Allegheny County Sportsmen’s League, Inc.
12 October, 2006
The monthly meeting in the Gold Room, Courthouse began at 7:30 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance and Conservation pledge were given in unison. Sixteen delegates, junior delegates, and alternates were present from member clubs.
Bakerstown Beagle Logans Ferry Pitcairn-Monroeville
Bethel Park Sportsmen McDonald Police R & G Club
Braddock District McKeesport Renton Rod & Gun
Clairton Mt. Nebo West Deer
Collier Penn Hills W PA Taxidermy
Forest Grove
PFBC – Larry Furlong PGC – Fife and Denne
A motion was made to approve the September minutes as mailed.
Treasurer Joe Connors presented his report, which was accepted (Cersosimo/Stolfer) without question.
PGC Wildlife Conservation Officer Beth Fife reported that there are many squirrels out there for the taking; not much archery hunting. Processors will be visited to assure CWD is not brought in from out of state. Two elk were harvested; Baiting will be tested in areas that can’t be hunted (Southeast). Because geese are so plentiful, there are loose restrictions. 20Youth participated in the pheasant hunt.
An osprey was seen at the Boston Bridge and a bald eagle in Claysville.
PFBC WCO Larry Furlong stated that trout stocking is in progress; middle and upper deer lakes on October 27. The Erie stamp has brought monies in that are being used for stream repairs. The pollution of Deer Creek behind Medrad has been stopped; a fine of $3600 was given to a pipe company discharging waste.
Legislative Report – Chairman Kim Stolfer and Mike Christeson reporting on the Legislative battle that took place September 26 in Harrisburg – “400 gun owners and statewide sportsmen’s groups came together as part of a well thought- out and carefully implemented strategy that took months to develop”. Along with pro-gun legislators of both parties, they were able to prepare their arguments to advise them of the dangers that the Committee of the Whole presented to our Freedoms and to the safety of our communities. Of 112 pieces of legislation filed, 33 were anti-gun pieces of legislation; every national anti-gun organization contributed money, tens of thousands of dollars to stop the gun problem in Philadelphia. 1200 Philadelphia people (school kids, sanitation workers,
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Legislation cont’d Black Panthers dressed in military garb) paid, bused and fed were not screened, yet a security guard was wanded-over.
The threat to pull their endorsement should they vote for gun control, affected their votes. Sentencing for firearm charges has dropped in half since Rendell took office. 33 proposals went down in flames; one passed – the McGeehan Bill for mandatory training before obtaining a concealed-carry permit. What’s the harm?
The government will water it down, lowering the standards so everyone can pass.
Voluntary training, not Mandatory training.
The end result is that an enormous statement was made, that we will not tolerate gun control and we are a force to be reckoned with.
Two major proposals that passed: HB2946 which would enable victims of domestic abuse to obtain an emergency license to carry; and HB2231 known as the Castle doctrine – eliminating an individual gun owner’s duty to retreat before using lethal force to defend himself outside of his home, business or vehicle. Successfully defeated was gun control measures that would require the mandatory reporting of multi-firearm purchases and legalized gun registries, including confidential information on law abiding citizens, including mailing addresses and social security numbers.
Conservation – Chairman Jack Walters reporting that the commonwealth is making highway right-of-ways available for landfill gas pipeline projects, making possible clean, cheap energy supply to keep utility costs down and keep jobs in PA
Farmers subsidies use is being tracked by “Crop Cops”. Some farmers receive payments for protecting streams and wetlands, others for growing specific crops. Accurate information determines payments. GE Geospatial, an aerial photography company, say it’s mostly just a way to keep their records accurate, most farmers do obey the rules.
A joint government and industry venture has demonstrated significant cost and production benefits for lower-producing wells, called “stripper wells” while contributing to the security of the nation’s oil and gas supplies.
The new Vortex Flow LLC developed the SX tool and to date, has deployed it in more than 200 stripper well operations across the country, increasing production and decreasing maintenance costs.
