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<span style="font-weight: bold">Northwest Region Field Report - March 15, 2013</span>
Crawford County WCO Jacob J. Olexsak reports that charges have been filed in a case where the defendant killed and possessed two deer illegally during the flintlock season. WCO Olexsak states “this individual killed the first deer legally but refused to tag it and tried to process it before being apprehended.” He only had one tag for the year, but the temptation of a second deer in front of him was too much.”
Crawford County WCO Mark A. Allegro reports that most WCOs and Deputy WCOs have been busy the past few weeks with mandatory training including foul weather/dimlight firearms qualification, defensive tactics, legal updates, hazardous materials, and 1st Aid/CPR.
Erie County WCO Michael A. Girosky reports although the fishing season is never ending on Lake Erie, soon a new season will be upon us. Game Commission officers will be out on the streams and lakes patrolling along with the PF&BC officers. Littering is the most common violation (especially worm and bait containers) but there are many others. Please make it a point to take everything out that you brought in.
Erie County WCO Michael A. Girosky reports that the sports show at the convention center in Erie seemed to be a success. There were many people there on Friday and most seemed happy with their hunting experience this past hunting season.
Erie County WCO Larry M. Smith encourages trappers to consider finishing their beaver season by trying to locate problem areas and taking advantage of the milder weather. Many municipalities have problem sites where they could use the help.
Erie County WCO Darin L. Clark reports that most eagles’ nests are active now. People should resist the urge for a closer look and view from afar. Getting too close can disturb the birds and lead to nest failure.
Jefferson County WCO Roger A. Hartless reports that coyotes appear to be widespread not just in PA but other states to the south as well. During a recent trip to Tennessee, he observed four road-killed coyote carcasses along southbound lanes on the trip down and at least six along the northbound lanes on the trip back.
Jefferson County WCO Roger A. Hartless reports that while attending one of the major sports shows this past winter he noticed a number of vendors displaying the latest in turkey hunting equipment, including an assortment of types and styles of electronic turkey decoys. Turkey hunters are reminded that electronic decoys are considered unlawful hunting devices in Pennsylvania; however, they may be used for the hunting or trapping of furbearers. For the sake of safety, hunters using any decoy should be careful of their placement in relation to their hunting location.
Jefferson County WCO Andrew D. Troutman is still investigating several cases from hunting season. Baiting cases, felons not to possess firearms, protected bucks shot and left lay, deer dumps, etc., are just some cases that need finalized.
Mercer County WCO Lawrence R. Hergenroeder reports the students at Laurel High School had another fantastic turnout for their annual sportsmen’s night out event. Several hundred sportsmen and women visited the many vendors and booths that were setup at the school in Lawrence County.
Mercer County WCO Lawrence R. Hergenroeder reports signs of spring are beginning to arrive in the district. Waterfowl including pintails, widgeon, black ducks, teal, and tundra swans as well as song birds have been observed across the district.
Venango County WCO Ronda J. Bimber reports that she has been spending a good deal of time in court wrapping up cases from deer season. She would like to thank everyone from the sportsmen who gave information on illegal activities to the district attorney and her staff for all their help and support. Some say it takes a community to raise a child; while in this case it takes a community to protect the wildlife.
Mercer/Venango County LMGS Mario L. Piccirilli reports that this time of year bald eagles can be seen on the ice at the Shenango River Lake. State Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Michael Colgan from Mercer County observed nine eagles on the east side of the causeway on Rt. 18 and twenty minutes later he observed 11 eagles on the west side of the lake on the ice.
Clarion/Jefferson County LMGS George J. Miller reports he has received several reports this winter of hunting violations that were observed last fall. Although he appreciates the information and will keep it for future reference, it would have been more helpful if he had received it shortly after the illegal activity happened. If you observe a game law violation, please contact the nearest PGC Regional Office and report it immediately. The phone numbers for each office can be found on the first few pages of the Hunting and Trapping Digest. If you take the time to program the number into your cell phone now, you won’t have to scramble to find it when you need it.
