Stateline on Saturday, July 30.

Stateline Speedway located in Busti, New York will be the home base for the division throughout the 2016 season beginning with opening night on Saturday, April 30.  Following a couple somewhat tumultuous years, Stateline is now in the hands of new owners, Jim and Jean Scott and Brian Horner.  "It's going to be a totally different place," said well known regional Late Model and E-Mod racer, David Scott, Jim's son, of Stateline. "We made sure that the racers knew that the track was going to be there in 2016.  Now we're racing baby."

Regional Econo Mods will be permitted to compete with the RUSH Pro Mods at Stateline this season only; however, will not be able to earn RUSH points nor contingency prizes. 
  

David and his father, Jim were talking one night about how to entice kids to join an economical racing series, when they came up with the idea of a crate engine E-Mod type car.  With Stateline already being a RUSH-sanctioned speedway they contacted Vicki Emig.  After a December meeting in which the details were discussed, the two parties came to an agreement to begin developing the class under the RUSH sanction.

"RUSH is the division's sanctioning body and Stateline is the racetrack," said Dave.  "Realistically, we have discussed for quite a while that E-Mods should have the crate motor.  Pricewise, motors that require more horsepower are out of hand."
 

Even though Stateline is the only track that will be running the RUSH Pro Mods on a weekly basis this season, there are hopes that other tracks will run the series as well in the future.  A similar model has already proven to be successful with the RUSH Sportsman Modifieds that are now set to begin their third full season with its Sharon Speedway being its home base from its inception.  The Sportsman Modifieds now also features a small "Touring" Series that will visit another four speedways throughout the region and is expected to see its biggest growth spurt during the 2016 season.  The same successful progression is expected for the RUSH Pro Mods.           

Scott will continue his racing career with a Late Model and an open motor E-Mod, but with regards to the operation of the track, he will wear a number of hats.  He says that there will be a group of six or seven who will sit down on a regular basis and talk about issues regarding the racetrack 

Another individual who was involved in initiating the Pro Mod class is retired E-Mod, Late Model, and Limited Late Model driver, Dale Applebee.  This season he will co-own a RUSH Pro Mod for driver Jeremy Williams.  Applebee said that he and David (Scott) started talking in December about doing something with the Pro Mods and expanded those talks to include Emig as well. 
  

"I played a role in getting it started and then it grew from there," said Applebee. "I think it's going to bring in some good quality racers.  It's a good deal.  All the rules make sense and it's affordable for the weekend racer."  

"I will be driving the Applebee House Car," said Williams, who lives in Pittsfield, Pa.  "I raced a Stock Car for five straight years and was looking to find something different.  When we looked at the E-Mod, the motor costs were way too high so we found the RUSH series though Dale.  In early December, he approached me about driving for him because the Series was a go.  It was a class we could afford to do and move up from where we were before.  I just didn't want to race a stock car for the rest of my career." 

Other driver and owner responses are just as positive regarding the new Pro Mod Division.  One of them is Mike Asel of Kane, Pa., who is also the tech inspector for the RUSH Late Models at Bradford Speedway.  Asel hasn't driven a race car for the last 12 years, but plans to participate as an owner in the new RUSH Pro Mod Series with his brother, Dennis, behind the wheel.   When he did drive, Asel competed in Street Stocks at Sportsman's, MarionCenter, and Lernerville.

"We got rid of our Street Stock motor because I could buy a used crate motor for what it would cost to fix my Street Stock," said the 55-year-old Asel.  "So it was a no brainer for me.  It's (the Series) going to help keep the costs of racing down."  

Bear Lake, Pa. resident, Scott Gurdak, will be a regular competitor in the Pro Mods each and every Saturday.  "I think it's going to be a fun series because everyone has to run the same stuff," said Gurdak. 

For Gurdak, racing is certainly a family thing.  His sister, Lori, his brother, Stacey, and Scott own the family RUSH Late Model, while his brother also owns the Pro Mod.   Scott's plans are to run the full Stateline schedule, as well as the RUSH Late Model on a regular basis.  His sister's husband, Jack Hollabaugh, will crew chief on both cars.  "He used to tow my race car when I was just 16," said Gurdak.

