Corbett signs expansion of lethal self-defense rights

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

The Associated Press

HARRISBURG -- Gov. Tom Corbett has signed a bill to widen the right to use deadly force in self-defense.

Mr. Corbett signed the bill today in a private ceremony in his office at the Capitol.

The bill, which the Senate enacted last week, would expand the state's "castle doctrine" to allow the right to use a gun or other deadly force in self-defense in situations outside a person's home or business.

Currently, the use of deadly force is not justifiable if the person can safely retreat, except when the threat is made inside his or her home or business.

The legislation also limits certain civil liability in some cases for people who act within the guidelines.

Bear Euthanized Because It Was Hand Feed, Lost Fear Of Humans

From the Lehigh Valley Wild Blog;

Pennsylvania Game Commission Northeast Region officials today announced a black bear that had become habituated to being hand-fed by people at Merli-Sarnoski Park, Carbondale, Lackawanna County, was euthanized by agency officers Saturday, June 4, because of escalating concern over public safety. 

“Removing this bear is most unfortunate, but necessary given this particular bear’s habituation to approaching people for food,” said Steve Schweitzer, Game Commission Northeast Region Office director.  “Black bears have a natural instinct to avoid humans. A habituated bear that has lost its natural fear of humans and begins to associate people with providing food is the type of bear we do not want in the resident bear population.  It would be irresponsible not to remove such a bear after we observed the bear repeatedly confronting people to obtain food. That is why wildlife officials across North America warn that ‘a fed bear is a dead bear.’”

A few weeks ago, the Game Commission Northeast Region Office was made aware of a bear visiting the beach and picnic area of the park, rummaging through garbage cans looking for easy meals. During this time, people began feeding the bear, including some fishermen who tossed bluegills or perch to the bear.

“Bears are intelligent animals, and this one was no exception,” Schweitzer said. “Within days, the bear quickly learned to connect people with food. Soon the distance between bear and humans went from yards to feet to finally inches. The most recent reports were that some individuals were hand-feeding the bear.

“Pictures of the hand-feeding were sent to the Game Commission by a concerned citizen. We had pictures of a young man lying on the ground literally within inches of this bear. Another showed the bear standing on top of a picnic table while people sat at the table.”

Based on this information and photos, a Game Commission Wildlife Conservation Officer (WCO) was dispatched to the scene. Arriving at the park after closing hours, the WCO found the bear in the picnic area.

“After trying to chase the bear from the area, the WCO decided a more aggressive approach was needed and fired non-lethal rubber buckshot from his shotgun, striking the animal twice,” Schweitzer said. “The effect of the buckshot was positive, causing the animal to run into the woods.  However, its dispersal was only temporary and calls from the park personnel began to come in about the animal being back. Efforts to stop the human behavior that lead to this situation, or trap the bear for relocation, were unsuccessful while reports of the bear approaching people continued, so the only prudent thing left to do was to remove the animal.”

The bear, a 75-pound male, appeared to be in excellent physical condition, and had most likely been chased away by an adult female in preparation for this summer’s breeding season.

“Despite the bear’s apparent young age, there still remained a potential for future conflicts once this unwanted behavior became established,” said Mark Ternent, Game Commission bear biologist. “Had this bear not been removed, any subsequent encounters with people may have been perceived as an opportunity to gain food based on its conditioning.”

Since 2003, it has been illegal to intentionally feed black bears in Pennsylvania. The feeding ban was put in place to avoid habituating black bears and to prevent situations in which an individual feeding bears creates a nuisance situation for his or her neighbors. Additionally, the unintentional feeding of bears can result in a written warning that, if ignored, can result in a citation for subsequent offenses. Anyone cited for illegally feeding a bear is subject to a fine of $100 to $200, if convicted.

“Unfortunately, this bear ended up in the wrong area among people who did not respect it,” Schweitzer said. “We have been steadfast in our message, year after year, that feeding wildlife, especially black bears, will only end in trouble. A black bear, regardless of its size, is a very powerful animal that can turn a seemingly innocent encounter into a serious situation.”

