ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.
AUGUST 10, 2006
The monthly meeting was held in the Gold Room of the Courthouse. President Mike Maranche called for order at 7:30 p.m. The following sportsmen’s clubs and agencies were present:
Bethel Park Sportsmen Logans Ferry Sportsmen Police Rod& Gun
Clairton Sportsmen McDonald Sportsmen Richland
Collier Sportsmen McKeesport Sportsmen SAFE
Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Mt. Nebo Sportsmen TCWA
Forest Grove PHR&G Tri County Trout
Homestead District PMSC West Deer
PFBC – WCO Martha Mackey PGC Beth Fife, Doug Dunkerley
The Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
The July ACSL minutes were approved as mailed.
TREASURER’S REPORT – Joe Connors presented his summary of receipts and disbursements. Approval was unanimous.
COMMUNICATIONS – notification from Congresswoman Melissa Hart of the planned Sportsmen’s Advisory Session at the Millvale Sportsmen’s Club 8/30/06.
The PGCA final show will be at the ExpoMart in September. Other possible locations are the Pgh. Indoor Sports Arena and the Blade Runners Ice Arena – both in the area of Harmar.
PGC – WCO Doug Dunkerley was recognized by the NWF for his for exemplary work with SGL 232, Taylorstown; Doug was congratulated by the ACSL members present.
WCO Beth Fife reported that Act 60/SB601 still requires hunters to provide their Social Security information when purchasing a license. July 22 the Mentored Youth Hunter program was finalized. Mentor must be 21 years or older, serving as guide to youth under 12 in hunting, firearm safety, wildlife identification. The youth need not be hunter/trapper certified. Game included squirrel, groundhog, spring gobbler. 2007/8 antlered deer will be included.
The PGC will no longer be giving the taxidermy exam. October 21 the antlerless deer license D-Map will be on the PGC website (www.pgc.pa.us) Dove season will be 9/1-9/30; geese 9/1-9/27.
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PFBC - WCO Martha Mackey reported new Commissioner Thomas Shetterly and Don Anderson, President of the Board of Commissioners.
Early trout season in 18 counties in the Eastern center of the state 3/31, 2007. April 14 for Allegheny County and a trout stamp is required 3/1-5/31.
HB2900 was introduced into legislation to create a Youth Fishing License, ages 12-15. The cost will be $5, proceeds directed to programs benefiting youth anglers. If passed into law, PA would join 13 states that require some form of license or permit for youth anglers. The average cost nationwide is $12.16.
SAIC & LEGISLATION – Kim Stolfer stated the Senate Judiciary Committee chaired by Senator Greenleaf and co-chaired by Senator Costa was centered on gun violence and urban violence. Kim gave testimony on behalf of the ACSL. The first hearing was in Philadelphia, second in Pittsburgh, the next will be in Altoona, the last in Harrisburg on Sept. 25, the day before the Committee of the Whole. A major push for one gun a month, mandatory reporting of firearms stolen, end of gun shows, end of private sales, increase of state instant check fee, raising the concealed carry license fee, etc. Every police officer in the state will be contacted to show up Sept. 26. A most serious threat. PFSC is putting a major push on. A united front and voting at the poles is absolutely necessary. Kim will gladly come to the clubs to talk about this gun control effort.
Mandatory reporting requirements for stolen guns – HB1013 – the state police registry is not accurate. You don’t have firearms that the registry says you do –
this could put you in jail.
CONSERVATION – Jack Walters gave his written report, seen on the ACSL website. Federal Agencies collaborate to expedite construction of Alaska Natural Gas Pipeline which will increase domestic natural gas supply and advance the energy security policy.
15 small wind turbines will be erected in PA counties. PA is a leader in the country’s efforts to build a clean and secure energy future. Each of the turbines will generate enough electricity to power a typical residence. Each of the applicants are receiving one of the wind systems and basic installation at no charge.
Human infections from West Nile reminds all of us to take precautions to help reduce the risk of illness by making sure screens fit tightly, using insect repellent containing DEET, and eliminating places where mosquitoes can breed.
