Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: Sunday for waterfowl seasons undecided

Harrisburg — It still hasn’t been determined whether Sundays will be included in the 2026-27 migratory game bird seasons, according to the Game Commission.

Because migratory seasons follow federal frameworks that establish the maximum number of hunting days for each season, including Sundays would create more-compact seasons.

The commission is conducting a random survey to find out more about which option waterfowl hunters prefer, and all who are interested in this matter can submit comments to the agency.

The season proposal document that’s posted on the commission’s website shows two proposed season structures – one with Sundays and one without. Both proposals follow the federal framework.

These proposed migratory seasons are in accordance with the preliminarily approved 2026-27 general hunting seasons that, if adopted, would allow small game hunting during regular firearms deer season, meaning woodcock hunting would be open then.

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Alder Renewal for Wildlife at Tionesta Lake

Tionesta, Pa. — Twenty volunteers for wildlife showed up on March 1 at Tionesta Lake to cut and pile alder to both renew the old alder and to create more brush piles for small wildlife. Many of the volunteers were members of the Ruffed Grouse Society and American Woodcock Society in Pennsylvania and New York.

Later this spring, alder “whips” should be sprouting from the cut stumps. Alder thickets provide benefits to woodcock, ruffed grouse, warblers, rabbits, mice, voles, bobcats, and foxes. In addition to the cutting, the volunteers piled the cut alder into brush piles that also will benefit wildlife.

The work will have habitat benefits for wildlife over the next 20 to 30 years. Brush piles always need to be replenished as they break down over time, and alder “lays down” when it gets too old. The alder then needs to be regenerated before the roots decay and die.

Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum April 9

Kane, Pa. — The April 9 Roach-Bauer Forestry Forum recently announced it will host two speakers from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Richard Novak from the federal service will speak about bats and current regulations in forest management in Pennsylvania. Mike Kuzemchak from the conservancy will provide an overview of the Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. In addition, Jonathan Geyer will provide additional market updates and industry comments from the PA Hardwoods Development Council.

The forum will be held at the Wilcox Community Building (also called the Jones Township Community Center) at 320 Faries St., downtown Wilcox. Preceding the talk will be a no-host social hour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and dinner at 5:30 p.m.

Reservations are required. No reservations will be accepted after April 2. For reservations, contact the Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group, PO Box 133, Kane, PA 16735, at 814-837-8550, or email ashields@ahug.com.

PF&BC Reminds Anglers, Boaters that Life Jacket Requirement Continues Through April 30

Harrisburg — With warmer temperatures expected to arrive this month across portions of the commonwealth, the Fish & Boat Commission reminds anglers and boaters that the annual cold weather life jacket requirement remains in effect through April 30.

From Nov. 1 through April 30, boaters are required to wear a U.S.

Coast Guard approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet in length or on any kayak, canoe, or paddleboard. The requirement applies to all Pennsylvania waters, and violators are subject to fines.

Sudden cold-water immersion, or cold-water shock, occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled. This uncontrollable reaction causes panic, hyperventilation, inhalation of water, and inhibits the ability of a person to swim.

New Manager for Little Pine State Park

Harrisburg — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced the appointment of Haley Redmond as the manager for the Little Pine State Park Complex in the Pennsylvania Wilds.

Redmond, a Freeport, Pa., native oversees the park complex, that includes Little Pine, Hyner Run, Hyner View and Upper Pine Bottom state parks. Redmond began her career in conservation as a law enforcement ranger in Colorado and held various environmental technician and scientist roles in the private sector.

She holds an undergraduate degree in geology and two graduate degrees in parks and resource management and environmental education from Clarion University. Her DCNR career began as a resource ranger at Pymatuning State Park, with subsequent roles as a park manager trainee and the manager of Mount Pisgah State Park.

DCNR Releases Water into Tohickon Creek

Upper Black Eddy, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources released water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek March 21-22 after inviting whitewater boating enthusiasts to converge on Tohickon Creek in Bucks County.

Releases are historically scheduled on a semi-annual basis, usually occurring on the third weekend in March and the first weekend in November. The whitewater releases from the Nockamixon State Park dam provide suitable whitewater boating conditions downstream through Ralph Stover State Park.

These water releases are eagerly awaited by whitewater paddling enthusiasts- and draw skilled kayakers, canoeists and occasional rafters from throughout the northeastern U.S.