MAY 11, 2006
The Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League, Inc. met in the Gold Room of the Courthouse at 7:30 p.m. The following clubs and agencies were present:
Bethel Park Sportsmen LFSC PMSC
Braddock District S. McDonald Richland
Clairton Sportsmen McKeesport SAFE
Collier Twp. Mt. Nebo TCWA
Dormont-Mt. Lebanon Millvale TCTC
Forest Grove PHR&G WPA Taxidermists
Homestead Pgh. Sportsmen’s L.C. W. Deer
PFBC – Martha Mackey PGC – Gary Fujak
The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
April meeting minutes were accepted as mailed.
TREASURER’S REPORT - Joe Connors presented his report, which was approved without question. (Cersosimo/Pritchard)
COMMUNICATIONS - letter received from Senator Orie in appreciation for the ACSL attendance at Sportsmen’s Expo; thank you from Diane Cersosimo for flowers received for her beautiful sing of the National Anthem at the banquet.
PGC – WCO GARY FUJAK – reporting that turkey season is in full swing, ending May 27. with two accidents in Westmoreland County, fortunately not fatal.
Executive Carl Roe stating that the financial woes of the PGC will likely result in a license increase.
D-map applications will be taken until July 1, 2006. $6 resident and $26 non resident. After August 1, hunters can begin to apply for DMAP antlerless deer permits; also after August 1 a listing of DMAP properties that have available coupons will be posted on the website.
June 5, 6 Game Commission Meeting. Youth Mentor program final adoption at this meeting. This covers youth under 12, no hunter education course necessary.
Elk program will be updated; expanding from 835 to 3750 square mile in Benezette. This will likely increase the elk population.
Cross bows are now legal for spring turkey.
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PGC continued – a change in dog training in areas where the youth pheasant-hunt.
Bear season looks like it will be Nov. 27 to Dec. 2nd. Archery Nov. 15, 16. in 9 wildlife mgmt. units.
All the above is available on the PGC website (www.pgc.state.pa.us)
PFBC – WCO MARTHA MACKEY – reporting on the great trout season, especially on Turtle Creek.
Boats are being prepped for boating season; blessing of the fleet is June 25, 12-3; DCNR has designated as the river of the year the three rivers of Pittsburgh.
May 20 Adventure Outdoors will offer programs of fishing, paddling, rock climbing at the Point.
Denny Tubbs will have an assistant in office at North Park Lake. Notice will be given when this is finalized.
The All-Star game will be in Pittsburgh this year; there will be many restrictions. This is available on the PFBC website (www.pfbc.state.pa.us)
Martha was honored on April 25 receiving the North East Chief’s Association Award of the Year for dedicated service. Martha commended her deputies, pd’s and league volunteers for their assistance.
COMMITTEES
LEGISLATIVE – Kim Stolfer and Mike Christeson advised that we encourage sportsmen to get out and vote 23 pro-gun legislators in the House alone have retired. Many candidates have no idea of gun issues and constitutional issues.
HB2563, allowing gun owners who hunt and possess a Concealed Carry Permit to possess their self-defense firearm while hunting has come out of the Game and Fish Committee, the House, and likely will pass the Senate easily.
The trip to Harrisburg on March 14 established good ground-work with legislators.
The Sheriff’s office will be closed on Saturdays.
Concealed Carry licenses will increase to $25/for 5 years
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CONSERVATION – Jack Walters highlighted in his written report that utilities can buy their way out of cleaning up mercury pollution at PA power plants by purchasing these reductions from upgraded facilities in other states rather than investing to clean up plants in PA. This cost would be borne by PA utilities and ultimately commonwealth residents. The simple fact is: The federal rule burdens our coal communities and drives investments out of PA – creating jobs to upgrade plants in other states as our facilities grow increasingly outdated and uncompetitive, McGinty, EPA Secretary, said. Details at www.depweb.state.pa.us (mercury rule)
Governor Rendell continues to push for measures to enhance mine safety. “Mining has been a cornerstone of PA’s economy for 250 years, and I believe our best days are still to come,” the Governor said. The Commonwealth’s deep mine safety law was written in 1889 and updated in 1961. Significant changes are being proposed.
