Outdoors calendar
SIGN OF SPRING HIKE
Friday, March 29 at 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Forbes State Forest
Vernal pools, trees budding, birds chirping… these are all signs that spring is right around the corner! Celebrate the new season by exploring the forest on a moderate, 2 mile hike in the Roaring Run Natural Area. Registration is required. For more information or to register contact rmahony@pa.gov or 724-259-2201.
WOODCOCK HIKE
Friday, March 29 at 7:15 p.m. – 8:45 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Kentuck Campground Overflow Parking Lot
Love is in the air or on the ground depending on when you spot the woodcock. Join us as we we watch the amazing courtship dance of the male woodcock as he tries to impress the ladies. Please dress warmly. Contact Barbara Wallace at 724-329-0986 or bawallace@pa.gov.
FLIGHT OF THE TIMBERDOODLE
Tuesday, April 2, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.
Mingo Creek Park – Shelter 4 – NO FEE
Tag along as we search for the American Woodcock in Mingo Creek Park. Woodcock are also known as timberdoodle, bog sucker and big-eyed snipe. 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; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Information: Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation, 724-228-6867.
WOODCOCK WATCH
Friday, April 5 at 7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Forbes State Forest
Discover the springtime ritual of the American woodcock during this easy (
Registration required. For more information or to register contact rmahony@pa.gov or 724-259-2201.
VOLUNTEER TRAIL CLEAN-UP DAY
Saturday, April 6 at 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ohiopyle State Park, Please call for location
If you enjoy the beauty and wilderness of Ohiopyle State Park, we ask you to consider spending a little time chipping in. Clean ups are sponsored by the Friends of Ohiopyle (FOO). Please contact Barb Wallace at 724-329-0986 or bawallace@pa.gov to sign up. Consider joining FOO or visit their website at www.friendsofohiopyle.info.
GROVE RUN RAMBLE
Saturday, April 6 at 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Forbes State Forest
The Linn Run valley is a scenic area, filled with a rich diversity of spring wildflowers. Explore Grove Run on this moderate to strenuous, 3.5 mile day trek. Along the trail we will observe some of spring’s beautiful ephemerals.
Registration required. For more information or to register contact rmahony@pa.gov or 724-259-2201.
GEOCACHING EGG HUNT
Friday, April 12
Forbes State Forest
Geocaching is a technological scavenger hunt that uses GPS to locate hidden surprises in the forest. Uncover the signs of spring during this family-friendly outing. This program is suitable for children 8+ years of age and older.
Registration required. For more information or to register contact rmahony@pa.gov or 724-259-2201.
EASTER EGG GEOCACHING
Tuesday, April 16, 2019 at 6 p.m.
Mingo Creek Park – Park Office – NO FEE
Join us on a special mission this Easter! We will embark on a mission in search of hidden treasures (caches) in Mingo Creek Park using a handheld Global Positioning Device (GPS). We will have a limited number of GPS units to utilize.
Pre-registration required; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Information: Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation, 724-228-6867.
SPRING WILDFLOWER HIKE
Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.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. In celebration of Earth Day, we will identify them and talk about their many uses according to various folklore. This short hike is on one of Pennsylvania’s best wildflower areas (Great Gorge Trail). Many of spring’s most beautiful citizens will be on display. Bring a camera. Contact Barbara Wallace at 724-329-0986 or bawallace@pa.gov.
HUNTING MOREL MUSHROOMS
Thursday, April 25, 2019 at 6:30 p.m.
Mingo Creek Park – NO FEE
Lace up a sturdy pair of hiking shoes, grab a collecting bag and a walking stick as we strike off in search of morel mushrooms in Mingo Creek Park. Learn where to search for these tasty spring mushrooms. Boots, long pants and long sleeved shirts are recommended.
Pre-registration required; registration not more than 30 days in advance.
Information: Washington County Department of Parks and Recreation, 724-228-6867.
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.
3D ARCHERY COURSE
TNT Shooting Grounds
407 Morris Hollow Rd, Smock, Pa 15480
Course has 30 targets at $10 and sporting clays
Open 7 days a week
Call 724-677-2609 for information.
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.
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 9 a.m.-noon Sundays to the public.
Information: 724-938-3480
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.”
FAIRBANK ROD AND GUN CLUB SPORTING CLAYS
Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m.
Find us on Facebook for more information.
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.
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 bowhunter education.
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.
2018-19 HUNTING SEASONS AND BAG LIMITS
These are the seasons and bag limits for most hunting and trapping seasons from July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019.
SQUIRRELS, Red, Gray, Black and Fox (Combined): Oct. 13-Nov. 24; Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (6 daily, 18 possession).
RUFFED GROUSE: Oct. 13-Nov. 24 and Dec. 10-24 (2 daily, 6 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail) Special season for eligible junior hunters, with or without required license: Sept. 29-Oct. 13 (4 daily, 12 possession).