Crawford/Erie County LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander reports that although hard and soft mast crops were generally poor this past fall, we were fortunate in also having a comparatively easy winter. This hopefully minimized the impacts of the poor winter food supplies. Spring is approaching. Shayne observed his first woodchuck March 6th, first redwing blackbirds March 7th, and first singing woodcock March 8th.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Southwest Field Officer Report - March 15, 2013</span>
Allegheny County WCO Dan Puhala reports that two aggressive nuisance turkeys were trapped and relocated from Penn Hills. “A trio of gobblers was harassing residence along a dead end road over a period of weeks. The birds were preventing people from leaving their homes and chasing them as they returned from the bus stop,” he said. “Using a net gun and with the help of DWCO Candek and WCO Fife, two of the birds were captured and relocated. I am confident that the birds were being fed by humans at some point in time and had become habituated to being around people. It appeared that they were establishing dominance in the area to anyone who seemed to fear them.”
Allegheny/Beaver/Washington Counties GLMGS Doug Dunkerley reports on some good news regarding an addition to the state game lands in his group. “Another 167 acres has been approved for addition to SGL 302 increasing the size of that game land over 10%. This new tract was another in a long list of properties acquired as a result of the booming Marcellus industry,” he said.
Armstrong County WCO Gary Toward reports that a Westmoreland County man recently pled guilty to causing property damage to a house during the 2011 deer season. “The individual struck a house with two bullets while reportedly shooting at a deer. Although ballistic testing, which took more than a year to complete, was inconclusive, every other part of the investigation and resulting evidence indicated that this was the correct person who fired the shots,” he said. “With statements provided by the defendant, GPS mapping done by taking careful measurements of evidence obtained from the scene and trajectory of the probable shots as well as other evidence presented, the defendant’s attorney advised him to plead guilty to the charge. In addition to the fine imposed by the court, the defendant had to reimburse the homeowner for out of pocket expenses for the repairs to their home. Thankfully, no one was injured by the negligent actions of this individual,” he added.
Armstrong County WCO Rod Burns reports that flocks of turkeys are being seen all over his district and this should be an excellent year for spring gobbler opportunities.
Armstrong County WCO Rod Burns reports that he had a busy day answering questions at the Allegheny County Outdoors Show. “Most everyone likes antler restrictions and there were very few complaints about Game Commission programs,” he said.
Beaver County WCO Matt Kramer reports that WCO Mike Yeck, a former Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer, completed his course of study as a member of the 29th Cadet Class at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation. “WCO Yeck's first assignment will be district 2-04-1 in Northern Beaver County. This district, comprised mostly of the area north of the Ohio River, contains State Game Lands #285 and #173, as well as numerous Farm Game Cooperators. WCO Yeck will do a fine job and the residents of Northern Beaver County will be well served by his courtesy and professionalism,” he said.
Beaver County WCO Matt Kramer reports that a Beaver Falls man recently pled guilty to citations stemming from an incident on the final day of deer season. “Thanks to a call from a concerned citizen, this violation did not go undetected. The man paid a total of over $2400 dollars in fines, costs, and restitution for wildlife illegally killed,” he said.
Cambria County WCO Seth Mesoras reports on spring black bear den work in the region. “We recently introduced several orphaned cubs to our radio collared females in Somerset, Westmoreland, and Cambria County and all seemed to have gone well. Hopefully next winter we will still see those cubs with their surrogate mothers,” he said.
Cambria/Indiana Counties GLMGS Dan Yahner reports that the Food and Cover crews in Indiana and Cambria Counties are cutting many acres of mature aspen thickets. “The cutting of the mature trees provides for a great deal of regeneration from the emergence of the root sprouts. New growth of aspen trees is one of the most desired food sources by many species of wildlife,” he said.
Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin reports that two individuals were recently cited for dumping trash in two areas. One has already plead guilty, and was assessed a fine of $300.00 plus court cost.
Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin reports that he has observed one Bald Eagle at the Cheat Lake nest site near Point Marion. The Eagle returned on the March 1st.
Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin reports that charges have been filed against two Greene County hunters. “The first hunter was hunting on SGL 223 and was in possession of two antlerless tags belonging to a friend of his. He admitted to taking the tags to shoot deer for his friend during the previous season. The owner of the tags was also cited for lending the tags,” he said.
Fayette/Westmoreland Counties WCO Jason Farabaugh reports that Hunter Education classes are scheduled for March, April, and May in the district. “All first-time hunters, regardless of age, are required to attain certification from an approved Hunter Education course before purchasing a hunting license. Several individuals were encountered and cited over the past year who did not attend the required Hunter Education course prior to purchasing their hunting license,” he said.