Hunting Will Get Slightly Easier for Youth Involved in the Game Commission's Mentored Youth Hunting Program.

Youth hunting bill going to governor

GREG GROSS - The York Dispatch

Under a bill heading to Gov. Tom Corbett's desk, a youth hunter will be allowed to harvest one antlerless deer with the appropriate permit.

The legislation would also reduce the age requirement for an individual to receive a falconry permit, which permits holders to have birds of prey, from 16 to 12 years of age.

"Pennsylvania has a rich hunting tradition, and this legislation will make it easier for experienced sportsmen to pass down their knowledge to the next generation of hunters," said state Sen. Richard Alloway II, R-Franklin County.

Alloway sponsored the bill.

The program: The Pennsylvania Game Commission launched the youth hunting program in 2006. Its aim is to safety create expanded youth hunting opportunities.

The program exempts young hunters from certain license requirements by allowing a licensed hunter with an antlerless deer permit to give the permit to a young hunter participating in the program.

Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe praised the expansion of the 
program. "This new opportunity will expand an already popular program," he said.

Youth participating in the program must obtain a permit through the 
Game Commission's Pennsylvania Automated License System, which costs 
$2.70.

Legal species approved for the program are squirrels, groundhogs, coyote, 
antlered deer and spring gobbler.

Regulations require that a mentor be paired with a mentored youth. The pair can 
possess one firearm when hunting, and it must be carried by the mentor while moving. 
At a stationary location the youth can take possession of the gun.

"The program will ensure that young hunters have additional opportunities to learn 
how to be safe, responsible and successful in the field," Alloway said.

Corbett Will Sign Bill Expanding So-called Castle Doctrine

By Brad Bumsted
TRIBUNE-REVIEWTuesday, June 21, 2011 

HARRISBURG -- Gov. Tom Corbett will sign legislation eliminating the duty to retreat when gun owners face a lethal threat outside the home, his spokesman said.

Without debate, the state Senate voted 45-5 on Monday to send legislation to Corbett expanding the so-called Castle Doctrine.

Under current law, a person can use deadly force -- without retreat -- in his or her home. Outside the home, using lethal force to defend oneself requires first taking steps away from an assailant. Now the same standard of self-defense inside the home would apply outside, wherever a person is legally allowed to be.

"The time has finally come to return common sense and good judgment to state government, and this legislation is a step in that direction," said Rep. Scott Perry, R-York County, the bill's sponsor, "A criminal should never have an advantage over a citizen who abides by the rules of decent society, and (on Monday), we finally achieved the goal of returning the right of self-defense to the law-abiding."

Critics call it "shoot first" legislation.

During a lengthy House debate in April, opponents claimed the bill, if enacted, would create a "Wild West" mentality in Pennsylvania.

The bill had been approved by the General Assembly in 2010 and was vetoed by former Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell.

JULY 11 BEGINS 2011-12 DOE LICENSE PROCESS

HARRISBURG – With general hunting license sales underway, Pennsylvania Game Commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe reminded hunters that county treasurers will begin accepting antlerless deer license applications from resident hunters starting Monday, July 11; and from nonresidents beginning Monday, July 25.

For the 2011-12 license year, antlerless deer license fees are the same as they have been since 1999, except for the 70-cent transaction fee attached to the purchase of each license and permit, which is paid directly to Active Outdoors, the Nashville-based company that runs Pennsylvania Automated License System (PALS).  This transaction fee means that residents will need to write checks made payable to “County Treasurer” for $6.70, and nonresidents for $26.70.

By state law, antlerless deer licenses will continue to be sold only by county treasurers, so hunters will need to prepare and mail separate applications for antlerless deer licenses. A list of the mailing addresses for the 65 county treasurers that issue antlerless deer licenses is included in the 2011-12 Digest, which is provided to each license buyer.