RABBIT (Cottontail): Oct. 13-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (4 daily, 12 possession).
PHEASANT: Oct. 20-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (2 daily, 6 in possession). Male pheasants only in WMUs 4E and 5A. Male and female pheasants may be taken in all other WMUs There is no open season for taking pheasants in Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, except within the Central Susquehanna Wild Pheasant Recovery Area, as authorized by executive order.
BOBWHITE QUAIL: Oct. 13-Nov. 24, Dec. 10-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28 (8 daily, 24 possession).
HARES (SNOWSHOE RABBITS) OR VARYING HARES: Dec. 26-Jan. 1, in all WMUs (1 daily, 3 possession).
WOODCHUCKS (GROUNDHOGS): No closed season, except on Sundays and during the regular firearms deer seasons. No limit.
CROWS: July 1-April 14, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. No limit.
STARLINGS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season, except during the antlered and antlerless deer season. No limit.
WILD TURKEY (Male or Female): WMU 1B – Oct. 27-Nov. 3; WMU 2B (Shotgun and bow and arrow) – Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and Nov. 22-24; WMUs 1A, 2A, 4A and 4B, – Oct. 27-Nov. 3 and Nov. 22-24; WMUs 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4C, 4D and 4E- Oct. 27-Nov. 10 and Nov. 22-24; WMU 2C – Oct. 27-Nov. 16 and Nov. 22-24; WMU 5A – Nov. 1-3; WMU 5B – Oct. 30-Nov. 1; WMUs 5C and 5D – CLOSED TO FALL TURKEY HUNTING.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): Special season for eligible junior hunters, with required license, and mentored youth – April 20, 2019. Only 1 spring gobbler may be taken during this hunt.
SPRING GOBBLER (Bearded bird only): April 27-May 31, 2019. Daily limit 1, season limit 2. (Second spring gobbler may be only taken by persons who possess a valid special wild turkey license.) From April 27-May 11, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until noon; from May 13-31, legal hunting hours are one-half hour before sunrise until one-half hour after sunset.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide) Archery: Oct. 29-Nov. 3. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (Statewide): Nov. 17-21. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D): Nov. 26-Dec. 1. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D): Nov. 26-Dec. 8. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 1B, 2C, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 5A): Nov. 28-Dec. 1. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D) archery: Sept. 15-Nov. 24. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMU 5B) archery: Sept. 29-Nov. 10. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) muzzleloader: Oct. 13-20. Only 1 bear may be taken during the license year.
BLACK BEAR (WMUs 2B, 5B, 5C and 5D) special firearms: Oct. 18-20, for junior and senior license holders, disabled hunters with a permit to use a vehicle as a blind and resident active duty military.
ELK (Antlered or Antlerless): Nov. 5-10. Only one elk may be taken during the license year.
ELK, EXTENDED (Antlered and Antlerless): Nov. 12-17. Only one elk may be taken during the license year. Eligible elk license recipients who haven’t harvested an elk by Nov. 10, in designated areas.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Sept. 15- Nov. 24 and Dec. 26-Jan. 26, 2018. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license. One antlered deer per hunting license year.
DEER, ARCHERY (Antlered and Antlerless) Statewide: Sept. 29-Nov. 12 and Dec. 26-Jan. 12. One antlered deer per hunting license year. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D: Nov. 26-Dec. 8. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER (Antlered Only) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B: Nov. 26-30. One antlered deer per hunting license year. (Holders of valid DMAP antlerless deer permits may harvest antlerless deer on DMAP properties during this period.)
DEER (Antlered and Antlerless) WMUs 1A, 1B, 2A, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E, 5A and 5B: Dec. 1-8. One antlered deer per hunting license year. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS SPECIAL FIREARMS (Statewide): Oct. 18-20. Junior and Senior License Holders, Mentored Youth Permit Holders, Disabled Person Permit (to use a vehicle) Holders, and Pennsylvania residents serving on active duty in U.S. Armed Services or in the U.S. Coast Guard only, with required antlerless license. Also included are persons who have reached or will reach their 65th birthday in the year of the application for a license and hold a valid adult license, or qualify for license and fee exemptions under section 2706. One antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS MUZZLELOADER (Statewide): Oct. 13-20. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (Statewide): Dec. 26-Jan. 12. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERED OR ANTLERLESS FLINTLOCK (WMUs 2B, 5C, 5D): Dec. 26-Jan. 26. One antlered deer per hunting license year, or one antlerless deer and an additional antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS EXTENDED REGULAR FIREARMS: (Allegheny, Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties): Dec. 26-Jan. 26. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
DEER, ANTLERLESS (Military Bases): Hunting permitted on days established by the U.S. Department of the Army at Letterkenny Army Depot, Franklin County; New Cumberland Army Depot, York County; and Fort Detrick, Raven Rock Site, Adams County. An antlerless deer with each required antlerless license.
