ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE, INC.

NOVEMBER 10, 2005

MINUTES

 

President Mike Maranche called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.  The Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison. The following clubs and agencies were represented:

 

BAKERSTOWN BEAGLE               E MONONGAHELA             PITCAIRN-MRVL

BETHEL PARK SPORTSMEN        FOREST GROVE                    POLICE ROD & GUN

BRADDOCK DISTRICT                  HOMESTEAD                       RENTON ROD & GUN

BULL CREEK                                  LFSC                               TURTLE CREEK W.S

CLAIRTON                                      MCDONALD                         TRI COUNTY TROUT

COLLIER SPORTSMEN                 MCKEESPORT                     WEST DEER SPORTSMEN

DORMONT-MT.LEBANON         PENN HILLS                         W PA TAXIDERMISTS

 

                        PGC-FUJAK/MILLER                      PFBC – WHEELER

The October minutes were approved as mailed. (Ragaller/Hoffman)

The Treasurer’s Report was presented by Joe Connors and approved without question. (Cersosimo/Hoffman)

 

COMMUNICATIONS – bulletin from the NRA Clubs and Associations offering clubs, state associations, ranges the opportunity to submit articles for the Winter 2006 NRA Club Connection. More information is available from ACSL secretary.

 

New radio series on White-Tailed Deer Management in PA – WYEP FM 91.3 11/9-11-14

 

PGC DISTRICT GAME PROTECTOR Gary Fujak introduced Deputy WCO Ryan Miller to those present.  Gary reported the road kills in Allegheny County are out of control, 6-12 daily. Hunting results – first month of archery 1 small female deer, much food available. Doe tags – still 16,000 available in 2B, 5A and 5D. Nov. 21-23 bear season; could have a record season. The record of 3075 was in 2000.

The bear population is very high. Extended season is11/28-12-3.

Check the PGC website for the bird identifier $35.00, possible Christmas gift.

 

PFBC DISTRICT WATERWAYS OFFICER Bob Wheeler reported suspension of deliveries of rainbow trout from North Carolina after several thousand fish from the hatchery died at a series of stockings in the western part of the state, suspect is dissolved oxygen. Deliveries will resume early November. Musky angler opinions sought – check the Commission’s web site at www.fish.state.pa.us to participate. Bob reminds everyone not to flush expired prescriptions or any type medications; this ultimately contaminates the waters.

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LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE – Kim Stolfer presented his written report high-lighting the following items:

HB1717 signed into law by Governor Rendell; improving the issuance procedures of PFA’s and the protections against abuse. The ACSL worked extremely hard in conjunction with other PA Grassroots groups to remove harmful provisions that were part of the predecessor (HB2403)

 

Allegheny County Sheriff & CCW License Issuance Problems resolved in response to the ACSL letter directing attention to illegalities by the Sheriff’s office. Renewal notices are now being sent out; gun owners are allowed to renew their concealed weapons permits at any time, instead of making them wait until the 60-day period before the expiration date.

 

History made in Grassroots uprising at polls ousting Justice Nigro. Issues will be brought to the forefront that would not have seen the light of day but the legislature wants to keep us on their good side.

 

Rep. Cappelli is seeking co-sponsors for legislation that would duplicate the Castle Doctrine from Florida; providing protections to the “use of force” laws in PA, and expanding presumption of innocence to citizens outside the home in self-defense situations.

More to come …!

 

HB2054 has passed the House and will be re-written entirely. – San Francisco voters approved total ban on handguns. – S397 Gun Manufacturer Lawsuit Ban has been signed by the President

 

HR4144 was introduced by Reps. English, Hart, Holden and Platts to repeal a federal mandate requiring applicants to disclose their Social Security number. Respond to these four with thanks; contact Doyle, Murtha, all reps. requesting them to sign on.

 

CONSERVATION – Jack Walters reported on landfill gas-to-energy project in Lancaster County. This project captures landfill methane and converts it to electricity, another innovative way to reduce dependence on foreign oil. The Lancaster project will save 122,800 barrels of oil, remove emissions of 11,550 cars and heat 33,900 homes.

“Stay Warm PA” tips to Pennsylvanians about weatherizing their home –seal cracks around windows, doors, dryer vents; add insulation to attic; have furnace serviced; set thermostat at 68degrees, open draperies on sunny days; lower hot water heater thermostat to 115 degrees F.More info. is available at www.staywarmpa.com.

 

GAME – Chairman Mike Maranche stated HB1690, amended by Sen. Robert Robbins, the Mentored Youth Hunting Program, designed to allow new younger hunters to gain experience.

 

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GAME continued – This program is supported by the PA Board of Commissioners and at least 10 organizations. The mentor will need to meet certain requirements and the young hunter must be considered “ready” by the parent or legal guardian. One adult at least 21 years old and one youth (9)  with one hunting device carried by the mentor while in transit Youth hunter must be within arm’s length of the mentor at all times.

 

Looks like the “Growing Greener” funds are designated for many other projects than acid mine drainage.  Gov. Rendell claims $65 million in environmental projects; Allegheny County Parks for acid mine drainage;  $270 thousand to construct a treatment facility for Pierson’s Run, a tributary to Turtle Creek;  $146 thousand to Montour Run; $125 million to big river development for former Armstrong Cork Factory, $100 thousand for Lincoln Larrimor neighborhood re -development project, Urban Redevelopment Authority. $17,000 for the former trolley shop in Pgh; $116 thousand for the Federal North redevelopment project; $400 thousand for former Montour Railroad right of way in Allegheny and Washington Counties. Far more for redevelopment than acid mine drainage. Voters weren’t given full information.

 

NRA/ILA is requesting help to preserve hunting in the Monongahela National Forest. Alternative 2 allows active habitat management and protects hunter access in the forest. Hunters should immediately contact the U.S. Forest Service E-mail: r9_monong_website@fs.fed.us.

WRITE: Monongahela National Forest Plan Revision, 200 Sycamore St. Elkins, WV 26241

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS – Dave Bagaley reporting on information received from Mark Harley, Coordinator of Congresswoman Melissa Hart’s Sportsmen’s Advisory Board, and their interest in sportsmen’s clubs, their events in the 4th Congressional District. Dave will contact Mark Harley with some suggestions that may benefit the Congresswoman’s interest and the clubs.

 

ASTOS 2/14-19-2006, Henry Hoffman stating that the economy has affected the show with the loss of some exhibitors. If you know of any sporting businesses that may be interested in renting space, contact Henry at 412-829-2386 or Mike Christeson at 412-751-4495.

 

BANQUET – Joe Cersosimo gave information that the annual sportsmen of the year award banquet will be held Saturday, March 11, 2006 at Futule’s Harmar House, Cheswick, PA.

All clubs need to be thinking of the sports person they wish to honor-menu and more info. is on the website http://www.acslpa.org.  Karen Gainey will speak on women in sports. Tickets and honoree forms will be available at the December 8 meeting.

 Next Banquet Committee Meeting Monday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m. Sally’s home.

 

BY-LAW COMMITTEE – Jack Walters distributed copies and proposed changes were accepted. This signifies the first reading of Articles II-V.

 

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NEW BUSINESS – Survey sheet on Sunday Hunting will be distributed with the November minutes. You can make copies, please weigh in on this issue.

 

DRAWING was won by Dave Bagaley, West Deer Sportsmen.

 

Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted, Sara Barnett

 

 

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ALLEGHENY COUNTY SPORTSMEN’S LEAGUE INC.

 

NEXT MEETING

 

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2005

7:30 P.M.

 

SEE YOU THERE!

 

Reminder to CLUBS

 

Be thinking about your honoree!