Greg Johnson has been racing for 25 years and in an E-Mod since 2007 where he currently races at Stateline, Eriez, Tyler County, along with the Renegade and the UEMS Series.  Greg's son, Zach, will be doing the driving in their new Pro Mod and feels that the Pro Mod Series will be a good start for his 14-year-old son.  His plans are to take both cars to Stateline so that he and his son can both race at the same track.  

"I'm excited," said Greg regarding the Pro Mod division.  "I think it's a good deal.  If I was just starting out, that's where I would go," said Johnson.  "If I didn't have the E-Mod, I would probably have two Pro Mods."

Veteran, Chad Ruhlman will run an E-Mod and at times, he will also race the RUSH Pro Mod.  "I like it," said Ruhlman of the Pro Mod Series.  "I think the class needed the crate motor 20 years ago.  Guys are putting $35,000 into a motor for the E-Mods.  There's no economy in the cost of the motor when they're running for $500 a night to win. You would have to win 70 features a year to break even.  I think the Pro Mods is good with the spec shock and the spec motor, and everything that Vicki is doing is good for the racer." 

He also believes that the division is good for a beginner's class for the younger kids.  As with Greg Johnson, Ruhlman is going to have his 13-year-old son, Kevin, do the driving of his Pro Mod. 

One of the familiar names that will be participating in the Series is Justin Carlson.  The Panama, New York racer started his career in 1999 in the Stock Car division before moving to the E-Mods in 2002 where he's been a regular competitor ever since scoring wins and championships throughout the region.  Carlson is a strong believer in the Pro Mod concept and the point fund is what attracted him to the Series saying it's a nice reward for a long year's work. Carlson will be campaigning both an open E-Mod and a RUSH Pro Mod during 2016.  

Corry, Pa's Bill Silvis said that he feels the Series is really going to be good and more economical.  Silvis' 15-year-old son, Jarrod, was targeted to drive the family Pro Mod, but prior commitments will now mean that Bill will do the driving for 2016.  "There wasn't a learning class for racing so I figure this will be a good class for that," said Silvis. "I think it will be a little easier to learn with more of an even class."

Another son who will be driving for his father is Brandon Blackshear.  The younger Blackshear will be driving an Econo Mod at both Sharon and Eriez and occasionally a Pro Mod at Stateline.Brandon is the son of Don Blackshear, the Director of Circle Track Engine Development at Pace Performance.

Jason Covey of Clymer, NY has raced a Street Stock for the past five years and is looking forward to the new class.  "I think it's a great idea as far as keeping the costs down, evening things out, and making it more of a driver's class.  I'm excited about the season," he said.  

Though his home track South Buxton Raceway in Merlin, Ontario is not part of the RUSH program yet, Dennis Smith's car will be 100% RUSH legal with a GM 604, the spec Bilstein Shocks, and the RUSH 91 pump gas.  The Canadian is a big proponent of the rules package and RUSH and hopes to make at least one appearance at Stateline for "Manufacturers Night".

Membership, as always with all RUSH divisions, is optional and is only available for drivers who compete with the GM 604 and 602 engine packages.  Membership makes drivers eligible for the point funds and gives the drivers an excess $100,000 of participant accident insurance.  The cost to join is $125.  The Sweeney Weekly Series championship is comprised of member drivers' best 12 feature points finishes throughout the 2016 season at RUSH Pro Mod sanctioned events.  

In closing Emig believes the RUSH Pro Mods will be just as successful in the end as the other RUSH classes.  "Over the years we've been continually asked when we were going to do develop a crate engine E-Mod division.  There's definitely been a need for this type of class, especially in the past few years, but as they say, everything in its time and place, and I can't think of a better place to begin the Pro Mods than Stateline Speedway with the Scott family." 

"Thanks to this initial group of racers we are going to have a strong foundation to build upon into the future," continued Emig.  "One thing is for sure, they already have a great advantage in that all of the great partnerships that are in place with the RUSH Racing Series are waiting in the wings to support and provide them with the same exciting and valuable programs RUSH racers have enjoyed throughout the years!"

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and snail mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300 and fax is 724-964-0604. The RUSH Racing Series website is www.rushracingseries.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on Twitter @RUSHLM.

FINAL 2016-17 HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASONS APPROVED

FINAL 2016-17 HUNTING/TRAPPING SEASONS APPROVED

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today set hunting and trapping seasons and bag limits for the 2016-17 license year, which begins July 1.