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Conservation – continued . . . the USDA has awarded $4.1 million in grants to manage and control invasive plants, animals or insects that adversely affect private grazing lands.
GAME – Mike Maranche reporting a new organization called the International
Black Powder Cartridge Rifle Hunting Association is visiting the ACSL website promoting in states that use shotguns for deer hunting, the use of old fashioned black powder cartridges. Another group, the World Hunting Organization is planning televised competition deer hunts with tranquilizer guns – with ½ million prize money. This could put hunting in a bad light and activate and encourage anti-hunters. Contact them and give them your opinion- website commissioner@worldhunt.com.
Commonwealth Court’s decision in Unified Sportsmen’s lawsuit against the PGC, the Governor and DCNR “whereas the accused intentionally acted to destroy PA’s deer herd in support and pursuit of other political and policy interests,” the court dismissed the case against DCNR, dismissed the case against the governor and granted USPA’s standing against the PGC.
S868 to increase to $3.60 charge on acquired lands “in-lieu-of-taxes”, be paid from the State Gaming Fund and New Slot Machine Revenue was amended in the House 6-29; 7-01 Senate Concurred, 7-07 Governor Approved – Act 102.
Federal legislation passed, President signed it, to conduct a 3 year pilot program for 15 states to issue electronic duck stamps. (the electronic duck stamp could be the catalyst to implement “point-of-sale” in PA.)
The National Wildlife Federation’s poll mentioned 82% of 306 PA sportsmen are affected by global warming in their hunting and fishing and desire legislators to implement laws on emissions. A website (http://www.targetglobalwarming.org) has published a poll that can be accessed. You can register your opinion. This may become the basis for carbon (emissions) tax.
PUBLIC RELATIONS/PUBLICITY – Chairman Dave Bagaley stated he had gotten an invitation to attend Melissa Hart’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Board Mtg.
Dave asked if Melissa’s campaign committee had considered the benefits of support of outdoor safety posters that would be useful to the clubs in the ACSL.
In addition, it would be an advantage to the sportsmen attending the meeting to know her position or disposition of the PAWS Legislation and what is happening to this legislation supported by Sen. Rick Santorum.
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ASTOS – 2-14-18/07 Henry Hoffman reported a Scout Program is being considered for the Show. The scout will be admitted free if in full-dress uniform and accompanied by parents.
SPORTSMEN OF THE YEAR BANQUET March 10, 2007, Futules’ Harmar House. Meetings will soon begin and Joe Cersosimo, Chairman, requests any ideas for entertainment/speaker. 1st meeting Sept. 9 at Cersosimo’s home.
YOUTHDAY – In the absence of Chairman Frank Sparrow, Mike mentioned any one desiring to be on the Youthday Committee should give their name to Frank.
BY-LAW COMMITTEE – Chairman Jack Walters read the corrected and updated bylaws of which a copy is attached. This constitutes the second reading.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE – President Mike requested volunteers. Mike Christeson was appointed Chairman with Audrey Pritchard and Dan Ragaller will serve on the committee. Results will be published at the September meeting.
NEW BUSINESS - a motion was made and seconded (Fedorka/Stolfer) reading as: To authorize each member club in good standing to appoint one youth delegate between the age of 12 and 18 to represent their club at all Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League meetings and functions. Each youth delegate will be able to attend ACSL monthly meetings and report back to their club. Each youth delegate will have one vote on all matters concerning the youths only. Motion carried with one nay vote.
At this time, Brandon Fedorka, age 14 of Shooters Active in Firearms Education (SAFE) and Alan Bachy, age 16 of Pitcairn/Monroeville Sportsmen’s Club, were accepted as youth delegates to the ACSL, and sworn in by President Maranche.
All clubs are asked to encourage their youth members in this endeavor.
Paul Fedorka has been appointed ACSL Parliamentarian.
Door Prize was won by Mike Tutolo of Tri-County Trout Club.
Adjournment was called for at 9:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Sara M. Barnett
ACSL SEPTEMBER MEETING 9/14/06
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS – 6:30P.M.
REGULAR MEETING 7:30 P.M.
MEMBERSHIP CARDS WILL BE AVAILABLE