MORE ABOUT THE MARTEN

The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be introducing the American Pine Marten into PA.

MORE ABOUT THE AMERICAN PINE MARTEN Martes americana

American martens are small and agile members of the weasel family. With their sharp and semi-retractable claws, they easily climb trees and jump from branch to branch. Strong scent glands are used to mark trails through the treetops and territories on land. Martens are opportunistic feeders and typically forage on the ground. Their diet varies seasonally, and usually includes small mammals, such as red squirrels, red-backed voles, meadow mice, white-footed mice, snowshoe hares, and marmots. Depending on availability, as well as the season, martens will eat birds, eggs, insects, berries, beechnuts, and carrion. Martens are very curious, and actively investigate every crevice, log, or stump in search of food. They are active throughout the year and are well-adapted for life in a cold and snowy environment. During winter, martens have thick, dark brown fur and an orange throat patch. Their summer coat is lighter in color and texture. Broad feet and fur-covered soles enable martens to travel on top of deep snow, but they often tunnel under the snow in search of prey. Martens prefer mature coniferous or mixed-wood forests.

https://www.zooamerica.com/animals/american-marten/

MARTEN REINTRODUCTION TO BE FURTHER EXPLORED

The Pennsylvania Board of Game Commissioners today (July 9, 2022) took the next step in considering American marten (Martes americana) reintroduction by directing the Game Commission’s Bureau of Wildlife Management to develop a plan for reintroduction and management.

A native furbearer, the marten once was found commonly in portions of Pennsylvania but extirpated from the Commonwealth in the early 1900s due to deforestation and unregulated harvest. Adult martens weigh between 1 and 3 pounds and measure 19 and 27 inches, the same size as adult mink.

The Bureau of Wildlife Management, in accordance with the agency’s 2020-23 Strategic Plan, has completed a feasibility assessment of marten reintroduction. The assessment considered current habitat suitability, future climatic impacts, interactions with other species, and public opinion. It concluded that based on literature review, diet studies, expert evaluations, and prior, out-of-state reintroduction efforts, marten's impact on other species is minimal. At the same time, impacts from other predators to marten are also minimal.

Habitat suitability modeling shows that there is sufficient habitat within Pennsylvania for a marten population. Extensive research from across the marten’s range proves that most of their diet consists of small mammals such as voles, mice, and shrews, as well as insects, and plants.

Most of the public supports marten reintroduction, and it would likely be successful based on the assessment. Reasons for reintroduction cover ecological, political, social, and cultural aspects and this is an appropriate next step in the Game Commission’s history of species restoration within the Commonwealth. The assessment is available here. More information on American martens can be found here.

The American Marten Reintroduction and Management Plan to be developed by the Bureau of Wildlife Management will identify optimal release sites, and potential source populations, as well as provide specifics on translocation methodology, research and monitoring, cooperative partnerships, and long-term management. An important part of this plan will also be providing the public with information and education on the marten and its ecology. Once completed, this plan will be made available for public review and comment prior to being presented to the Board of Commissioners for their review and final approval to move forward with reintroduction.

 

BBQ & RENDEZVOUS

 MORE PICTURES FROM THE INAUGURAL

"first annual"

BIG WOODS HARE HUNTERS of the ALLEGHENY

 BBQ & RENDEZVOUS

JULY 4TH, 2022.

the High HareMan welcoming hunters and guests to the "first Annual" 4th of July bbq and rendezvous. 

Hare hunters enjoy the conversation.

Ladies relax with conversation.

Members and guests relax in the shade.

The food, from Devil's BBQ, Brookville, PA, included pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, smoked brisket, baked beans, and mac salad with fruit cup by Brenda E.

Members lined up for BBQ.

Two future snowshoe hare hunters.

Ladies Auxiliary brought the desert. Thank you!

the High HareMan and hostess, Brenda Ewing, wish to thank everyone for coming to our little party and hope everyone enjoyed themselves.

July 4th, 2022

 THE BIG WOODS HARE HUNTERS of the ALLEGHENY TAKE PRIDE IN ANNOUNCING:

JACI WON THE GUN!

 The Inaugural BIG WOODS HARE HUNTERS of the ALLEGHENY was highlighted by the presentation.

Jaci won a BWHHotA commemorative .22 rifle at the

Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny BBQ & RENDEZVOUS July 4th.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTED & ACCEPTED

 

file photo
Mr. Nick Ochs, Lucinda, PA, was inducted into the
Loyal Order of the
Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny
at the Inaugural BBQ & RENDEZVOUS.

Demonstrating himself as an accomplished snowshoe hare hunter and sportsman, Nick Ochs is inducted on July 4th, 2022.

Check out Nick's post-snowshoe hare hunting video on Youtube.