A listing of antlerless licenses allocated by WMU, as well as the remaining allocation, can be viewed on the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), by clicking on “Doe License Update” in the “Quick Clicks” box in the right-hand column of the homepage.

Roe noted that hunters must use the official pink envelopes, which are provided to each license buyer by the issuing agents. For those who order licenses via the Game Commission’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us), a new digest and two pink envelopes will be included in the package, along with the licenses, which will arrive in seven to 10 business days from the date of their transaction.

“As county treasurers are set up with PALS, hunters will be able to submit an application to any county treasurer,” Roe said. “Additionally, hunters have the option of listing up to three choices, in order of preference, for a specific Wildlife Management Unit antlerless deer license. If an applicant’s first choice of WMU has exhausted its allocation of antlerless deer licenses, the PALS system will move to the second preference – and third, if necessary. 

“This process will nearly eliminate the chance that a hunter will not be able to receive at least one antlerless deer license during the processing of regular antlerless deer licenses. However, hunters are not required to list more than one choice of WMU.”

Also, Roe said that the early start to the antlerless deer license application process will help ensure that county treasurers will be able to mail antlerless deer licenses back to hunters prior to the opening of the archery season.  The first such season opens with the antlerless archery season in WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D on Sept. 17.  The opening date of the general statewide archery deer season is Oct. 1.

Under the 2011 timeline, residents will apply for regular antlerless deer licenses on July 11; nonresidents will apply for regular antlerless deer licenses on July 25.  After this, residents and nonresidents will apply for the first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 1, and residents and nonresidents will apply for the second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses on Aug. 15. 

County treasurers will have to mail regular and first round of unsold antlerless deer licenses no later than Sept. 12, and second round of unsold antlerless deer licenses no later than Sept. 26.

Beginning Aug. 1, for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D only, there is no limit to the number of unsold antlerless deer license applications an individual can submit until the allocations are exhausted.  This must be done by mail only, and there is a limit of three applications per pink envelope.

Beginning Aug. 22, county treasurers will begin accepting applications over-the-counter for WMUs 2B, 5C and 5D, and may immediately issue antlerless deer licenses.  Hunters may apply over-the-counter to county treasurers for any other WMU with antlerless license allocations on Oct. 3.

Roe noted that hunters may file harvest reports online for antlered and antlerless deer, as well as fall turkey, spring gobbler, bobcat, fisher and Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) permits through the agency’s website (www.pgc.state.pa.us).  

Additionally, hunters can call the agency’s toll-free telephone reporting system to file a harvest report.  The Interactive Voice Response (IVR) harvest reporting system telephone number is 1-855-PAHUNT1 (1-855-724-8681).

“Online and telephone harvest reporting are examples of the Game Commission doing its part to make it easier for license buyers to report their required harvests and help the agency better manage wildlife,” Roe said. “We have found that harvest reporting rates have been declining for years, and we’re hoping hunters and trappers take advantage of the online and telephone reporting systems to become more active in wildlife management.”

Pre-paid postage report cards still are available in the digest, but the agency is encouraging hunters to report either online or through the telephone system to improve accuracy of data entry, and to save on the cost of postage and data entry.

Elk and bear hunters still will be required to present their harvest to check stations. Roe noted that antlerless deer licenses, as well as general hunting licenses, still will need to be displayed by hunters.

House Passes Gillespie Bill to Eliminate Use of Back Tags by Hunters

HARRISBURG – The state House has unanimously passed legislation introduced by state Rep. Keith Gillespie (R-Hellam) that would do away with the practice of sportsmen having to wear back tags while hunting. 

“We are now a step closer to no longer being one of two states – noting New York is the other -- that still requires back tags to be worn by our sportsmen,” said Gillespie. “In addition to being an outdated practice, this is inconvenient for hunters as well.” 

The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) initiated the change, according to Gillespie, who points out that sportsmen often lose the tags while crawling through the brush or coming in contact with trees in the process of hunting. 

