Pennsylvania Mixed Bag: DEP does mosquito control in Delaware County

Philadelphia — The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s Mosquito-Borne Disease Program conducted truck mounted ultra-low volume mosquito control efforts July 22-23 in Delaware County in the following municipalities: Ridley Township, Tinicum Township, Clifton Heights Borough, Springfield Township and Darby Township.

High populations of mosquitoes capable of transmitting West Nile Virus were detected in these areas. Residential and recreational areas in these municipalities were sprayed.

The mosquito-control efforts were conducted by DEP using two spray trucks. The spray product used was AquaDuet, which is designed to provide quick knockdown and effective control of adult mosquitoes and is not harmful to humans or animals.

Elk Group Names Pistner Education Leader

Benezette, Pa. — The Keystone Elk Country Alliance announced the hiring of Jacob Pistner as its new Conservation Education coordinator. He will succeed Ben Porkolab, who will transition into the role of president and chief executive officer of the organization.

Most recently, he served as a resource conservation technician with the Elk County Conservation District. Prior to joining the Conservation District, he spent 10 years teaching woodworking, engineering, computer graphics, video media, and construction systems at both State College Area School District and Clearfield Area School District.

MORE COVERAGE FROM PENNSYLVANIA OUTDOOR NEWS:

New group forms to put an end to stocking over wild fish in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s CWD pilot program may give hunters an option

Pennsylvania agencies coming to grips with open fields decision

Registration Open for Rolfe Beagle Club’s Statewide Fall Coyote and Crow Hunt

Johnsonburg, Pa. — The Rolfe Beagle Club will once again offer its popular Coyote and Crow Hunt from Sept. 3-12. This is the 13th annual fall coyote and crow hunt covering the entire state of Pennsylvania.

Registration for the hunt must be received or postmarked no later than Sept. 2. All registrations must be received at the Rolfe Beagle Club, 1016 Long Level Road, Johnsonburg, PA 15845. Registration must include a phone number or an email. Questions may be addressed to wlhab9@gmail.com.

Weigh-in is at 6 p.m. all 10 days. Categories include coyote, crow and largest female coyote. Additional information at the Facebook page, Rolfe Beagle Club.

Chesapeake Striper Fishing Closed in August

Annapolis, Md. — The Maryland Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that targeting striped bass in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries is prohibited Aug. 1-31.

The striped bass targeting closure, shifted to August for the 2026 season, was put in place to protect the younger, resident striped bass population when hot water and air temperatures in midsummer make fish more vulnerable to dying after being caught and released.

During the closure, DNR officials encourage anglers to pursue other fish, such as invasive blue catfish and Chesapeake Channa, also known as snakehead, by using different fishing methods than those used for striped bass. These invasive species have no bag or size limits and their harvest contributes to a healthier Bay.

Regulation Change on Yellow Breeches Creek

Harrisburg — At their recent quarterly meeting, Pennsylvania Fish & Boat commissioners removed Yellow Breeches Creek, Section 03 in Cumberland County, from the Catch-and-Release Artificial Lures Only Program.

Section 03 extends about one mile downstream from the mouth of Boiling Springs Run and was stocked historically by the commission during the preseason and in-season stocking periods. In 2026, Section 03 was stocked during the preseason; however, the in-season stocking was canceled following consultation with the landowner.

The agency reports this section previously provided unrestricted angler access; however, the landowner now requires anglers to obtain a permit to fish. The agency stopped stocking this stream section because it’s no longer open to the general public for fishing.

PGCs Elk Cam Fires Back Up

Benezette, Pa. —As Pennsylvania’s elk rut approaches, wildlife enthusiasts can once again experience one of the most anticipated natural events in the state. The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Elk Cam went live on Aug. 1 and will bring all the sights and sounds of the bugling bulls to your screen.

The cam is located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s elk range, an area totaling more than 220,000 acres including State Game Land 311 and Elk State Forest. Video and sound from the camera will be livestreamed at https://bit.ly/4cirfRh

The Elk Cam will run until the first elk firearms season, which begins on Oct. 3.

New Manager at Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Harrisburg — The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources recently announced the appointment of Drew Leidich as manager of Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Cumberland County.

The Womelsdorf, Berks County, native graduated from Mansfield University with an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science. Following three seasons at Blue Marsh Lake National Recreation Area, and time as a preserve manager with the Ridge and Valley Conservancy, Leidich came to DCNR in 2019 as a park manager trainee.

Leidich served as the manager at Shikellamy State Park, and as assistant manager at Bald Eagle State Park prior to taking on his current role at Pine Grove Furnace.