Pennsylvania Game News - October 2009 - 36

Good Mast Crop JEFFERSON — With as many red oak acorns as there are here this year, hunters pursuing game this fall may need to wear an additional piece of safety equipment when heading out to their favorite woodlot — a hard hat. — WCO ROGER A. HARTLESS, BROOKVILLE By the Pound WAYNE — So far this year I’ve trapped, processed and released 4,342 pounds of bear in my district. — WCO JAMES MCCARTHY, WAYMART Unsung Heroes CRAWFORD — Thousands of individuals and groups visit the Pymatuning Wildlife Learning Center each year, gaining insight on Pennsylvania’s varied flora, fauna and hunting heritage. The operation would not run as smoothly, though, without the help of three individuals who devote many volunteer hours. Betsy Ceremuga greets the public, answers questions and sells publications each week. Jack Ellsworth is at the facility grounds each weekend, pursuing his passion for raptor watching and educating inquiring individuals. Bill Wenger monitors the purple martin nesting structures, and always takes the time to educate the public on this species. To Betsy, Jack and Bill, your seen and unseen efforts are very much appreciated. We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. — WLC STAFF, CHUCK BRUDOWSKY, LINESVILLE Bountiful Bruins WARREN — In the 10 years I’ve been in my district bear sightings and nuisance calls have never been higher. Bears are literally the talk of the town anywhere you go. Consider hunting in the county this season. Your chance to harvest a bear might never be better. — WCO DUSTIN M. STONER, YOUNGSVILLE Flurry of Wings Retired WCO John Wasserman was practicing his barred owl calls one evening and started a “conversation” with a barred owl a few hollows away. The owl and John called back and forth as dusk turned to dark. I’m really not sure how serious of a conversation it could have been when the phrases consisted of hoooawwww and who cooks for you all, but for those who know John you know he’s not a man of many words. Suddenly, there was a flurry of movement and John ducked, and exclaimed “Whoa!” just as I heard a series of clatters and scraping sounds on the porch roof. Apparently, the owl wanted to get a closer look at its new friend. I’m not sure who was more surprised, though, John or the owl. — LMO DENISE H. MITCHELTREE, RENOVO GAME NEWS Times Have Changed After I had finished banding barn owls for a research project, the owner of the barn showed me photos of great horned owls he had killed years ago. I was surprised to hear his story, because he is one of the most enthusiastic supporters of the Barn Owl Conservation Initiative, but his story perfectly illustrates the change the Game Commission has undergone in the past 50 years. Back then, the Game Commission gave him a pole trap, paid him $5 for every owl caught, and allowed him to have them mounted for hunting crows. Today, the killing of a hawk or owl can result in a fine and loss of hunting privileges. — WILDLIFE DIVERSITY BIOLOGIST RICHARD S. FRITSKY, GREAT BEND

Pennsylvania Game News - October 2009

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