ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE INC.
AUGUST MEETING MINUTES
President Mike Maranche called the monthly meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. August 9, 2007 in the Gold Room of the Courthouse. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
Attending clubs and agencies:
Bethel Park Sportsmen LFSC PSLC
Clairton Sportsmen McDonald Pitcairn-Monroeville
Collier Sportsmen McKeesport TCTC
Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Mt.Nebo TCWA
(guest H.T. Lewellen) Millvale West Deer
Forest Grove NSSA W PA Taxidermy
PFBC – WCO Bob Wheeler PGC – WCO Gary Fujak
Guest – Executive Director of the PA Fish and Boat Commission, Douglas Austen was introduced to those present. Dr. Austen gave a power point presentation of information about the Commission.
Beginning with the Access program, the stamp revenue is used for access improvement to the Erie Watershed;
Point of Sale System, about ¼th of the licenses are bought through the yellow point of sale system;
Getting kids out fishing is encouraged by the Governor’s Outdoor Council. Erin Barnes, spokesperson for the Council, stated one reason is lack of time, not necessarily fees, regulations etc Revenues will be spent on youth programs such as youthdays. PA youth license $5 fee for youth 9-17 pales to a CD $13-$19; computer game $39. Average cost in other states is $12.The Sunset Clause would discontinue the license after 7 years if it is not successful.
The Little Juniata River offers wonderful fishing. PFBC Website gives all the info. about the case to preserve this body of water for public fishing, which was won by DEP, DCNR and the PFBC.
A Database through license purchases would assist the PFBC in knowing their customers. A question/answer period followed Dr. Austen’s informative presentation
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The minutes of the July meeting were approved as mailed.
Treasurer’s Report – Joe Connors presented his report. Motion made and seconded (Kim Stolfer/Henry Hoffman) Unanimously Approved.
Correspondence –Note of thanks from Ellen Bachy, Pitcairn/Monroeville,
who won the Savings Bond for the best entry in the ACSL poster contest.
Invitation to participate in the Annual Sportsman’s Fair, Cabin Fever II held at the Palisades, 501 Water St., McKeesport, Sat Sept. 15, 10 to 1 p.m.
Sponsors are State Reps. Marc Gergely and Bill Kortz.
PGC – WCO Gary Fujak State Gamelands 203 in Wexford is the only gamelands closed for lead remediation. 8.14 to 8.31, including shotgun. Early goose season 9.1 through 9.25 eight bird daily limit Also, 9.1 early dove and goose season through 9.29 noon to sunset, 12 bird daily limit. Bobcat license deadline for the 1010 permits 9.15 includes WM2A, website applications available until 9.4.
PGC in its third and final year of its’ elk study. 15 female 14 male calves radio collared; survival rate 89% in the last year.
PFBC WCO Bob Wheeler two new commissioners appointed at the quarterly PFBC meeting, Steven Ketterer of Harrisburg and Robert Bachman of Denver.
Staff reorganization information on www.fish.state.pa.us
Legislative Committee – Kim Stolfer and Mike Christeson – Peters Township residents appeared July 23 at council meeting to protest prohibition of firearms on Boro property to include parks and trails. The ACSL and Dormont/Mt. Lebanon Sportsmen and Second Amendment Sisters were emphatic that this legislation was illegal and would lead to more victimization and not make anyone in the Township safer. ACSL will give assistance in drawing out language that comports with PA law and goes after the criminal.
State money to State Rep. Dwight Evans is paying for statewide mailings to every local municipality telling them to enact more gun laws. The answer lies with sportsmen’s clubs to be actively involved. Any community that is considering
what Peters Township attempted, must understand they commit a criminal act when they do this.
Hunting licenses & S.S. Numbers – HB2134 (Act 160) was intended to provide sportsmen and outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to a hunting license without S.S.
numbers. It was the responsibility of the Department of Public Welfare (DPW) to submit to the federal government for an exemption. The DPW has not done so.
Rep. Russ Fairchild, sponsor of the bill, is doing what he can to move this bill, even though the DPW is controlled by Governor Rendell.
