Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: Agency offers grants to spur fishing, boating

Harrisburg — The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission is once again seeking applicants for grants to support education programs that promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating in Pennsylvania through the recruitment of new participants, retention of existing participants, and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as “R3.” The grant application period runs through Dec. 1.

The R3 Grant will reimburse qualifying organizations up to $25,000 for eligible expenses for projects conducted from approximately July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027. The grant requires a minimum 25% match of total project costs.

More information about the grant program, including the application, can be found on the R3 Grant Program page on the agency’s website, Fishandboat.com.

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Pittsburgh doubles the number of parks it allows deer hunting in

State Farm Says Pa. is Still No. 1

Philadelphia — Insurance company State Farm recently released the results of its annual animal/deer collision research. According to its latest data, Pennsylvania again ranks No. 1 in the nation for animal collisions with over 147,000 estimated animal collision claims filed from July 1, 2024, to June 30.

For risk of crash, West Virginia is No. 1 with risk at 1 in 40 for animal vehicle crash. Pennsylvania is ranked No. 5 for risk at 1 in 62. The national average is 1 in 139.

Deer made up the large majority of damage to vehicles from animals followed by unknown animals, rodents, dogs, raccoons, and cattle. Most animal-related crashes in the U.S. occur from October to December.

Sunday Hunting, Archery Deer Opportunities

Harrisburg — This archery deer season brings something different – expanded Sunday hunting.

Thanks to the passage of Act 36 of 2025 – legislation signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro that repeals the state’s longstanding ban on Sunday hunting – more opportunity awaits. As a result, the Game Commission authorized hunting on 13 Sundays, from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7. Seven of those fall within the statewide archery deer season.

There are still some things hunters need to be aware of. Within Pennsylvania state parks, for example, Sunday hunting only will be allowed this year on Nov. 16, Nov. 23 and Nov. 30. And those hunting on private property on Sundays must carry with them written permission from the landowner.

ANF Opening Roads for Hunting Seasons

Warren, Pa. — The U.S. Forest Service opened 145 forest roads in the Allegheny National Forest for hunter access on Sept. 21. Eleven additional forest roads will open later in the season.

Hunter road lists, with specific opening and closing dates, for the Bradford and Marienville Ranger Districts are available on the forest website.

Note that only the main roads and listed spur roads are open. Side roads are closed to vehicle traffic. Roads may be closed at any time due to weather, unsafe condition or to protect resources. Disabled hunter roads are only open for use by hunters possessing a disabled persons permit issued by the Game Commission.

Nominate Your Favorite Trail

Harrisburg — Pennsylvanians have the chance to put their favorite trail in the spotlight, as the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is taking nominations for the commonwealth’s 2026 Trail of the Year.

To be considered, a nomination form and supporting documentation must be submitted online by Oct. 31. The winning trail will be recognized in a news release; through a commemorative poster for statewide distribution; with a trailhead marker along the trail; and with a grant for educational programs to promote safety and environmental protection.

Each year, the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee designates a Trail of the Year to highlight the value of Pennsylvania’s trail network, build public support, and raise awareness of the economic, environmental, and health benefits trails bring to communities.

Rolfe Club Hosts Upland Bird Hunt for Women

Johnsonburg, Pa. — The Rolfe Beagle Club hosted an Upland Bird Hunt here on Sept. 7, consisting of pheasants, quail and chukars for 11 graduates of the Ruffed Grouse Society’s Women’s Intro to Wingshooting program.

All graduates of the program were offered the hunt to take their newly learned shooting and bird hunting skills to the next level, from the shooting range to the hunting fields and woods.

Next year’s class is already half-full. Any woman or young lady over the age of 11 can register for next year’s class by contacting Bethany Ford at bjmf989@gmail.com.

New Manager Shikellamy State Park Complex

Harrisburg — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced the appointment of Ben Bender as the manager for the Shikellamy State Park Complex in northcentral Pennsylvania.

A Waynesboro, native, Bender began his career with state parks as an intern in DCNR’s Harrisburg office in 2018. Following stints working in the private sector and with C&O Canal Trust in Maryland, Bender returned to DCNR in 2021 as a seasonal resource ranger at Caledonia State Park. He completed the park manager trainee program in the northcentral region of state parks prior to being assigned to Shikellamy.