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Outdoors

Public receives updates on CWD surveillance

HARRISBURG — With a little time yet to go in the 2022-23 surveillance year, the Game Commission has already detected Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in more deer this year than the one before, once again highlighting the threat the disease poses to Pennsylvania’s deer and elk, and hunting heritage. CWD is an always-fatal neurological disease affecting cervids, including deer and elk. There is no vaccine and no cure for animals that get it. Since July 1, 2022, the Game Commission collected nearly 11,000 CWD samples from deer. Hunter-harvested samples made up the bulk of those, with ...

Outdoors Calendar

Atkinson Mills Sportsmen’s Club • — held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. The club is located at 55 Sportsmen Club Lane, McVeytown; email atkinsonmillssportsmensclub@gmail.com; online at http://atkinsonmills-sportsmensclub.weebly.com. Blue Rock Sportsman Club • — 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month on the gun range, and at 7 p.m. January and February in the barn. To east end Blue Rock: From Milroy, follow signs to Reeds Gap State Park. Free camping available and kitchen is open during all events except trap shoots. Decatur Sportsman Club • ...

Don’t let your outdoor meal become a feast for bacteria

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As summer approaches, millions of Americans will hit the road to visit national parks, beaches and campgrounds. While packing that sunblock, bug spray and picnic blanket, make sure to also take some U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety tips along for the ride. “USDA reminds summer travelers not to let your outdoor meal become a feast for bacteria,” USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Emilio Esteban, said. “Bacteria grows faster during the summer months because it’s warmer and more humid. Pack perishable foods safely with a cold source and ...

Game Commission to hold junior game warden camps

HARRISBURG — Whether collecting forensic evidence that will bring poachers to justice, tracking down lost hikers or live-trapping black bears for research, Pennsylvania State Game Wardens have among the most unique, diverse and exciting careers in wildlife conservation. This summer, youths ages 12 to 15 can experience some of it for themselves. The Pennsylvania Game Commission is holding one-day Junior Game Warden Camps across the Commonwealth, providing those who attend a structured, fun-filled day learning about the career of a Pennsylvania State Game Warden. Campers will spend ...

By Ashlee Fechino Last year, 58 million households camped at least once in 2022, pumping 52 billion dollars into local communities and economies. People seek solace in nature for affordable vacations and mental health, and the great outdoors offers just that. Attention all campers, RVers, and people who love the outdoors. Are you itching to hit the open road on that next road trip to see a meteor shower or solar eclipse, or visit a trendy town’s food scene? You’re not alone. Since 2014, the number of households who camp three or more times annually has grown by 174%. Camping ...

PFBC enacts temporary changes to Atlantic Striped Bass regulations

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has announced temporary changes to Striped Bass fishing regulations within the Delaware Estuary, Delaware River, and West Branch Delaware River. The changes became effective June 3 and will remain in effect through the remainder of 2023. The changes are in accordance with action by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board during its May 2023 quarterly meeting to approve an emergency action to implement a 31-inch maximum size limit for Striped Bass recreational fisheries. ...