ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.
Minutes January 10, 2008
President Maranche called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
A moment of silence was offered for our troops.
The following agencies and clubs were present:
Bakerstown Beagle McDonald Sportsmen Pitcairn Monroeville
Bethel Park Sportsmen McKeesport Sportsmen “ “ Youth
Clairton Sportsmen Mt. Nebo Renton R & G
Collier Sportsmen Northside Sportsmen SAFE
Dormont Mt. Lebanon NWTF Double Beards TCTC
Forest Grove Pgh.Sportsmen’s L. Turtle Creek
Logans Ferry Penn Hills R & G W PA Taxidermy
The December minutes were approved as mailed.
Joe Connors presented the treasurer’s report. Motion made and seconded (Stolfer/Blake) to accept Joe’s report.
Guest Bob Schmid, NWTF, stating the PGC Commissioners voted 7-0 in favor of making it an option of wearing orange in spring gobbler season. Final vote will be at the Commission meeting Jan. 27-29. Your comments should be e-mailed before the final meeting to www.pgc.state.pa.us. A turkey calling contest at Sportsman’s Warehouse on March 22; Women in the Outdoors event April 20 time and place to be announced.
Communications – confirmation of membership in U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance.
PGC – WCO Gary Fujak stated a third officer in Allegheny County will hopefully begin in March. 12 vacancies for WCO remain, civil service exams will be given the end of January.
June, 2008 deer and bear measurements at the Southwest Regional Office. Gary will be certified by Boone and Crockett in April. Deer management open house in March at the Regional Office.
In 2B antlerless licenses still available. 2B is special regs. unit
Al Oswald has been cited on10 counts of selling game and conspiring to sell game. His attempt to appeal downtown did not succeed – results were three years license revocation and a fine.
Mt. Washington hunting - meeting (PGC and City Council) being considered to resolve issues.
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PFBC – WCO Bob Wheeler reported winter stocking program ; 77,000 trout stocked statewide. Boating Education Courses at Gander Mountain 2/9,3/1, 4/12; at Sportsman’s Warehouse 3/8 and 4/5; County Parks 4/26 and 5/3.
Pittsburgh Boat Show 1/29;
Opening Days: Trout April 12,Walleye and Sauger May 3; Bass June 14.
Legislative Committee – Kim Stolfer/Mike Christeson written report (website http://www.acslpa.org ) Despite a written guarantee from the Allegheny County Sheriffs’ office from several years ago regarding notification of expiration and early renewals, this office has recently been refusing to allow ‘early renewals’ of Licenses to Carry Firearms. A more in depth report in Feb.
Supreme Court of USA to embark on a landmark quest to determine what the Second Amendment means. The ACSL will join in an Amicus brief on this.
The level of cooperation in all the groups working on the brief have never existed so strongly in the last 20 years. The Legislative Committee is extremely optimistic that we are going to have a refocusing of the government. (this is in conjunction with the Washington, DC gun ban and whether it violates the second amendment)
The ACSL has a newsletter on the website, please print and distribute to your clubs members.
The Legislative Committee is setting up a “Strategy session” in April with Rep. Daryl Metcalf to advise gun-owners of the issues going on – date and time to be announced.
Open carry – carry and transport are different – carry is a right under PA law; but if you get in your vehicle you could be arrested for transporting unless
you have a concealed weapon permit.
A special site/link for building a data base on instant check or open carry is being set up on the ACSL website. People who have had problems with either one can log in on this site; making the Legislative Committee aware of issues on these gun questions.
If anyone has any historical documents related to the DCM or CMD program; Kim would like copies so he could use them on the Amica brief.
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Conservation – Jack Walters stating in the final hours of 2007 the Senate passed a $650 million initiative to promote development of alternative sources of energy and funding for low-income heating assistance and energy conservation programs.
Drug-maker Merck and Co. Inc. will pay $4.5 million to DEP, $4.5 million to
The U.S. E.P.A. and invest$10 million for plant upgrades due to illegal chemical release into a Montgomery County sewer system. The company will also pay fines of $750 thousand to the PFBC for violating the PA Clean Streams Law, Solid Waste Management Act and Safe Drinking Water Act, $750 thousand to the EPA in the spill of dangerous chemicals in communities and waterways from Upper Gywnedd Twp. all the way to Philadelphia.
Winter fun? PA’s extensive state forest and park systems are the perfect places for cold-weather fun. Visit www.acslpa.org for more info
Game – Mike Maranche reporting that in response to the ACSL’s support of improvement for disabled hunts by use of a group permit, the commission will not discuss multiple licenses, according to Director of Wildlife Protection, Richard Palmer. Jerry Males will be attending the PGC meeting.
Dog law – Amy Worden of phillynews.com projected the acceptance by dog owners of the new dog laws; however, U.S. Sportsmen’s Alliance claims the proposals would put a tighter leash on sporting dog breeders. Refer to the ACSL website for Mike’s article.
The ASPCA and animal rights people are responsible for writing the dog laws
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley reporting on the rabies shot at the December meeting, Dr. Ronald Schultz’s study will likely prove that one vaccine can provide 7 years immunity.
Sports Show – (2-13-17) Joe Cersosimo- Volunteers are needed for setting up Monday (2-11,12) and tearing down Sunday (2-17) Passes will be given to clubs who are manning booths. Give either Joe Cersosimo (412.331.3412) or Jack Walters (412.884.2148) the info about your club. Several schools have been contacted, grades 6,7,8 for the morning of Thursday, the 14th. County League booth workers, use the East entrance to pick up your passes. The kids drawing of 2-$100 gift certificates for Dick’s Sporting Goods will be available at the booth. Clubs are welcome to pass their info to perspective members and club events.
FOAC voter registration info will be available next to the league booth.
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Banquet – Guest speaker will be Attorney General Tom Corbett. Tickets will be distributed at the meetings or contact Mike Maranche (412.714.0395)
Honoree nominations deadline is February 8, 2008 to Sally Barnett, 1028 Hulton Road, Verona 15147.
March 8, Futule’s Harmar House, Cheswick
4 p.m. hors d’ouvres/cash bar
5 p.m. program
6 p.m. buffet dinner – beef, ham, chicken
Ziti and red skin potatoes
Assorted vegetables with cheese sauce
Salad, rolls, dessert
Youthday – 2008 ACSL Youthday will be held at Pitcairn Monroeville S.C.
2009 ACSL Northside Sportsmen’s Association
More information will follow in the next league meetings and minutes.
All clubs are encouraged to set up booths to publicize their clubs for memberships, events etc. at Youthday.
Membership Chairman – Dan Ragaller reporting 12 clubs dues unpaid;
3 clubs in arrears 3 years. Two members at large; people who
Join as Members at Large at the banquet will receive a $5.00
Discount. Full membership is $20.00, discounted to $15.00
Call for adjournment 9:50 p.m.
The door prize was won by Joe Cersosimo, delegate of Forest Grove.
Newsletter – please get your articles to Paul Fedorka by March.
Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett
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Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League, Inc.
Next meeting
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Monroeville ExPoMart
7 p.m. – 9 p.m.
NOTE: when attending this meeting, enter at the
East Entrance – notify the ticket people that you
are attending the ACSL monthly meeting and your club name.