Hunting Feral Swine in Pennsylvania

Jul 29 2009 5 Comments »

Wild pigs are creating a major hazard to wildlife habitat, human agriculture and the economic health of the state of Pennsylvania. These wild swine are capable of thousands of dollars in damage to crops. Feral swine are not easy to hunt or trap as they will often weigh over 400 pounds, have sharp tusks and sour dispositions.

They will eat baby calves, sheep and other small animals as well as spreading disease among pigs that are raised for food. The state issued an executive order that removed protection from feral swine, allowing them to be hunted and trapped as a means to control the problem before it becomes impossible to eradicate.

Licensed hunters, trappers, and officials for wildlife management are trapping and testing the wild swine for disease. Feral swine have been reported in the southwest, south central and northeast regions of Pennsylvania. Hunters and trappers need to notify the local state officials in the wildlife management area of any feral swine that have been trapped or killed.

The wild pigs destroy land and habitat by competing for food that wildlife needs to survive. They will tear down fences and devour food set out for domestic animals. The danger to humans exists also; ten viral diseases feral swine can carry could be transmitted to humans. This is an additional reason that the state authorities have chosen to eradicate the problem of the wild swine.


Hunting Coyote in Pennsylvania

Jun 29 2009 2 Comments »

Anyone who is an outdoors person or hunter has most likely heard the yips and howls of the infamous coyote in the night and early morning hours of Pennsylvania. Most ranchers dislike them at best, and want them gone whatever the means, at worst. The eastern coyote is the largest canine in Pennsylvania. Some believe that the eastern coyote is a hybrid cross between the wolf and coyotes. However it came about, it has continued to thrive, is difficult to trap and hunt, and continues to reproduce at a surprising rate.

There are a variety of ways to call in a coyote, and it takes a lot of trail and error. Having an abundance of calls with you can make all the difference. Some of the calls used make the noise of an animal the coyote would normally prey on, such as a jackrabbit and cottontail. The coaxer is literally 2 calls in one. It makes a long distance call of the jackrabbit, and a short distance call of an injured rodent. Other calls make sounds that the coyote would make, such as howls and yips. They all have different effects, and it is up to the hunter as to which one or ones he/she is most likely to use most.

Okay, you have your calls and your target, now it’s time to find that perfect place to hunt. If you aren’t a local Pennsylvanian, it isn’t as easy is it would seem. It never hurts to talk to biologists in the area and possibly even the ranchers. Make sure you have permission from the land owner BEFORE you scout or hunt. Hunters are already in the spot-light, so to speak, so make sure do everything is done legal. The biologist should be able to point out some hot spots, and you can decide where the best place for you is.

Now you have your calls, your location, don’t forget your gun or bow, and your outerwear. Coyotes have a very keen sense of smell and eyesight, so be sure you are down-wind and hidden very well. Use a scent-block if you choose, NO SMOKING, and move as slowly and as little as possible. Now it’s time to experiment with your calls and the times of day to hunt. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Hunting during the day is always an option. Good-luck and happy-hunting!


Pennsylvania Elk hunt

Jun 13 2009 4 Comments »

Elk may be hunted in season in the state’s designated Elk Hunt Zones, there is a limit of one elk per season, and all hunters must be licensed by the State of Pennsylvania. Anyone who bags an elk must tag it at once and mark the site according to the instructions received at orientation before moving the carcass. Within 24 hours, they must also bring it to the Game Commission’s check station, located in Clearfield County at the Pennsylvania Game Commission Maintenance Building in Quehanna, together with their hunting and elk licenses.

Getting an elk license in Pennsylvania

Your application will be part of a random drawing held in September to purchase one of a limited number of licenses for the November hunting season. Those who are successful in the drawing must also purchase a state general hunting license for the current year, and those who are unsuccessful will receive “preference points” to be applied in future drawings. (To receive these points, you will be asked to provide your Social Security number.) Elk guides, who have permits to provide various services to hunters, are also available, and you will be provided with an up-to-date list of them, but you do not have to use a guide when you go hunting. Also, consult the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s system for rating access roads, the amount of private and public land, and estimated elk population for each zone.

Being prepared to go elk hunting

Remember that an elk weighs between 400-1,000 pounds, and you must be ready to field-dress it at once, move it to your vehicle and take it to the check station for verification. The animal’s carcass must be properly tagged, skinned, quartered and packed out on pack boards or by mules or horses. (With few exceptions, Pennsylvania law prohibits the use of any motorized vehicle on state-owned property, including an ATV.)
Unlicensed individuals may accompany you on the hunt and they will not be required to have an elk-guide permit, but they must wear fluorescent orange (along with you) and refrain from carrying any firearms or participating in the hunt.


Five popular spots in Pennsylvania for your next deer hunt

May 28 2009 3 Comments »

Deer hunting has been a traditional sport for many years across the United States.  Not only has it been a sport, but it has also been a way for many men to provide a meal for their family. I have compiled a list of some hot spots to hunt deer in Pennsylvania.

