Elk County- Leah Whiteman, Owner of Elk County Real Estate and St. Marys Area United Way board member  along with Elk County Real Estate Sales Associates Debbie Dippold, Kim Fenice, Kelly Hanes, Ben Kmetz and Barb Fiedler presented a generous donation to Jason Gabler, St. Marys Area United Way Corporate Campaign Chair; Doug Gaffey, St. Marys United Way President; Jim Ryan, St. Marys Area United Way Vice-President; Doug Bauer, St. Marys Area United Way Payroll Program Chair; and Mark Saline, St. Marys Area United Way board member.

Elk County Real Estate, LLC is a real estate company specializing in the marketing and sales of residential, commercial, land, investment, recreational, and rental properties.

With 100 years of combined experience, their staff have expertise in relocations, foreclosures, value analysis, preparing a home for sale, working with lenders, overseeing inspections and preparing all paperwork. They will also help buyers who wish to acquire a VA loan, FHA loan or a conventional loan. Elk County Real Estate, LLC’s goal is to provide professional, personal service to all of their customers and clients.

Elk County Real Estate’s donation will support the St. Marys Area United Way 2022 campaign. The United Way’s 2022 campaign goal is $170,000. Funding raised in 2022 will be available for eligible organizations to seek grant funding for 2023. In order to be eligible for funding from the St. Marys Area United Way, an agency must: have a current 501(c)(3) status, provide services to citizens living within the St. Marys Area School District, provide services to meet health and human welfare needs, and be registered with the PA State Bureau of Charitable Solicitation or be exempt from registration. The St. Marys Area United Way encourages any organization interested in seeking grant funding to inquire by calling 814.781.6000 to receive an application. The 2022 grant application deadline will be December 15, 2022, with grant awards announced in 2023.

As a result of the 2021 campaign, the St. Marys Area United Way provided grant awards to Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services, Boys & Girls Club of St. Marys, Boys Scouts-Bucktail Council, CAPSEA, Catholic Charities, City of St. Marys Parks and Recreation, Dickinson Center, Fox Township Sportsmen Youth Program, Girl Scouts of Western PA, Guardian Angel Center, Life & Independence for Today, St. Marys Area School District, St. Marys Interparish Rooted Youth Ministry, St. Marys Library and the Veteran’s Memorial-Eternal Flame located on the Diamond downtown St. Marys.

The St. Marys Area United Way has served the citizens of the City of St. Marys and surrounding counties since 1925. The St. Marys Area United Way relies on the contributions from companies and local individuals. Those donations support the financial needs of non-profit agencies that serve the health and human welfare needs of our community. If you would like to become one of these individual or corporate donors, please call 781.6000 or mail your check to the St. Marys Area United Way, 44 So. St. Marys Street, St. Marys, PA 15857.

At 2:02 PM on Tuesday, Port Allegany Fire & EMS have been dispatched to Dollar General for an inside natural gas leak.

Frank P. Warsheski, Sr., age 76, of Westfield, PA passed away at home on Friday, October 14, 2022.

Born April 20, 1946 in Chester, PA, he was the son of the late Paul and Helen (Majeski) Warsheski.

He served in the US Marine Corp and owned and operated a bed and breakfast.

Frank married Jeanne M. Kluender.

He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Jeanne; son, Frank P. Warsheski, Jr. of Westfield and a daughter, Tonya M. and Tim Sheppard of Inman, SC.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Middlebury Union Cemetery on Tuesday, October 18th at 11:00 AM with Pastor Ed Siddle officiating.

Arrangements are with Kenyon Funeral Home, Westfield.

Ruth Learn Kemp, age 106, of Nelson, PA passed away on Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at her home surrounded by family.

Born on June 28, 1916 in Nelson, PA she was the daughter to the late George and Elsie (Grey) Learn. Ruth married Maynard J. Kemp and they spent many loving years together until his passing in 1998.

She graduated in 1932 from Elkland Area High School and Meeker’s Business School of Elmira. In 1976 Ruth retired from Corning Glass Inc., where she worked as a secretary.

