Outdoors calendar
FLIGHT OF THE TIMBERDOODLE
Tuesday, April 11, 7:30 p.m.
Mingo Creek Park Shelter 1
Tag along as we search for a unique bird, the American Woodcock, in Mingo Creek Park. As dusk approaches we will be listening for the “insect-like” peenting of the male woodcock and watching the evening sky to observe its twilight courtship flight. Dress for the weather and moderate hiking. Weather permitting.
Pre-registration required. No fee.
Information: Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation, 724-228-6867.
SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE
Saturday, April 22 at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Cucumber Falls Parking Lot
The Great Gorge Trail is alive with nature’s adornment after a long winter sleep. Many plants and flowers bloom to mark the beginning of spring. We will identify them and talk about their many uses according to various folklore. We’re going to celebrate Earth Day this year with our annual spring wildflower hike. This easy hike is on one of Pennsylvania’s best wildflower areas (the Great Gorge Trail). Many of spring’s most beautiful citizens will be on display. Bring a camera.
YOUTH FISHING FESTIVAL
The 22nd Annual Pike Run Youth Fishing Festival
Saturday, April 22, 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
For Children 15 years and younger
California Rotary Park in California, Pa.
Third Street and Route 88 near Exit 32 of Turnpike 43
Free registration and fishing — Trophies and prizes — Free loaner fishing rods/reels
VOLUNTEER TRAIL CLEAN-UP
Saturday, May 6 at 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Meadow Run House
If you enjoy the beauty and wilderness of Ohiopyle State Park, we ask you to consider spending a little time chipping in. All trail clean ups meet at 9:00am at the Meadow Run House. Clean ups are sponsored by the Friends of Ohiopyle (FOO). Please contact Barb Wallace at bawallace@pa.gov to sign up. Consider joining FOO or visit their website at www.friendsofohiopyle.info.
SHOOTING, RIFLE, ARCHERY
Rostraver Sportsman and Conservation Association trap shoots every Thursday from 10 a.m. until last shooter and every Saturday from noon until last shooter. Public welcome. Located at 559 Cedar Creek Rd. Belle Vernon, Pa. Club meetings are the third Monday of every month at 7:30 p.m.
FAIRBANK ROD AND GUN CLUB SPORTING CLAYS
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Find us on Facebook for more information.
TRAP SHOOTING
Nixon Gun Club
Open to public. Sundays 6-10 p.m.
Information: 724-785-2311.
SPORTING CLAYS AND FIVE-STAND
California Hill Gun Club
Open to the public 9 a.m.-noon Sundays.
Information: 724-938-3480
HUNTER-TRAPPER EDUCATION COURSES
FAYETTE COUNTY
Saturday, April 8, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Fairbank Rod and Gun Club
Fairbank-Herbert Road, Fairbank 15435
Class limit: 50
Contact(s): Christopher Bergman 724-238-9523
WESTMORELAND COUNTY
Saturday, April 8, 8:30a.m. – 4 p.m.
Irwin Sportsmen’s Association
Sandy Hill Road, Irwin 15642
Class limit: 40 Contact(s): Joseph Kelly 724-744-1730
SUCCESSFUL TURKEY HUNTING
NOTE: Online registration only; must be at least age 11 to register.
Prior to attending, you should complete the independent study part of this program online.
If you don’t want to study online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday) to request a printed version of our “Successful Turkey Hunting Student Manual.”
SUCCESSFUL FURTAKING
Prior to attending the one-day class, all students must complete the independent study part of the training by clicking on the link “Successful Furtaking Student Manual” on the website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
If not online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Friday)to request a printed version of the manual.
The independent study portion of the course takes six to eight hours to complete.
SUCCESSFUL BOWHUNTER-ED CLASSES
NOTE: All the online Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course must be completed before registering for Successful Bowhunting.
The online bowhunter education course (Pennsylvania Bowhunter Education Course) and Successful Bowhunting field day to complete the requirements for Pennsylvania bowhunter education.
Online registration only.
HUNTER-TRAPPER INDEPENDENT STUDY COURSE
NOTE: Must be 11 years old to register. Students must attend the two- to three-hour class to be tested and certified. Students must study entire course content on own online, taking about 8-10 hours to complete.
SUCCESSFUL FURTAKING
Prior to attending the one-day class, all students must complete the independent study part of the training by clicking on the link “Successful Furtaking! Student Manual” on the website at www.pgc.state.pa.us.
If not online, please telephone the PGC Hunter-Trapper Education Division at 717-787-7015 (M-F, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.) to request a printed version of the manual.
The independent study portion of the course takes approximately 6-8 hours to complete.