Early pheasant, fall trout stockings slated to begin
The 90-degree temperature was deceiving, but last Thursday we entered the Autumnal Equinox or fall. It’s a great time of the year – except for those of us who have to rake mountains of leaves.
Fish are beginning to bite again after enduring the dog days of summer, and the sportsmen’s fancy once again turns to the hunting seasons, most of which are not far off in most cases with some already under way.
With the annual yard cleanup begun, I can now think ahead to the hunting seasons.
Foremost on my mind is getting out for some bass fishing, but I also plan to sight-in my in-line muzzleloader.
Since I last fired any scoped firearm, I have acquired a new pair of glasses, which I hope will help me see more clearly. It will also be the first time I’m going to shoot with anything but non-prescription shooting glasses, so I’m sure I will have to make some adjustments.
Recent dry weather has been just the ticket for dove hunters. Those shotgunners, who like to go afield after these little rockets, can do well by setting up near water sources such as a stream or farm pond.
The first part of this year’s split dove season will close Saturday, but it won’t be long until the second segment opens Oct. 29. That segment will run until Nov. 26, and the third and final segment of the season is set Dec. 24-Jan. 4.
The resident Canada goose season closed Saturday, but die-hard goose hunters should have done well, for I see resident geese all over the place.
Archery deer season begins Saturday, and the special youth pheasant and squirrel hunts are set Oct. 8-14.
Just how many pheasants are we going to receive this year?
Game Commission figures indicate that Fayette County will receive a total of 2,080 cock birds and 20 hens.
Of that allotment, 160 cock birds and the 20 hens will be released at PGC youth pheasant hunt sites.
Before small game season opens, another 940 will be released with two inseason stockings scheduled of 490 birds apiece.
Greene County’s allotment will be 1,950 birds. For the youth hunt, 170 cock birds and 30 hens will be released. The remainder of the allocation will consist of an 880 bird pre-season stocking and two inseason stockings of 450 birds each.
Washington County’s allotment is 3,990 birds with 770 cock birds and 130 hens to be released for the youth pheasant hunt.
The regular pre-season stocking will consist of 1,600 birds, which will be followed up by a pair of inseason stockings of 810 birds apiece.
In Somerset County, 740 cock birds and 110 hens have been earmarked for the youth hunt. The preseason stocking will consist of 1,740 birds with two inseason stockings of 870 birds.
Westmoreland County will receive 2,310 cock birds and 850 hens. Fifty cock birds and 100 hens will be released for the youth hunts. The pre-season stocking will consist of 1,120 cock birds and 370 hens, and two inseason stockings of 570 cock birds and 190 hens are planned.
SOMERSET HUNTING REPORT: I was able to chat with former Fayette County Wildlife Conservation Officer Stan Norris the other evening.
Stan, who now patrols in Central Somerset County, said, “Most people wouldn’t believe how many deer we had after last hunting season.
“Everyone said there wasn’t any deer, but nobody would believe what our winter kill was like.
“Last summer (2004) I did not see more than 10 fawns all summer long as I patrolled in my district. This summer I saw at least 75. I never saw so many fawns in the area in my life before.”
Stan has never been one to talk about “monster” bucks, but he did say he has seen some real nice ones this year, “mostly in the daytime. My son, Stanley, has been doing some spotlighting, and he tells me has been seeing some really big bucks.”
FALL TROUT STOCKINGS: The Fish and Boat Commission will begin its Fall Stocking Program next week.
In Fayette County, Dunbar Creek and Indian Creek, Meadow Run and the Youghiogheny River will be stocked Oct. 5, and Dunlap Creek Lake and Virgin Run Dam will receive trout shipments on Oct. 7.
The fall stocking at Duke Lake has been cancelled do to an unexpected drawdown at the lake.
In Somerset County, Laurel Hill Creek will be stocked Oct. 6, and Laurel Hill Lake on Oct. 21.
Millers Run and Dutch Fork Creek Washington County will be stocked Oct. 4, Pike Run and Little Chartiers Creek on Oct. 5 and Canonsburg Lake on Oct. 7.
Loyalhanna and Indian Creek in Westmoreland County will be stocked Oct. 5, Donegal Lake, Mammoth Dam and Northmoreland Lake on Oct. 21, and Keystone Lake and Upper and Lower Twin Lakes on Oct. 28.
FAYETTE FISHING REPORT: The fishing report on the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission web site said, “Anglers fishing the Youghiogheny River between Dawson and Layton are reporting large bass catch number, 30 plus days. Most of the anglers are canoeing the river. Others are using the bike trail to gain access to the best pools.”
MUZZLELOADER SHOOT TODAY: Nixon Gun Club will hold a woods walk muzzleloader shoot at 1 p.m. today.
Shooters will be divided into A, B and C classes, with three prizes awarded in each class.
Only lead balls and bullets can be used.
Rod Schoener is the Herald-Standard Outdoor Editor.