PA residents can manage water resources to avoid serious problems if precipitation levels do not return to normal in the coming weeks. Water conservation is advised by: full loads in washing machines and dishwashers; taking shorter showers, repairing leaking/dripping faucets; limiting vehicle washing. Consult the web under “drought”.
Saturday, June 17 Ohio Riverbank cleanup. Encompassing 3,000 miles of shoreline from PGH, PA to CAIRO, IL, this event has grown into one of the largest cleanup efforts of its kind.
GAME – Chairman Mike Maranche stated that SB868 would likely triple the fixed charge that the PGC pays on SGL’s to about $3.5 million, representing about $5 per hunting license. In effect, this would be a property tax increase by another name, on sportsmen. On 5-3-06 this bill was sent to the House floor for consideration. There may be an attempt on the House floor to amend the bill to provide for the PGC & PFBC fixed costs to be paid from the General Fund. Letters from the ACSL to the House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee opposing the bill brought no response. The PGC also sent a letter of opposition to the committee.
HB420 amends Title 34 providing for dogs pursuing big game – subject to regs by the PGC. The owner of a dog on a leash at all times may use the dog to track big game, excluding turkey, that have been killed or wounded by another person engaged in lawful hunting. 5-2-06 HB420 viewed favorably; however, the bill’s language does not provide for concealed carry for personal protection.
Safe Boating – Henry Hoffman reminding the necessity of wearing life-jackets at all times; particularly while the waters are so cold.
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YouthDay – Saturday, July 22, 2006, Frank Sparrow reporting approximately 110 applications sent out, 65 have been returned.
Frank referred to WCO Martha Mackey to expand on the the proposal of the Youth fishing License and the support of the clubs. For youth 12-15, the cost would likely be $3 – compare this to a CD at $13 or move at $6.50. The PFBC would work to include the opportunity for clubs and organizations to “sponsor” or make bulk purchases of youth licenses. Proceeds would fund Youth Programs and Initiatives. Clubs are urged to take a survey of their members to get their input. More info. is available on the PFBC web.
FISH FOR FREE: MAY 27, JUNE 4
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley reporting on the SAOVA/AKC situation. Much tick-research on animals may be stifled by misinformed lobbyists.
Safety packages and posters are being considered for clubs affiliated with the ACSL.
Banquet Committee – Joe Cersosimo offered a Horton Crossbow with scope to anyone interested for $331.98. Contact Joe at 412-331-3412 if you have questions.
Drawing – Meeting Doorprize was won by Mike Tutolo, Tri County Trout delegate.
Treasurer/Membership Officer Joe Connors reminds the following clubs that they are delinquent in their membership dues:
Allegheny Country Rifle; Bethel Park Outdoorsmen; Culmerville Dist. Sptsmn;
Nat Wild Turkey Fed/AV Chapter; Pgh. Sportsmen’s Luncheon Club; PA Sportsmen for Disabled; Sewickley Shooting & Fishing Club; Tri Community Anglers.
Adjournment was called for at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Sara Barnett
Club news: Collier Sportsmen’s Assn. 77 Walkers Mill Rd, Oakdale – May 21 Black Rifle shoot – 2 courses of fire. Bring slinged rifle and holstered pistol with much ammo - $10 fee – 1 p.m. June 4 – Poker/Bingo shoot .22 rimfire only 1 p.m.
June 18 – Parent/child .22 rimfire shoot 1 p.m.
Pitcairn-Monroeville Sportsmen: 1st Sunday of month All-You-Can-Eat-Breakfast
8 a.m. $3.00 CMP and IPSC (Practical Pistol) 9 a.m.
ACSL DIRECTOR/MONTHLY MEETING
6:30 P.M./7:30 P.M. JUNE 8
GOLD ROOM/COURTHOUSE