2018-19 Furbearer Hunting seasons and bag limits
COYOTES: No closed season. Unlimited. Outside of any big game season (deer, bear, elk and turkey), coyotes may be taken with a hunting license or a furtaker license, and without wearing orange. During any big game season, coyotes may be taken while lawfully hunting big game or with a furtaker license.
RACCOONS and FOXES: Oct. 20-Feb. 16, unlimited.
OPOSSUM, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: No closed season, except Sundays. No limits.
BOBCAT (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Jan. 12-Feb. 6. One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
PORCUPINES: Sept. 1-March 30, 2019. (3 daily, season limit of 10).
2018-19 Trapping seasons and bag limits
MINKS and MUSKRATS: Nov. 17-Jan. 6. Unlimited.
COYOTES, FOXES, OPOSSUMS, RACCOONS, STRIPED SKUNKS and WEASELS: Oct. 21-Feb. 17. No limit.
COYOTES and FOXES (Statewide) Cable Restraints: Dec. 26-Feb. 17. No limit. Participants must pass cable restraint certification course.
BEAVERS (Statewide): Dec. 26-March 31 (Limits vary depending on WMU).
BOBCATS (WMUs 2A, 2C, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4A, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 15-Jan. 6.
One bobcat per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
FISHERS (WMUs 1B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F, 2G, 2H, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E): Dec. 15-26. One fisher per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
RIVER OTTERS (WMUs 3C and 3D): Feb. 16-23, 2019. One river otter per license year. Licensed furtakers may obtain one permit each.
2018-19 Falconry seasons and bag limits
SQUIRRELS (combined) Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (6 daily, 18 possession)
BOBWHITE QUAIL Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (8 daily, 24 possession)
RUFFED GROUSE Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (2 daily, 6 possession)
COTTONTAIL RABBITS Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (4 daily, 12 possession)
SNOWSHOE OR VARYING HARES Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (1 daily, 3 possession)
RINGNECK PHEASANTS (Male or Female combined): Sept. 1-March 30, 2019 (6 daily, 18 possession)
Waterfowl & Migratory Game Birds
DUCKS, SEA DUCKS, COOTS and MERGANSERS Lake Erie Zone – Oct. 29-Jan. 5; Northwest Zone – Oct. 6-Dec. 8 and Dec. 27-Jan. 1; North Zone – Oct. 6-Nov. 17 and Dec. 18-Jan. 12; South Zone – Oct. 13-20 and Nov. 20-Jan. 19. Ducks & Sea Ducks – 6 daily, 18 in possession. Coots – 15 daily, 45 in possession. Mergansers – 5 daily, 15 in possession.
CANADA GEESE Southern James Bay Population Zone – Sept. 1-25 (In western Crawford County, the season runs from Sept. 1-15) (1 daily, 3 possession); Oct. 6-Nov. 24 and Dec. 11-Jan. 19 (3 daily, 9 possession). Resident Population Zone – Sept. 1-25 (8 daily, 24 possession); Oct. 27-Nov. 24, Dec. 17-Jan. 19 and Jan. 26-Feb. 23 (5 daily, 15 possession). Atlantic Population Zone – Sept. 1-25 (8 daily, 24 possession); Nov. 15-24 and Dec. 15-Jan. 31 (3 daily, 9 possession).
LIGHT GEESE Southern James Bay Population Zone – Regular Season Oct. 1-Jan. 19 and Conservation Season Jan. 21-April 19. Resident Population Zone – Regular Season Oct. 23-Feb. 23 and Conservation Season Feb. 25-April 19. Atlantic Population Zone – Regular Season Oct. 1- Jan. 31 and Conservation Season Feb. 1-April 19. (25 daily, no possession limit).
BRANT All goose zones Oct. 13-Dec. 21 (2 daily, 6 possession)
WOODCOCK Statewide Oct. 13-Nov. 24 and Dec. 10-18 (3 daily, 9 possession)
GALLINULES Statewide Sept. 1-Nov. 21 (3 daily, 9 possession)
COMMON SNIPE Statewide Oct. 13-Nov. 24 and Dec. 10-18 (8 daily, 24 possession)
DOVES Statewide Sept. 1-Nov. 24 and Dec. 18-Jan. 5 (15 daily, 45 possession)
VIRGINIA and SORA RAILS Statewide Sept. 1-Nov. 21 (3 daily, 9 possession)
YOUTH WATERFOWL DAYS Statewide Sept. 15. North Zone – Jan. 19. Northwest Zone – Dec. 15. Lake Erie Zone – Oct. 20. South Zone – Jan. 26.
No open season on other wild birds or mammals.
Waterfowl and Migratory Game Bird seasons and bag limits