Fayette/Westmoreland Counties WCO Jason Farabaugh reports that a total of 55 hen turkeys were trapped and banded in the region as part of the on-going hen mortality study. “I found it interesting that one of the hens we caught was previously banded in 2010,” he said.
Fayette/Westmoreland Counties WCO Jason Farabaugh reports that a Mount Pleasant man recently pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing a doe on the first day of the buck-only firearms season in WMU 2C. “A concerned sportsman initiated the investigation by relaying information obtained online from Facebook. The comments posted on Facebook ultimately led to a confession to the acts. Fines and costs exceeded $1200,” he said.
Somerset County WCO Brian Witherite reports that despite the long winter and consistent snowfall wildlife seems to have fared well. Turkeys, deer and other wildlife are being seen consistently.
Somerset County WCO Brian Witherite reports that after a lengthy investigation charges have been filed on an individual who assisted in the unlawful killing of three antlerless whitetail deer at night from last fall. “The individual charged faces possible jail time and large fines on top of losing his hunting privileges due to his actions,” he said.
Somerset County GLMGS Jack Lucas reports on habitat work on SGL 82. “An extensive grouse habitat area is being prepared for a multi-year project. Every time I return to the area, it amazes me the amount of wildlife taking advantage of the newly cut tree tops. It is interesting to the see the instant temporary food relief that the food and cover crew has provided during the heavy snows and cold nights,” he said.
Somerset County GLMGS Jack Lucas reports on the wild pheasant recovery area. “While patrolling the wild pheasant recovery area in Somerset County, I stopped and watched a red-tailed hawk fly the edge of a conservation area field on a farm. No doubt, while I was looking for pheasants the red tail was as well. The hawk eventually landed on a tree to watch for any small game to become its prey,” he said.
Washington County WCO Chris Bergman reports that a Fayette County man pled guilty to numerous charges filed against him for killing a big game animal over his limit in Luzerne Township. “The man possessed a disabled person’s permit which allowed him to hunt from a stationary vehicle, however, it didn’t allow him to do what he did the day of the violation. The man and his son were driving down the road when they observed an antlerless deer near a gas well. The man stopped the vehicle and shot the deer from the driver’s seat. He had no valid antlerless tags so he proceeded to tag the animal with his Son’s antlerless tag,” he said.
Washington County WCO Chris Bergman reports that two ongoing deer cases were recently adjudicated by guilty pleas in Somerset and North Bethlehem Townships. “The first case involved an individual who killed a buck during a closed season and the second involved an individual who shot an antlerless deer and tagged it with his Father’s tag because he didn’t buy his own antlerless tags. Charges for this man consisted of shooting a big game animal beyond his established season limit, failing to attach the proper tag, possessing a game kill tag belonging to another person, and fluorescent orange violations,” he said.
Westmoreland County WCO Matt Lucas reports that preparation has begun for the upcoming Hunter-Trapper Education classes for the year. Classes are being scheduled for March and April and are already filling up. A training workshop was held in early February for instructor updates.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Northcentral Field Officer Report - March 15, 2013</span>
Potter County WCO Bill Ragosta reports that he recently prosecuted two successful hearings in front of magisterial judges, both for road hunting episodes. Trapping patrol and turkey trapping are taking up much of his time presently.
Clearfield County WCO Chris Ivicic says he is not sure if the deer herd is up or down, it all depends on which hunters you listen to. He reports that the herd’s status in Clearfield Co. is doing fine. My measuring stick is the amount of poaching incidents that my neighboring officer and I have had to deal with this past year. No matter how many deer there are, POACHING has been at an all time high.
Potter County WCO Mark S. Fair reports while on a turkey trapping operation WCO Tom Sabolcik was showing the concerned landowner a healthy young jake bird. Officer Sabolcik proceeded to release the bird safely but failed to watch out for his own health. Tom slipped and fell on the ice and bruised his shoulder. Hopefully his injuries are minor and he will heal. WCOs face many hazards during their careers protecting and caring for wildlife.
