Pennsylvania Game News - July 2010 - 31

On August 16, 2008, we held a formal ceremony memorializing Officer Portzline with the plaque. Portzline’s family, as well as active and retired officers and co-workers attended. As WCO Jack Lucas played the bagpipes, we presented the Pennsylvania Flag, the Game Commission Flag and the 5th Class flag. The cooperation, commitment and support I received reaffirmed my belief that Pennsylvania’s Conservation Officers Association (COPA), the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the North American Wildlife Enforcement Officers Association truly support conservation officers in Pennsylvania. While it is not surprising that the aforementioned groups are supporters of conservation, the many private individuals and companies who supported this effort are the unsung heroes. I would like to specifically thank Ted Onufrak and Darrel Klink. Also, Deputy Executive Director Mike Schmit, now retired, Region Director Keith Harbaugh, IES Regis Senko, LMO Rich Cramer, LMO Dale Hockenberry, WCO Len Hribar, the Butler County Game Lands

maintenance crew, Ned Weston and the many other retired officers and employees who made this project possible. Most importantly, I would like to thank Officer Portzline’s family. His daughters, Lexie Dean and Dixie Wolfe, provided me with candid, heartfelt information about the day their dad died. As I look back over this long process, I can’t help but reflect on Portzline the man. I learned that he was a true officer of conservation; not only a WWII hero but also a hero to his family and friends. He was hardworking, fair and honest. He had a wonderful sense of humor and never took himself too seriously. During his funeral, even individuals whom he had arrested came to offer condolences. I think that speaks volumes about the man he was. Looking back over the long process, I realize how rewarding it was for me. Not only did I help to honor a fallen officer, but I learned to be a better conservation officer as well.

Trapper’s Tips…

By Dan Lynch

Using your camera on the trapline:
Taking a small digital camera when you’re out on the trapline is a good idea. Wildlife sign is everywhere, and taking snapshots of it will make you a better observer of animal characteristics as well as make a better trapper. Keeping a photo album of sign, sets and animals caught is also a great way to share your experiences with others. One thing to remember is to take photos that show respect for the animal and portray trapping in a positive light. Make sure the sun is to your back and that no shadows are present in the photo. If you have a person in the photo, make sure they are not wearing any clothing with any offensive advertisements. Dead animals or ones that have tongues sticking out or hair with blood on it need to be cleaned up to make a better picture. Harvesting of animals is a part of trapping and nothing that needs to be apologized for. However, just like in taking good quality hunting photos, planning and preparation is the key to getting the best shots.

JULY 2010

Pennsylvania Game News - July 2010

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