Annual knife show concludes today
LEWISBURG - The Keystone Blade Association will hold its 25th annual knife show at the Country Cupboard Inn from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. today.
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 Saturday 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 Tuesday. 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.
Speaker addresses 'the physics of flight'
Tom Reider, of Schuylkill Haven, a retired pilot, teacher and sculptor, will be the guest speaker at the Lycoming Audubon Society's Wednesday meeting.
Reider will emphasize adaptations that allow birds to specialize in quick, hovering or slow flight. His presentation will include slow motion scenes and special effects from the BBC video, "The Mastery of Flight," with David Attenborough.
The society's meeting begins at 6 p.m., and the free program follows at 6:30 p.m. in the Lowry Room of the James V. Brown Library. Both are open to the public.
For more information, visit www.lycoming.org/audubon.
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 this week 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 Thursday through next Sunday, 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.
Experience maple sugaring at preserve
WASHINGTONVILLE - Have you ever wanted to learn more about how maple syrup is made? A maple sugaring open house will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and March 10 at PPL's Montour Environmental Preserve.
Programs begin on the hour (noon, 1, 2 and 3 p.m.) in the Environmental Education Center with a talk and film featuring the natural and cultural history of making maple sugar. Afterward, a short walk through Goose Woods takes attendees to the Sugar Shack to experience the sights, sounds and scents of maple sugaring.
Scouts, 4-H and other groups are welcome to attend either day. Plan to arrive on the hour at the Environmental Education Center auditorium to enjoy the entire sugaring program. Outdoor demonstrations end at 4 p.m.
Maple products will be available for purchase at the Sugar Shack.
For directions, visit www.pplpreserves.com and click on "Montour." For more information, contact the preserve at 437-3131 or jdbeam@pplweb.com.
Free fishing classes offered
WATERVILLE - McConnell's Country Store & Fly Shop, 10853 North Route 44, will hold the following free fishing classes:
Saturday - 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
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.
Learn how to be a safe boater
PENNSDALE - The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary in Williamsport, Flotilla 15-01, will hold a safe boating course from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 9 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 enroll, call Joseph Kustanbauter at 435-2193 or email jbkusty@verizon.net.
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.
Learn about Indian artifacts and peoples
SUNBURY - Tom Badman, of Selinsgrove, will share his research of American Indians of Pennsylvania, particularly those who settled the Susquehanna River valley, during a public presentation at 7 p.m. March 21 at the Northumberland County Historical Society, 1150 N. Front St.
Badman has been interested in all aspects of history since childhood, always believing that history is more than dates, facts, and events. He has tried to never remove the human element from history, for it is the human emotions and experiences that truly make events unforgettable and relateable.
Since childhood, he has collected and treasured various artifacts along the river where he lives. He treats each piece as a tangible link to the past that has it's own story to tell and gives insight into the remarkable lives of these first valley residents. Through the studying of these artifacts, these people live again.
The free presentation will be preceded by a brief business meeting and followed by light refreshments and social time.
Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks
to hold 53rd annual banquet
HUGHESVILLE - The Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks will hold its 53rd annual banquet on March 23 at the Hughesville Firemen's Social Center. Doors will open at 5 p.m., with dinner served at 6.
The evening will include a turkey dinner with homemade pies, a Chinese auction, a gun and rod raffle, a live auction, door prizes and a special program. Mike Kuriga will present a program on falconry, with live birds.
The Spring 2013 trout stocking schedule for the 12,000 trout raised by the club will be available at the banquet. So far, in the 2012-13 nursery season, the facilities have not been affected by flooding problems, which, in 2011, resulted in substantial trout losses.
The club also announced that the Dick Harner Memorial Children's Fishing Derby will be May 5 at Van Renselar Park in Picture Rocks.
Banquet tickets are limited and will not be available at the door. To order tickets, call Art Fry at 368-1245 or Rusty Bitler at 584-5780.
Club plans fishing derby
PICTURE ROCKS - The Consolidated Sportsmen of Muncy Creeks will hold its annual Dick Harner Memorial Children's Fishing Derby on May 5 at Van Renselar Park.
For more details, call Art Fry at 368-1245.
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 on the paper's website, 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.