“I know there will be complaints from residents who wish to see visual proof of a license, but this legislation does nothing to detract them from still having the right approach a hunter and ask to see a license,” Gillespie added. “Frankly, the print on these tags is so small that I find it hard to believe it could be read from a distance.” 

Gillespie, an avid sportsman, is a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee. The bill will now be considered by the state Senate. 

Bull Creek and Bull Creek Members Featured in Post Gazette Article

Female participation in outdoor activities is rising

Sunday, June 12, 2011

By Shannon M. Nass, Special to the Post-Gazette

Trepidation and expectancy was in the air as women of all ages and from all walks of life gathered to try their hand at trap shooting, bird watching and archery. The activities were part of the annual National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors event at Bull Creek Rod and Gun Club in Tarentum June 4. 


The 25 seasoned outdoor veterans and first-timers represented the increasing number of women who are participating in outdoor pursuits.

"Women are the fastest growing segment of the sporting community," said Jeff Souders, Pennsylvania Women in the Outdoors coordinator. Souders was present at the event, a National Wild Turkey Federation outreach program. 

"It's a non-competitive, easygoing, friendly atmosphere and it's non-threatening, so women are more likely to try it out," he said.

The event was coordinated by the Allegheny Valley chapter of Women in the Outdoors and included courses in archery, bird watching, Dutch oven cooking, handguns, rifle marksmanship, shot guns, trapshooting, self-defense and soap making.

The federation launched the program in 1998 in response to an increasing number of women participating in outdoor activities.

"We saw that there was a growing interest in women wanting to get outdoors and wanting to try new activities," said Teresa Carroll, coordinator of the program for the federation.

Events such as the one at Bull Creek and numerous women-only hunts are organized by local chapters all across the country each year. With 84 Women in the Outdoors chapters, Carroll said Pennsylvania is one of the strongest states.

It's not surprising since, according to the Wild Turkey Federation, women are Pennsylvania's fastest growing group of hunters.

This trend sparked the interest of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and in June 2010, it partnered with the federation to help provide more outdoor opportunities to women in Pennsylvania. Carroll said the game commission is closely monitoring the events to see what impact the program has on the recruitment and retention of female hunters in Pennsylvania.

In addition, funding provided by the commission enabled the federation to hire Souders as a full-time, Women in the Outdoors coordinator in Pennsylvania, making it the only state with its own coordinator.

He said he is working to increase the number of events in Pennsylvania and reach out to women who have never participated in the program. He also supports the volunteer coordinators who help with events.

Lori Lojak of Fawn Township is the volunteer event coordinator for the Allegheny Valley chapter of Women in the Outdoors. "I want to make women aware of what's out there and get people involved with the outdoors," she said.

Lojak said the event at Bull Creek draws new women every year with varying levels of skills.

Firearms classes are the most popular, she said. "A lot of the women are taking the gun classes," she said. "The firearm instructors are busy all day."

Upon Lojak's prompting, Melissa Garstecki of South Side attended the event at Bull Creek for the first time and signed up for the archery and firearm classes. Garstecki said she considers herself a city girl and was nervous about coming to the event.

"This is a very different experience for me," she said. "This is very unlike me." Garstecki proved to be an excellent markswoman and as a result of her experience, she said she plans to spend more time in the outdoors.

"I've never experienced anything like this before," she said. "I love it." The events are open to women ages 14 and older. Carroll said the women-only environment helps participants feel more comfortable and is less intimidating.

"A lot of women are not sure about the program, but if you can get them to one of our events, the event sells itself," she said. "The women who come really get an unexpected surprise."

The Bible Chapel in Peters Township is reaching out to women as well through their Viva program, an outdoor adventure group for women.

Women's ministry director Laura Ankrom said that when Viva was launched a few years ago, it didn't take much coaxing to get women involved. "Women were ready for something like this," she said. "We didn't have any trouble finding people who wanted to get outside."

Vonnie Teagarden of Waynesburg is the Viva leader and a veteran outdoors enthusiast.

