The Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League held its October 13, 2005 meeting in the Gold Room of the Courthouse. Eighteen member- clubs and agencies were represented. President Maranche called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. after which the Pledge of Allegiance and the Conservation Pledge were given in unison.
Joe Mallino, ACSL financial advisor, was present. Joe gave a summary of the league finances, taking questions and comments afterwards. The delegates, officers and directors were advised of Mr. Mallino’s move to another accounting firm. A motion was made and seconded (Ragaller/Sparrow) to retain Joe as the league accountant and financial advisor. Motion carried unanimously.
Paul A. Blake III, Sewickley Shooting and Fishing Club, was introduced as the club’s new delegate to the league. Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill Fluharty, President of the Sewickley Club, in the loss of his wife.
PFBC – WCO Bob Wheeler reported some Commission changes at their September meeting.
Regulation for licensing of charter boat – must be 16 years of age
to become a guide.
Field dressing of fish – disposal of entrails 100 feet from Commonwealth
waters. Public comments are welcome at PFBC, PO Box 67000,
Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000. Phone: 717-657-4540
Removal of prohibition on the operation of watercraft in a manner other
than counterclockwise flow of traffic, effective 1/1/06.
Fall stocking is complete and went well.
Walnut creek has been dredged out – a bacteria in small mouth bass in the
Susquehanna in first year young has resulted in some mortalities but seems
to be eliminated now.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has identified the Northern Snakehead, it can be seen at www.ProtectYourWaters.net. Suggestion, if you catch one, DO NOT put
it back, KILL it, freeze it and notify a local resource agency. Make a note of the exact location of capture.
Joe Cersosimo, delegate of Forest Grove Sportsmen, reported the study of minerals found in fish in Pgh’s three rivers, by Professor Conrad Voltz, Environmental and Occupational Health Manager, University of Pgh. You can turn your catch in for this study by calling 412-383-2510, E-mail dvoltz@eoh.pitt.edu.
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LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE – Chairman Kim Stolfer reported the PA House of Representatives convened hearings on Eminent Domain in the City of Pgh.(9/22) to examine the issues raised in Rep. Tom Yewcic’ legislation HB1835 & HB1836 The response from the committee was very positive as they were also very critical of the authorities’ recommendations to avoid instituting limits and controls on the use of this measure. The Legislative Committee will follow this issue and keep us advised. Clubs should rally their members to write their representatives in support of Rep. Yewcic’ legislation ; create a legal defense fund or retain professional advice as individual clubs; particularly if a large amount of property is owned. Timing is critical.
Lack of understanding of the clear wording of Pennsylvania Law is remarkable in the Sheriff’s department. The Legislative Committee has reminded his people of their ignorance of the law (SB282, 1995) in issuing renewal notices etc, yet collecting monies for these services. Councilman Doug Price has suggested legal action should the Sheriff’s office not produce satisfactory results. The Attorney General has been contacted – we will be updated next month.
Guns on school property – hunters cannot be on school property with a firearm, even if turning your car around near their lot. 1000 feet from the ends of the property out must be observed. A Perry County 54year old science teacher is facing life-long loss of his rights for stopping the destruction of school property as he was on his way home from picking up a shotgun from the local gunsmith. Check links http://www.cumberlink.com/articles/2005/09/30news/news03.txt
http://www.thewgalchannel.com/learningmatters/5040762/detail.html.
John Hohenwarter’s commitment to the ACSL for open cooperation on the fall agenda and measures the NRA will be taking in order that we may support them has not happened.
VOTER’S GUIDES WERE MADE AVAILABLE AND SHOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO HELP PUT THE RIGHT PEOPLE IN OFFICE!
FOAC MEET THE CANDIDATES BANQUET – OCT. 22 – 6 P.M. JAMIES RESTAURANT, DORMONT. CALL KIM AT 412-221-3346
****Rep. Daryl Metcalfe – PCN, TUESDAY, Oct. 18, 7 p.m. (repealing state government pay raise****
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CONSERVATION – Chairman Jack Walters – Field Testing proves Thermal Hydraulic Engine Pumps oil without the need for fuel or electricity, just hot and cold water. This super-quiet engine is entirely pollutant free.