Game – Mike Maranche reporting HB3007 was introduced to strengthen present law, protecting a landowner from liability by acts, or acts of omission, from recreational users of his land. This Legislation is in response to a September 8 jury
decision in a court case stemming from a November 2004 incident,
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Game continued
where a pregnant woman was struck in the head by a hunter’s stray bullet (she has since recovered, and delivered a healthy baby girl. The woman sued both the hunter and the landowner; her attorney argued that the landowner showed “complete disregard” for public safety by allowing the hunter to hunt his land. The jury found the hunter 90% liable, and the landowner 10% liable. The hunter could not afford an attorney and probably can’t afford to pay any judgment as well. PA law has a legal concept called “joint and several” (J&S) under which if the party that is most liable cannot pay, the party that is partly liable must pay 100% of the judgment. In this case, the property has considerable financial value. The 1965 PA law titled “The Recreational Use of Land and Water Act”, designed to protect landowners in cases like this, was brought up by the landowner’s attorney, but the judge ruled that it didn’t apply. The precedent set in this case is sobering. Already some landowners are closing their property to hunting. In jeopardy is the Game Commission’s “Red Tag” program (and the consequential financial loss to farmers due to crop damage from deer), as well as DMAP on private land. Motion was made and seconded (Stolfer/Christeson) to support HB3007. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
It is suggested that you let your District Attorney know he should support the
Castle Doctrine (the citizen’s right to self-defense).
HR692 passed from Committee and reported to the floor to call for a study on the issues to reduce greenhouse gases.
Proper disposal of deer remains is advised. Suggestion made to cover your deer harvest with a tarp so as not to offend people.
Safe Boating – Henry Hoffman reminding hunters using boats to use their pfd’s
Public Relations – Dave Bagaley reporting on the safety posters progress; not only will the posters be on firearm safety, hunting safety, outdoor safety; if you have posters of nostalgic value, Dave suggests you bring them in so they can be photo-copied, they will be returned to you; it is desired that a good set of safety posters be issued to each club in the league.
Animal Welfare Act Bill is dead. HR503 (Forced Slaughter Prevention Act) will not become law. Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act (AETA) SB3880 passed the Senate on Sept. 30 (Pro-animal Owner Interest Bill) will be taken up by the lame-
duck session.
Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show – Henry stated this will likely be the league’s last year in Monroeville. Property has all been sold – the West
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Astos continued .. Wing will be demolished. Attempts to meet with Convention Center haven’t been successful. If there are suggestions to other places, please contact Henry (829-2386), Jack (884-2148), Joe (331-3412).
Banquet – Joe Cersosimo reminded that the date is Saturday, March 10, 2007/Harmar House; some leads on entertainment are being followed; Come on clubs and agencies, the ACSL needs your support. Pitcairn-Monroeville S.C. will sponsor the tickets. While ticket costs remain $30.00 per person, there are many expenses that the league covers in order to make this affair yours to enjoy. If you attended the 2006 at Harmar, you remember the excellent food “best ever” was the compliment given. Cash Bar and appetizers will be served at 4 p.m., the Program at 5 p.m. and dinner following the program. Details given in the upcoming newsletters; Sportsman of the Year award forms will be available at the November ACSL meeting, nominee name must be turned in to the ACSL secretary no later than February 1. (reminder that clubs must be present to honor their nominee)
The Committee will meet Monday, November 6-7 p.m. at Sally’s home 1028 Hulton Road(yellow belt), 412-793-4437.
New Business – voter guides were made available for clubs and personal hand-out. The league is considering discontinuing membership cards in 2008 as a cost preventative measure. Clubs will receive a certificate showing they are a member of the ACSL. League will accept club comments, suggestions.
Mt. Nebo Sportsmen’s Club would like names of insurance agencies who cover sportsmen’s clubs. Please contact Leon Fischer at: 412-602-6441
ELECTION RESULTS FOR 2006/2007
President: Mike Maranche, 1st.V.P. Henry Hoffman, 2nd V.P. Jack Walters
Treasurer: Joe Connors, Directors: Ron Bachy, Dave Bagaley, Joe Cersosimo,
Mike Christeson, Paul Fedorka, Audrey Pritchard, Dan Ragaller, Kim Stolfer, Mike Yanchak.
Each Club may sign up for only one Beef Jerky Booth at the November Mtg.
If there are any booths not claimed, additional booths can be acquired at the
December Meeting.
Door Prize was won by Joe Connors, Treasurer.
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
ACSL MEETING
NOVEMBER 9, 2006
6:30 p.m. Officers & Directors
7:30 p.m. open meeting ACSL