"CELEBRATING 75 YEARS OF CONSERVATION"
 
PFSC's Spring Convention held in Williamsport Site of First Convention
 
            The Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs (PFSC) met for its semi-annual (spring) convention, March 23-25, in Williamsport; the site of PFSC's first convention.   45 of 52 eligible delegates were present for the Sunday voting session.
 
            Members attended PFSC, PA Wildlife Federation (PWF) and PFSC Endowment Board meetings, and then enjoyed an evening of fun, fellowship and festivities at the Fundraising Banquet on Friday.
 
             On Saturday, attendees were addressed by PFBC Executive Director Dr. Douglas Austin and Leroy Young during the Fish & Boat Committee meeting.  Information on the Susquehanna and Juniata River Creel Survey, March 31st Regional Opening Day for trout, Preseason Trout Residency Study, Erie Access, Point Of Sale for fishing license and Youth Fishing Licenses were a few of the items discussed.
 
             PGC Executive Director Carl Roe addressed a number of topics during the Game & Trapping Committee meeting.  D-MAP/Antlerless Tags increases from $6.00 to $10.00, Baiting, Hunting License increase, increased penalties for violations/poaching and resolving bugs in the HERR program were all issues addressed by Mr. Roe.  Kevin Wenner, PGC Regional Diversity Biologist, gave an informative talk on the Private Landowners Assistance Program.  Mike Tressler talked about how organizations can earn money by purchasing discount tickets to the Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show.  Fred English was seeking PFSC's support to get legislation introduced to make laser sights legal for blind hunters; this motion was brought before the delegates, and passed 35-1 (7 abstentions). John Plowman, with the Turkey Dog Alliance, asked for PFSC's support to change the Game & Wildlife Code to allow hunting with Turkey Dogs in the fall (SB580); this motion was taken to the delegates, and passed 27-9 (9 abstentions).  Matt Ehrhart, from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, discussed the REAP Program, (The Reserve Enhancement & Protection Act of Pennsylvania) and asked for PFSC's support, and received such by the delegates on Sunday.
              
              The Environmental Committee watched a presentation by Ed Perry on the effects of global warming.  After much discussion prior to Sunday's meeting, the delegates voted to remain neutral on the issue till more information is gathered.  There was also discussion on federal legislation that will help to prevent the introduction of aquatic invasive species into the Great Lakes and other water bodies. The National Aquatic Invasive Species Act of 2007 (S.725) would regulate the discharge of ballast water from ships that can release exotic species into U.S. waters. PFSC delegates supported this legislation.
 
             John Hohenwarter, Regional NRA Representative for Legislative Issues, and Kim Stolfer, Firearm Owners Against Crime, spoke to the Firearms Committee about current anti-gun legislation.  They also discussed the importance of attending the April 24th Pro-2nd Amendment Press Conference at the Capitol.  Judge Krancer, who is running for the Supreme Court also addressed attendees on his pro 2nd Amendment stance, and asked for support in his election.
 
            At Sunday's general session, delegates voted on resolutions brought before them.  The first resolution, to have a uniform 3-point restriction in all Wildlife Management Units (WMU), failed by a vote of 20-22 (3 abstentions); the second resolution, legalizing the use of lights on a firearm to hunt predators, failed 22-22 (1 abstention); the third resolution, against requiring a stamp to hunt on game lands, passed 39-1 (5 abstentions); the final resolution, providing additional tools to prohibit littering on State Game Lands, passed 24-17 (4 abstentions).  See PFSC's web site for full details on the resolutions.  Full Committee Reports are posted on our web.  http://www.pfsc.org
 
PFSC's Spring Convention is tentatively set to be held September 7th-9th in Harrisburg.  We will also be continuing our celebration of 75 years of conservation with a Sportsmen's Jamboree at Bass Pro Shops May 12th & 13th, so mark your calendars.
 
            Representing 95,000 sportsmen and women, the mission of the Pennsylvania Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs, Inc. is to provide a statewide, united voice for the concerns of all sportsmen and conservationists, to ensure their rights and interests are protected and to protect and enhance the environment and our natural resources.  The PFSC has 75 years of experience fighting for Pennsylvanians' rights and privileges to hunt, fish, trap, shoot and boat, and for the conservation of the Commonwealth's natural resources.