Outdoors

Interest in Three Gun competition grows

LEBANON (AP) — The last time Jon Beecher went deer hunting he felt like he pulled into an overcrowded Wal-Mart parking lot instead of the state game lands. “I was coming home from sitting in the woods,” explained Beecher, who had just purchased an expensive hunting rifle for the season. “I thought this is really kind of ridiculous. I spent this money on a hunting rifle. I sat in the woods for two days and I didn’t get to see a deer.” But, Beecher enjoys exercising his second amendment rights, so it was important to him to find a way to do that. That led the York County ...

Hunter’s find leads to prehistoric sea creature

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — A fossil found by an elk hunter in Montana nearly seven years ago has led to the discovery of a new species of prehistoric sea creature that lived about 70 million years ago in the inland sea that flowed east of the Rocky Mountains. The new species of elasmosaur is detailed in an article published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. Most elasmosaurs, a type of marine reptile, had necks that could stretch 18 feet, but the fossil discovered in the Charles M. Russell National Wildlife Refuge is distinct for its much shorter neck — about 7¢ feet. “This ...

PGC to spray 23,000 acres for gypsy moths

HARRISBURG — In an effort to protect wildlife habitat, the Pennsylvania Game Commission will spray for gypsy moths on more than 23,907 acres of state game lands beginning next week. Spraying will occur on 14 different state game lands, in areas identified as having the greatest need for treatment to prevent defoliation and tree loss due to gypsy moth damage. “Those participating in spring gobbler season might encounter helicopters or other aircraft spraying state game lands or other forested areas,” said Dave Gustafson, Game Commission Chief Forester. “We want those hunters ...

Great catch

Family fishing festivals slated

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has scheduled several opportunities in May and June for families to learn fishing skills and enjoy fishing. The PFBC is holding three Family Fishing Festivals in May and three in June. These events lead up to the two statewide Fish-for-Free Days — May 28, the Sunday before Memorial Day, and Independence Day, July 4. “Family Fishing Festivals are a convenient way to introduce friends and family to the sport of fishing at no cost,” said Carl Richardson of the Fish and Boat Commission. “These are educational ...

Outdoors calendar

Fishing derby ¯ The Juniata County Trout Club will holding the annual Bill Beward Memorial Trout Derby on May 13 from 8-11 a.m. Registration begins at 7. It will be at the Zook’s Dam area of Licking Creek, 1.8 miles past the Mifflin ServiceMart. The Derby is open to children age 12 and younger and will be divided into two age groups. Trophies will be awarded to the top three fish based on size and time measured in each age division. Atkinson Mills Sportsmen’s Club ¯ 3-D archery shoots will be held on May 21, June 11, July 23, Aug. 27 and Sept. 10. Registration is from 8 ...