Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: Migratory game bird seasons set

Harrisburg — There are two significant changes to waterfowl seasons. The regular season daily bag limit for Canada geese in the Atlantic Population Zone has decreased from three to one, and for northern pintail, there will be a flat daily bag limit of three.

The Atlantic Population Zone allows the Atlantic Flyway to closely manage harvest for this smaller, more delicate population of migratory Canada geese, according to Game Commission Waterfowl Biologist Amanda Hoyt. The most recent breeding pair estimate on the AP breeding grounds in northern Quebec indicated a further decline from the previous year.

As for pintail, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service estimates that the Atlantic Flyway accounts for just 3.3% of continental pintail harvest. The flat pintail bag limit will apply so long as the other three Flyways have seasons open for pintail.

Other migratory game bird seasons are similar to last year’s seasons.

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Hunters Encouraged to Report Banded Birds

Harrisburg — Migratory game bird hunters are encouraged to visit www.reportband.gov to report banded ducks, geese, doves and woodcock they harvest. Hunters will be requested to provide information on where, when and what species of migratory birds were taken, in addition to the band number. This information is crucial to the successful management of migratory birds.

Wildlife Operations Division Chief Ian Gregg stressed that reporting leg bands helps the Game Commission and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service learn more about migratory bird movements, and survival and harvest rates, which are critical to population management and setting of hunting regulations.

Md. Gobbler Hunters Harvest 4,851 Birds

Annapolis, Md. — Maryland hunters harvested a total of 4,851 wild turkeys during the 2025 spring regular and junior turkey seasons. While this year’s harvest was slightly lower than the 2024 season total of 4,959, it remained well above the 10-year average of 4,350.

Recent DNR surveys have documented average to above-average reproductive success in three of the last four summers, contributing to stable or growing turkey populations in many areas. Adult gobblers comprised 81% of the total harvest.

Garrett County reported the highest harvest with 506 turkeys, followed by Charles County (445) and Washington County (406). Four counties set new harvest records: Cecil, St. Mary’s, Talbot, and Wicomico.

Youth hunters started the spring turkey season with the Junior Turkey Hunt, April 12-13. A total of 338 wild turkeys were taken during that weekend, representing 7% of the total.

DCNR Employee Dies After Teaching All Day

Harrisburg — Dave Warfel, forest district maintenance supervisor at Weiser State Forest, died May 29 at the Wildland Fire Academy at Shippensburg University, following a day spent instructing and mentoring wildland firefighters.

The manner of death for Warfel, who also served as the Carsonville Volunteer Fire Company chief in Dauphin County, was to be determined by the Cumberland County coroner.

More than 400 individuals participated in the annual Pennsylvania Wildland Fire Academy at Shippensburg University that offers hands-on activities designed to simulate conditions that they may encounter during a wildfire assignment.

Path of the Flood Trail is Trail of the Year

Johnstown, Pa. — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources May 29 celebrated the Path of the Flood Trail in Cambria County as Pennsylvania’s 2025 Trail of the Year.

Spanning 14 miles, the Path of the Flood Trail follows the historic route of the catastrophic 1889 Johnstown Flood. This scenic corridor blends natural beauty, outdoor recreation and deep historical significance – featuring landmarks such as the Staple Bend Tunnel, the first railroad tunnel constructed in the United States.

The trail draws approximately 80,000 visitors annually, including international tourists. It has become an important economic and cultural asset for Cambria County – contributing to the growth of small businesses and drawing tourists.

Free Menstrual Products Available at Parks

Carlisle, Pa. — Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn recently was joined by First Lady Lori Shapiro and members of the Governor’s Advisory Commission on Next Generation Engagement at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center in Cumberland County to announce a new initiative that makes free menstrual products available in 68 state parks across Pennsylvania.

The products are now stocked in park offices, visitor centers, and environmental educational centers at participating parks, offering a convenient and essential resource for visitors. Signage in English and Spanish helps parkgoers locate where products are available.

Temporary Closures to Howe Twp. Access

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission recently closed the Howe Township Access, which provides fishing and boating access to the Juniata River in Perry County, for improvement work on June 2-3 and June 17-18.

This second closure was to perform additional tree-removal operations. Boaters were advised get on the Juniata River by using the Greenwood Access upstream.

Work was expected to be completed and the access reopened by the time readers see this.