“PGC board slows plan to reintroduce Martin”

In case you missed it.

By Joe Ewing, High Hareman of the Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny

In an article in the July 21st issue of the PENNSYLVANIA Outdoor News by Tom Venesky, reporting on the July 8th quarterly meeting of the Commission reports, the Commission voted to delay the next step of the American Marten Reintroduction Plan. “During the board’s July 8 meeting, commissioners were expected to vote on a proposal to make the reintroduction plan available for public review.”

However, the vote was tabled due to the fact that a public opinion survey was not completed. A Virginia company is conducting a public opinion survey. The reason for tabling is “time to allow for that survey to be completed and the results to be made available to the board and the public,” board president Schnepp-Giger said.

Representatives from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of Forestry and a representative from the newly formed Pennsylvania Martin Restoration Project spoke in vague terms of the numerous benefits the Martin will bring.

The Editor of the News, Jeff Mulhollem, commented that he was not surprised the commissioners “tapped the brakes” on the plan saying, “Surely they have heard overwhelming opposition from hunters and a few lawmakers to bringing the little predator back, same as we have.”      

 

MEMBER DOWNS TROPHY LONG BEARD

Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny Member Bill Moreland harvested a 19.5 lbs. long beard near Sheldon, New York.

Bill's trophy sported a 9.5-inch beard and 1 1/8-inch spurs.

Using an 85-year-old Stevens 220A, 20-gauge,  with hand-loaded #9 TSS shot, 

Bill put the bird down at 35 yards.

Bill is a long-time member of the board of directors of the Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny.

Bill Moreland 2012

 Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny featured in April 14, 2023 issue of the Pennsylvania Outdoor News and other publications and outlets.

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2023-03-18 BREAKFAST AT THE KELLY photo by M. Hosmer

2023-03-18 BREAKFAST AT THE KELLY photo by M. Hosmer

March 18, 2023

MEMBERS INVADE SHAMROCK ROOM IN THE KELLY HOTEL FOR ST. PATRICK'S DAY BREAKFAST AND FUN HUNT. 

TWENTY-SIX ELITE SNOWSHOE HARE HUNTERS ATTEND ST. PATTY'S DAY BREAKFAST FOLLOWED BY A FUN HUNT FOR SNOWSHOE HARE.

The second annual Big Woods Hare Hunters of the Allegheny St. Patrick's Day Breakfast was held in the Shamrock Room at the Kelly Hotel in beautiful downtown Marienville, PA. The 26 attending enjoyed fellowship and camaraderie, followed by a fun snowshoe hare hunt on the Allegheny National Forest with several finely tuned snowshoe hare hounds.

Even though no snowshoe hare was found, all enjoyed a good day.

Two special guest speakers each talked to the members about their respective fields of expertise.

Mr. Lane Potts of the Wildlife Futures Program spoke of the health of Pennsylvania's game animals, including snowshoe hare, cottontail rabbits, Appalachian cottontails, and ruffed grouse.

Mr. Scott Wolbert, Regional Forester for the Pennsylvania Game Commission, spoke about the health of the forests. In addition, Mr. Wolbert talked about what the PGC is doing to keep our forests healthy and in good shape for our game.

Members prepare for fellowship, camaraderie, and breakfast.

Members prepare for fellowship, camaraderie, and breakfast.

Members prepare for fellowship, camaraderie, and breakfast.

Members prepare for fellowship, camaraderie, and breakfast.

Members prepare for fellowship, camaraderie, and breakfast.

Big Woods Hare Hunters (L-R) Brayden Murray, Jim Taylor, and Joe Ewing Jr.

(L-R) Will Murray, Joe Ewing jr., and Jim Taylor.

Members gather to listen to guest speakers.

Members prepare to release the hounds.

Members listen to guest speakers.

Members returning from the hare woods.

Members returning from the hare wars.

Members enjoyed cookies after the hunt.

Members talk of beagles.

The High HareMan, Joe Ewing Sr. (L) visits with Ray Wolford from Orchard Park, NY.

Members venture off to the hare woods in the ANF.

Members listen to Lane Potts speak.

Mr. Scott Wolbert, Regional Forester with the PGC, speaks.