Pennsylvania Game News - January 2013 - 37

TRAINING SCHOOL — We went to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area to learn how to properly use chainsaws and drive farm equipment. Cadet Burkett took the John Deere tractor for a drive. When she came back there was a vehicle parked where the tractors are usually turned around, so she took a shortcut through the planted cornﬁeld. I wonder if the sharecropper will blame the deer or the Deere for the damage. — CADET DOUGLAS BARRICK, HARRISBURG ERIE — A homeowner on the east side of Erie reported a sick eagle on his roof. Erie Police and Erie Animal Enforcement assisted, as well as Wildlife Pest Control Permitee Paul Kaiser. Paul and I went up ladders and were able to net and remove the sick immature bird, which turned out to have avian pox. We transported it to the Tamarack Wildlife Refuge for rehabilitation. Thanks to all those who helped us recover this bird. — WCO LARRY M. SMITH, ERIE MERCER — Ron Wright from Grove City was working in his garage when he heard a rustling in a tree outside and then a thump. He then found the severed leg of a large bird in his driveway. Looking into the tree above, he discovered the carcass of a mature bald eagle. It was then he recalled hearing a helicopter. A local Stat Medi-Vac reported hitting the eagle at 2,000 feet. — DEPUTY TERRY L. MCCLELLAND, GROVE CITY

You Got the Wrong Deer

U NION — I was called to Bucknell University about a large bear wandering around. After treeing the 400-pound bear and successfully tranquilizing it, I was told that it had been hanging around the football team’s dorm where they were at the campus for pre-season practice. I’m not sure if the bear was there for the good cooking the players were getting, or if it wanted to try out for the offensive line. — WCO DIRK B. REMENSNYDER, LEWISBURG

Get ’Em a Uniform

Adding to the Fold To the Rescue
Activities on SGL 268 are ramping up for the construction of a Marcellus gas well pad as part of a lease negotiated by the Game Commission. Part of the negotiations involved the purchase of several hundred additional acres for State Game Lands in McKean County that will provide hunting opportunities for many license holders. — LMO DENISE H. MITCHELTREE, RENOVA FAYETTE/WESTMORELAND — I was working at the Westmoreland County Fair when a woman passed by and told me that she really appreciates what I do. She was very sincere and stated that she supports the Game Commission and our mission. I told her that this encounter would make a great Field Note. She was quick to provide her name and was excited to be recognized for her support. I would like to formally thank Judy Marshall for her endorsement. — WCO JASON D. FARABAUGH, SCOTTDALE CUMBERLAND — When I ﬁrst arrived in this district more than four years ago a bear sighting caused quite a stir and was usually called in as a nuisance bear. Today, however, these calls are far less frequent and it’s not because the bears moved out. Most residents around here are just as adaptable as the bears and have learned to live with them while enjoying but respecting them. — WCO JOHN FETCHKAN, NEWVILLE
37

A Fan

High Altitude Encounter

New Trend?

Awkward Position
I was recently stuck halfway back in a cave entrance with PGC biologist Mario Giazzon, who was yelling at me for blocking the light. It occurred to me that I may need to spend less time sitting at my computer and more time walking in the ﬁeld. — LMO THOMAS M. SMITH, JERSEY SHORE
JANUARY 2013

Pennsylvania Game News - January 2013

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Pennsylvania Game News - January 2013