LMGS Colleen M. Shannon, Cameron and Clearfield counties, reports that she prosecuted a case in rifle deer season where a hunter witnessed a person shoot from a pickup truck while stopped on a township road. The witness, a USMC Major on leave in PA for deer season, took the time from his own hunt to obtain a license plate and vehicle description then called it in promptly. Upon arrival in the area, and with the assistance of another group of local hunters, DWCO Jeff Colbey and I were able to locate the suspect vehicle. The suspects admitted to the violation due to the veracity of the witness’s information. Our investigation revealed that the buck had not been harvested but it was still costly for the defendants.
LMGS Colleen M. Shannon, Cameron and Clearfield counties, reports that she prosecuted a case in rifle deer season where a homeowner heard a rifle shot close by just as she was preparing to send her young son outside to wait for the school bus. The mother looked out to see a car stopped on the roadway between her house and the neighbor’s house across the road. The lone occupant had fired across into the woods on the left side of the road and within 50 yards of the house. The witness was not able to leave to get license plate information as the car left the scene but she reported the violation promptly and I was able to locate the suspect just a mile down the road. He quickly admitted to the violation and my investigation revealed that he had not harvested a deer. He told me he missed because he was nervous and I replied that he should have been because such behavior is extremely unsafe and illegal.
Clinton County WCO Ken Packard says, “Thanks to a concerned citizen, two young men that shot a doe nine days after the close of the late flintlock season were apprehended.” The deer was killed with a .243 and was within at least three safety zones. Neither men needed the deer meat but since they hadn’t seen much during deer season they decided to take action when the opportunity presented itself.
WCO Jonathan M. Wyant, Northcentral Region, says, “I have been observing several pairs of mature bald eagles in the Lycoming County area.”
Lycoming County WCO Harold Cole reports that a Grandfather and Father plead guilty to charges for Using a Vehicle to Locate Game, Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle and for the Unlawful Taking of an Antlerless Deer. The Grandfather also plead guilty for having a tag of another person and placing it on the unlawfully taken deer. Cole also states that the 14 year old son/grandson was in the back seat while the deer was shot from the vehicle.
Centre County WCO Dan Murray says all is quiet on the northern Centre County front.
Tioga County WCO Rodney P. Mee reports that he along with WCO Minnich, WCO Fair and DWCO Youmans and 2 civilian volunteers continued to turkey trap in WMU 2G. The weather was very uncooperative though and the group was only able to band and transmitter 2 hen turkeys.
Union County WCO Dirk Remensnyder reports that fisher sightings have increased substantially this year as many sportsmen have approached him showing trail – cam pictures of the animal.
LMGS Denise H. Mitcheltree, Potter and Tioga counties, said that weather conditions and personnel shortages have hindered significant progress on an aspen regeneration cut in Potter County. However, 8 additional acres of aspen were cut in February to promote early successional habitat creation in the vicinity of Phoenix Run. The crews have been working together on this project in hopes of finishing the entire 40 acre block this winter but time is running out. Depending on the weather changes and when the aspen trees begin “budding out”, cutting may have to be suspended in a few weeks and the project completion would then be delayed until next winter.
LMGS Thomas M. Smith, Lycoming and Union counties, said the Pennsylvania Game Commission entered into a restricted surface use oil and gas cooperative agreement with General Energy Company, L.L.C. on 11,899 acres of State Game Land 75. As part of the lease agreement, the Game Commission will receive a 6,200 acre tract of land adjacent to SGL 62 in McKean County.
Cameron County WCO Wayne A. Hunt reports successfully capturing 16 hen turkey as part of a PGC mortality study. The hens were marked with leg bands with instructions to report the harvest. Each hunter harvesting one of these birds will receive a $100.00 reward for following through with the process and providing the Game Commission with the pertinent data regarding the harvest location. The birds were captured and released on SGL 014 in Cameron County
Potter County WCO Bill Ragosta reports settling his last case from the 2012 fall and winter hunting seasons. It involved three co-defendants who were found to be hunting in baited areas, killing deer and doing damage to trees on state forest property.
Potter County WCO Bill Ragosta reports that most of the northcentral WCOs have completed their annual training in defensive tactics and have qualified with firearms in the foul weather and dim light portions of their annual training.