The Chesapeake Bay Foundation is providing trees and shrubs at no cost to conservation and watershed groups:
February 15 (for spring) plants can be reserved via application this fall by contacting Cathy Hiebert at chiebert@cbf.org or call 717-234-5550.
2006 Environmental Education Grants are available to help students learn about environmental issues. These grants will help schools and organizations meet the needs to protect Pennsylvania’s natural resources. Write DEP Environmental Education Grants Program, P.O. Box 2063, Harrisburg, PA 17105-2063 or call 717-772-1828. Deadline to submit applications is December 17, 2005.
GAME – Mike Maranche – Wildlife Management Unit 2A has exhausted its antlerless deer license allocation. Not many D-Map coupons are left. The Allegheny National Forest announced that it had distributed all 6,800 (DMAP) coupons for its properties.
Recreational Spotlighting Restrictions – extend the ban on recreational spotlighting during the regular firearms deer seasons to include the late firearms deer seasons in WMU 2B, 5C and 5D.
Regulation change would make it unlawful to spotlight for deer from Dec. 12-23 and Dec. 26 to Jan. 28 in 5C and 5D and from Dec. 26 to Jan. 14 in 2B.
Chronic Wasting Disease found in New York and WVA causes Pennsylvania and its hunters to increase its awareness of the disease. You cannot bring in infected material from states where a history of CWD in free-ranging deer populations exists.
SB861 (social security on hunting license) was referred to the Game and Fisheries Committee on Oct. 3; copies available from the ACSL secretary. Senator Bob Ragolla assured Kim Stolfer that he is supportive of the bill and that $8 million is held hostage because thirty and forty-year hunters are refusing to buy a licenses.
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BANQUET – the committee will meet Nov. 7 at Sally’s home (yellow belt) to finalize the place – Sunday, March 12, 2006 is the date. We will be selling ads for the program booklet so clubs are urged to ask businesses in their areas to purchase a $10.00 ad (small business card). Audrey Pritchard will be taking these
ads (412-793-5076). Karen Gainey will be our speaker, a very interesting lady who is sure to hold the attention of wives and husbands as she presents an interesting talk. Be thinking of the person you want to honor as we plan the banquet. Thanks to the Renton Rod and Gun Club for sponsoring the tickets.
YOUTHDAY – Frank will give out the surveys at the November meeting. Some facts: Most enjoyed events: 22 rifle, trap, field dogs
Least enjoyed: fishing basics, hunting ethics, turkey hunting
Most beneficial: hunting ethics and gun safety
Repeat attendees: 65 yes; 96 no:
Who brought kids: 99 – Dads; 15 Mom, 12 Mom and Dad, 11 guardian
159 would recommend to a friend.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE – Harry Lewellen withdrew his name from the Board. nominations were opened from the floor: Leon Fischer was nominated to the Board of Directors: nominations closed. Ballots distributed: Results:
President, Mike Maranche 1st Vice President Henry Hoffman
2nd Vice President Jack Walters Treasurer Joe Connors
* * * * * *
Directors: Dave Bagaley, Joe Cersosimo, Mike Christeson, Jim Liberto
Audrey Pritchard, Dan Ragaller, Buddy Savage,
Frank Sparrow Kim Stolfer
BY-LAW COMMITTEE – Jack Walters distributed copies of Article II-V and those present were asked to read the proposed changes and make your suggestions known to Dave Bagaley, Joe Connors or Jack Walters.
DRAWING was won by Bob Mazik of Braddock District Sportsmen’s Club.
Call for adjournment at 10 p.m.
Clubs/agencies attending: Pitcairn/Monroeville, Collier, Bethel Park S., Penn Hills, Dormont/Mt. Leb, TCWA, Police Rod & Gun, McKeesport, Braddock, Clairton, Forest Grove, Sewickley, Mt. Nebo, Millvale, Renton, McDonald, PFBC.
ACSL next meeting – 11/10/05 Courthouse 7:30 p.m.