A list of all seasons and bag limits appears at the end of this news release.

The commissioners also set the number of antlerless deer licenses to be allocated, as well as the number of elk licenses to be allocated for the coming license year.

The board voted to allocate 748,000 antlerless deer licenses statewide. Allocations by Wildlife Management Unit (WMU) are as follows, with the allocation from the previous license year appearing in parentheses: WMU 1A - 46,000 (46,000); WMU 1B - 29,000 (29,000); WMU 2A - 43,000 (43,000); WMU 2B - 61,000 (61,000); WMU 2C - 31,000 (31,000); WMU 2D - 55,000 (55,000); WMU 2E - 21,000 (21,000); WMU 2F - 22,000 (22,000); WMU 2G - 21,000 (22,000); WMU 2H - 6,000 (6,500); WMU 3A - 15,000 (19,000); WMU 3B - 28,000 (28,000);WMU 3C - 36,000 (36,000); WMU 3D - 25,000 (25,000); WMU 4A - 30,000 (30,000); WMU 4B - 26,000 (26,000); WMU 4C - 25,000 (25,000); WMU 4D - 34,000 (33,000); WMU 4E - 25,000 (25,000); WMU 5A - 19,000 (19,000); WMU 5B - 50,000 (50,000); WMU 5C - 70,000 (70,000); and WMU 5D - 30,000 (24,000).

Hunters should note the boundaries again have changed for WMUs 5C and 5D.

Hunting licenses for 2016-17 go on sale in mid-June and become effective July 1. After hunters purchase a general hunting license, they may apply for antlerless deer licenses based on staggered timelines, which will be outlined in the 2016-17 Pennsylvania Hunting & Trapping Digest presented to each license buyer. The 2016-17 digest also will be available at the Game Commission’s website, www.pgc.state.pa.us in mid-June.

The board also voted to issue 124 elk licenses (25 antlered, 99 antlerless) for the 2016 hunt.

The licenses again will be awarded by lottery, and the deadline to enter the drawing is July 31.

Elk applications cost $10.70, and only one application may be submitted each license year.

Other modifications approved for the 2016-17 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. Also the board noted its preliminary vote to reclassify porcupines as furbearers will not result in the addition of a trapping season in 2016-17.

Several highlights pertaining to 2016-17 seasons and bag limits follow.

SPLIT FIREARMS DEER SEASONS UP FOR APRIL APPROVAL

The Board of Game Commissioners adopted a slate of deer seasons for 2016-17, retaining a split, five-day antlered deer season (Nov. 28-Dec. 2

) and seven-day concurrent season (Dec. 3-10) in 18 Wildlife Management Units. The list includes WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E. The package also retains the two-week (Nov. 28-Dec. 10) concurrent, antlered and antlerless deer season in WMUs 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D.

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. 28-Dec. 10 in 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E. Fees for DMAP permits are $10.70 for residents and $35.70 for nonresidents.

DMAP permits also may be transferred to Mentored Hunting Program participants.

The board retained the same antler restrictions by which adult and senior license holders have abided since the 2011-12 seasons. It remains the “three-up” on one side, not counting a brow tine, provision for the western Wildlife Management Units of 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B and 2D, and the three points on one side in all other WMUs. Those exempt from these antler restrictions are mentored youth hunters, junior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active-duty military on leave.

Once again this year, the commissioners approved concurrent hunting of antlered and antlerless deer in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D during all seasons, with the first segment of the archery season to run from Sept. 17 to Nov. 26 in those WMUs.

FALL TURKEY SEASON CHANGES MOVE FORWARD

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to fall turkey seasons for 2016 and spring gobbler dates for 2017.

The slate of turkey seasons 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 reduction of season lengths in those WMUs is in accordance with guidelines in the Game Commission’s Wild Turkey Management Plan.

The fall season in WMUs 1A and 2A is reduced to one week (Oct. 29-Nov. 5), plus a three-day Thanksgiving season (Nov. 24-26). In WMU 1B, the season will remain one week (Oct. 29-Nov.5), but the Thanksgiving season is eliminated. And in WMU 4C, the season is reduced to two weeks (Oct. 29-Nov. 12), plus the three-day Thanksgiving season (Nov. 24-26).