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt?open=514&objID=643451&mode=2
Crawford County WCO Jacob J. Olexsak reports that charges have been filed in a case where the defendant killed and possessed two deer illegally during the flintlock season. WCO Olexsak states “this individual killed the first deer legally but refused to tag it and tried to process it before being apprehended.” He only had one tag for the year, but the temptation of a second deer in front of him was too much.”
Crawford County WCO Mark A. Allegro reports that most WCOs and Deputy WCOs have been busy the past few weeks with mandatory training including foul weather/dimlight firearms qualification, defensive tactics, legal updates, hazardous materials, and 1st Aid/CPR.
Erie County WCO Michael A. Girosky reports although the fishing season is never ending on Lake Erie, soon a new season will be upon us. Game Commission officers will be out on the streams and lakes patrolling along with the PF&BC officers. Littering is the most common violation (especially worm and bait containers) but there are many others. Please make it a point to take everything out that you brought in.
Erie County WCO Michael A. Girosky reports that the sports show at the convention center in Erie seemed to be a success. There were many people there on Friday and most seemed happy with their hunting experience this past hunting season.
Erie County WCO Larry M. Smith encourages trappers to consider finishing their beaver season by trying to locate problem areas and taking advantage of the milder weather. Many municipalities have problem sites where they could use the help.
Erie County WCO Darin L. Clark reports that most eagles’ nests are active now. People should resist the urge for a closer look and view from afar. Getting too close can disturb the birds and lead to nest failure.
Jefferson County WCO Roger A. Hartless reports that coyotes appear to be widespread not just in PA but other states to the south as well. During a recent trip to Tennessee, he observed four road-killed coyote carcasses along southbound lanes on the trip down and at least six along the northbound lanes on the trip back.
Jefferson County WCO Roger A. Hartless reports that while attending one of the major sports shows this past winter he noticed a number of vendors displaying the latest in turkey hunting equipment, including an assortment of types and styles of electronic turkey decoys. Turkey hunters are reminded that electronic decoys are considered unlawful hunting devices in Pennsylvania; however, they may be used for the hunting or trapping of furbearers. For the sake of safety, hunters using any decoy should be careful of their placement in relation to their hunting location.
Jefferson County WCO Andrew D. Troutman is still investigating several cases from hunting season. Baiting cases, felons not to possess firearms, protected bucks shot and left lay, deer dumps, etc., are just some cases that need finalized.
Mercer County WCO Lawrence R. Hergenroeder reports the students at Laurel High School had another fantastic turnout for their annual sportsmen’s night out event. Several hundred sportsmen and women visited the many vendors and booths that were setup at the school in Lawrence County.
Mercer County WCO Lawrence R. Hergenroeder reports signs of spring are beginning to arrive in the district. Waterfowl including pintails, widgeon, black ducks, teal, and tundra swans as well as song birds have been observed across the district.
Venango County WCO Ronda J. Bimber reports that she has been spending a good deal of time in court wrapping up cases from deer season. She would like to thank everyone from the sportsmen who gave information on illegal activities to the district attorney and her staff for all their help and support. Some say it takes a community to raise a child; while in this case it takes a community to protect the wildlife.
Mercer/Venango County LMGS Mario L. Piccirilli reports that this time of year bald eagles can be seen on the ice at the Shenango River Lake. State Game Lands Maintenance Supervisor Michael Colgan from Mercer County observed nine eagles on the east side of the causeway on Rt. 18 and twenty minutes later he observed 11 eagles on the west side of the lake on the ice.
Clarion/Jefferson County LMGS George J. Miller reports he has received several reports this winter of hunting violations that were observed last fall. Although he appreciates the information and will keep it for future reference, it would have been more helpful if he had received it shortly after the illegal activity happened. If you observe a game law violation, please contact the nearest PGC Regional Office and report it immediately. The phone numbers for each office can be found on the first few pages of the Hunting and Trapping Digest. If you take the time to program the number into your cell phone now, you won’t have to scramble to find it when you need it.