  1. State Games 42 in Westmoreland County- This spot is a very large area, with mountains and gorgeous views.
  2. State Game Land 232 in Washington County near Taylortown - 5,000 acres where some very large bucks have been sited.
  3. Conemaugh River Lake in southwestern Indiana County - there is land that is owned by U.S. Army Corps of Engineering that has a very farm style. It’s known to be a good place to hunt for that prized buck!
  4. Allegheny County - This county has very good hunting ground, but in order to find public access might be a little bit of luck. You might try your luck at asking some individual homeowners if you can have permission to hunt on their land.
  5. State Game Land 108 and Prince Gallitzin State Park in Cambria County - This spot is near Altoona. There are two public lands that have more than 40,000 acres of land to hunt for deer.

Well, there are five areas in Pennsylvania that you might try your luck on your next deer hunt. There have been many people that had a very good experience in coming home with a prized buck! So, camo up, put on your orange safety vest and hit one of these spots up!


Next Nov head to the Poconos for Bear Hunting

Mar 06 2009 No Comments »

For the last two years the biggest bears killed during the Pennsylvania bear hunting season have come from the Poconos mountains. According to the Poconos Record the biggest bear killed in 2008 weight 716 pounds and in 2007 it was 727 pounds.

It seems like the Bear just grow bigger up north or maybe it has to do with the environment in the Poconos. But it seems that the real reason has to do with a lack of bear hunting in the Poconos.

See you all in the Poconos next fall.


Mountain Top WhiteTail Haven

Feb 26 2009 2 Comments »

Call 717-682-2685 MountainTop Whitetail Haven Deer Hunting Preserve in PA Whitetail Deer hunting in pennsylvania some world class deer hunting in pa reserve your hunt now call today at 717-682-2685


Hunt & Stay Getaway

Feb 25 2009 No Comments »

http://www.huntingpigspa.com

Lodging, Hunting, & Dining Package Includes:

THE FOXBURG INN

  • 2 Nights Lodging for 2 in the best available room
  • Includes complete breakfast

    THE PIG FARM

    • Fully Guided Hunt
    • 1 Boar per person
    • Full Catered lunch day of hunt

    PROCESSING

    • Includes Regular cut processing
    • Ready to be picked up the following morning
    • After you have checked out from the Foxburg Inn

    DINNING

    • There are two fine restaurants for you to choose from that are within walking distance of The Foxburg Inn MEALS NOT INCLUDED

    Cost

    • Hunt and Stay Getaway package   for 2   $850.00 Per Person
    • If you wish to bring a non hunter as a guest total cost for 2 would be $975.00
    • 1 night packages Also available

    Tioga Boar Hunting Preserve

    Feb 25 2009 No Comments »

    Hunt Black Boar and Other Big Game In Pennsylvania Year Round:  http://www.tiogaboarhunting.com

    Big Game Hunting on the East Coast: Our Hunting Preserve is in Tioga County which is located in the Alleghany Mt. Range of North Central Pennsylvania. Were just a short drive from the interstate highway system, but once you get here, you’ll think you are miles away from civilization! We feature high success rate hunting on fully guided trophy hunts.

    Wide Selection of Big Game: Hunt Black Boar, Red Boar, Elk, Red Stag, Whitetail Deer, Fallow Deer, Sika Deer, Buffalo, Rocky Mountain Ram, Corsican Ram, Texas Dall Ram, Mouflon Ram, Black Hawaiian Ram, Spanish Goat, Turkey, and many other great Exotic game on one of the largest hunting preserves in the East.

    Accomplished Professional Guides: Tioga Boar Hunting Preserve has over 40 years of experience in conducting fully guided hunts. While on a hunt at Tioga Boar Hunting Preserve you will be accompanied by some of the best hunting guides in the business. Our guides specialize in helping new and youth hunters.

    Experience A Hunt: That has been enjoyed by thousands of hunters over the years!


    2009 Jamboree Hunt

    Feb 25 2009 No Comments »
    • 2009 Ram & Carolina Hog Jamborees: 100% harvest , one Ram or Hog per person.
    • Archery or cross bow ONLY
    • Total cost is $350, requires a $100 deposit per reservation
    • 2009 Jamboree hunt dates are:
      • Saturday April 4th, Saturday April 18th
      • Saturday May 2nd, Saturday May 16th
      • June 13th
    • On each jamboree there will be 30 to 32 hunters on 175 acres.
    • Lodging is available for $25, Breakfast is included with lodging.
    • $25 Lodging is limited to the first 20 hunters who sign up first.
    • Lunch and refreshments will be served free all day, Guiding and skinning is Free
    • Ask for Andy or Adam
    • Office (814) 784-5041, Cell (814) 931-4400, (814)-312-5721
    • Website is http://www.thewildernesspa.com