The 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. 29-Nov. 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 will run from April 29-May 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; and from May 15-31, hunters may hunt all day, from one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

The board approved holding the one-day Spring Gobbler Youth Hunt on April 22, 2017, which will run from one-half hour before sunrise until noon. All junior license holders and Mentored Youth 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 addition of a four-day extended season in WMU 1B was approved by the board.

With the change, this season will run concurrently from 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.

The board also eliminated the extended season for black bears in WMU 3A, based primarily on data regarding the bear population within that WMU.

Additionally, the board approved an earlier start to the regular season for cottontails, allowing the statewide season to align with that for squirrels (Oct. 15-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28). The shift also aligns the youth seasons for cottontails and squirrels (Oct. 1-15). Commissioners said the changes intend to simplify regulations as well as expand rabbit-hunting opportunity.

Likewise, the change to make the length of the snowshoe-hare season consistent statewide simplifies regulations, facilitates species monitoring programs, and reflects the fact that harvest mortality is not a major driver of population trends for this species, the commissioners said.

And the river otter season was expanded to one week, Feb. 18-25, 2017, eliminating the need to extend the season daily if the harvest quota is not met.

PROPOSED 2016-17 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license, and mentored youth – Oct. 1-15 (6 daily, 18 in possession limit after first day).

SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 15-Nov. 26; Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (6 daily, 18 possession).

RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 15–Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 21 (2 daily, 6 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail) Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license: Oct. 1-15 (4 daily, 12 possession).

RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 15-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (4 daily, 12 possession).

PHEASANT: Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license – Oct. 8-15 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs. There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.

PHEASANT: Male only in WMUs 2A, 2C, 4C, 4E, 5A and 5B. Male and female may be taken in all other WMUs – Oct. 22-Nov. 26, Dec. 12-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (2 daily, 6 in possession). There is no open season for the taking of pheasants in any Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas in any WMU.

BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 22-Nov. 26 (4 daily, 12 possession). (Closed in 5A, open in all other WMUs.)

HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26–31, in all WMUs (1 daily, 3 possession).

WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except on Sundays and during the regular firearms deer seasons. No limit.

PORCUPINES: Sept. 1-March 31, except during overlap with the regular firearms deer season. (3 daily, season limit of 10).

CROWS: July 1-April 9, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.

STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the antlered and antlerless deer season. No limit.

WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): WMU 1B – Oct. 29-Nov.  5; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Oct. 29-Nov. 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; WMU 5A – Nov. 3-5; WMUs 5B, 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth – April 22, 2017. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.

SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 29-May 31, 2017. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.) From April 29-May 13, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 15-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide) Archery: Nov. 14-18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 19-23. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3B, 3C and 3D): Nov. 28-Dec. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D): Nov. 28-Dec. 10. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 1B, 2C, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Nov. 30-Dec. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) archery: Sept. 17-Nov. 18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMU 5B) archery: Oct. 1-Nov. 18. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) muzzleloader: Oct. 15-22. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.

BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) special firearms: Oct. 20-22, for junior and senior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active duty military.

ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Oct. 31-Nov. 5. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.

ELK, EXTENDED (Antlered and Antlerless): Nov. 7-12. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. Eligible elk license recipients who haven’t harvested an elk by Nov. 5, in designated areas.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 17- Nov. 26 and Dec. 26-Jan. 28, 2017. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. One antlered deer per hunting license year.

DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Oct. 1-Nov. 12 and Dec. 26-Jan. 14. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D: Nov. 28-Dec. 10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: Nov. 28-Dec. 2. One antlered deer per hunting license year. (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period.)

DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E: Dec. 3-10. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Statewide): Oct. 20-22. Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Youth Permit Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 15-22. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 14. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 28. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS: (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties): Dec. 26-Jan. 28. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.

 

PROPOSED 2016-17 FURBEARER HUNTING SEASONS

COYOTES: No closed season. Unlimited. Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.

RACCOONS and FOXES: Oct. 22-Feb. 18, unlimited.

OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays. No limits.

BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 14-Feb. 8. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

PROPOSED 2016-17 TRAPPING SEASONS

MINKS and MUSKRATS: Nov. 19-Jan. 8. Unlimited.

COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 23-Feb. 19. No limit.

COYOTES and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Dec. 26-Feb. 19. No limit. Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.

BEAVERS (Statewide): Dec. 26-March 31 (Limits vary depending on WMU).

BOBCATS (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-Jan. 8.

One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

FISHERS (WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4D and 4E): Dec. 17-28. One fisher per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

RIVER OTTERS (WMUs 3C and 3D): Feb. 18-25, 2017. One river otter per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.

PROPOSED 2016-17 FALCONRY SEASONS

SQUIRRELS (combined), BOBWHITE QUAIL, RUFFED GROUSE, COTTONTAIL RABBITS, Sept. 1-March 31, 2017.

SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARES, RINGNECK PHEASANTS (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 31. Daily and Field Possession limits vary. (Migratory game bird seasons and bag limits for falconers will be set in accordance with federal regulations at a later date.)

No open season on other wild birds or mammals.

Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons to be established in accordance with federal regulations this summer.

GAME LANDS DRONE BAN MOVES AHEAD

Measure seeks to minimize disturbance of wildlife.

 

The recreational flying of drones rapidly has gained in popularity, and as it has, the number of cases where drones have caused concern for wildlife has increased as well.

During the snow-goose migration season at Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area this year, for instance, Game Commission staff detected at least five instances where drones disturbed wildlife. In one case, a drone was flown into an off-limits propagation area that serves as a sanctuary for resting waterfowl, and another disturbance caused hundreds of waterfowl to suddenly flush. There also were reports of drones being flown close to bald-eagle nests, which causes an obvious risk to eagles and their eggs.

Clearly, this type of activity runs counter to the intended use of properties like Middle Creek and other tracts of state game lands owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission.

And today, the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners cast a unanimous preliminary vote to enact a ban on the flying of unmanned aerial vehicles over lands or waters designated as state game lands.

The measure will be brought back to the July meeting, where commissioners will consider it for final approval.

In addition to protecting wildlife, the commissioners said the ban also would ensure drones aren’t used to interfere with lawful hunting and trapping on game lands.

The preliminarily approved measure provides for exceptions to be made through written permission by the executive director.

 

ANTLERLESS APPLICATION SCHEDULE CHANGES

Length between resident and nonresident application periods shortens.

Hunters who are Pennsylvania residents traditionally have been able to apply for antlerless deer licenses a full two weeks before nonresidents.

But the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today voted to shorten the time between resident and nonresident application periods to one week, allowing nonresidents to apply the third Monday in July each year.

The measure is part of an ongoing effort by the Board of Commissioners to make the application process fairer to nonresident deer hunters, many of whom are native Pennsylvanians who have moved away, but return to hunt with family.

Antlerless deer licenses are valid only in the Wildlife Management Unit for which they’re issued. In many of the state’s 23 Wildlife Management Units, licenses typically are available at the time nonresidents first can apply. But in some WMUs – particularly a handful in northcentral Pennsylvania where many nonresidents have camps – antlerless licenses sell out quickly and before nonresidents have a chance to apply.

Commissioners said the change will give those nonresidents a better chance to obtain a license, while still giving preference to residents.

PORCUPINE COULD BE RECLASSIFIED AS A FURBEARER

Provision could allow porcupines to be hunted or trapped, with proper licenses.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today preliminarily approved reclassifying the porcupine as a furbearer.

If given final approval, the measure could allow for porcupines to be trapped, as well as hunted. Commissioners said a porcupine trapping season would not be implemented in the 2016-17 license year, and would be implemented in future seasons only if porcupines are reclassified and staff recommends a trapping season.

Based on the proposal, license requirements for hunting and trapping of porcupines would mirror those for coyotes. Porcupines could be hunted by those possessing either a hunting or furtaker license, and could be trapped by furtakers, as well, during established seasons.

The measure will be brought back to the July meeting to be considered for final approval.

 

COMMISSIONERS EMPHASIZE DEER CONTROL THROUGH HUNTING

Preliminarily approved provision requires deer-control permit holders to consider hunters first.

Municipalities and other political subdivisions that request permits to manage deer populations soon might need to more strongly consider managing deer through hunting before gaining approval to use another method.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a series of amendments to the application process for special deer-control permits.