Crawford/Erie County LMGS Shayne A. Hoachlander reports that although hard and soft mast crops were generally poor this past fall, we were fortunate in also having a comparatively easy winter. This hopefully minimized the impacts of the poor winter food supplies. Spring is approaching. Shayne observed his first woodchuck March 6th, first redwing blackbirds March 7th, and first singing woodcock March 8th.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Southwest Field Officer Report - March 15, 2013</span>
Allegheny County WCO Dan Puhala reports that two aggressive nuisance turkeys were trapped and relocated from Penn Hills. “A trio of gobblers was harassing residence along a dead end road over a period of weeks. The birds were preventing people from leaving their homes and chasing them as they returned from the bus stop,” he said. “Using a net gun and with the help of DWCO Candek and WCO Fife, two of the birds were captured and relocated. I am confident that the birds were being fed by humans at some point in time and had become habituated to being around people. It appeared that they were establishing dominance in the area to anyone who seemed to fear them.”
Allegheny/Beaver/Washington Counties GLMGS Doug Dunkerley reports on some good news regarding an addition to the state game lands in his group. “Another 167 acres has been approved for addition to SGL 302 increasing the size of that game land over 10%. This new tract was another in a long list of properties acquired as a result of the booming Marcellus industry,” he said.
Armstrong County WCO Gary Toward reports that a Westmoreland County man recently pled guilty to causing property damage to a house during the 2011 deer season. “The individual struck a house with two bullets while reportedly shooting at a deer. Although ballistic testing, which took more than a year to complete, was inconclusive, every other part of the investigation and resulting evidence indicated that this was the correct person who fired the shots,” he said. “With statements provided by the defendant, GPS mapping done by taking careful measurements of evidence obtained from the scene and trajectory of the probable shots as well as other evidence presented, the defendant’s attorney advised him to plead guilty to the charge. In addition to the fine imposed by the court, the defendant had to reimburse the homeowner for out of pocket expenses for the repairs to their home. Thankfully, no one was injured by the negligent actions of this individual,” he added.
Armstrong County WCO Rod Burns reports that flocks of turkeys are being seen all over his district and this should be an excellent year for spring gobbler opportunities.
Armstrong County WCO Rod Burns reports that he had a busy day answering questions at the Allegheny County Outdoors Show. “Most everyone likes antler restrictions and there were very few complaints about Game Commission programs,” he said.
Beaver County WCO Matt Kramer reports that WCO Mike Yeck, a former Deputy Wildlife Conservation Officer, completed his course of study as a member of the 29th Cadet Class at the Ross Leffler School of Conservation. “WCO Yeck's first assignment will be district 2-04-1 in Northern Beaver County. This district, comprised mostly of the area north of the Ohio River, contains State Game Lands #285 and #173, as well as numerous Farm Game Cooperators. WCO Yeck will do a fine job and the residents of Northern Beaver County will be well served by his courtesy and professionalism,” he said.
Beaver County WCO Matt Kramer reports that a Beaver Falls man recently pled guilty to citations stemming from an incident on the final day of deer season. “Thanks to a call from a concerned citizen, this violation did not go undetected. The man paid a total of over $2400 dollars in fines, costs, and restitution for wildlife illegally killed,” he said.
Cambria County WCO Seth Mesoras reports on spring black bear den work in the region. “We recently introduced several orphaned cubs to our radio collared females in Somerset, Westmoreland, and Cambria County and all seemed to have gone well. Hopefully next winter we will still see those cubs with their surrogate mothers,” he said.
Cambria/Indiana Counties GLMGS Dan Yahner reports that the Food and Cover crews in Indiana and Cambria Counties are cutting many acres of mature aspen thickets. “The cutting of the mature trees provides for a great deal of regeneration from the emergence of the root sprouts. New growth of aspen trees is one of the most desired food sources by many species of wildlife,” he said.
Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin reports that two individuals were recently cited for dumping trash in two areas. One has already plead guilty, and was assessed a fine of $300.00 plus court cost.
Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin reports that he has observed one Bald Eagle at the Cheat Lake nest site near Point Marion. The Eagle returned on the March 1st.
Fayette County WCO Brandon Bonin reports that charges have been filed against two Greene County hunters. “The first hunter was hunting on SGL 223 and was in possession of two antlerless tags belonging to a friend of his. He admitted to taking the tags to shoot deer for his friend during the previous season. The owner of the tags was also cited for lending the tags,” he said.
Fayette/Westmoreland Counties WCO Jason Farabaugh reports that Hunter Education classes are scheduled for March, April, and May in the district. “All first-time hunters, regardless of age, are required to attain certification from an approved Hunter Education course before purchasing a hunting license. Several individuals were encountered and cited over the past year who did not attend the required Hunter Education course prior to purchasing their hunting license,” he said.
