TU chapter offers free fly-tying classes
The Susquehanna Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold free fly-tying classes for beginning and intermediate tiers next month. Participants must register by today.
Classes will be held for six weeks from 7 to 8:30 Tuesday evenings starting this week in the social hall of the First Presbyterian Church, 102 E. Third St. Instructors will include well-known tiers from the area.
Anyone interested may register by contacting Ed Blackburn at esblackburn@comcast.net or 433-4489.
Register this week for deer group's banquet
WATSONTOWN - Friday is the last day to register for the 12th annual Sportsman's Night Out Reach banquet, sponsored by the Northcentral Pennsylvania chapter of the Quality Deer Management Association.
The banquet will be held Feb. 23 at the Watson Inn, 100 Main St., and will include raffles, prizes and auctions.
Wyatt Knepp, a state Game Commission biologist, will speak about chronic wasting disease.
To register, call Doug Garrison at 658-4646 or Dave Aumen at 478-2405.
Get into nature journaling at preserve
WASHINGTONVILLE - Ever consider recording what you see in nature? Take this opportunity to learn more about nature journaling from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday at PPL's Montour Environmental Preserve.
Keeping track of nature is something you can do all year long. Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can't make and record nature observations. In winter, nature is pared down to its bare bones, making it easier to observe aspects you might not notice at other times of the year.
We'll start with a brief discussion about nature journaling and observation, then go outdoors to make some observations. Dress for the weather and time outdoors. Bring a notebook and pencil - or a camera, if you prefer - to record your observations.
The free program will take place at the Environmental Education Center. For directions, visit www.pplpreserves.com and click on "Montour." For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.
Learn how to safely operate a boat
PENNSDALE - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Williamsport, Flotilla 15-01, will offer a safe boating course from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Gander Mountain in the Lycoming Mall.
Participants will receive a USCGA Boating Certificate and will qualify for the Pennsylvania Boating Certificate upon successful completion of the course. Those who wish to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski) or those born after Jan. 1, 1982, who operate a boat with a 25-horsepower or larger motor are required by law to have completed a recognized boating course.
A fee will cover the cost of the book and advance registration is necessary.
For more information or to register, contact Joseph Kustanbauter at jbkusty@verizon.net or 435-2193.
Sportsman's Show & Flea Market planned
LEESPORT - The Sportsman's Show & Flea Market returns to the Leesport Farmers Market, 312 Gernants Church Road, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Admission is $8 from 8 to 9 a.m. and $4 after 9. Children are free.
For more information, visit www.ralphsfishing.com.
Free fishing classes offered
WATERVILLE - McConnell's Country Store & Fly Shop, 10853 North Route 44, will hold the following free fishing classes:
Saturday - Introduction to fly fishing, 10 a.m. to noon
Saturday - Introduction to fly fishing and fly tying, women only, 6 to 8 p.m.
Feb. 16 - Tips and techniques for fishing mayflies and their life cycles, 10 a.m. to noon
March 2 - Tips & techniques for fishing caddis and stone flies and their life cycles, 10 a.m. to noon
March 16 - Fly casting for beginners, 10 a.m. to noon
March 30 - Fly casting tune-up, not for beginners, 10 a.m. to noon
Fish Commission rep to speak at meeting
The public is invited to meet Emmett W. Kyler, waterways conservation officer with the state Fish and Boat Commission, who will be the featured speaker at the monthly meeting of the Susquehanna Council of Trout Unlimited at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church, 102 E. Third St.
Kyler covers the eastern region of Lycoming County. He will discuss his duties, challenges and agency goals for 2013 and will answer questions.
Create habitat for golden-winged warblers
The Natural Resources Conservation Service will hold a public meeting about wildlife habitat enhancement opportunities on private lands, particularly for creating young forest habitat, at 7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Lysock Building Complex, 542 County Farm Road, Loyalsock Township.
The state Game Commission will provide a presentation titled "Golden-winged Warbler Habitat Enhancement," which will be followed with more details on how private landowners can establish the habitat on their own properties. All interested landowners and hunting clubs willing to dedicate at least 10 acres of their properties to young forest habitat are encouraged to attend.
Feb. 15 is the deadline for people who create and/or maintain at least 10 acres of young forest habitat on their lands to apply for state and federal financial assistance opportunities.
Young forest habitat provides excellent deer and turkey habitat and critically important habitat for golden-winged warblers, eastern towhees and other animal and plant species that are in decline due to habitat loss.
If you cannot attend but would like more information on the golden-winged warbler or on young forest habitat management, contact Lycoming County NRCS District Conservationist Ryan Koch at 433-3902, ext. 101, or state Game Commission Wildlife Diversity Biologist Mario Giazzon at 547-7259.
Club plans coyote hunt
SINNEMAHONING - The eighth annual Sinnemahoning Sportsmen's Association's Coyote Hunt will be held Feb. 15-17.
The hunting area is throughout the states of Pennsylvania, New York, Maryland, Ohio and West Virginia.