She was an active church member, as well as the pianist/organist, at the Christian Missionary Alliance Church in Holiday, PA. Ruth enjoyed gardening, growing and caring for her flowers, cleaning, spending time with her family and her beloved dog – Peanut.

Ruth is survived by her son; Timothy (Carol) Kemp of Nelson, PA; daughter, Faith Martinez of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Michelle Richardson of Tioga, PA, Davina (Mark) Leyva, Jonathon (Crystal) Martinez and Miguel (Anne Marie) Martinez all of Los Angeles, CA; several great and great-great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by both her parents; husband, Maynard J. Kemp; son-in-law, David Martinez; many friends and loved ones.

A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorial donations can be sent to any organization of your choosing. Arrangements are in the care of Kenyon Funeral Home, 214 W. Main St., Elkland, PA 16920. www.kenyonfuneralhome.com

Caroline Therminy, 84, of 23 Lawrence Ave., Bradford, PA passed away Saturday (Oct. 15, 2022) after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Caroline passed away peacefully at her son and daughter-in-law’s house where she lived for the last 7 years. 

Caroline brightened the days of many caregivers over the years including Miranda Phearsdorf, who cared for her for 7 years and Caroline thought of as an honorary granddaughter, and her daughter-in-law Michelle. 

Caroline was born on Oct.  2, 1938, the daughter of Herman O. and Ann M. Frutiger. On July 9, 1971, Caroline married Bruce J. Therminy, who preceded her in death on Oct. 20, 2016.

Caroline graduated from Bradford Area High School. Upon graduating, Caroline worked at Dresser Manufacturing, then the Pennsylvania State Assistance Office, where she worked more than 30 years until retirement. 

Caroline enjoyed traveling throughout Pennsylvania and the country with her husband for many bowling events and dinners. Caroline enjoyed sewing, crafts and collecting Precious Moments and Barbie dolls.

Caroline is survived by sons Mark (Michelle) Therminy of Bradford, and Tim (Laurie) Roslinski of Raleigh, N.C.; daughter Laurie (Pat) Garrigan of Emporium; grandchildren Heather (Chris) Harris and Sean (Bess) Roslinski, both of Raleigh, N.C., and Tasha Garrigan, Tia Garrigan, Erin Garrigan and Shea Garrigan, all of Emporium; great-granddaughter Ansley Harris; brother William (Judy) Frutiger of Bradford, and nephews Scott (MaryAnn) Quinn of Lewis Run and Kevin (Audrey) Quinn of Bordentown, N.J.  

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, husband, brother Richard Frutiger, brother and sister-in-law Ronald and Barbara Quinn, and great-grandson Brooks Harris. 

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2022 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Mascho Funeral Home Inc.

Private burial will be in Willow Dale Cemetery.

Memorial contributions, if desired, can be made to the Bradford Junior Bowling Association c/o Byllye Lanes, 290 Seward Avenue, Bradford, PA 16701. 

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the care of the Mascho Funeral Home Inc.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.maschofuneral.com.

Paul L. Yonker, 98, a resident of DuBois Nursing Home and formerly of 155 W. Mill Street, Daguscagonda, died on Monday, October 17, 2022 following a lengthy illness.

Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by the Lynch-Green Funeral Home.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (October 18) – The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will hold its quarterly business meeting on Monday, October 24, 2022, beginning at 10 a.m. at its Harrisburg headquarters, located at 1601 Elmerton Avenue, Harrisburg, PA 17110.  The meeting is open to the public.

The complete schedule and agenda for this meeting and information on how to provide public comment is available on the PFBC website (Fishandboat.com).  

This meeting may be viewed remotely by joining the webinar from your internet browser using this link:  https://pfbc.webex.com/pfbc/j.php?MTID=ma722d1ad499b7e3eb53c0528a29d3913

If prompted, enter the webinar access number code: 2630 035 9140

Password:  public

Wilcox Volunteer Fire Department

Yesterday a little before 3pm KANE FIRE DEPT 5 was dispatched for a Commercial Structure Fire at 88 Sawmill Rd in Wetmore Twp.