Fayette/Westmoreland Counties WCO Jason Farabaugh reports that a total of 55 hen turkeys were trapped and banded in the region as part of the on-going hen mortality study. “I found it interesting that one of the hens we caught was previously banded in 2010,” he said.
Fayette/Westmoreland Counties WCO Jason Farabaugh reports that a Mount Pleasant man recently pleaded guilty to unlawfully killing a doe on the first day of the buck-only firearms season in WMU 2C. “A concerned sportsman initiated the investigation by relaying information obtained online from Facebook. The comments posted on Facebook ultimately led to a confession to the acts. Fines and costs exceeded $1200,” he said.
Somerset County WCO Brian Witherite reports that despite the long winter and consistent snowfall wildlife seems to have fared well. Turkeys, deer and other wildlife are being seen consistently.
Somerset County WCO Brian Witherite reports that after a lengthy investigation charges have been filed on an individual who assisted in the unlawful killing of three antlerless whitetail deer at night from last fall. “The individual charged faces possible jail time and large fines on top of losing his hunting privileges due to his actions,” he said.
Somerset County GLMGS Jack Lucas reports on habitat work on SGL 82. “An extensive grouse habitat area is being prepared for a multi-year project. Every time I return to the area, it amazes me the amount of wildlife taking advantage of the newly cut tree tops. It is interesting to the see the instant temporary food relief that the food and cover crew has provided during the heavy snows and cold nights,” he said.
Somerset County GLMGS Jack Lucas reports on the wild pheasant recovery area. “While patrolling the wild pheasant recovery area in Somerset County, I stopped and watched a red-tailed hawk fly the edge of a conservation area field on a farm. No doubt, while I was looking for pheasants the red tail was as well. The hawk eventually landed on a tree to watch for any small game to become its prey,” he said.
Washington County WCO Chris Bergman reports that a Fayette County man pled guilty to numerous charges filed against him for killing a big game animal over his limit in Luzerne Township. “The man possessed a disabled person’s permit which allowed him to hunt from a stationary vehicle, however, it didn’t allow him to do what he did the day of the violation. The man and his son were driving down the road when they observed an antlerless deer near a gas well. The man stopped the vehicle and shot the deer from the driver’s seat. He had no valid antlerless tags so he proceeded to tag the animal with his Son’s antlerless tag,” he said.
Washington County WCO Chris Bergman reports that two ongoing deer cases were recently adjudicated by guilty pleas in Somerset and North Bethlehem Townships. “The first case involved an individual who killed a buck during a closed season and the second involved an individual who shot an antlerless deer and tagged it with his Father’s tag because he didn’t buy his own antlerless tags. Charges for this man consisted of shooting a big game animal beyond his established season limit, failing to attach the proper tag, possessing a game kill tag belonging to another person, and fluorescent orange violations,” he said.
Westmoreland County WCO Matt Lucas reports that preparation has begun for the upcoming Hunter-Trapper Education classes for the year. Classes are being scheduled for March and April and are already filling up. A training workshop was held in early February for instructor updates.
<span style="font-weight: bold">Northcentral Field Officer Report - March 15, 2013</span>
Potter County WCO Bill Ragosta reports that he recently prosecuted two successful hearings in front of magisterial judges, both for road hunting episodes. Trapping patrol and turkey trapping are taking up much of his time presently.
Clearfield County WCO Chris Ivicic says he is not sure if the deer herd is up or down, it all depends on which hunters you listen to. He reports that the herd’s status in Clearfield Co. is doing fine. My measuring stick is the amount of poaching incidents that my neighboring officer and I have had to deal with this past year. No matter how many deer there are, POACHING has been at an all time high.
Potter County WCO Mark S. Fair reports while on a turkey trapping operation WCO Tom Sabolcik was showing the concerned landowner a healthy young jake bird. Officer Sabolcik proceeded to release the bird safely but failed to watch out for his own health. Tom slipped and fell on the ice and bruised his shoulder. Hopefully his injuries are minor and he will heal. WCOs face many hazards during their careers protecting and caring for wildlife.
