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Pests causing more damage than expected to the Allegheny forest

PITTSBURGH (AP) — With insect pests are causing more damage than expected to valuable black cherry trees and other species in the Allegheny National Forest in Pennsylvania, more tree planting and other measures in several areas are being proposed. The cherry scallop shell moth, fall webworm and other pests are causing greater-than-expected tree defoliation, mortality and regeneration problems, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. The U.S. Forest Service is therefore proposing more aggressive timbering and tree planting in three existing project areas in the Marienville District of ...

Agencies partner in support of troubled game bird

HARRISBURG — A state-agency partnership is creating more habitat for two troubled game birds and other wildlife species that rely on young forest. Since 2011, the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources have teamed to restore thousands of ...

With bears on the rise, states hope to limit conflicts

BANGOR, Maine (AP) — Northern New England’s growing black bear population has awoken, and it’s coming for your garbage. A year after a spring and summer marked by a high number of nuisance bear complaints, wildlife officials are encouraging people and bears to try to keep their ...

Bass season kicks off Saturday

HARRISBURG — With the warmer weather and longer days of summer moving in, anglers are geared up for the start of bass season, which kicks off on Saturday across the Commonwealth. The black bass is one of the most popular sportfish targeted by Pennsylvania anglers, second only to trout, says Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director John Arway, who expects a large turnout on the most popular lakes and streams, including PA’s Best Bass Fishing Waters. “One of the main reasons bass is popular is because the Commonwealth has so many fantastic spots for anglers to ...

Licenses go on sale Monday

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania hunters and trappers need to be aware of some important changes implemented since last year when hunting licenses for 2017-18 go on sale Monday. The licenses become valid July 1 and, after that date, all who hunt, trap or who want to apply for an antlerless deer license must have an up-to-date 2017-18 license to do so. One noticeable change for 2017-18 license buyers is that the full regulations digest typically given out when licenses are purchased is not being provided for free this year. Instead, license buyers will receive a pocket guide that contains ...

Hunters must heed the common thread of sport

Hey, you — yes, you, reading this right now. I have a question for you: What do you think is wrong with hunting today? Although I would love to hear your answer, don’t overthink it, and don’t waste too much time on it, because I am about to tell you the answer. Unfortunately, it’s an answer that is hard to hear, and one that you probably already know. Hunters have become a problem. More of a problem than anti-hunters, and anything that goes against what we love and adore. In more depth, hunters being incredibly rude, ignorant, lacking in encouragement and compassion for ...