Chief 510 and Chief 530 arrived and found heavy fire in a large building with power lines down and the start of a sawdust fire. They quickly requested 2nd and 3rd alarms be struck. This brought in equipment and manpower from multiple agencies from McKean and Elk Counties.

The fire was brought under control in under an hour but there was extensive overhaul that needed done.

Mutual aid departments from McKean stations 26, 20,10, Elk stations 8,6,4,2,1 and Sheffield 72. Also EMS units standing by were MA5, MA10 and Rescue 611. It was absolutely amazing to see the turnout of volunteers at this time of day, had to be around 70 firefighters on scene. No injuries reported and we wish all the best to the owners of the mill.

Responding units from Wilcox were Engine 61, Engine 63, Rescue 611 and UTV 613

Professional watercolorist Jessie Vaughn will be teaching you how to paint beautiful fall leaves. Jessie’s highly-rated classes are relaxing and filled with lots of laughter. No previous experience in watercolors needed, as Jessie is comfortable teaching all levels.

There are two class times available on Thursday, October 27, 2022: 10:00 -11:30 am or 5:30 – 7:00 pm. The cost is $25 per person, and all supplies are provided for this 1.5 hour watercolor class. Class will be held at Jessie’s Studio/Gallery at Abundant Blessings, Main St., Coudersport, PA. Class size is limited, so register ASAP at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.

It is with great pride that Roulette Chemical Engine Co. #1 announces that FF Ethan Sprankle successfully passed the practical examination portion of the National Fire Fighter 1 Certification program. Ethan has worked hard along with a handful of other young volunteers from surrounding departments to get to this level. Ethan has also successfully completed his probationary period as a professional dispatcher. It is a true testament to his dedication to his community and to his family as he continues on their tradition as emergency responders. Congratulations Ethan!!! Keep up the good work.

Also, thank you to Chief 48 ( Bryan Phelps ) for setting this class/test up.

Respectfully,

Justin W. Fillhart

Chief 46

Donald W. Zimmerman, age 79, of Wellsboro, PA, died on Saturday, October 15, 2022. 

He was born on October 20, 1942 in Lewisburg, PA a son of the late Warren H. and Jean A. (Stocum) Zimmerman and was married for 57 years to Antoinette “Toni” (Zarnick) Zimmerman. 

Don served in the US Army where he qualified as an expert with the M-14. 

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, trapping, playing golf and cards.  He was formerly employed by Erie Insurance as an adjuster. 

Don is survived by his wife: Toni Zimmerman of Wellsboro, PA, two daughters: Margie (John) Couto of FL, Dianne (Scott Turner) Zimmerman of Wellsboro, PA, brother: David (Dottie) Zimmerman of FL, three grandchildren: Brandon Reed, Zachary Couto, Riley Couto, two great grandchildren: Connor Reed, Parker Reed and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

A private family service will be held at a later date. 

Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA. 

Dr. Richard Purcell Cudahy, 73, of 8235 Willow Brook Rd., Little Genesee, NY passed away Friday, October 14, 2022 in the Hart Comfort House in Wellsville following a brief illness. Born on March 17, 1949 in Olean he was the son of Richard W. and Mary Hall Cudahy. He married Rebecca Deichmann on July 8, 1995, Mrs. Cudahy survives.

Rick graduated from the Bolivar Central School class of 1967. He received a BA degree in Biology from Alfred University 1971. He studied at the Universidad Autonoma Guajajara from 1972-1975. He transferred to the University of Buffalo Medical School where he finished his last two years of his Doctoral Education. Upon graduating from UB Medical School, he served a three year Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Buffalo.

