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Outdoors

Sweppenhiser recognized with award from PFBC

​HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is pleased to recognize that Waterways Conservation Officer (WCO) Mark Sweppenhiser has been named 2021 Boating Law Enforcement Officer of the Year for Pennsylvania by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Sweppenhiser, a 22-year veteran of the PFBC, is assigned to Dauphin and Northumberland counties, a district that includes the Susquehanna River and lower Juniata River. During 2021, Sweppenhiser logged 538 hours of recreational boating law enforcement including 24 shifts aboard patrol ...

Outdoors calendar

Atkinson Mills Sportsmen’s Club • Meetings — 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 • Club meetings— 2 p.m. on the fourth Sunday of each month on the gun range, and at 7 p.m. in 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 ...

Three tips to help first-time hikers gear up for the trail

StatePoint Being new at anything can be intimidating. What’s great about hiking is that it’s free and open to all, no matter where you live or your level of experience. You also don’t need much gear or education to get started. Ready to find the nearest trail? Check out these three tips and hike your way to greater fitness, well-being and adventure. 1. Find Community The world of hiking gear, apparel and footwear is vast, which might be a bit confusing for those new to the outdoor experience. Look for brands that make things simple. For example, KEEN Footwear is on a mission ...

Cold weather life jacket requirement in effect

HARRISBURG, Pa. – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) reminds boaters, anglers, and hunters that the annual cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect. Now through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters. “The fall and winter seasons are filled with outdoor opportunities that can be enjoyed on the water, including fishing, waterfowl hunting, and scenic foliage ...

Rare fish species on the rebound

DEATH VALLEY NATIONAL PARK, Calif. (AP) — The annual fall count of an extremely rare fish species that lives in a single Mojave Desert cavern found the highest number in 19 years, the National Park Service said. Scientists counted 263 Devils Hole pupfish last month, the highest autumn count since September 2003, the agency said in a statement. Devils Hole is a deep water-filled cavern in a detached unit of Death Valley National Park located in Nye County, Nevada. The pupfish live in the upper 80 feet (24.4 meters) of the water column and on a shallow, sun-lit shelf at the ...

Game Commission applauds change in law for license sales

HARRISBURG - The way hunters apply for Pennsylvania antlerless deer licenses is about to change for the first time in decades. Senate Bill 431, which would allow hunters to buy antlerless licenses through the HuntFishPA automated licensing service, was signed into law recently. When it takes effect with the 2023-24 license year, antlerless licenses will be available for purchase online or in person at any license issuing agent. The Game Commission, hunting organizations including the National Deer Association, Pennsylvania Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, Pennsylvania ...