"I'm happiest when there's blue sky over me and green grass under my feet," she said.

Some of the activities Teagarden plans each year are cross-country skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, horseback riding and caving. New this year is zip lining.

Ankrom said there is camaraderie among the women and new friendships are formed at every event. She also noted the sense of accomplishment among first-timers.

"Once they've completed an activity, they are very proud of themselves," she said. "They had this little twinge in their head that maybe they wouldn't be able to finish it, and when they finish, there's a great amount of joy and pride in the fact that they accomplished something. They really like that feeling."

Souders said camaraderie and newfound confidence are also present among the women at the events and may very well be the driving force behind their increased participation.

"At every event, you can see the ladies come in, and they're passive when they first get here. By lunchtime, they've shot the guns, they've looked at some birds, and they're best friends," said Souders. "Their confidence builds, and hopefully they'll take the confidence that they build here and they'll continue to pursue it on their own or with their families."

For more information, visit www.womenintheoutdoors.org For more information on Viva, visit www.biblechapel.org.

Women in the Outdoors holds a training program at Bull Creek Rod & Gun Club near Tarentum. Scott Rafalko, right, of the Allegheny Valley Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation, instructs Julie McClelland of Allison Park in how to use a shotgun. Other women are, from left: Donna Betza of Lower Burrell, Brittany Thomas of Deer Lake, and Sara Flasher of the North Side.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11163/1153139-358-0.stm

Lawmakers, Farm Bureau at Odds Over Sunday Hunting

By Bob Frye, TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, June 12, 2011
There are probably few issues on which the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and Humane Society of the United States are allies.

Sunday hunting is one of them.

Pennsylvania is one of just 11 states nationwide to prohibit — at least partially — hunting on Sundays. Hunters here can pursue coyotes, foxes and crows on the week's seventh day, but all other species are off limits.

That law's been in place since 1873.

Now, though, some lawmakers want to change that. Citing the expected economic benefits of Sunday hunting — which some believe could top $1 billion annually -- state Rep. John Evans, a Crawford County Republican, and Rep. Ed Staback, a Lackawanna County Democrat, are crafting legislation that would remove the prohibition and give the Pennsylvania Game Commission the option to include Sundays in hunting seasons if it chose to do so.

The bill is expected to come forward within the next few weeks.

On Thursday, the first of three public hearings on the issue took place at Seven Springs Mountain Resort. The hearing was hosted by the House of Representatives Game and Fisheries Committee.

The Farm Bureau and Humane Society made it clear they don't like the proposal.

Nila Coga, a Somerset County vegetable grower and member of the Farm Bureau's board of directors, as well as an ordained minister, said farmers view Sundays as their day of "peace and quiet." They don't want to deal with hunters knocking on their doors at 4 and 5 a.m. looking for permission to hunt. That "can be more frustrating than telemarketers calling at dinner time," she said.

If that occurs, many farmers may post their land against hunting completely, she said.

Staback said he's heard those concerns for years. They are the same ones voiced when New York and Ohio allowed Sunday hunting a decade ago, he said.

"And you now what? Not one of those issues they feared ever materialized," Staback said. "Some of the stuff you guys are alluding to is farfetched."

Sarah Speed, state director for the Humane Society of the United States — who denied the organization is anti-hunting, despite its official stance against killing wildlife for "fun or sport" — said that group opposes hunting on Sundays because it's the one day of the week when non-hunters can use the woods without fear of being shot. Sundays are also important to wildlife because they are the one day of rest "they've had and they're used to."

The hearing featured supporters of Sunday hunting, too: the National Rifle Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation and United States Sportsmen's Alliance. The groups — part of a Sunday Hunting Coalition launched this year to remove the bans on Sunday hunting everywhere — touted the positive impact of adding a weekend day to the hunting schedule for working people and those with children.

"With the ban on hunting on Sundays in place, we are severely limiting our opportunities for recruiting new hunters," said Evan Heusenkveld, director of state services for the Sportsmen's Alliance.