“God told me I was going to be a doctor when I was five years old”. Rick became a member of the 1st Seventh Day Baptist Church when he was thirteen years old and continued to serve faithfully and share his love of Jesus throughout his life. For over thirty years Rick practiced medicine in his hometown of Bolivar and Wellsville retiring in 2012. Rick loved his patients. He dug leeks every spring, planted a garden every summer and hunted every fall. He loved to cook for his family. He loved skiing with the “Road Kill Gang “and his family at Holiday Valley. He was a member of the Buffalo Sportsmen’s Lodge and shared a fishing camp on Lake Panache in Ontario, Canada. He owned a hunting camp in Little Genesee where he shared his love of hunting with many friends and especially enjoyed taking new hunters into the woods.

Surviving in addition to his wife are six children, Anne (Kevin) Baer, West Henrietta, NY, John (Mandy) Cudahy, Forrest Hills, NY, Elizabeth (Roger) Osborn, Seneca Falls, NY, Laura (Aaron) Sanchez, Kinzers, PA, Emily (Johnny) Podhradsky, Sunnyvale, CA and Daniel Goetschius, Hershey, PA; eleven grandchildren, Jack, Ethan, Emmy, Laynie, Brea, Wesley, Benen, Moriah, Amsi, Stephen and John; one sister Lisa (Steven) Thorngate, Burlington, WI and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Steven H. Cudahy November 6, 1997.

At Rick’s request there will be no public services. A private family celebration of life service will be held at the convenience of the family.

Memorials may be made to 1st Seventh Day Baptist Church, 8265 Rte. 417, Little Genesee, NY 14754 or to Hart Comfort House, 141 East State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895.

Arrangements are under the direction of Schaffner Funeral Home Inc., Bolivar.

On Sunday at 1611hrs DCVFD was dispatched mutual aid to assist Rew VFD on Box 8-2 for a reported barn fire on South Kendall avenue. Engine 11 and Squad 11 both responded on the 1st alarm assignment. Chief 8 (Rew) arrived on scene and reported a non dwelling building filled with bails of rolled hay fully involved and requested tankers to the scene. Station 11 arrived on scene and split manpower as Squad 11 crew took fire suppression and began working an 1 3/4″ line on the fire, while Engine 11 set up a water fill site at Lafferty Hollow to fill tankers. An additional 1 3/4″ line was put into service by Rew VFD. Both crews were able to bring the fire under control. Once the fire was out, personnel spent the next few hours conducting overhaul of the approx. 100 bails of hay inside the dwelling. A backhoe was brought in to assist with overhaul. Tankers were provided by Station 6 (Lewis Run), Station 18 (Eldred Twp.), Station 9 (Otto Twp.), Limestone NY & Knapp Creek NY. Station 1 (City of Bradford) and Station 15 (Bradford Twp.) provided standby coverage for Station 11. Crews were released by command at approx.. 1900hrs. Cause of the fire was ruled accidental in nature. DCVFD responded with 13 Personnel. Photos courtesy of Jay Bradish and DCVFD.

Paula Jo “PJ” (Roberts) Tehansky, 51, of Mechanicsburg, PA, passed away on Thursday, October 13, 2022, at UPMC West Shore Hospital following a brave battle with cancer.

She was born on September 27, 1971 in Warren, Pa, a daughter of Karen Gerg Roberts, who survives of St. Marys, and the late Paul Roberts.

On July 30, 2022, she married her soul mate and love of her life, George Tehansky, who survives of Mechanicsburg.

PJ was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School and then graduated from St. Bonaventure with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science. She then earned a Master’s Degree from Temple University. She had been employed by University of Pittsburgh in Mechanicsburg for a number of years and was recently employed by the Catherine Hershey Schools for Early Learning.

A loving, kind, and compassionate daughter, sister, wife, and mother, PJ loved reading and gardening. She was an exceptional cook who enjoyed making meals for her family and friends, and especially enjoyed Thanksgiving with her family. She was an avid fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and enjoyed cheering them on. Having adopted and loved many Labradors over the years, PJ’s most recent lab, “Sky”, was her pal and constant companion. Her greatest love and accomplishment in life was her family and friends, whom she enjoyed spending time with, laughing with, and sharing her life with.