As part of the background information on deer populations and damage they’re required to submit, permit applicants would be asked to specifically define how licensed public hunting has been used in the problem area previously, and how it will be used during the period the permit would be valid.

Commissioners said the measure helps to ensure hunters will have an opportunity to manage deer on properties where high deer populations have created problems.

The amendments will be brought back to the July meeting for a final vote.

 

WMU BOUNDARY FURTHER ADJUSTED

Commissioners approve boundary shift between WMUs 5C and 5D.

The boundary between WMUs 5C and 5D was shifted last year to better divide the more-developed urban areas surrounding Philadelphia and the less-developed areas farther from the city.

And that boundary again has been changed through a vote today by the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners.

The commissioners gave final approval to a measure to expand WMU 5D northeast to provide a more logical boundary.

The boundary change approved today is different than the one given preliminary approval in January. WMU 5D will become larger than previously proposed, increasing by 51,849 acres that had been part of WMU 5C.

With the change, WMU 5D now is defined as follows: From the Delaware/Pennsylvania state line near Yorklyn, PA, Rt. 82 west to U.S. Rt. 30; U.S. Rt. 30 east to PA Rt. 113 at Downingtown; PA Rt. 113 north to Interstate 476; Interstate 476 west to PA Rt. 563 (Ridge Road); Ridge Road east, straight to PA Rt. 611; PA Rt. 611 south to the intersection of Tohickon Creek; and Tohickon Creek east to the Pennsylvania/New Jersey state line.

ACREAGE ACQUIRED AS GAME LANDS

Three acquisitions add about 55 acres to state game lands system.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved three land acquisitions that will add a total of about 55 acres to the state game lands system.

Two of the acquisitions involve land being sold in Delmar Township, Tioga County by the Northcentral Pennsylvania Conservancy.

The conservancy is selling for a $26,000 lump sum 21½ acres that are an indenture to State Game Lands 313, as well as a 6-acre tract adjacent to the game lands to be sold for $400 an acre. The 6-acre tract has an existing oil and gas lease that is excepted and reserved. The lease shall cease and determine upon expiration.

State Game Lands 313 also is known as “The Muck,” a designated Important Bird Area in the Marsh Creek drainage of the Pine Creek watershed.

“The Muck” is home to several bird species listed in the State Wildlife Action Plan. It is a breeding location for the state-endangered American Bittern and Least Bittern, as well as the Virginia Rail, Sora, Marsh Wren and Wilson’s Snipe.

There is a small upland component with mixed northern hardwoods for the properties being acquired, but most of the properties are comprised of palustrine, emergent wetlands.

A covenant and restriction shall run with these lands to ensure the property shall be administered in accordance with state laws governing the conservation of fish and wildlife.

Access to the larger acreage is from state Route 287 via a private right-of-way known as Cattail Lane. Access to the smaller tract is from the existing game lands.

The board also approved the acquisition of a 28-acre indenture to State Game Lands 88 in Saville Township, Perry County.

The property is being sold by Lowell E. Cassell and Joann E. Cassell for a $23,000 lump sum to be paid with funds from the Game Fund. The tract is wooded with a dry oak forest and the terrain is primarily steep and rocky. Access is provided from the existing game lands.

DISABLED VETERANS’ HUNTS PRELIMINARILY APPROVED

One shooting day at each Middle Creek, Pymatuning could be designated.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave preliminary approval to a measure that would allow the Game Commission’s executive director to designate one shooting day at each the Middle Creek and Pymatuning Wildlife Management Areas as open only to veterans with disabilities.

Participants would be selected by a random drawing, and only those who qualify for and possess a disabled veteran license could apply. Successful applicants who participate in the hunt would be permitted to bring along three guests, so long as they possess proper general or base hunting licenses.

The measure will be brought back to the July meeting, where it will be considered for final approval.

 

EXPIRED-LICENSE POSSESSION MADE ILLEGAL

Intentional or accidental, violations arise from tagging big game with expired tags.

When July rolls around, a new hunting license year will begin and those licenses carried over the previous 12 months no longer are valid.

But the Wildlife Conservation Officers working for the Pennsylvania Game Commission sometimes encounter hunters and trappers who still are in possession of expired licenses and tags from the previous year. And in some cases, those in possession of expired licenses and tags are carrying them with the intention to use them unlawfully to tag an animal taken in the current season.