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Conservation – Jack Walters – the DOE, the National Energy Technology Laboratory and Sandia National Laboratories under the agreement called a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) are collaborating their information to ensure water quality for future generations of Americans.
State Health Secretary Dr. Calvin B. Johnson reported this year’s first confirmed human case of West Nile virus in PA. Taking precautions to help reduce this risk, particularly among older adults and people with compromised immune systems, by eliminating the places where mosquitoes breed such as standing waters is effective.
“StayOut– Stay Alive” to educate the public about the dangers of abandoned and active mines. In 2005,6, 54 people died while trespassing at mines and quarries.
Public data is available that estimates the cost and performance for today’s fossil energy plants. The information contained in the report provides essential data needed for research and technology towards affordable, environmentally sound energy production of tomorrow.
Game – Mike Maranche- Haluska introduced HB1692 which reads Unlawful devices and exception being shelled or eared corn.
Governor Edward G. Rendell, Commonwealth of PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs –Major changes for Hunters to be implemented at Fort Indiantown Gap – outdoor enthusiasts wishing to use Fort Indiantown Gap for hunting, fishing or wood gathering in 2007-08 will be required to attend a mandatory safety briefing and pay a $20 conservation fee. Hunting deer – a lottery system for deer season and the “earn a buck” policy for archery hunters. The lottery system will require those who wish to hunt for deer season to pay an additional $5 fee, which will be used to manage a program to make sure the number of hunters do not exceed what natural resources can support. The “earn a buck” policy requires doe hunters to first harvest a doe before they can harvest a buck.
Youthday – Frank Sparrow reporting – “Thanks” to all the volunteers who gave the day – to Jack Walters and Dan Ragaller for videos and photos, the helicopter fee was waved, the NWTF donation of $250.00, Alle. Valley and Double Beards North Boros; and individual donations. Successful day – no incidents. Chinese auction was most successful – Tribune Total Media donated 4 Steeler and Penquin tickets. 143 kids attended. Grants to be requested from NRA Friends andBig Buck Sports through MSCI. Survey revealed 82 never attended; 55 repeats.
Top three events enjoyed most: 22 rifle, muzzleloader instruction and shooting, and shotgun. Least favorite: fishing, turkey hunting, trapping.
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Youthday continued --
Most beneficial: firearm safety. Those belonging to a club (86 no), (55 yes) Sportsmen’s Club most represented, Millvale, Allegheny Country Rifle, Clairton, Pitcairn/Monroeville.
Thank you Frank and Kristen – job well done!
Allegheny Sport, Travel, Outdoor Show dates Feb. 13-17, 2008
ByLaws – Jack Walters gave the third reading of Article IX, Section 4, Line 17
To strike “The Treasurer shall also serve as Membership Secretary” and under Article VII – Standing Committees to add “Membership Committee” Motion made and seconded (M.Christeson/Joe Cersosimo). Motion carried unanimously.
Nominating Committee – Chair Mike Christeson, Dan Ragaller, Leon Fischer. Report due September – Elections October.
.New Business – Millvale Sportsmen’s Club will present their Youth Delegate
at the September 13 ACSL meeting.
Paul Blake will be sworn in as Delegate of the Northside Sportsmen’s Assn. at the September meeting.
August Doorprize was won by Kim Stolfer of McDonald Sportsmen.
Motion to adjourn at 10 p.m.
ACSL SEPTEMBER 13 MEETING
GOLD ROOM, COURTHOUSE 7:30 P.M.
Officers & Directors Meet 6:30 P.M.
“It’s the talk of the Town” 505 Mosside Blvd. Route 48
TIME: 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. THURSDAY SEPT. 20
“What’s new in the Outdoor Sportsmen’s World?”
PFBC – PGC – ALLEGHENY COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
REFRESHMENTS/FIREARMS DEMONSTRATION
SPONSORED BY STATE REP. JOE MARKOSEK
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District 3 Trapper Training School
Millvale Sportsmen’s Club
Class free-9 a.m.
Call Dave Eckels 724.348.6721 to register