Fluorescent orange will be the clothing color of choice across the region Monday, as hunters head to the woods for the opening of the annual deer season.
We urge hunters, and other area residents as well, to put safety first during the two-week season.
The Pennsylvania Game Commission estimates that hundreds of thousands of hunters will don the orange, grab a rifle and head to the woods this year.
In addition to providing recreation (and fresh venison) for participants, deer hunting pumps millions of dollars into Pennsylvania’s economy. Deer season also is the game commission’s primary method of controlling deer populations.
“The efforts of hunters are far-reaching,” said game commission Executive Director Carl G. Roe, “and they help to keep deer populations in check and enable the agency to meet deer management goals that benefit almost everyone who resides, visits or travels through this state.”
Non-hunters should be aware of the season, even if they don’t participate.
Watch for hunters parking their cars along local roads, especially during early-morning hours when it is still dark.
Also, expect deer to be on the move as hunters are in the woods. More deer will be crossing roadways over the next two weeks.
Hunters are reminded of the basic rules, in place for their safety:
* You must wear 250 square inches of fluorescent orange material on the head, chest and back combined at all times while hunting.
* It is illegal to hunt, chase or disturb deer within 150 yards of any occupied building without the occupant’s permission when hunting with a firearm.
* If you shoot a deer, you must fill out the harvest tag and attach it to the deer’s ear before moving it.
* Always identify at what you are aiming, and know where other hunters are around you.
* If you have health concerns, avoid overexertion while hunting.
* If you shoot a deer, deliver it to a processing facility as quickly as possible to make sure the meat is fresh.
Special safety guidelines are offered to hunters who use tree stands:
* Use a fall-restraint device such as a strap or harness. The game commission estimates that 82 percent of tree-stand related deaths are the result of hunters not using belts or restraint devices.
* Avoid permanent stands, which can weaken with age, damage trees and are eyesores.
* Use stands certified by Treestand Manufacturers Association, which are tested to meet safety standards.
* Inspect all stands and climbing equipment before each use.
* Select only suitable trees. Avoid dead trees or those with loose bark.
* Use a haul line to pull up your gear. And make sure your firearm is unloaded and the muzzle is covered before pulling it up into your stand.
Have a safe and happy hunt!
p p p
Hunters who bag a deer this season might consider donating all or a portion of the venison to Sharing the Harvest.
The statewide program, in place since 1991, allows hunters to donate meat to food banks and soup kitchens.
Each year, the program provides 200,000 meals to those who make use of such community agencies.
If you’ve followed the news, you know that the need is great and food is often in short supply.
To learn more about Sharing the Harvest, visit: http://sharedeer.org/.
Editorials
Deer season: Expect the unexpected
- Editorials
-
-
Corbett budget keeps state on right path
Given the realities he faced, we give Gov. Tom Corbett pas-sing marks for his proposed state budget for fiscal year 2012-13.
-
Readers' Forum 2-12 | Commissioners’ night session applauded
In November, we the residents of Cambria County, by means of our voting privileges, elected three new men to lead the county through these economically troubled times and, by the will of God, toward a brighter financial footing to move our county forward.
-
William Lloyd | GOP continues to stub toe on income inequality
In recent election cycles, Republicans have successfully forestalled a debate over income inequality by labeling criticism as “class warfare.”
-
Chip Minemyer | ‘A perfect match’: JAHA chief gets kidney transplant
In Florida, a young man tragically is struck by a car and dies.
And in Pennsylvania, another man gets a new lease on life – thanks to the generosity of organ donation. -
Bill Shuster | Vote for highway bill also a vote for Route 219
One of my top priorities in Congress since day one has been the completion of Route 219 in Somerset County.
-
Readers' Forum 2-11 | Liberals’ slow, steady assault on America
Recently, Health and (in)Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius issued an edict demanding Catholic hospitals and institutions to provide contraceptives, abortifacients and other sterilization drugs under the so-called Affordable Care Act.
-
Laurels and barbs
Laurel: Richland High School students who qualify will be offered a golden educational opportunity this fall. In the first such program in Cambria County, students will be able to simultaneously earn their high school diplomas and associate degrees in general studies from Pennsylvania Highlands Community College.
-
Readers' Forum 2-10 | Pastor: Area churches are in distress
As a retired pastor, I have the opportunity to preach in many churches in the area. What I am seeing is most alarming.
-
Neighborhoods urged ‘to step up’
When government officials and community groups talk about neighborhood improvements, blight elimination and trash and litter cleanups, our ears perk up.
-
Readers' Forum 2-9 | Find funds to heal returning soldiers
The article, “Military finds troops ailing; problems create health care backlog,” published Feb. 2 by USA Today, impressed me so profoundly that I just can’t keep myself from bringing it to your attention.
- More Editorials Headlines
-
Corbett budget keeps state on right path
Police: Houston Found Dead in Her Hotel Room
Paul Suffers Narrow Loss to Romney in Maine
Recording Superstar Whitney Houston Dead at 48
Maine GOP Chairman Says Romney Wins Caucuses
Palin Brings Anti-Washington Message to CPAC
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