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners has addressed that problem, voting today to make it unlawful to possess any license or big-game tag from a previous license year while engaged in hunting or trapping activities. Licenses and tags that have been fulfilled, revoked or suspended also have been made unlawful to possess in the field.

Commissioners have noted the color of hunting licenses can’t be changed from year to year to make it easier for hunters to know which tags are valid. The PALS system through which hunting licenses are issued is operated jointly in Pennsylvania by the Game Commission and the state Fish and Boat Commission.

Because the license years for hunting and fishing licenses start and end at different times, hunting and fishing licenses for different licenses years are issued at the same time, meaning the color for each must remain consistent.

Commissioners reminded hunters it is unlawful to possess the licenses or tags of junior hunters and mentored youth.

 

RANGEFINDER USE CLARIFIED BY BOARD

Game Commission long has considered use of rangefinders ethical and in compliance with the law.

Electronic rangefinders have been added to the list of electronic devices Pennsylvania hunters are permitted to use.

While many hunters have used rangefinders for years, and the Game Commission long has considered them lawful, rangefinders never formally were added to the narrow list of permitted electronic devices.

That changed today through a vote of the Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners. Both hand-held rangefinders and those contained within a scope or archery sight formally have been permitted, but those that cast a beam of any sort continue to be unlawful to use.

The state’s Game and Wildlife Code carries a broad prohibition on the use of electronic devices during hunting and trapping, but over the years, several devices have been reviewed – and in some cases – added to a list of devices that are an exception to the broad rule and can be used lawfully.

In reviewing devices and considering whether their use should be considered lawful, the Game Commission considers if and the degree to which the device might negatively impact principles of resource conservation, equal opportunity, fair chase and public safety.

 

LAW-ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITY CLARIFIED

Board adjusts regulation to reflect officers’ role in changing times.

 

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today gave final approval to minor changes to regulatory language that clarify the role officers play in enforcing criminal violations they encounter in the performance of their official duties.

Wildlife Conservation Officers are given authority under state law to enforce not only the state’s Game and Wildlife Code, but also the Crimes Code and a variety of other laws. The regulatory change removes a requirement for WCOs to attempt to transfer all general crime matters to local or state police. In almost all cases, state and local police decline to pick up cases from WCOs, and ask that the Game Commission prosecute the cases.

The primary responsibility of WCOs remains enforcement of the Game and Wildlife Code.

 

COMMISSIONERS APPROVE LEGAL SETTLEMENT

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today approved a legal settlement that will end a dispute over ownership of a 3-acre tract that is an interior to State Game Lands 42 in Saint Clair Township, Westmoreland County.

With the settlement, the Game Commission will pay a $25,000 lump sum to Highridge Water Authority and take possession of the 3-acre tract and resolve all disputes over ownership and access rights for water lines or equipment or vehicles to the property.

The settlement was approved by unanimous vote of the board.

BOARD OKs PARTICIPATION IN WATERFOWL SURVEY

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today announced its participation in a nationwide survey of waterfowl hunters.

The survey, being conducted by the University of Minnesota, is intended to help future waterfowl-harvest and habitat-management efforts in the Atlantic Flyway.

As a participant in the study, the Game Commission will provide to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service contact information for resident Pennsylvania waterfowl hunters registered in the Harvest Information Program.

Commissioners approved participation in the survey by a notational vote prior to the meeting, in order to meet the deadline for participation.

 

COMMISSIONERS ANNOUNCE FUTURE MEETING DATES

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners will reconvene in Harrisburg at a June 6 working group meeting to begin at 8 a.m. Working group meetings are open to the public, and allow for interaction between staff and the board, but no formal action is taken at working group meetings.

The next quarterly meeting of the board will be held Monday, July 11 and Tuesday, July 12 in Harrisburg, with each meeting slated to begin at 8:30 a.m.

Danni's Ripple Effect: Elk County Sheriff Testifies About Heroin Use

By SANDY RHODES

Heroin use is an epidemic without borders. It crosses genders, socio-economic classes and races. So it only proves to reason that a solution to help combat this growing epidemic would have no borders.