Trapping is not allowed, but calls and dogs may be used.
A registration fee applies and all hunters must be members of the association. Membership dues may be paid upon registration.
Hunters must register prior to Feb. 15. On-site registrations will be accepted at club grounds, 15 Club Road, on Feb. 9 and 14.
For an application, call 814-263-4418 or 570-923-2188 weekdays, 814-546-2835 weekends, visit www.sinnemahoning-sportsmen.org or write to SSA, 15 Club Road, P.O. Box 102, Sinnamahoning, PA 15861-0102.
Official weigh-ins will be done at the club at the following times:
3-7 p.m. Feb. 15 and 16
8 a.m.-noon Feb. 17.
Prizes will be awarded after weigh-ins.
Hats and shirts commemorating the coyote hunt will be available for purchase at the club.
State Snowshoe Championship coming to area
DRUMS - The eighth annual Pennsylvania State Snowshoe Championship will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 16 at Nescopeck State Park in Luzerne County. The 5K race will benefit the American Red Cross.
An entry fee includes a raffle, age group awards, goody bag, refreshments and access to indoor facilities.
Although the event is a qualifier for the national snowshoe championship in Bend, Ore., this March, all levels of experience, including beginners, may attend. Rentals will be available.
If there is no snow, the event will be a trail run.
For more information, contact Frank Gaval at 570-788-4219 or barb123@ptd.net or visit www.NEPARunner.com or www.snowshoeracing.com
Whitetails Unlimited plans Sullivan County event
MUNCY VALLEY - Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the Sullivan County Hunters' Night Out on Feb. 23 at the Muncy Valley Fire Hall on Route 42. The event features a buffet dinner, auction and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, hunting and outdoor equipment, artwork and collectibles only available at WTU events.
The social hour begins at 4 p.m., with dinner at 6.
Tickets may be purchased individually, per couple or for juniors ages 15 and younger. The deadline to order tickets is Feb. 16. They will not be sold at the door, and seating is limited.
To order tickets, call Nancy Craft at 482-4364 or WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471, or go to www.whitetailsunlimited.com.
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization that strives to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Gun raffle, wild game meal planned
MILL HALL - The Lock Haven University baseball team will hold a gun raffle and wild game meal fundraiser at 1 p.m. Feb. 17 at Haywood's on the Green.
Tickets may be purchased by contacting Marchal Rote at mrote@lhup.edu or 484-2002. Wild game meat donations also are welcome.
Blade group plans 25th annual knife show
LEWISBURG - The Keystone Blade Association will hold its 25th annual knife show at the Country Cupboard Inn from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 23 and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 24.
The show will feature new, old, factory, custom, military and related items.
For more information, contact Skip at 387-4955 or Marlyn at 584-4835 or stetson718@gmail.com.
Friends of NRA group plans banquet
ULSTER - The Bradford County Friends of the National Rifle Association will hold its 13th annual banquet on March 2 at the Ulster Fire Hall. Doors open at 4 p.m., and the meal will be served at 6.
Meal tickets are priced for adults and youth 16 and younger.
Only 300 tickets will be sold and the deadline to purchase tickets is Feb. 26. Attendees do not need to belong to the NRA.
Adult tickets purchased before Feb. 12 will be entered into a drawing for a .270 Remington rifle. Each youth who attends will receive a prize and will be entered into a drawing for a .22 rifle.
Auctions and drawings for limited-edition art, exclusive NRA merchandise and commemorative firearms will be held. Silent auctions and games to win prizes also will be offered.
A variety of sponsor packages are available.
Proceeds benefit the NRA Foundation, with half of the funds staying within the state and the other half going to national programs, such as the Eddy Eagle Program, NRA Yes/Youth Educational Summit and the National Youth Hunter Education Challenge. Funds that stay within the state will benefit local youth programs, such as Youth Field Days, 4-H shooting programs, PA State Youth Hunter Education Challenge, Boy Scouts of America and Women in the Wild. Last year, more than $400,000 went to programs in the eastern half of the state.
The National Rifle Association is dedicated to preserving the lawful ownership and use of firearms.
For more information, or to purchase tickets or sponsorships, call Bill Angove at 297-2669, Jerry Frantz at 297-5485 or Charles Fox at 297-4642.
TU chapter announces fly-tying classes
LOCK HAVEN - The Lloyd Wilson Chapter of Trout Unlimited will hold its annual fly tying classes from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, beginning Feb. 28 through March 28, on the second floor of Citizen Hose Fire Co.
A fee applies per class for youth and adults.
Fly patterns and instructors change weekly. Instructors are from the local chapter and Outcast Guide Service, of Lamar.
Baltimore Boat Show sails into Maryland
BALTIMORE, Md. - The 2013 Progressive Insurance Baltimore Boat Show cruises into the Baltimore Convention Center, 1 W. Pratt St., on Feb. 28 through March 3, making a splash with sales on the newest boats and accessories, plus new fun and educational activities for boaters of all ages and experience levels.