In addition to her mother and her husband, she is survived by her beloved daughter; Zoe Lundgren of Mechanicsburg, and by three siblings; Michael Roberts of DuBois, Kelly (Bill) Goodling of Mechanicsburg, and Christopher (Sharon) Roberts of Westerville, OH, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister; Clare Hoffman on December 17, 2019.

Funeral Services for Paula Jo “PJ” Roberts Tehansky will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N. Michael Street, St. Marys, PA 15857 with Fr. Thomas More Sikora, OSB, officiating.

Visitation will be held at the Lynch-Green Funeral Home on Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service.

Burial will be in St. Marys Catholic Cemetery.

Memorial Contributions may be made to your local animal shelter or humane society, UPMC West Shore Oncology Department, or to a charity of choice.

Lynch-Green Funeral Home, 151 N Michael St., St. Marys, PA 15857 is handling the arrangements and online condolences may be offered to the family at www.lynchgreenfuneralhome.com

Dino V. Vecellio, 86, of Lewis Run, PA passed away Thursday, October 13, 2022, at Bradford Manor.

Born March 12, 1936, in Bradford, he was a son of the late Dante and Maria (Zandi) Vecellio. He was a 1954 graduate of Bradford High School.

On August 22, 1956 he entered the United States Army. He was honorably discharged on August 21 1959.

Dino had been employed at Corning Glass and later Dale Electronics for over 40 years.

Surviving are two daughters, Denise (Jeffrey) Pitts, of Lewis Run, and Michele (Carl) Milks, of Bradford, four granddaughters, JenniferMilks, Katherine McAndrew, Elizabeth (Andrew Sr.) Phearsdorf, andSamantha Woodhouse, six great grandchildren, Ella McAndrew, Grace McAndrew, Annalysa Woodhouse, Lilyanna Phearsdorf, Andrew Phearsdorf Jr., and Jeremiah McFadden.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Annalisa Vecellio who died December 22, 1999, and one brother, Siro Vecellio.

Family will receive friends on Friday October 21, 2022, at the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc., 372 East Main Street, from 5pm to 7pm, followed by funeral services at 7:00 pm with Rev. John Jacquel, Pastor of St. Bernard Church officiating.

Memorial contributions, if desired, may be made to the SPCA.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com

Shelvia J. Greenawalt Wilson, 83, of Warren, PA., died peacefully, Monday morning, October 17, 2022, with her family at her side at Kinzua Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center, Warren, PA., after an extended illness.

Shelvia was born November 1, 1938 in Tiona, PA. She was the daughter of Thomas Roy and Mabel Smedley Heeter. She was a lifelong Warren area resident and a 1956 graduate of Warren High School. Shelvia was employed for many years with Rexnord, Inc. as a machinist, retiring from there in (2003). She enjoyed camping, crocheting, playing bingo and especially enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is survived by her 5 children – Danny Greenawalt of Meadville, PA., Dolly L. Jones and husband, Guy of Worster, Mass., Diane Steber and husband, Lenny, Darla Bjorkquist and Denise Larson and husband, Ed all of Warren, PA., 12 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, several nieces, and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson – Brody Lynn Bjorkquist, 2 Brothers – Orren and Cecil Heeter, 2 Sisters – Ella (Tootie) Burton, Mildred Miller, and her cat, Pookie.

Friends may call at the Donald E. Lewis Funeral Home, Inc., 304 East Street, Warren, PA., on Wednesday, October 19, 2022, from 5 to 6 P.M. followed by a funeral and committal service at 6:00 P.M. with Rev. Rick Hamerick, Pastor of Youngsville Free Methodist Church, officiating.

Interment will be in Warren County Memorial Park. Those wishing to place memorials may do so through Paws Along the River, 212 Elm Street, Warren, PA. 16365. E-mail condolences may be sent by visiting www.lewisfuneralhomeinc.com

Eloise A. SPICER, 93, of Wellsville, NY, died Sunday, October 16, 2022 in the Comfort House of Allegany County, Wellsville. 