Jake McGuigan of the Shooting Sports Foundation agreed, noting that agencies like the Game Commission rely on license-buying hunters for the money to pay for conservation.

"Where is that funding going to come from in the future if we do not expand opportunities with Sunday hunting?" he asked.

When asked, though, they could not say that legalizing Sunday hunting in other states has directly led to more youth hunters being created.

The issue is controversial, said Evans, majority chairman of the Game and Fisheries Committee. He once opposed Sunday hunting himself, he said. He's changed his mind because of its potential to recruit hunters, create jobs and inject huge amounts of new dollars into the state economy.

That's why he plans to move forward, he said.

"I think there are some pretty compelling arguments for allowing this," he said

Read more: Lawmakers, Farm Bureau at odds over Sunday hunting - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/sports/outdoors/s_741561.html

Bull Creek Hosts 10th Annual Women In The Outdoors Event and Banquet

The National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women In The Outdoors Program was held at Bull Creek Rod and Gun Club this past Saturday June 4^th. Event co-coordinator and club member Lori Lojak reports that 25 women participated in classes including handguns, rifle, shotgun, archery, self-defense, soap making, Dutch oven and bird watching.

Lori reported “The women really enjoyed themselves; some first timers found that they were very good at shooting, with one hitting 4 out of 6 [clay] birds and this was the first time she ever shot a gun!”

Women in the Outdoors events are held across the country using experts and trained professionals to teach outdoor skills in a noncompetitive environment. The Women in the Outdoors program helps members develop outdoor skills and emphasizes the importance of wildlife management and the role of hunters in conservation. For more information on joining please go to www.womenintheoutdoors.org.

Here are some pictures from this year’s event:

Handgun Shooting

Archery

WITO Gear!

Trap Shooting

Archery

Self Defense

Shotgun

Bird Watching

Reloading Shotgun Shells

Dutch Oven

French Creek Valley Chapter Of The Ruffed Grouse Society 2011 Wing Shooting Schools And Youth Pheasant Hunts

French Creek Valley Chapter Of The Ruffed Grouse Society
2011 Wing Shooting Schools And Youth Pheasant Hunts


JULY 30th & AUG 13th --- SHOTGUN SAFETY & CLAY SHOOTING INSTRUCTION
Clinton/Irwin Gun Club provided by NSSA, NSCA and NRA Certified instructor Nick Sisely


SEPT 10th & 27th --- YOUTH PHEASANT HUNTS


The shooting preserve of Jeff Cross in Saegertown, provided by Mr. Cross. The future of habitat conservation begins with new hunters. The French Creek Valley Chapter of the Ruffed Grouse Society will have several days of free instruction and introduction to wing shooting and hunting throughout the summer and early fall. Please encourage a young person or new hunter to take part and mentor the future of conservation.


There is no fee for instruction or youth pheasant hunts. Please reply by the registration deadlines listed below. Students need to bring or purchase their own ammunition. Ammunition will be available for purchase at the events.


A 20 gauge Tri – Star youth gun will be available for students at the safety and clay shooting instruction events for those that do not bring their own shotgun. Hearing protection and safety glasses, are required, and will be available for use; however students are encouraged to bring their own.


Students must be at least 12 years of age and accompanied by a parent or guardian to all events. The signature of a parent or guardian on the registration form and waiver of liability form are required to participate. To take part in the youth pheasant hunts, participants must have a valid hunter’s safety card. In addition to hearing protection and safety glasses youth pheasant hunters and parents/guardians accompanying them in the field are required to wear 250 square inches of blaze orange, including a blaze orange hat.


All events go on rain or shine. Please dress appropriately for the weather and field conditions. Refreshments and food will not be provided at these free events.


The Clinton Irwin Gun Club is located at 333 Jones Road in Harrisville, PA 16038. The shooting preserve of Mr. Cross is located at 19394 Jamie Road in Saegertown, PA 16433.

For more information and to register click on this link.