LMGS Colleen M. Shannon, Cameron and Clearfield counties, reports that she prosecuted a case in rifle deer season where a hunter witnessed a person shoot from a pickup truck while stopped on a township road. The witness, a USMC Major on leave in PA for deer season, took the time from his own hunt to obtain a license plate and vehicle description then called it in promptly. Upon arrival in the area, and with the assistance of another group of local hunters, DWCO Jeff Colbey and I were able to locate the suspect vehicle. The suspects admitted to the violation due to the veracity of the witness’s information. Our investigation revealed that the buck had not been harvested but it was still costly for the defendants.
LMGS Colleen M. Shannon, Cameron and Clearfield counties, reports that she prosecuted a case in rifle deer season where a homeowner heard a rifle shot close by just as she was preparing to send her young son outside to wait for the school bus. The mother looked out to see a car stopped on the roadway between her house and the neighbor’s house across the road. The lone occupant had fired across into the woods on the left side of the road and within 50 yards of the house. The witness was not able to leave to get license plate information as the car left the scene but she reported the violation promptly and I was able to locate the suspect just a mile down the road. He quickly admitted to the violation and my investigation revealed that he had not harvested a deer. He told me he missed because he was nervous and I replied that he should have been because such behavior is extremely unsafe and illegal.
Clinton County WCO Ken Packard says, “Thanks to a concerned citizen, two young men that shot a doe nine days after the close of the late flintlock season were apprehended.” The deer was killed with a .243 and was within at least three safety zones. Neither men needed the deer meat but since they hadn’t seen much during deer season they decided to take action when the opportunity presented itself.
WCO Jonathan M. Wyant, Northcentral Region, says, “I have been observing several pairs of mature bald eagles in the Lycoming County area.”
Lycoming County WCO Harold Cole reports that a Grandfather and Father plead guilty to charges for Using a Vehicle to Locate Game, Loaded Firearm in a Vehicle and for the Unlawful Taking of an Antlerless Deer. The Grandfather also plead guilty for having a tag of another person and placing it on the unlawfully taken deer. Cole also states that the 14 year old son/grandson was in the back seat while the deer was shot from the vehicle.
Centre County WCO Dan Murray says all is quiet on the northern Centre County front.
Tioga County WCO Rodney P. Mee reports that he along with WCO Minnich, WCO Fair and DWCO Youmans and 2 civilian volunteers continued to turkey trap in WMU 2G. The weather was very uncooperative though and the group was only able to band and transmitter 2 hen turkeys.
Union County WCO Dirk Remensnyder reports that fisher sightings have increased substantially this year as many sportsmen have approached him showing trail – cam pictures of the animal.
LMGS Denise H. Mitcheltree, Potter and Tioga counties, said that weather conditions and personnel shortages have hindered significant progress on an aspen regeneration cut in Potter County. However, 8 additional acres of aspen were cut in February to promote early successional habitat creation in the vicinity of Phoenix Run. The crews have been working together on this project in hopes of finishing the entire 40 acre block this winter but time is running out. Depending on the weather changes and when the aspen trees begin “budding out”, cutting may have to be suspended in a few weeks and the project completion would then be delayed until next winter.
LMGS Thomas M. Smith, Lycoming and Union counties, said the Pennsylvania Game Commission entered into a restricted surface use oil and gas cooperative agreement with General Energy Company, L.L.C. on 11,899 acres of State Game Land 75. As part of the lease agreement, the Game Commission will receive a 6,200 acre tract of land adjacent to SGL 62 in McKean County.
Cameron County WCO Wayne A. Hunt reports successfully capturing 16 hen turkey as part of a PGC mortality study. The hens were marked with leg bands with instructions to report the harvest. Each hunter harvesting one of these birds will receive a $100.00 reward for following through with the process and providing the Game Commission with the pertinent data regarding the harvest location. The birds were captured and released on SGL 014 in Cameron County
Potter County WCO Bill Ragosta reports settling his last case from the 2012 fall and winter hunting seasons. It involved three co-defendants who were found to be hunting in baited areas, killing deer and doing damage to trees on state forest property.
Potter County WCO Bill Ragosta reports that most of the northcentral WCOs have completed their annual training in defensive tactics and have qualified with firearms in the foul weather and dim light portions of their annual training.
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