GAME COMMISSION TO HOST ANNUAL WATERFOWL BRIEFING

HARRISBURG – Representatives of the waterfowl organizations, interested hunters and the public are invited to attend a briefing on Friday, Aug. 7, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, on the status of Atlantic Flyway waterfowl populations and proposed preliminary federal frameworks for the 2009-10 waterfowl hunting seasons.  The briefing will begin at 1 p.m., in the Stull Environmental Education Center at Presque Isle State Park, Erie County.



In addition to reviewing frameworks established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for upcoming waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, Game Commission staff will provide updates on current and planned research and management programs, as well as past hunting results.



Public comments will be accepted at the meeting; or by sending a letter to: Pennsylvania Game Commission, Bureau of Wildlife Management, 2001 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110-9797; or via e-mail (waterfowlcomments@state.pa.us) through the “Waterfowl” page in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the agency’s homepage (www.pgc.state.pa.us).



Based on public comments, Game Commission staff will prepare and present recommended waterfowl and migratory bird seasons, bag limits and related criteria to the USFWS for final approval.  All migratory bird hunting seasons and bag limits must conform to frameworks set by the USFWS.  States select their hunting seasons within these established frameworks.



Early migratory bird hunting seasons – including September Canada goose, mourning dove, American woodcock and webless species – will be announced in late July.  



By mid-August, when the final selections usually are made for the regular and late migratory birds, the Game Commission will issue a news release on the remaining seasons.  The agency also will print and distribute the annual brochure outlining the seasons and bag limits for waterfowl and migratory bird seasons to U.S. Post Offices, where hunters may purchase their mandatory federal duck stamp.  The annual brochure also will be posted on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).

     



24TH ANNUAL WILDLIFE ART SHOW SET FOR AUG. 7-9

The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area visitor center will feature hundreds of original paintings and fine-art prints from some of the best-known wildlife artists in the state during its annual Wildlife Art Show from Aug. 7-9.  The show is free, and the hours are: Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.



In addition to the artists’ sales, the show will offer tickets for $2 each or three for $5 to win a selection of artwork in a drawing that will be held at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9.  Proceeds from the drawing will benefit The Wildlands Preservation Fund land acquisition program.  



“Buying chances in the drawing provides you with a chance to win something really special for your home or business, and you don’t have to be present to win,” said Carl G. Roe, Game Commission executive director. “Just as important is that contribution you’ll be making to help buy important wildlife habitat through the Wildlands Preservation Fund.  It’s a great opportunity for any wildlife enthusiast who appreciates art.”



The Game Commission’s Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area Visitor Center is along Hopeland Road, two miles south of Kleinfeltersville, Lebanon County.



The Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area is a special tract owned and set aside by the Game Commission for the protection, propagation, management, preservation and controlled harvest of wildlife. This area of more than 5,000 acres provides habitat for waterfowl, forest wildlife and farmland wildlife and includes a 400-acre shallow water lake and a 70-acre impoundment.



Visitors to the wildlife area can see a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, and from late February to late March can be fortunate to witness and photograph the flocks of beautiful snow geese and tundra swans that stop in Pennsylvania during migration. Contact the Middle Creek Visitor’s Center at 717-733-1512 for more information.



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