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Tom Venesky

Tom Venesky: CWD threat no reason to pass on venison

Featured, Hunting, National Hunting, Opinion, Pennsylvania /

One of the main reasons we hunt for deer is food.
Sure, hunting to survive isn’t a necessity in this day and age, but for many of us venison is a delicacy, and it tastes even better when one completes the full circle – from hunt, harvest and to table. Now, that doesn’t mean an empty freezer at the end of the season equates to a wasted effort. While putting venison on the table is a motivating factor to hit the woods, the experience of the hunt is what truly drives us to pick up a rifle or bow.

Tom Venesky: CWD threat no reason to pass on venison Read More »

Vacant Pennsylvania Game Commission District 1 board seat awaits action from Gov. Shapiro

Featured, Fishing, Hunting, National News, News, Pennsylvania /

The effort to fill the District 1 seat on the Pennsylvania Game Commission board continues, and it’s unclear if an appointment will be made before the July 12-13 meeting.
District 1 includes Butler, Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Lawrence, Mercer, Venango and Warren counties and is currently held by Commissioner Kristen Koppenhafer. Her four-year term expired on Nov. 27, 2023, and Koppenhafer has been serving under a six-month extension, which will conclude on May 27.

Vacant Pennsylvania Game Commission District 1 board seat awaits action from Gov. Shapiro Read More »

State legislator questions the appointment of Pennsylvania Game Commission’s new executive director

Featured, Home Page News, Hunting, National News, News, Pennsylvania /

Stephen Smith’s tenure as the new executive director of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is being challenged by a state legislator, who said the appointment violates the state Sunshine Act.
Smith was appointed to the post by the Game Commission board during an executive session on April 30. He replaced Bryan Burhans, who resigned amid ethical questions regarding a side business he was running. The appointment of Smith during an executive session was confirmed in an agency news release.

State legislator questions the appointment of Pennsylvania Game Commission’s new executive director Read More »

Tom Venesky: Hypocritical to believe the Pennsylvania Game Commission isn’t political

Featured, Hunting, Opinion, Pennsylvania /

Like it or not, politics is firmly entrenched in the operation of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
The argument that legislators should have no say in how the Game Commission functions is admirable, but not realistic. In fact, recent actions by the agency itself have reaffirmed that politics is one of the most significant factors in many of the decisions made by the commission board.

Tom Venesky: Hypocritical to believe the Pennsylvania Game Commission isn’t political Read More »

Pennsylvania turkey hunters complete every slam recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation

Featured, Features, Home Page News, Hunting, National Hunting, National News, News, Pennsylvania /

Two Luzerne County, Pa., residents recently accomplished one of the rarest feats in the world of turkey hunting, and they did it just 13 days apart.
Tony Hudak, of Noxen, and Alden resident Ed Kalinowski bagged gobblers in Mexico and Hawaii respectively to complete every slam recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation. Prior to Hudak and Kalinowski, only two other hunters ever achieved each of those slams.

Pennsylvania turkey hunters complete every slam recognized by the National Wild Turkey Federation Read More »

Tom Venesky: What’s in a name when it comes to move to rebrand Pennsylvania Game Commission?

Featured, Home Page News, Hunting, Nature Page & Night Sky, Opinion, Pennsylvania /

There is a movement underway to change the name of the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Well, perhaps “movement” is too strong of a word. A more fitting term to describe the effort is “attempt,” and it’s a misguided one at that. Apparently, because the Game Commission manages so many bird and mammal species that aren’t hunted – and not considered game – a few people believe the agency should be renamed in order to be more… inclusive?

Tom Venesky: What’s in a name when it comes to move to rebrand Pennsylvania Game Commission? Read More »

Groups sound off pro and con on Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting bill

Featured, Home Page News, Hunting, National Hunting, National News, News, Pennsylvania /

Legislation to remove the prohibition on Sunday hunting in Pennsylvania remains a work in progress, according to the chairman of the House Game and Fisheries Committee.
During an April 9 committee hearing on a package of bills dealing with Sunday hunting, crop damage and trespassing, several groups made their case. As did the legislators.

Groups sound off pro and con on Pennsylvania’s Sunday hunting bill Read More »

Doe season extended in three Pennsylvania CWD areas

Featured, Hunting, National Hunting, National News, News, Pennsylvania /

The Pennsylvania Game Commission approved an extension of the antlerless rifle season in three wildlife management units in attempt to control the spread of chronic wasting disease, and there might be more to come.
During the board’s April 13 meeting, commissioners unanimously approved a motion to extend the antlerless rifle season from Jan. 2, 2025, through Jan. 20 in units 4A, 4D and 5A.

Doe season extended in three Pennsylvania CWD areas Read More »

Tom Venesky: A few takeaways from mentored youth trout day in Pennsylvania

Featured, Fishing, National Fishing, Opinion, Pennsylvania /

Pennsylvania’s trout season has changed quite a bit since my childhood.
Back then, there was one opening day for all ages, and real estate along a stocked stream or lake was a precious commodity. It didn’t matter how old or young you were, if you wanted space to cast along a prime hole, you had to be willing to bump elbows and make room. While the memories are good, trout season back then was a rather intense affair.

Tom Venesky: A few takeaways from mentored youth trout day in Pennsylvania Read More »

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