Born August 9, 1929, in Hallsport, she was the daughter of Richard and Alice Scott Billings.  On November 18, 1947, she married John L. Spicer, who predeceased her on July 21, 2022. They were married for 74 years and lived in the home they built together.

A graduate of Wellsville High School, she was employed as a telephone operator, as a secretary by Dr. Harkness, and retired from Dr. Scott’s office in Wellsville.  She enjoyed flower gardening, birds, and loved fireworks. 

Eloise was a lifelong member of the Christian Temple Church, where she sang in the choir for many years.  Surviving are:  three children, Suzanne (Charles) Neal, John Spicer Jr., and Jennifer (Adam) Sorochin, all of Wellsville;  11 grandchildren, Holli and Ben Polselli, Seth, Joshua and Justin Spicer, Kristi Neal and Alvin Leath, Craig (Currie) Neal, Scott (Rachel) McMorris, Gabrielle Sorochin, and future grandson, Hunter Payne;  seven great-grandchildren, Vada and Milo Spicer, Nora, Rowan and Milo Leith, and Logen and Lydia Neal;  a brother, Roger Billings of Hallsport;  nieces and nephews. 

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two sisters, Eleanor Howe and Betty Coats;  and a sister-in-law, Margaret Billings. 

There will be no visitation.  Funeral Services will be held 1:00 PM, Monday, October 24, 2022 at OLNEY-FOUST Funeral Homes & Cremation, Crowell Chapel, 296 North Main Street, Wellsville, NY.  Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery, Wellsville. 

Memorials may be made to Comfort House of Allegany County, 141 E. State Street, Wellsville, NY 14895 or Woodlawn Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 82, Wellsville, NY 14895.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.

Attention All Knitters! Have you ever wanted to knit a classic Fisherman’s sweater, but were intimidated by the amount of cable involved? The answer is to design and knit your own Gansey sweater!

Kathleen England, of Glenfiddich Wool, will teach you how to design and create your own Gansey sweater in this class. If you can knit and purl, you can make a Gansey! Kathleen England is a sheep farmer, business owner, and world-class knitter. She has demonstrated her knitting (and spinning) skills at numerous schools, universities, and community events. She has taught knitting classes for all different levels of knitters and has competed at the PA Farm Show and numerous knitting competitions. Kathleen’s knitting designs have been featured several times in the Love of Knitting magazine, including two bridal gowns!

The first class is scheduled for Wednesday, October 26^th from 5:00 – 7:00 pm at the Potter County Education Council’s Coudersport office. The class will also meet once in November and once in December. To ensure a quality finished product, your yarn must be purchased from the instructor at the first class. Two different, reasonably priced yarns will be available for purchase.

You will need to bring with you two sets of circular knitting needles, Size 8 and Size 10. The cost of this three-part class is $30 (plus the cost of yarn). Time is short and space is limited, so register today at www.pottercountyedcouncil.org or call (814) 274-4877.

Plenty of stocked pheasants throughout the fall and winter seasons await bird hunters.

With birds exploding from cover, roosters cackling and fast-paced hunts that require focus, Pennsylvania’s ring-necked pheasant season always packs excitement.

And this year, it packs more birds, too.

Except for within the Central Susquehanna and Franklin County Wild Pheasant Recovery Areas, male and female pheasants are legal to harvest statewide. Although protecting hens is an important aspect of wild pheasant management, survival of propagated pheasants is too low to support sustainable populations, even without hunting mortality. While the Game Commission raise and releases pheasants at a ratio of around three males for every one female, the harvest of all pheasants is lawful and encouraged.

The statewide pheasant season opens Saturday, Oct. 22, and the Game Commission will be stocking about 235,000 pheasants – an increase from about 221,000 in the 2021-22 license year, said Ian Gregg, chief of the Game Commission’s Wildlife Operations Division.