“The problem doesn’t stop at the borders,” said W. Todd Caltagarone, Elk County sheriff and former City of St. Marys Police chief. “At the very least, law enforcement must attack the problem from a regional perspective with a view of the broader context concerning the problem.”

Caltagarone was one of 16 people who testified at the Center for Rural Pennsylvania’s hearing on Friday at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. The hearing, the first one of this year, centered on the heroin epidemic in rural Pennsylvania. This was also the first hearing held in the most rural location.

“It is critical to emphasize the continued need for financial and collaboration across all domains and spheres of responsibility.”

As with it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a regional effort to combat substance abuse.
“We gain little by each organization working within its own silo.” 

Caltagarone suggested an approach like the Multi-Disciplinary Teams formed to examine and evaluate child abuse cases.

“Utilizing this model, representatives from multiple disciplines can be brought to the table and cases can be individualized and manage on a county level.

Since opioid and heroin abuse affects all areas of social strata, a regional approach is necessary, he said.

Strain on Law Enforcement
In a rural county such as Elk County, Pa., members of law enforcement are doing their best to fight drugs in the community, but they are often stretched financially, personally and professionally.

Caltagarone said in the City of St. Marys, 14 officers in his area protect almost 100 square miles. Each of these officers is assigned drug investigations, but only three are trained in that specialty.
“Fifty percent of their caseloads are comprised of drug investigations and show no sign of lessening.”

Much of their time investigating is done outside of their regular shifts and time away from their families.

Economic Highs and Lows
Heroin is often the drug most addicts turn to because it is relatively inexpensive. But the matter can be rather costly to the community waging a battle against it.

“Without funding from the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office to regional drug task forces, we would never be able to meet the crisis before us.”

A funding streams needs to continue to flow in order to ebb the tide of heroin.

“Law enforcement cannot completely eradicate the problem, but with continued funding, we can restrain, repel, contain, push back and mitigate the epidemic.

The illegal drug activity has dire consequences on the community.

“(It) has a significant impact on communities in terms of increased criminal activity, the social fabric and the quality of life of our citizens.”

The funding needs don’t stop there.

“Equally important is prevention and education. This area can realize a greater return on investment in terms of financial and other resources.”

But once a person is incarcerated, their medical burdens fall on the taxpayer and when they are release the strain is transferred to the health care industry.

Never-ending Pain
 The road to heroin use often starts with prescription opioid use for pain management, Caltagarone said.

“Chronic pain or perhaps an invasive medical procedure often leads to a prescription for pain medication,” he said, citing scripts for Vicodin or OxyContin.

“When a prescription refill ends, the individual seeks out other sources and substances to deal with the physical pain. The problem of addiction, however, remains.”

Caltagarone said a person may experience many overdoses as they try to satisfy their addiction or manage their pain.

While the addict and the family tries to seek treatment, many times it’s for naught as either no bed is available at a treatment facility or a bed may be available, but the facility is far away from home and, ultimately, the addict’s support system.

Attaining a sober life is still out of reach.

“They experience relapse after relapse – returning to using at the same dosage level that they no longer have tolerance for.

“The result is an overdose.”

Sometimes the overdose is witnessed by others and help comes in time. That, however, is not a safe bet when gambling with heroin.

“The cycle continues until that day when the event is not witnessed or they are not found in time. 

The consequences are tragic.”

“It is absolutely essential that our physicians and pain management specialists fully conceptualize the depth of the problem as well as the potential for abuse and complications when dispensing opioid pain medications. 

“Those complications typically involve criminal activity, family problems, unemployment and anti-social behavior.”

A Deadly Choice
As the heroin epidemic spreads throughout the United States, it has become apparent that the Keystone State is swept up in the problem. Pennsylvania ranks third in the country for heroin use.

Elk County, at a population of just shy of 31,200, is much like other counties throughout Pennsylvania and is not immune to the heroin epidemic, particularly the deadly side of the illegal drug.

Elk County is ranked seventh in the state for drug-related overdose deaths per 100,000 people, according to Pennsylvania Coroner Data. According to the report, Elk County recorded 26.65 deaths. McKean County ranked No. 32 with 14.10 drug-related deaths. Cameron and Potter counties did not record any drug related deaths, according to the report.

Heroin is the drug of choice for Elk County, as it is with a majority of the counties throughout the state.