Boaters, sailors, fisherman and families can climb aboard and compare hundreds of boats for all budgets and lifestyles, from luxury cruisers and fishing boats to family runabouts and pontoons, plus shop deals on the latest marine gadgets and gear.
Other attractions include the new Swampmaster Gator Show - in which visitors can take a photo holding a baby gator and watch as expert alligator handler Jeff Quattrocchi catches an 8-foot, 200-pound alligator.
Capt. Dave Marciano from National Geographic Channel's "Wicked Tuna" will be on hand March 1-3 to meet visitors and share his stories on the open seas. And, experienced and beginner boaters can put their boating skills to the test with the Power Boat Docking Challenge.
Boaters and fisherman hoping to add new tricks to their trade can head to the hands-on clinics, see demonstrations and get one-on-one advice at Fred's Shed DIY Interactive Learning Center and Fishing the Chesapeake seminar series. And, there's no shortage of fun for the kids with a chance to build their own boat at the Kids' Create-a-Boat.
The show is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Feb. 28 and March 1; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. March 2; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3.
Tickets are $12 for adults and free for children 15 and under when accompanied by an adult. Tickets may be purchased at www.baltimoreboatshow.com.
View wildlife posters at Ned Smith Center
MILLERSBURG - A display titled "Wild Places, Wild Life, Wild Art: Conserving America One Poster at a Time" will be on display through March 9 at the Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art Poster Exhibit.
It assembles for the first time some of the most dramatic and beautiful examples of conservation posters from across the United States and Canada - a breathtaking array whose subjects range from crayfish and butterflies to birds and wildflowers; fungi and minerals to mammals, snakes and entire ecosystems, and selected from hundreds of posters from across North America.
Starting in the 1960s, posters were embraced by conservation organizations and resource agencies anxious to bring their message of protection, appreciation and preservation to the public. By bringing together stunning photography, gorgeous artwork and a strong conservation theme, posters have for half a century or more inspired and educated the public about wildlife, natural landscapes and environmental themes.
For more information, visit www.nedsmithcenter.org.
Whitetails Unlimited plans fundraising event
Whitetails Unlimited is sponsoring the West Branch Whitetails Hunters' Night Out on March 16 at the Genetti Hotel, 200 W. Fourth St. The event will feature a two-meat buffet, auction and prizes with a wide array of products such as firearms, outfitter packages, hunting- and outdoor-related equipment, artwork and collectibles only available at WTU events.
Proceeds will benefit archery programs in local schools, youth programs and habitat improvement equipment.
Social hour begins at 5 p.m., with dinner at 6:30.
Tickets may be purchased individually, per couple or for juniors ages 15 and younger. The deadline to order tickets is March 11. They will not be sold at the door.
To order tickets, call Dave "Huffy" Huffman at 772-0312 in the evenings or WTU National Headquarters at 800-274-5471, or go online at www.whitetailsunlimited.com. Tickets also are available by calling Gene Cahn at 447-6541 or Dave Ellison at 435-5525.
Founded in 1982, Whitetails Unlimited is a national nonprofit conservation organization that strives to raise funds in support of education, habitat enhancement and acquisition, and the preservation of the hunting tradition for the benefit of white-tailed deer and other wildlife.
Register now for greenway sojourn
The 2013 Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Greenway Sojourn - a fully supported, five-day ride along the Great Allegheny Passage - will take place June 23-27, and participants now can reserve their seat.
The Greenway Sojourn is part bicycle ride, part trail-building program. It celebrates newly opened trails and promotes the completion of others to create regional trail systems.
The ride covers mostly off-road, multi-use trails between Pittsburgh and Cumberland, Md.
All ages and skill levels may register by going online to wilderness-voyageurs.com/rails-to-trails-greenway-sojourn.html.
Outdoor events sought
Do you have a meeting or outdoor event you'd like to publicize in the Sun-Gazette?
Announcements must be submitted at least three weeks prior to the date of the event, preferably earlier.
Information and news releases may be:
Mailed to Outdoor editor, Williamsport Sun-Gazette, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport PA 17701
Emailed to outdoors@sungazette.com
Dropped off at the Sun-Gazette office, 252 W. Fourth St., Williamsport
Submitted through the Outdoor section of the Virtual Newsroom at www.sungazette.com.
All submissions must contain the name, telephone number and, if available, email address of a contact person.
Photographs by area residents of trophy fish or game animals or other interesting outdoor occurrences also will be considered. Digital photos may be sent by email.
Hard-copy glossy prints, negatives or slides may be dropped off or mailed. Polaroid prints typically cannot be reprinted in the newspaper.
Only photos sent with a stamped, self-addressed envelope will be returned.
Announcements published in the "Outdoor Briefs" section will print in chronological order as space permits.
The Outdoors section is published weekly on Sundays, but it goes to print early on Wednesday mornings.
Therefore, all information for publication on any given Sunday must be submitted by noon on the Monday prior.
For more help, call 326-1551, ext. 3116.