“The majority of this year’s increase will be allocated to the late small game season, including the two after-Christmas releases, which proved extremely popular when initiated last year,” Gregg said.

All adult hunters and some senior hunters who pursue pheasants are required to purchase a pheasant permit in addition to a general hunting license. The permit costs $26.97 and must be signed and carried while hunting pheasants. Senior lifetime resident license holders who acquired their licenses prior to May 13, 2017 are exempt from needing a pheasant permit. Junior hunters and mentored permit holders under 17 need a free permit.

Although pheasant permit proceeds are not earmarked specifically for the propagation program, and do not completely offset the costs of raising and stocking pheasants, they are important in ensuring the financial sustainability of the program. Permit revenue for the 2021-22 license year exceeded $1.4 million.

“The popularity of pheasant hunting in Pennsylvania is reflected by the number of permits issued for adult and junior hunters, both showing increasing trends since 2018,” Gregg said.

“With contributions from many members of the Game Commission team, the goals of increased pheasant production and additional releases in the agency’s 2020-23 strategic plan have been achieved,” said Gregg. “As a result, the stage is set for pheasant hunters across the Commonwealth to experience a memorable season.”

Handling harvested birds

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is on the general Pennsylvania landscape, so hunters are advised to practice precautions.

If hunters properly handle the wild birds they harvest, they not only protect themselves, but help reduce the risk that this extremely contagious disease spreads to other birds.

Bird hunters should:

·         Harvest only healthy-looking wild birds.

·         Wear gloves when handling any wild birds.

·         Wash hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer immediately after handling wild birds.

·         Dress harvested wild birds in the field.

·         Change clothing as needed, especially if visibly soiled or if any wild birds came in contact with clothing.

·         Change clothing, including footwear, before coming in contact with any pet birds or domestic poultry.

·         Wash all equipment, tools, and work surfaces with soap and water, then disinfect with a 10% household bleach solution. Allow to air dry or rinse after 10 minutes of contact time.

HPAI can infect humans, though just one human HPAI case has been reported in the United States during this outbreak.

Any sick or dead domestic birds should be reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. Sick or dead wild birds should be reported to the Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD or online using the Wildlife Health Survey tool at www.pgcapps.pa.gov/WHS.

Finding pheasants

            Because pheasant hunting in Pennsylvania relies on the release of propagated birds, hunters are wise to focus their efforts on the time periods and locations where the Game Commission stocks birds. To increase awareness of where and when pheasants will be stocked, the agency publishes an allocation table and interactive stocking locations map at www.pgc.pa.gov.

                Click on “Hunt & Trap” on the upper banner, then “Hunting,” then “Small Game,” then “Ring-necked Pheasant,” then “Stockings.” A table displays the number of pheasants to be released in each Game Commission region.

Click on a region to see the number of male and female pheasants planned for stocking in each county for each release, as well as the range of dates for each release, and a listing of each property to be stocked.

                Click on the interactive map of pheasant stocking locations to see the more than 200 properties that planned to be stocked. Click on an individual pheasant icon to see the property name, the number of releases, and number of birds released last year to get an idea of large versus small release areas. Users can also zoom in to see pink highlighted areas representing areas of best pheasant hunting habitat where birds are most likely to be found.

                The Game Commission will announce significant changes to stocking information via the agency’s Twitter feed, which can also be found on the “Hunting” tab of the website for those who don’t have Twitter accounts. The agency will make every effort to provide timely updates, but like anything with hunting, we cannot guarantee pheasants will be found in specific areas at specific times.

                The pheasant season runs from Oct. 22-Nov. 25, including Sundays Nov. 13 and Nov. 20; Dec. 12-23, and then Dec. 26-Feb. 27. The limit is two birds daily with six in possession.

Learn to Hunt

            For those new to hunting pheasants, the Game Commission has created an online resource that provides the information needed to be successful. The “Learn to Hunt: Pheasants” webinar is available on the Game Commission’s Learn to Hunt webpage http://bit.ly/pgclearntohunt and YouTube channel.